by Mary Bailey
We ask the professionals—wine shop owners and managers, somms, agents and restaurateurs what they would like to see under the tree from both the budget-wise yet wine-savvy friend, who always finds the good stuff at modest prices, and the rich and generous relative. (This year it’s Champagne, gorgeous Burgundy and Italian faves, even a lovely white from the Okanagan—thank you for generous rellies!)
Make your very own shopping list for gifts, holiday dinners, or tucking away in the cellar.
$ = under $30 | $$ = under $100 $$$ = over $100 | $$$$ = over $1000
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Misun Bu, ISG Sommelier, Dream Wines Corp.
Cash-strapped Friend
2024 De Martino Estate Organic Carménère (Maipo Valley, Chile)
This wine is a surprising discovery (if you are Gen Z or younger) or re-discovery (if you are a doomed GenXer like me) of Chilean wines. And what a rediscovery—I have been loving De Martino ungrafted Bordeaux varietals and their wines from forgotten old vines, and this Carmenere, a Bordeaux grape once mistaken for Merlot, shows its true value without cutting corners—juicy and generous, with blackberry, ripe plum, chocolate, fresh herbs, gentle spice and a silky finish. Drink it on game night with good company, burgers, smoky barbecue, roasted vegetables, empanadas, just about everything. $
Rich Uncle
2022 G.D. Vajra Barolo Albe (Piedmont, Italy)
This is a wine with a story to tell—not in a grand voice, but with the gentle confidence of a family deeply rooted in its land (like my uncle). The wine name refers to the three distinct sunrises (albe) which share the beauty of morning in Barolo as the sun moves across the vineyards, awakening the slopes one after another. The nose is inviting—distinctive fragrant rose and red cherry aromas unfold alongside wild herbs, citrus peel and a quiet minerality too. Of course, expect the graceful structure of classic Barolo, while its warmth and openness make it feel immediately welcoming. I wouldn’t hurry my dinner. Let me enjoy this wine over a day or two with beef ragù, mushroom risotto, or simple truffle pasta. $$
Stacey-Jo Strombecky, Trialto
Cash-strapped Friend
2025 Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose Rosé IGP (Languedoc, France)
Aside from the fruity, zippy and delightful freshness of this wine, we have a lovely backstory. Sophie Valrose was a 19th century vineyard worker who was a champion for wine industry women’s rights. This gem comes from high altitude plots in Coteaux de Béziers (Languedoc) and is produced from Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and a rare crossing of Malbec and Grenache called Caladoc. Who says rosé is only for summer? Drink this through the winter months with charcuterie and holiday turkey and ham. $
Rich Uncle
2023 Faiveley Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru, (Côte de Beaune, France)
Do you know what tastes better than Chardonnay from a Grand Cru vineyard, my friends? Asking, as I have come across nothing. For Faiveley, this is a newer acquisition (2008), and the 0.5 ha parcel has only seen replanting twice since 1980. The Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet plot lies beside its twin, Bâtard-Montrachet, but both demarcations offer distinct terroir and thus different profiles. (Two rich uncles would be great right about now.) Sublime fruit, baked brioche and racy acidity, this assertive wine can age for at least 15 years. Spectacular. $$$
Curtis Bawden, Vintage West Wine & Spirits
Cash-strapped Friend
2024 Angove 1886 CHD Chardonnay (McLaren Vale, Australia)
Ripe peach, pineapple and vanilla aromas with subtle toasted oak. The palate is rich with tropical fruit, buttery brioche and roasted cashew, the finish long and creamy. Easy to find too, including at Sherbrooke Liquor and Aligra Wine & Spirits. $
Rich Uncle
2017 Tentua Carobbio Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG (Tuscany, Italy)
This wine offers a deep ruby-red color, and aromas of mature red fruits, spices and chocolate notes. On the palate, it is dry, well structured and well balanced, with rich tannins. $$
Lisa Rogers, Select Wines & Spirits
Cash-strapped Friend
2023 Maria’s Legacy Cabernet (Alto Jahuel, Chile)
Looking for a great-value Cab Sauv beyond California? Discover this new offering from Viña Carmen. Handpicked and estate-grown from a single vineyard, this Cabernet delivers an abundance of ripe red and black fruit, rich, velvety tannins and excellent structure, all leading to a long, satisfying finish. $
