START celebrating Christmas early this year by treating yourself or someone special to a wine Advent calendar.
Instead of chocolate or pricey beauty products, you’ll find a miniature bottle of red, white or even sparkling wine behind every door for a daily drink in December.
Some calendars contain just one colour vino, while others feature only fizz to suit the festive season.
More expensive ones might even contain extras such as tasting notes or information on the winemakers, making them a great early present for the wine-lover in your life.
It’s worth considering the type of wine you want to find inside before parting with your cash.
Some have big-name wines that you’ll already be used to, while others feature bottles from smaller producers and are a good way to try different wines without risk.
Remember that wine Advent calendars are significantly larger than the usual choccy-stuffed version, so you will need somewhere to store the calendar throughout December while you count down the days to the 25th.
Read on for our reviews of the best wine Advent calendars for Christmas 2024.
Best wine Advent calendars 2024: tried and tested
Naked Wines A Christmas Adventure in 24 Wines
Naked Wines A Christmas Adventure in 24 Wines, £99.99
Pros: Fantastic variety of wine, chance to discover new winemakers, good tasting notes, doesn’t take up much room
Cons: Small servings
Rating: 4.5/5
Real wine connoisseurs will be far more interested with the vino inside than opening a door each day this December.
Naked Wines sells bottles from the world’s best independent winemakers and this calendar gathers some of their very best in one place.
It’s a little different from a standard Advent calendar, as it comes in a surprisingly compact lidded box and there are no doors to open.
Instead, the wines are in slim cardboard boxes labelled with which day to open it.
Each one is also printed with useful tasting notes and pairing suggestions for the wine, plus a QR code to scan and find out even more about the winemaker.
To drink, simply break off the corner of each box, snip the foil pouch inside and pour.
This takes a bit of getting used to and I definitely made a bit of a mess the first couple of times I did it.
Though serving sizes are fairly small at 100ml, the wine inside is exceptional quality and I liked the fact that this calendar introduced me to new winemakers I wouldn’t otherwise know.
Stand-out wines included Kimbao Pinot Noir 2022 and Olakala Malagouzia Assyrtiko, but there’s also – spoiler alert! – a Tawny Port and even a Sauternes dessert wine for all-out December decadence.
Number of days: 24; Size of bottles: 100ml; Wine type: Red, white and rosé
Freixenet 24 Days of Fizz Advent Calendar
Freixenet 24 Days of Fizz Advent Calendar, £99.95£79.95
Pros: Surprisingly small box, all sparkling wine, sophisticated design
Cons: Some may prefer greater wine variety
Rating: 4/5
Nothing says Christmas quite like sipping a daily glass of bubbles.
This Freixenet calendar keeps the celebrations going throughout December, with 24 mixed bottles of both pink and white prosecco and cava.
All are major, reliable brands you’ll recognise from the supermarket shelf including i Heart, Mionetto and Freixenet in its distinctive dimpled bottle.
These all have screw tops so you won’t need to pop any corks.
They’re all packaged in an attractive deep burgundy box that ties with a black ribbon and will keep looking stylish throughout December.
Each door is actually a box that slides out, though be sure to break the tab on each first to create a finger hole – I foolishly didn’t spot these at first and the boxes were almost impossible to pull out.
Some people may prefer to receive a greater variety of wine, but I reckon this calendar would add some welcome sparkle to the countdown to Christmas for any fizz fan.
Number of days: 24; Size of bottles: 200ml; Wine type: Sparkling – prosecco and cava
Tipsy Tree Alcohol Advent Calendar – Wine
Tipsy Tree Alcohol Advent Calendar – Wine, £99.99
Pros: Can be reused next year, minimalist design, popular wines
Cons: No doors to open, quite expensive, serious wine drinkers may not love all the wine
Rating: 3.5/5
If you live for opening a door each day in December, this calendar won’t be for you.
But if you’re really in it for the daily vino and would love to reuse the calendar each year, this is a great choice.
This freestanding wooden tree looks a little like a festive wine rack – the wine comes in a separate box so needs slotting into the numbered holes first.
