What budget for a good gift wine?

Gift wine budget depends on three things: the occasion, your relationship with the recipient, and the message you want to send.

For a standard host gift (dinner party, casual celebration), €12-20 is the sweet spot. At this price you'll find excellent Côtes du Rhône Villages, white Burgundy, Chablis, or Crozes-Hermitage. Generous without being showy.

For a more personal gift (birthday, important thank-you), aim for €20-35. This opens up Châteauneuf-du-Pape, good-domaine Burgundy, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, or small-producer Champagne. This is where the quality-to-emotion ratio is best.

For milestone occasions (wedding, birth, major promotion), €35-80 is appropriate. Prestige Champagne (Bollinger Grande Année, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs), classified Bordeaux (Léoville Las Cases, Pichon-Longueville), or Premier Cru Burgundy make genuinely memorable gifts.

Watch out for the price trap: a badly chosen €50 wine (weak vintage, mediocre producer) will impress less than a perfectly selected €18 bottle. Knowledge beats budget every time.

Tip: between two bottles at the same price, choose the one with the better-looking label and packaging. Visual pleasure is part of the gift. And always use a gift bag or wrapping — presentation matters as much as what's inside.