With the holiday clock ticking down, finding the perfect gift can feel like a race against time. For those in British Columbia making a final dash to the store, renowned wine critic Anthony Gismondi has curated a list of reliable, last-minute wine gift ideas to suit any budget.
Published on December 20, 2025, Gismondi's selections are designed for shoppers who are "down to the wire." He recommends a quick trip to a regional BC Liquor Store with an expanded wine selection. The guiding principle? These are tried-and-true bottles that "over-deliver for the price" and boast wide appeal, even for the most discerning palates.
Budget-Friendly Finds: $10 to $30
For gifts under $20, Gismondi highlights two standout options. The Church & State Wines Roussanne 2019 from the Okanagan Valley is priced at $19.99. This full-flavoured white offers notes of ripe peach, orange, almonds, and pears, making it a versatile partner for holiday meals like turkey.
Also at $19.99 is the Finca La Linda 2024 Old Vines Malbec from Argentina. Described as a polished, ready-to-drink red, it's full of juicy blackberry and cherry fruit with spice and soft tannins, ideal for serving to a crowd.
Stepping into the $20-$30 range, Gismondi suggests a festive rosé and a value-driven Italian red. The Gérard Bertrand 2023 Côte Des Roses Rosé from France ($24.95) evokes the Mediterranean with scents of strawberry and watermelon with a citrus spray, essentially "tasting like fun."
From Italy's Langhe region, the Giovanni Rosso 2022 Langhe Nebbiolo ($29.99) offers a mix of red fruits, spice, and savoury notes. Gismondi calls it an "authentic baby Barolo at a bargain price."
Mid-Range Marvels: $30 to $50
This tier offers exceptional complexity and character. From Portugal's Douro Valley, the Meãndro do Vale Meão Douro Red ($36.99) presents a "Douro black" profile with bright florals, wild black fruits, intensity, and a savoury black pepper finish. Gismondi labels it a clear bargain.
Closer to home, the Black Hills 2022 Chardonnay from the Okanagan Valley ($39.99) has earned a spot on Gismondi's top B.C. Chardonnay list. Its flavours of green apple, pastry, and ripe lemon are sure to please a wide audience.
In the $40-$50 bracket, two Old World gems shine. The Poggio al Tesoro Il Seggio from Bolgheri, Italy ($37.43), is a balanced, easy-drinking red with savoury, garrigue-like flavours and silky tannins. From Spain, the Las Moradas de San Martin Initio ($45), made from old-vine garnacha, is an exceptional red bursting with dark plum and intense strawberry, underscored by a streak of high-desert scrub.
Premium Picks for Special Occasions
For a truly memorable gift in the $50-$75 range, Gismondi points to the Gérard Bertrand Château de Villemajou Corbières from France ($59.99). Sourced from 80-year-old carignan vines in the Boutenac area, this wine is rich, long, balanced, and "eminently ageable." It can be enjoyed now with robust dishes like lamb or venison, making it a gift that promises both immediate pleasure and future potential.
Gismondi's final advice for harried holiday shoppers is simple: pick, buy, wrap, and consider your gifting duties complete. This curated list takes the guesswork out of last-minute wine shopping, ensuring you deliver both quality and value.
