Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift with Cellar Door Supervisor, Jim Birch

Finding the Perfect Christmas Gift with Cellar Door Supervisor, Jim Birch

Q: December is here, and many of us are still searching for the perfect gifts. Where should we start?

Assuming you’ve done the main bulk of the shopping, many will be looking to finish the task with some small stocking fillers. Chocolates are always a success- Who doesn’t love chocolate? I find The Crafty Chocolatier’s salted caramel chocolate truffles are always a crowd-pleaser—or for purists, their single-origin chocolate beans really prove that less is more.

Q: What about gifts for those who are a little harder to buy for?

everyone uses some kind of oil every day, so why not treat them to something that they wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves? In the Hambledon Shop, we stock (and love) The Gay Farmer’s Olive Oil. With a choice between the herbaceously fruity Arbequina or the intense Picual oils, there’s an option for olive-oil devotees and the gastronomically curious alike. Either way, these locally bottled examples are ideal to show them what olive oil is really about.

Q: And for that friend who seems to have everything?

Our Hambledon Vineyard Swim Bag is the embodiment of that friend. Spacious and practical, it’s a fix-all bag for everyday life and a luxurious afternoon on a beach alike. Or, we currently have some grater plates in stock from Tierra Cocida- this interesting design originating from Spain is something they surely haven't discovered yet, and once you buy one, you won’t be able to live without it! If they’re more into experiences as gifts, if you’re local to us, a voucher for a Guided Tasting Flight is a great way to try something new. Regardless of whether they need anything, there’s always a new wine to experience- there’s a choice between 14 to try!

Q: What’s your advice for gifts when you don’t know the recipient well?

A hamper is the perfect solution. It’s thoughtful and versatile, with a mix of goodies- from our award-winning English Sparkling Wine to branded mugs and candles. It’s a little taste of Hambledon delivered to their door.

Q: And for those closest to us - what’s the ultimate gift?

Our Classic Club Membership is just the thing. Based around a tailored allocation of 12 bottles of our exceptional English Sparkling Wine, this gives your loved one a bottle of joy for each month ahead- alongside exclusive events, first access to pre-release and limited-edition wines, and 15% off further wine purchases. It’s the definition of a gift that keeps on giving.

Q: Any ideas for impressing wine connoisseurs?

We’ve curated a Première case from the best of our selection of family wines in the Cellar Door Shop- including delicious Christmas favourites such as Grahams 2003 First Flight Port, Simonnet-Febvre Chablis Premier Cru Fourchaume, and our own Première Cuvée. Meanwhile, for the more food-focused among us, our Winter Warmer Hamper has been curated to showcase our favourite foodie finds for the festive season—including a bottle of our Classic Cuvée Rosé, Hambledon Wine Estate Marmalade, Artisan Chocolates and much more! 

Q: Finally, what about those last-minute shoppers?

You can’t go wrong with a bottle of Classic Cuvée in a Hambledon gift box sent next-day delivery (remember to select this option at checkout), or if you’re really pushed for time, our digital gift cards can be personalised to whatever your needs may be and have instant delivery.

Visit our Cellar Door Shop this December to explore our full range of wines and gifts. As always, our friendly team are always on hand to help!