The Best Wine Advent Calendar for Every Wine Lover
Updated: Nov. 02, 2023
Make the season even merrier with these wine Advent calendars, boasting a unique tasting experience each day leading up to the holidays. Explore wines from around the world and cheers to the festive spirit.
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Chocolate advent calendars? Yeah, we see you, and we’re always into a new chocolate every day. But in the spirit of making merry, there are few things more apt than a wine Advent calendar, which is why we tracked down some of our favorites. There’s a wide range to suit every palette, from canned wine to mini bottles that celebrate international varieties and boxes that are full of bubbly.
Most wine Advent calendars feature bottles ranging from 187 mL (about the size of one glass) to 375 mL (half the size of a regular wine bottle). Because you get such an assortment, we’re fans of sharing with friends or even using the bottles as hostess gifts for holiday parties. Bonus: some countdowns come with tasting notes and pairing suggestions, so you can plan an elaborate wine and cheese night.
While we’re ready to order all of these for ourselves, they’re also our go-to holiday gifts. Not only are the best Advent calendars thoughtful, but they add an element of fun, with a new wine waiting every day.
For the Trendy One: Canned Wine Advent Calendar
No offense to 12 drummers drumming, but we much prefer this canned wine Advent calendar as the 12-day countdown to Christmas. From award-winning female and minority-led winemakers, this calendar includes 12 different canned wines representing different varietals, with white, red, rosé and sparkling present.
When it comes to canned wines, I always lean toward sparkling. Testing this wine Advent calendar, I was impressed by the bubbles inside the sparkling rosé, riesling and sauvignon blanc cans. All of the varietals play on the drier side and have zero grams of sugar. This is a nice offset to all the sugary treats around the holiday season. Each can also has a label beautiful enough to display at a seasonal party.
These are easy-drinking wines, lighter but not lacking flavor. They’re sure to be a crowd favorite, and because they’re not overpowering, they’re easy to pair with a variety of nibbles. Since each can has â…“ a bottle of wine, we split them between two glasses for sharing. It’s the right amount when you don’t want to commit to opening a bottle.
For the Explorer: Mini Wine Advent Calendar
Curated by a sustainable winemaker, this 24-day Advent calendar takes wine enthusiasts on a 24-day tasting adventure. Each mini bottle (187 ml) holds enough for one perfect glass of vino. You’ll sample varietals from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and California to learn about different regions and refine your wine knowledge. The mini wine bottles are charming enough to be repurposed as home decor.
If vino isn’t your thing, check out these boozy advent calendars for beer and cocktail enthusiasts (there’s a whiskey countdown too!).
For the Classic: Half-Bottle Wine Advent Calendar
Behind each of the 12 doors on this Advent calendar, there’s a half-bottle (375 mL) of wine from popular vineyards worldwide, with many sourced from California. Discover familiar favorites like pinot noir and chardonnay, along with crowd-favorite brands like Francis Coppola, Simi and Robert Mondavi. You’ll get a healthy sampling of white, red and rosé in bottles big enough to share. Or keep them for yourself, the choice is yours! Pair your wine with the jam-packed Bonne Maman advent calendar.
For the Artsy One: 12 Nights of Wine
A good wine is like art, and this Vinebox Advent calendar certainly delivers. The stunning packaging right down to the vials inside exudes artful excellence. “Vinebox’s 12 nights of wine calendar remains a staple in my household’s holiday countdown experience, and I seriously get so giddy thinking about what I’ll get to try next,” says Associate Shopping Editor, Madi Koetting. “I’m really into reds right now, so I chose the cozy nights collection. But there’s also a chilled nights collection if you prefer whites and rosés.”
“The reds, which are sourced from popular wine country destinations like Spain, Italy, France and California, are on the drier side,” adds Madi. “While some wine Advent calendars boast half—and sometimes entire—bottles of vino, I appreciate Vinebox’s ‘by the glass’ model. It’s like a wine tour in your home!” Bonus: there’s also a 24 nights of wine collection to keep the tasting experience going all December long.
For Under $100: 12 Bottle Advent Calendar
Affordable and nothing short of amazing, the Vintage Wine Estates Advent calendar features 12 half-bottles (375 mL) of wine for the holiday season. Explore a range of varietals, from white zinfandel to tamarack syrah. The bottles are the perfect shareable size so you and a friend can discover your preferences or host a small tasting! Choose from all whites, all reds or a combination. Pro tip: start your holiday mornings on a buzzy note with these coffee Advent calendars.
For the Entertainer: Sparkling Wine Advent Calendar
Pop a bottle of bubbly all season long with this sparkling wine Advent calendar. The 12 mini bottles (187 ml) come from celebrated wineries, ranging from dry to sweet to help you unwind (or celebrate with) in the midst of hosting holiday parties. The box is just as dazzling with a spirited design that makes it a beautiful gift for wine-lovers on your list—or for enjoying with bubbly cocktails.
For the One Feeling Wine-derful: 24-Bottle Wine Advent Calendar
Winning praise for the quality and selection of wine, this 24-bottle Advent calendar comes with mini bottles (187 mL) of delectable wine from around the world. Not only will you discover tastes from a variety of winemakers, you’ll fine-tune your knowledge. While we love opening a new bottle every night, the small bottles are also fun to pull out at holiday parties and share with friends.
For the One Who’s California Dreamin’: Wine-in-a-Can Advent Calendar
This wine-in-a-can Advent calendar is a tribute to California wines: you get 24 cans (250 mL) to explore the brand’s award-winning wines. Enjoy four different styles of wine—a bubbly rosé, a bubbly white, cozy red and chilled white covering the best of California vino. The box boasts a festive design and looks great in a pile of gifts. Plus, what’s a better holiday gift than a delicious canned wine nearly every day in December?)
For the Holiday Decor Queen: Themed Wine Advent Calendar
Boasting cheerful, seasonal boxes (including a wine-drinking snowman), this festive Advent calendar is filled with mini bottles (187 mL) of curated wines to sip on and enjoy while nibbling on holiday cookies. These wines appeal to both beginners and those on the verge of sommelier status. The options are endless in terms of themed packaging and wine varietals. Choose from 12 or 24 days of vino and the packaging that suits your (or your giftee’s) style.
For the Mature Palette: Red Wine Advent Calendar
Nothing says cozying up by the fire like a nice glass of red wine (especially since it pairs so well with a coffee-inspired Nespresso Advent calendar). This red wine Advent calendar features 12 half-bottles (375 mL) of award-winning red wine. Enjoy generous samplings of favorite red varietals from world-class vineyards.
