What Is a Good Red Wine for a Gift: 10 Best Varieties & Bottles
When deciding on a good red wine for a gift, you need to think about the recipient's personal tastes. With a little thought, a carefully chosen bottle can transform any occasion into a truly special and memorable experience.
With so many options available, finding the best wine gift can sometimes feel overwhelming. But don't worry. This guide will explore the best red wines for gifting, helping you find the perfect bottle that balances quality, elegance, and occasion.
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
You don’t get the nickname of “The King of Red Wines” without being a truly special variety. Since its conception in the 17th century, Cabernet Sauvignon has become the most widely grown wine grape in the world.
Typically full-bodied, Cabernet Sauvignon's moderate acidity, medium tannins, and notes of black cherry, dark spices, and cedar make it ideal for social gatherings, like birthdays, anniversaries, and dinner parties.
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Backyard Vineyards 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon |
Nose: Smoky cherry, green herbs, menthol. Palate: Black cherry, raspberry, smoke, pepper, round tannins. |
$34.60 |
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Ravine Vineyard 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon |
Nose: Violets, red cherry, raspberry, white pepper. Palate: Dark cherry, blackberry, herbs, black pepper, balanced tannins. |
$48.00 |
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Stratus Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon |
Nose: Black licorice, earthy barnyard. Palate: Blackcurrant, cherry, black tea, pepper, smoke, firm tannins. |
$59.20 |
2. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir grapes are known for their elegance and finesse, providing a lighter body wine with distinct aromas of strawberry, cherry, and raspberry. While it's very hard to cultivate, Canada has had great success in producing this variety, with the country's cooler climates resulting in fresher fruit flavours.
Its earthy undertones and fine tannins make it one of the best holiday wines and the perfect way to elevate any romantic occasion.
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Creekside Estate Winery 2023 Unoaked Pinot Noir |
Nose: Floral aromas with candied cherry, raspberry, herbs, and white pepper. Palate: Red cherry, cranberry, blueberry, black tea, pepper; firm tannins. |
$25.00 |
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Westcott Vineyards 2021 Estate Pinot Noir |
Nose: Fragrant raspberry with a hint of tea leaf. Palate: Raspberry, red plum; elegant, Burgundian style with a seductive finish. |
$32.00 |
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Leaning Post Wines 2021 Pinot Noir |
Nose: Toasty black raspberry, violets, vanilla, and pencil shavings. Palate: Sour cherry, raspberry; balanced, structured with ripe tannins and charm. |
$35.20 |
3. Merlot
Merlot grape is one of the world’s most versatile varieties and is often used in blends. Still, on its own, Merlot’s structured tannins, earthy flavours, and moderate acidity make it one of the most approachable red ones for beginners and a refined refreshment for seasoned connoisseurs.
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Southbrook Vineyards 2019 Triomphe Merlot |
Nose: Rich, smoky oak with lush fruit and a hint of spice. Palate: Silky tannins, ripe fruit, and a hedonistic finish with warmth. |
$27.95 |
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Tinhorn Creek 2020 Reserve Merlot |
Nose: Violets, black cherry jam, black licorice, and green herbs. Palate: Blackcurrant, dark cherry, black tea, black pepper; ripe tannins, well-balanced. |
$40.35 |
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Redstone Winery 2019 Merlot |
Nose: Cedary, blueberry, vanilla, cherry cola, oak spice, tobacco. Palate: Lively acidity, ripe tannins, medium body, dry, firmly structured. |
$41.15 |
4. Syrah
Also known as Shiraz, Syrah originates in France but has expanded to most of the world's winemaking regions. Syrah wines are famed for their full bodies and intense flavours, which typically include blackberry, blueberry, and savoury pepper, with notes of tobacco and herbs.
It has a medium acidity and tannins that pair well with barbecue and smoked meats, making it the perfect red wine gift for a backyard party or a summer birthday.
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Meldville Wines 2018 Syrah |
Nose: Blackberry bouquet with oak spice. Palate: Savory blackberry, racy acidity, well-integrated oak, lovely mouthfeel. |
$27.00 |
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Creekside Estate Winery 2020 Iconoclast Syrah |
Nose: Cedary mulberry with oak spice and white pepper. Palate: Black plum, mulberry, lively acidity, bitter chocolate finish. |
$30.00 |
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Mythology Vineyard 2018 Syrah |
Nose: Cedary, toasty mulberry with oak spice and rose petals. Palate: Full-bodied, elegant blackberry and mulberry, fresh acidity, long finish. |
$35.00 |
5. Malbec
Malbec grapes can be a notoriously difficult grape to grow in cool climate regions. Still, Canada has had some success in Ontario and British Columbia, with this local variety producing full-bodied red wines perfect for gifting. With ripe tannins, a rich acidity, and a smoky finish, Malbec pairs well with smoky-flavoured dishes and grilled red meats, making it a great option for a backyard BBQ.
Additionally, Malbec is best enjoyed when it is slightly chilled to 15-18°F, making it a refreshing sipper in the summers.
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Mythology Vineyard 2021 Malbec |
Nose: Exuberant cassis, violet, dried sage, dark cocoa, Asian spices. Palate: Blueberry, dark cherry, dark plum, minty chocolate, chewy tobacco, cedar. |
$29.00 |
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Lakeview Cellars 2019 Malbec |
Nose: Pomegranate, cassis, a hint of coffee. Palate: Vanilla oak spice, purple plum, blackberries, elegant finish. |
$40.00 |
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Moraine Estate Winery 2022 Malbec |
Nose: Violets, wild cherries, plums, marmalade, almonds. Palate: Bright, floral, and fruit-forward with intense purple richness. |
$56.45 |
6. Cabernet Franc
Known as the “insurance grape,” Cabernet Franc grapes are celebrated for its ability to thrive in harsh climates and early ripening. This makes it a favourite variety of Ontario vineyards, where it’s commonly used to blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot or in the production of icewine.