It’s worth noting that the bottles need to be pulled out from the back rather than the front where the numbers are, so you’ll need access to both sides throughout December.
The wine inside won’t really thrill a true connoisseur.
The bottles included are all safe-bet wines and big-name grapes: think merlot, pinot grigio, malbec and chardonnay from mega-producers like McGuigan, Waters Edge and Altaria.
I liked the fact that red, white and rosé were all included, though I’d have preferred a paler, less sweet rosé instead of the three bottles of overly-fruity white zinfandel.
However, you can choose any wine you like when you reuse the calendar next year and it can be dismantled and stored flat until then.
Number of days: 24; Size of bottles: 187ml; Wine type: Red, white and rosé
How we tested these wine Advent calendars
I didn’t wait until December 1st to start opening doors.
Instead, I peeked behind every single door of these advent calendars and tasted the wines inside to see which one was worth splashing out on this Christmas.
I judged how festive the outer packaging was and how much room it would take up in my house during December.
I also considered the range of wine inside, if it would feel like a treat receiving each bottle, and if there were any extras to make it appeal to wine fans.
I also rated the wines, sniffing and sipping each one and considering their aromas, complexity and flavours to decide if receiving them would feel like Christmas had come early every day.
Best wine Advent calendars 2024: the best of the rest
Virgin Wines Mixed Wine Advent Calendar
Virgin Wines Advent Calendar, £89.99
Virgin Wines’ Advent calendar is one of the most highly anticipated options each year, and the 2024 edition is no exception.
At £89.99, it offers fantastic value with 24 mini bottles, each representing a variety of wines from around the world.
Whether you prefer full-bodied reds, crisp whites or fruity rosés, this calendar has a bit of everything, including a special full-sized bottle to open on Christmas Day.
One of the biggest draws is the quality of the wines.
With selections handpicked from regions such as Chile’s Maule Valley and Italy’s Veneto, you can expect to discover new favourites and broaden your palate.
When it comes to value for money, this Advent calendar competes well with premium offerings while providing a diverse experience for wine lovers.
Plus, the inclusion of a full-size bottle on Christmas Day adds a celebratory feel, making it well worth the price.
It’s perfect for those who enjoy variety and like to explore both familiar and unfamiliar wines.
Number of days: 25; Size of bottles: 24 x 187ml and 1 x full-size bottle; Wine type: Red, rosé and white and sparkling
John Lewis Wine Advent Calendar
John Lewis Wine Advent Calendar, £100
John Lewis has become a go-to for Christmas Advent calendars, and its wine version for 2024 is ideal for those seeking a curated, elegant selection of wines.
Priced at £100, it includes 24 mini bottles spanning popular varieties such as Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Malbec.
Unlike some other calendars that focus on a single wine style, John Lewis offers a well-rounded mix, appealing to both red and white wine enthusiasts.
This calendar is also beautifully presented in a festive design, making it a great option for gifting (if you’re willing to part with it).
Whilst it’s priced slightly higher than other wine Advent calendars, the luxurious packaging and trusted John Lewis brand make it a strong contender in the premium Advent calendar market.
Number of days: 24; Size of bottles: 20cl; Wine type: Red, rosé and white
Prosecco Advent Calendar by Hello Lovely
Hello Lovely Prosecco Advent Calendar, £154.99
For lovers of sparkling wine, the Hello Lovely Prosecco Advent Calendar is a must-have this Christmas season.
Priced at £154.99, this premium calendar delivers 24 mini bottles of Prosecco, allowing you to indulge in a new bubbly treat each day leading up to Christmas.
This calendar is ideal for those who want to explore different types of Prosecco, with a variety of bottles included, each offering a different tasting experience.
You’ll find a mix of brut and extra dry styles, providing a spectrum of flavours from crisp and refreshing to slightly sweeter options.
Whether you’re popping a bottle after a long day or sharing it with friends, this Advent calendar elevates the everyday indulgence of Prosecco into a festive celebration.
Number of days: 24; Size of bottles: 20cl; Wine type:
Sunday Times Fine Wine Advent Calendar
Sunday Times Fine Wine Advent Calendar, £89.99
If you’re looking for something extra special, the Sunday Times Fine Wine Advent Calendar is a luxurious option that wine connoisseurs will appreciate.