Rich Uncle
2023 Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin Blanc (Okanagan Valley, Canada)
Osoyoos Larose welcomes the first vintage of its vibrant Bordeaux-style white blend, crafted from 80 per cent Sauvignon Blanc and 20 per cent Sémillon grown on a small two-acre plot. This exclusive limited release marks an exciting new chapter for the winery. $$
Cynthia Vermette, Bonvida Wines
Cash-strapped Friend
Varichon & Clerc Privilège Sparkling Blanc de Blanc (Savoie, France)
This eastern French alpine region produces crisp, refreshing sparkling wines. Varichon & Clerc, founded in 1901, is just an hour away from Lake Geneva. It is made in the traditional method (like Champagne, but with local grape varieties). Flavours of green apple, golden pears and sweet pastry translate seamlessly on the palate. The bubbles are persistent and it has a lovely, sweet fruit finish. Ideal for any celebration and in cocktails. $
Rich Uncle
2021 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino DOCG (Tuscany, Italy)
Brunello di Montalcino is highly sought after due to its prime northern Montalcino terroir, ultra-low yield farming and lengthy aging requirements. The Valdicava Brunellos are known for their body, perfume, richness, power and aging capability. The 2021 vintage was nearly perfect and will comfortably age in your cellar for 25+ years. “Stunning aromas of beautifully ripe Sangiovese with cherries, berries, cedar, sandalwood and orange and lemon blossom,” said James Suckling. Back vintages are available! $$$
Justin Jones, Darling
Cash-strapped Friend
Meinklang Prosa Rosé Pet-Nat (Burgenland, Austria)
This bright and lively blend of Rotburger, Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent and Pinot Noir has juicy strawberry, tart rhubarb, raspberry and elderflower aromas and flavours, lifted by crisp minerality and energetic bubbles. $
Rich Uncle
2023 Albert Boxler Pinot Noir (Alsace, France)
Silky and fresh, with bright red fruit, subtle spice and a smooth elegant finish. It’s a wonderful example of Alsation Pinot. $$
Gabriella Bergsten, Garneau Block Corporation
Cash-strapped Friend
NV Delinquente Can Pet Nat (Riverland, Australia)
Sometimes you just want 250 ml of pet nat, and we understand that. Made as a stocking-stuffer, leaving out for Santa with cookies, sipping on while you watch Home Alone—either way, this one’s for you. Made from Fiano, Vermentino and Arinto, this pet nat is effervescent, clean and crisp, fruit forward and extremely drinkable. $
Rich Uncle
NV Moretvini Rabbioso (Veneto, Italy)
This sparking rosé expresses a delicious vision of the Raboso grape, with refreshing notes of red fruits and Morello cherries. This is going to pair so nicely with everything from the charcuterie board at aperitivo hour to ringing in the new year. $$
Michael Fregren, Revolution Wines
Cash-strapped Friend
2023 Bosco de’ Medici ‘Cor Semelae’ (Pompeii, Italy)
The winery sits across the train tracks from the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii. It’s 100 per cent Aglianico, native to southern Italy, but with a unique twist. It’s made using the carbonic maceration technique (like Beaujolais) which results in a fresh, fruity and lively wine that is unlike any Aglianico you have ever tasted. It’s crunchy red and black fruit and subtle tannin was made for pizza. Delicious served lightly chilled. $
Rich Uncle
Duellum Día de Muertos Mexican Gin (Jalisco, Mexico)
Two sisters from Jalisco have had a love affair with gin for most of their adult life and decided to make it their full-time mission to make an authentic Mexican gin in the tequila heartland. Día de Muertos uses a corn-based spirit (truly a Mexican gin) and the botanicals are unique, infusing tangerine, marigold, cacao, chamomile, allspice and juniper. It makes a lovely martini. Alberta is the only place to find this amazing gin outside of Mexico. $$
Cathy Choi, Nobilis Wine Importers
Cash-strapped Friend
2024 Bruno Lafon Magellan Pinot (Languedoc, France)
In today’s economy, it is difficult to find a classic Pinot Noir under $25 and the Magellan checks all the boxes. One hundred per cent Pinot Noir from Magalas in the Languedoc, the wine is aged in concrete vessels and partially in oak for maturation before bottling. Soft, yet structured with great fruit and slight pepper notes on the finish. Perfect for all the parties! $
Rich Uncle
2015 Champagne Mailly Grand Cru Les Échansons (Champagne, France)