On its own, Cabernet Franc has herbaceous accents of pepper, tobacco, and dark spice flavours. It boasts a medium-long finish of raspberry, tobacco, licorice, and leather. Together, these produce a refined sipper, perfect for special occasions like New Year's Eve, Christmas, and intimate celebrations.
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Tinhorn Creek 2021 Cabernet Franc |
Nose: Cedary, smoky, vanilla, cassis, and plum bouquet. Palate: Cherry and plum flavours with ripe tannins and firm structure. |
$34.60 |
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Stratus 2021 Cabernet Franc |
Nose: Violets, licorice, green herbs, a hint of menthol. Palate: Dark cherry, black plum, cassis, rosemary, great balance and structure. |
$45.20 |
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Ravine Vineyard 2021 Cabernet Franc |
Nose: Cedary, blueberry with oak spice. Palate: Plum and blueberry with ripe tannins and well-handled oak. |
$46.00 |
7. Red Meritage
Meritage wines are made in the Bordeaux-style, but outside of the Bordeaux region. They come in red and white, with Red Meritages being renowned for their rich and full flavours and complex aromas, which often feature dark fruits, vanilla, and spice.
Red Meritage is created by blending any combination of Bordeaux grape varieties, with the most common being Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Since they can come in a variety of combinations, Red Meritage is a versatile wine that can fit almost any occasion and can make the perfect surprise for any seasoned wine lover.
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Tender Hope Winery 2020 Fire Dance Meritage |
Nose: Cedary, black plum, currant, oak spice, floral note. Palate: Blackcurrant, black fruits, tobacco leaf; medium-bodied, dry, and balanced. |
$28.65 |
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Gray Monk Estate Winery 2019 Odyssey Meritage |
Nose: Black cherry, black currant, sweet spice, vanilla, coffee bean, smoky oak. Palate: Dark plum, juicy cherry, vanilla, sweet spice, soft tannins, dry finish. |
$45.99 |
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Tawse Winery 2019 Meritage |
Nose: Cherry, elderberry, with hints of oak. Palate: Rich, smooth, with balanced fruit and oak influence. |
$61.15 |
8. Petit Verdot
Typically used in Bordeaux-style blends, Petit Verdot wines make for a bold gift for any red- wine enthusiast. Its intense body, tannins, and acidity culminate in powerful dark fruit flavours, including black cherry, plum, and blueberry.
Petit Verdot tends to pair well with richer dishes, like grilled red meats and tomato-based pasta, making it a fun twist to gift for an elegant dinner.
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Niagara College 2020 Balance Petit Verdot |
Nose: Inky-purple, fresh and stewed plums, blackberries, floral, herbal, toasted oak, smoke. Palate: Broad, concentrated fruit, spice, mocha character. |
$22.95 |
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Mythology Vineyard 2019 Petit Verdot |
Nose: Cedary, spicy, plum with evident oak spice. Palate: Sour cherry, cranberry, lively acidity, mellow tannins, firm finish. |
$29.00 |
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Royal Engineers Petit Verdot |
Nose: Black fruit (plum, blackberry, blueberry, black cherry), dried lavender, sage, vanilla, oak. Palate: Bold, rich flavours of black fruit, spices (nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon), and soft oak influence. |
$40.00 |
9. Gamay
Gamay is perhaps one of the most unique red wines for a gift. This high-yield grape is low maintenance and produces unique flavours, like banana, bubblegum, and cotton candy, depending on the winemaking style.
With soft tannins and a lively acidity, Gamay is a fun-sipping wine that pairs well with a variety of foods and makes a great seasonal gift in the fall and spring.
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Liebling Wines 2023 Gamay |
Nose: Cherry, raspberry, vanilla. Palate: Medium weight, light acidity, youthful tannins, smooth finish. |
$26.00 |
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Westcott Vineyards 2022 Gamay |
Nose: Toasty, cherry bouquet, vanilla oak. Palate: Juicy cherry, red plum, cranberry, fine acidity. |
$30.00 |
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13th Street Winery 2022 Gamay Sandstone |
Nose: Toasty cherry, violets. Palate: Fresh cherry, red plum, firm finish. |
$39.95 |
10. Baco Noir
Baco Noir is a grape variety that benefits from a cool climate region. As such, it flourishes well in Canadian wine regions, particularly in Ontario. Like many cool climate wines, Baco Noir explodes with flavours. It has distinct lush fruit tones, including mixed berries and plum.
Meanwhile, its juicy acidity and long finish make it a refreshing sipping wine that goes well with barbecue foods. It is one of the best red wines for a gift to a summertime birthday or backyard gathering.
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Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery 2021 Baco Noir |
Nose: Intense floral, blackberry, ink. Palate: Juicy blackberry, herbal, lively acidity. |
$21.95 |
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The Roost Wine Company 2021 Baco Noir |
Nose: Dark fruits, spice, oak. Palate: Bold, soft, heft, full-bodied. |
$26.95 |
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Henry of Pelham 2022 Baco Noir Speck Family Reserve |
Nose: Lightly cedary, spicy, blackberry, tobacco, new leather, floral top note. Palate: Full-bodied, dry, richly extracted blackberry, blackcurrant, ripe tannins, zesty acidity. |
$27.95 |
Still unsure what bottle to choose? Let Wine Club Canada help! Explore our expertly curated red wine gifts, handpicked by our wine professionals. Each selection features exceptional wines from Canada’s most exclusive wineries, ensuring a memorable and unique gift for any occasion.
