5 Under-$35 Sommelier-Approved Bottles from Total Wine

Between getting through a robust shopping list, baking Christmas cookies, and securing a pick for a white elephant exchange, finding a suitable host gift can quickly fall through the cracks during the holidays. If you’re in a pinch this year, a simple bottle of wine shouldn’t be overlooked — especially if you have a sommelier’s stamp of approval on your selection. 

Richard Bayda, the Director of Wine & Beverage Studies at the Institute of Culinary Education, agrees that choosing a great wine can be a “tricky challenge.” When making your selection, he recommends considering which wines your host typically drinks and which options might “go with the foods you have seen them serve.” To help narrow down your choices, Bayda selected five bottles from Total Wine, including bubbly, red, white, and rosé options — all under $35.

Sommelier-Approved Wine Gifts for Hosts Under $35

Graham Beck Brut Rosé Non-Vintage

Bayda agrees that a sparkling wine “cries ‘Holidays!’ to many people,” and this Brut Rosé is a great pick for anyone who “likes fruitier, fresher wines.” The South African wine is made from half Chardonnay and half Pinot Noir, and the medium-bodied blend has notes of raspberry and cherry with hints of fresh lavender.

Muga Blanco

For the Chardonnay-lover in your life, Bayda recommends this white Rioja, made from a Viura grape blend and aged in French oak barrels. The Spanish wine has notes of juicy pear, a touch of spice, and vanilla. He also shared that it has a hint of “yellow apple, pineapple, lemon, and a kiss of oat toast.” 

Pierre Sparr Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rosé

If you prefer a slightly more savory sparkling wine, this 100% Pinot Noir has a “moussy texture with strawberry and subtle yeasty tones,” according to Bayda. Per Total Wine, the French Champagne has delicate bubbles and lively acidity, and bright flavors include aromas of fresh berries. Snag it to pair with seafood, salty snacks, and spicy foods. 

Podere Paganico Rosso di Montalcino

Bayda calls this bottle of “younger Sangiovese” an “enjoyable choice for Italian red drinkers,” especially at a more reasonable price compared to a similar Brunello di Montalcino. The medium-bodied bottle has notes of “juicy cherry and plum flavors with a bit of spice,” and it pairs well with pasta with red sauce, hard cheeses, and grilled pork, per Total Wine. 

Warre’s Otima 10 Year Tawny

Rather than filling the rack with another dinner wine, Bayda recommends a bottle of port for a group that likes to sit and sip after a big meal. This Portuguese bottle is a full-bodied wine with notes of “toasted walnuts, caramel, and brown butter,” per Bayda, who calls it a “smooth and luscious” pick. Snag this bottle to pair with chocolate, sweet desserts like cake, and hard cheeses.