The blend of 75 per cent Pinot Noir and 25 per cent Chardonnay is sourced exclusively from Grand Cru parcels in Mailly-Champagne. Aging of the lees takes place in an underground chalk quarry, where the wine rests for a minimum of 10 years to develop its depth and harmony. The final dosage is 5.3g/L and is a Brut style with balance and precision.The palate? Rich and silky with ample substance, perfect balance and a vibrant mineral finish. Champagne is always the best way to celebrate, any day of the week! $$$
Troy Hillaby, Pacific Wines & Sprits
Cash-strapped Friend
2025 Henry of Pelham Baco Noir (Niagara, Canada)
One of my favourite examples of a wine that drinks well above its price. Henry of Pelham’s Baco Noir is rich, smooth and full of character, while still being incredibly approachable and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s an easy bottle to bring to any holiday gathering, with the added bonus of supporting a fantastic Canadian winery. $
Rich Uncle
2016 Le Ragose Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG (Veneto, Italy)
This traditional Amarone, produced at the family-owned estate in the hills of Valpolicella, is a beautiful example of an Amarone that manages to be rich and powerful while still showing incredible elegance and balance. It’s a wine I’m always excited to open, and the kind of bottle that makes a long dinner with great food and good company feel a little more special. $$$
Caitlin Fulton, RGE RD
Cash-strapped Friend
2025 Maison Fontan Maubet Blanc Sec (Côtes de Gascogne, France)
This is a perfect party wine, a crowd-pleasing white from Southwest France that you can take anywhere. It is a blend of Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Gros Manseng and Sauvignon Blanc made by a family best known for producing Armagnac. It’s fresh, lively, fruit forward and versatile, pairing well with a variety of dishes from seafood appetizers to soft cheeses—it perfectly marries fleshy, vibrant fruit with zippy acidity. It’s a great wine to convert your loved ones from their big box go-tos. $
Rich Uncle
2023 Attis Bodega y Viñedos Nana Albariño Old Vines (Rías Baixas, Spain)
This wine will surprise and delight the most discerning wine aficionados. Taste it in a line-up of the most prestigious Puligny-Montrachet and this Albariño will hold its own. While the region is typically known for fresh, saline, easy drinking wines, this expression is decidedly complex and opulent. The winemakers carefully destem grapes that have been hand-selected from the best plots. Aging in barrel for twelve months on lees gives this wine a rich, creamy mouthfeel, along with flavours of ripe stone fruit and a generous texture, without betraying the taut linear and mineral core of the Albariño grape. Will age for years if you can wait that long. $$
Juanita Roos and Kelsey Roos, Color de Vino
Cash-strapped Friend
2025 Corte Manzini Fior Di Lambrusco Rosé (Emilia-Romagna, Italy)
Who hasn’t fallen in love with Lambrusco? Try this style made by three brothers from grapes grown on the Manzini estate. It is the perfect aperitivo or to pair with most everything—from a charcuterie board to a mortadella bun or lasagna. An organic bubbly that is low alcohol (dry, not sweet), frizzante (not a full pressure sparkling) as well as bright and crisp with notes of cranberries, wild raspberries, floral and spice. When in doubt buy Lambrusco! $
Rich Uncle
NV Bérèche et Fils Brut Réserve (Champagne, France)
Produced from vines grown in Montagne de Reims and managed by the 5th generation of the Bérèche family (1847). A rare find—a reserve cuvée, a traditional blend of 35 percent Chardonnay, 35 per cent Pinot Meunier and 30 per cent Pinot Noir and all organic fruit. Elegant, expressive, with complex notes of toasty biscuits, orange zest, crisp apples with a hint of salinity on the finish. Of course, so easy to pair with most everything including potato chips and fried chicken or shared with someone special. A decadent gift for the bubble lover on your list. $$
Rich Uncle Too
2019 Sette Ponti Vigna dell’Impero Valdarno di Sopra DOC (Tuscany, Italy)
Sette Ponti is the vision of Antonio Moretti and this bottling is above and beyond your expectations of an aged Tuscan Sangiovese. Ethereal and enticing perfumed aromas of cherries and leather lead to a silky-smooth palate ending with a savoury minerality that lingers in your dreams. Pair with anchovies in oil, tomato-based pasta or just treasure the sip with the red wine lover on your list. This one’s a treat and only nine bottles in the province. $$$