History & Wine

The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to find the perfect gifts that speak to elegance, thoughtfulness, and indulgence — and not just the kind you find in a bottle of wine. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for someone special or a tasteful token for a host, these three hand-picked luxury items are sure to impress.

Let’s explore a few thoughtfully curated items that exude luxury and sophistication that a special wine lover may enjoy (besides that great bottle of wine you’re giving them).

1. Taja Collection Candles

There’s something magical about the warm glow and comforting scent of a candle, especially during the holidays. Taja Collection candles are no ordinary candles—they’re customizable, artfully designed, and handcrafted in Miami, each made to bring a personal touch to any space. Taja offers the opportunity to personalize your candle with names, dates, or even favorite phrases, making them the perfect gift for those who appreciate thoughtful details.

Each Taja candle is made with high-quality, hand-poured soy wax, ensuring a clean burn and a scent that envelops the room. The scents range from fresh and floral to rich and musky, so there’s something for every taste. Plus, their sleek, modern designs make them a beautiful addition to any decor. For the holiday season, consider Taja’s seasonal fragrances, which evoke memories of cozy evenings and festive gatherings. My Pumpkin Pie candle has been a lovely addition to our home.

Once you finish using the candle, you can re-use your Taja vase as a plant holder or another decoration for your home, ensuring the gift will outlast the season.

2. Marc-Antoine Barrois Perfumes

A fine fragrance is among the most personal and luxurious of gifts, and Parisian perfumer, Marc-Antoine Barrois, offers some of the most captivating scents in the perfume world. Known for blending rich, complex notes that tell a story, these perfumes are crafted to linger beautifully and evolve uniquely on each wearer. The brand’s signature scent, B683, combines spicy and woody notes with soft floral undertones, creating an intoxicating and sensual aroma.

For something a bit different, TILIA, the newest scent in the line, offers a fresh experience. It is a blend of linden tree, broom, jasmine, and heliotrope, and is sure to leave a memory that will linger long after the wearer is gone.

For those who appreciate elegance in a bottle, Marc-Antoine Barrois perfumes are sure to be a delight. By gifting a bottle of perfume, you’re not just gifting a fragrance—you’re giving an experience, a memory, and a feeling that will be evoked each time it is worn throughout the year.

3. Riedel Veloce Champagne Glasses

Who doesn’t love a toast of bubbles during the festive season?

The perfect toast deserves the perfect glass, and Riedel’s Veloce Champagne glasses are crafted to elevate the sparkling wine experience. Renowned for their precision and elegance, these glasses are specially designed to enhance the aromas and flavors of Champagne and other sparkling wines. The Veloce collection is made with ultra-thin, machine-made crystal, allowing for a seamless and graceful shape that feels light in the hand. And the ability to machine wash these glasses means they are perfect to use for a party at home.

For those looking to truly elevate their sipping experience, consider Riedel’s Superleggero Machine-Made Champagne Wine Glass ($65/stem), often hailed as the holy grail of wine glasses. Part of a collection known for being the largest, thinnest, and lightest on the market, the Superleggero features a wider bowl that, like the Veloce glass, allows Champagne’s complex layers to grow and intensify for utmost enjoyment. With its ‘sparkling point’ to aid in forming Champagne bubbles, it guarantees the perfect pour with every toast.

These glasses make for a memorable gift, perfect for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life—or who simply enjoys a glass of bubbly at holiday gatherings (while not having to hand wash each glass).

If these ideas don’t spark any interest, check out my gift guide from last year for more inspiration.

I received samples of each of these items and have enjoyed them myself. I would never endorse anything for gift-giving that I would not personally be happy to receive. Happy Holidays!