Taste & Terroir

The holiday season is around the corner. Lights are beginning to twinkle, evenings are stretching longer, and it’s the perfect time to curl up by a crackling fire with a glass of your favourite BC wine. Before you know it, we’ll be toasting the season with friends and family.

The holidays are made for gathering, stories shared over generous pours and full plates and laughter echoing long after the guests have gone home. When paired with thoughtful gifts that say, “I’m thinking of you,” the magic of the season truly shines. From festive dinners to Secret Santa traditions, BC wines make the ultimate gift. There’s a BC wine for everyone on your list, even the ones who are notoriously hard to shop for. Each bottle celebrates connection, craftsmanship and local quality.

SEASONAL SIPS FOR ALL 

As you plan your shopping this season, enjoy these holiday wine gift ideas in every price range.

Around $25: Daily Cheer

The $25 category is perfect for Secret Santa exchanges, teacher gifts or host presents. There are exceptional BC VQA white blends and easy-drinking reds in this range, wines that pair well with a variety of appetizers, slip easily into a gift basket or shine all on their own.

Check out the BC Wine Information Centre to look at all the exciting under $25 options like Moraine Estate Winery’s Cliffhanger White or the Culmina Family Estate Winery R&D Red. You can also order for direct shipping or stop in if you’re local. 

$25–$50: Sip, Sparkle, Repeat

Whether you’re shopping for a host, a close friend or that person who ‘has everything,’ this price range is full of memorable bottles.

Start with bubbles. Canada’s equivalent to Champagne is sparkling wine made in the same traditional method as they do in the Champagne region in France (it’s just as delicious here). Look for vibrant BC sparkling wines for an affordable and unforgettable surprise. Sparkling wines look stunning under a tree, fill a stocking all on their own, and are full of cheer. Many wineries now offer at least one sparkling wine in their line-up. Try a sparkling Rosé like Noble Ridge Vineyards & Winery The Pink One for a festive holiday twist or Haywire’s Vintage Bub for an extra special pour. 

And if you’re looking for options in addition to BC sparkling, go for a small-lot Riesling like 8th Generation Winery’s Riesling Classic, or Solvero Winery’s Pinot Noir or even a bold red – Vanessa Vineyard’s Meritage would fit the bill beautifully.

$50 and $99: Showstoppers

This price point is for when you really want to impress, maybe a boss or a corporate client. Show them you really care with a cellar-worthy red or two, such as La Stella’s Fortissimo red blend, or a vertical flight (a vertical is the same wine across consecutive vintages) like Covert Farm’s 2018 to 2020 Amicitia red blend, or go for that limited-edition wine that’s only made in the very best years. Clos du Soleil’s Estate Reserve Red is a minimal intervention, small-lot wine that is made in only the most ideal years from the best parcels of their estate vineyards. 

$100+: Gifts for that REALLY Special Someone (or YOU!)

Maybe it’s time to give yourself something extraordinary. These premium BC wines also make great group gifts to share among friends or family or give one to your partner so you can enjoy it together.

Wine Advent Calendars have become popular and there are many to choose from in BC. Most of them offer 12 bottles or a combination of wine and local artisan keepsakes, some even include snacks and gourmet non-perishable food items. Move over chocolate advent calendars, BC Wine advents are here to spruce up the holiday season:

• 40 Knots Winery’s advent this year contains 8 wines and 7 food pairings for something a little different.
• Road 13 offers 6 bottle and 12 bottle wine-only advent calendars.
• Nostalgia Wines offers a 12 bottle mixed red and white advent that also includes a locally made artisan keepsake.

You can also use the links below to shop for BC wine this holiday season:

• Visit BC Wineries in person.
• The BC Wine Info Centre is located in Penticton host an annual Open House, offer online ordering, and a wine club.
• Save-On-Foods is the go-to destination for party foods and pairings in the same place. You can even sample the best of BC VQA!   
• Not local? Order direct from your favourite winery for all of your BC wine needs.

Every BC wine bottle or experience is more than a gift, it’s a celebration of community, connection and the moments that matter most. This holiday season, raise a glass to support local and share a taste of BC with those you love.