by Kristen Wile

There’s nothing wrong with grabbing a bottle of wine you know your friend will love. If you’re looking to do something a little different this year for the wine lover in your life — perhaps even choosing a gift that doesn’t go in a wine bag — we’ve got you covered. 

Character wine bottle stoppers, The Decorative Company. This Charlotte maker has a popular Etsy shop as well as a booth at Sleepy Poet, selling glassware and antiques. Grab a decorative bottle stopper to make a partially-enjoyed bottle look like artwork. From Disney princesses and Batman to Homer Simpson and festive dogs, there are options for just about any personality. $11-$18.

Bonbons, JF Chocolat. If you’re gifting to someone who’s already got a significant supply of wine, why not grab them something to enjoy alongside it? Local chocolatier JF Chocolat has competed in competitions across the U.S., as well as having made chocolate creations for TV. Purchase a pre-selected set of bonbons, grab a few chocolate Santas, or reach out for a custom order. $9-$22. 

Rosé All Day candle, Charlotte Candle Co. Know someone who loves to drink pink? Give them the chance to breathe in the smell of rosé any time of day thanks to this wine-inspired offering from Charlotte Candle Co. Made using soy wax, the glass jar candles can burn for more than 40 hours. $15.

Wine trio pack, Arthur’s Wine Shop. The longtime wine shop located in Belk at SouthPark Mall is putting together a wine trio this holiday season, complete with a bright red box. The three-bottle offering includes a red, white, and sparkling option, all from France and all fitting for the season. $149.

Wine club membership, Unpretentious Palate. Let us help you introduce your friends to the city’s sommeliers! Pre-order our March 2023 wine offering and enjoy 3-4 selections from Restaurant Constance’s Edward Kuehnle. They’ll not only get to bring home the wines, but get to meet our selecting wine pro at a happy hour at Bar à Vins. $100.

You can buy corkscrews confiscated at the airport by the TSA. TM Petaccia/UP

TSA corkscrews, Assorted Table Wine & Shop or The Culture Shop. You never know what kind of corkscrews you’ll come across in a bin of options that have been confiscated from travelers by the TSA. From funny sayings to popular wineries and big brands, find the funniest selections for your friends and family as stocking stuffers or to tie on top of your gift. $2-$2.50.

Hand drawn wine glasses, CLT Find. These stemless wine glasses from CLT Find are hand drawn by The Write Occasion Calligraphy using a non-toxic ink. The rainbow images, available in both North and South Carolina, show your Carolinas heritage in a beautiful, watercolor-esque way. Purchase a pair for friends who’ve moved away or are proud Carolinians. $18 each. 

Tinned seafood, Orrman’s Cheese Shop. Give the gift of always having a wine-friendly snack on hand. Orrman’s Cheese Shop, in the anchor space of The Market at 7th Street, has one of the largest selections of tinned seafood in the city. The cardboard surrounding the tin often looks like artwork, and many of the options pair fantastically with a bottle of chilled white wine. 

Large format wine, Foxcroft Wine Co. If you’re gifting to a wine lover who loves to entertain, a large format bottle may be the gift to grab this year. Equal parts show-stopping centerpiece, conversation piece, and delicious to sip on, the right magnum or even double magnum can be an extra special present. Foxcroft Wine Co. has an array of options across its multiple locations; our picks across price spectrums are the 2019 Krupp Brothers “The Doctor” ($299.99) or Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($74.99). 

Be sure to check out our other 2022 holiday gift guides:

For the cocktail lover
For the home cook
For the host
For the lover of local