Berry Bros. & Rudd Taste of Wine School

A firm favourite amongst historical figures – their cellar was used by Napoleon for secret meetings in the 1840s – Berry Bros. & Rudd has created the perfect Christmas gift for the wine-inclined. The hamper comprises their award-winning book Exploring and Tasting Wine: A Wine Course with Digressions and a curated selection of eight bottles to complement the literary journey. Among them, the 2005 Viña Tondonia Tinto Reserva; a particularly rich and seductive Rioja. ‘Where there is no wine there is no love’ extolled Euripides, and what better way to indulge in your loved one’s interest in wine than to fuel their knowledge of it.

£195, bbr.com

The Magnum Company

For those with a go big or go home mentality this Christmas, the London-based Magnum Company specialises in carefully sourced, super-sized bottles at varying price points. Set off your next dinner party with Sir Winston Churchill’s favourite Champagne Pol Roger; Miraval blush rosé from Brad Pitt’s French vineyard or Nyetimber English sparkling wine, as toasted at Pippa Middleton’s wedding. Magnums are not limited to champagne and wine; the company also stocks vessels of olive oil, limoncello, port, sherry and slow gin.

themagnumcompany.com

Joseph Perrier Vintage Champagne Selection

At the Maison Joseph Perrier, the emphasis is to make beautiful champagne in small quantities. The three bottles encased within this sleek wooden box – of 1975, ’85 and ’95 vintage – have rested in the musty Gallo-Roman chalk cellars until now, where they have been hand-picked for Harrods. The grape varieties include a Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir and a Pinot Meunier. This three bottle set is the perfect gift to complement those truly special occasions.

£1300, harrods.com

Moët & Chandon French Art de Vivre Set

L’art de Vivre, the French penchant for fine living, is often imitated but never rivalled except perhaps by Italy’s La Dolce Vita. The key to fine living, as one would expect, involves drinking fine champagne and Moët’s celebratory set makes the most of the renowned champagne with two golden goblets. The bottle is also available in a matted gold jeroboam, with French landmarks carved out of metal for added panache. The champagne itself requires no introduction; more than 100 wines are used in the blend to enhance maturity and complexity while maintaining the distinguished Moët style. Enjoy with Serge Gainsbourg on vinyl for true art de vivre.

£62 for one bottle and two golden goblets; £320 for golden jeroboam, clos19.com

Château Lafite Rothschild 2003

From the esteemed vineyard of the Rothschild estate, is a wine ready to enjoy but good to hold for 20-25 years. Described by Robert Parker as “close to perfection…a bouquet of cedarwood, lead pencil shaving, white chocolate, cocoa and cassis…fat, rich, opulent and full-bodied with low acidity and stunning seductiveness and complexity.” An ode to the 1959 Lafite, this wine represents the apogee of hedonism for the consumer.

£1069, bbr.com

Domaine Leflaive Chevalier Montrachet 2011

One of the leaders in the Burgundy region of the biodynamic movement, Leflaive are known for their ‘superb wines that combine richness and depth of fruit with elegance, refinement and perfect balance.’ As you would expect from a moreish white such as this, there are notes of spicy acacia blossom, wet stone, lemon peel and various white-fleshed fruit aromas.

£475, harveynichols.com

The Australian Wine Cellar

For a taste of Down Under, order a bespoke case of wine from The Australian Cellar, a new online platform showcasing the country’s finest vineyards, from established producers to boutique suppliers. Shop specially-curated mixed cases and magnum bottles, gift wrapped and delivered direct your recipient’s doorstep.

theaustraliancellar.co.uk