Is it too early to talk about advent calendars? We don’t think so – particularly because the advent calendars we want to talk about are going to fly off of the shelves before it might be more appropriate to discuss the winter holidays.
There are advent calendars that treat you with chocolate as you draw near Christmas, there are advent calendars that treat you with ornaments, but what about a winter countdown for wine lovers? Fear not – wine advent calendars are out there!
If you want to celebrate the weeks leading up to Christmas with a variety of fabulous wines, here’s a round up of some favorite wine advent calendars.
#1 – Aldi’s Wine Advent Calendar
Say what you want about Aldi, but their wine is award-winning and their wine advent calendar is possibly the most highly anticipated of the bunch. First of all, a lot of wine advent calendars only celebrate the 12 days leading up to the holidays, Aldi celebrates all 24 with mini bottles of various wines (including rose and sparkling wine). Second, it is a great deal – only $69.99. Third, this is the first time this treat will be available in the United States.
It was so successful in Aldi stores across the pond that we do not imagine the supply will last long stateside. The Aldi Wine Advent Calendar hits stores TODAY, so find a store near you and start looking forward to December 1.
#2 – Direct Wines Advent Calendar
If you’re looking for more vineyards in your wine advent calendar, Direct Wines has you covered. Their box also boasts 24 days of petite wine bottles, but runs a fair more expensive at $129.99. That said, this calendar will keep you cozy with generous pours of wines including an award-winning champagne, a 2015 vintage bordeaux, a 5-star estate rioja, a barrel-aged chardonnay, and more.
With all that taste and variety, we’d be shocked if there wasn’t an unoaked chardonnay or another stainless steel wine masterpiece among the bunch.
#3 – Twelve Nights of Wine by Vinebox
Even though it only covers twelve days, Vinebox’s wine advent calendar has our attention. The package, the branding, the unique-shaped bottles – this advent calendar has presentation down to a clean, minimalist science. Available at a steeper price of $129 for only 12 single-servings of wine, Vinebox is certainly not a steal.
But, their wines come from vineyards around the world, so you can sip your way across the globe without taking off of your slippers. What’s not to love about that?
It seems the UK has gotten a headstart on these grown-up advent calendars, as they certainly have more options. But, better late than never, US.
Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or are on the prowl for a holiday gift for your favorite wine lover, wine advent calendars are a spectacular (and delicious) option. Be sure to explore the wines included in yours – consider where their grapes were grown, how they were fermented, whether stainless steel wine barrels were used, when they were harvested – there’s a great big world of wine out there.