Featuring 23 miniature bottles of red and white fine wines from renowned vineyards, this calendar offers an elevated drinking experience throughout December.
What sets this calendar apart is the inclusion of a full-size bottle of Prosecco, perfect for toasting on Christmas Eve.
The presentation is also top-notch, making it an ideal gift for the wine lover in your life.
With wines carefully chosen by expert tasters, this calendar ensures that every day leading up to Christmas feels like a special occasion.
Number of days: 24; Size of bottles: 23 x miniature, 1 x full-size; Wine type: Red, white and Prosecco
Brixton Wine Club Advent Calendar
Brixton Wine Club Advent Calendar, £130
The Brixton Wine Club has released its highly anticipated 2024 Wine Advent Calendar, and it’s perfect for those who appreciate carefully curated selections from smaller, independent producers.
This calendar includes 24 cans ranging in size between 187ml – 250ml, which is ideal for indulging in a generous solo pour.
The wines range from boutique red and white selections to unique grapes sourced from lesser-known regions.
It’s a fantastic way to explore wines that you might not come across in traditional wine shops.
Each bottle has been selected with care, reflecting the brand’s ethos of championing small, artisanal winemakers who put quality at the forefront.
What sets this calendar apart from others is its emphasis on sustainability and supporting lesser-known vineyards.
While the price point of £130 is slightly higher than some other options, the inclusion of 24 varieties means it’s an educational way to try something new every night.
Number of days: 24; Size of bottles: Cans range in size between 187ml – 250ml; Wine type: Choice of mixed or just red wine
Prosecco O’Clock Advent Calendar
Prosecco O’Clock Advent Calendar, £124.95
For fans of fizz, the Prosecco O’Clock Advent calendar is the ultimate treat.
Featuring 24 mini bottles of Prosecco, this calendar brings some sparkle to the festive season.
Each bottle is perfectly sized for one glass, making it an ideal choice for enjoying a nightly toast as you countdown to Christmas.
At just under £125, it’s slightly more expensive than other wine Advent calendars, but the joy of sipping on different styles of Prosecco makes it a worthwhile splurge.
Additionally, this calendar is refillable, meaning you can reuse it year after year, which adds to its long-term value.
It’s a delightful choice for those who prefer their festive drinks with bubbles, and it makes for a unique gift for any Prosecco lover in your life.
Number of days: 24; Size of bottles: 20cl; Wine type: Prosecco
Wine Down to Christmas Advent Calendar
Wine Down to Christmas Advent Calendar, £134.95
The Wine Down to Christmas Advent Calendar is a beautifully curated collection of wines that brings a new surprise every evening in December.
Perfect for those who love variety, this calendar includes 24 miniature bottles covering a delightful mix of red, white, rosé and sparkling wines.
Each bottle contains enough wine to fill a glass, making it ideal for daily indulgence without overcommitting.
Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp white after a long day or a bubbly treat for the weekend, this calendar has something to satisfy every palate.
At £134.95, it’s on the premium side, but the diversity of wines and the luxury packaging make it worth the splurge.
Number of days: 24; Size of bottles: 187ml; Wine type: Red, white, rosé and sparkling
What to look for in a wine Advent calendar
First, decide which wine you – or the lucky recipient – prefers.
Some calendars have a mix of red and white, others offer just one colour and some include only sparkling wines to bring an extra sparkle to festivities.
If you’re not a wine buff but just fancy the thrill of revealing a daily tipple, there’s no need to splash out on one of the most expensive calendars.
More reasonably priced versions tend to feature big-name wines that you’ll already know from supermarket shelves and will be stuffed with reliable crowd-pleasers that won’t disappoint.
However, if you’re a real wine aficionado, it’s worth finding an Advent calendar curated by a dedicated wine retailer or wine club.
These might include bottles from lesser-known producers, more interesting wines or a greater variety and are a good way to sample wines before buying full bottles.
Remember, wine Advent calendars generally come in fairly large boxes so it’s worth picking one that you like the look of, as it will be on display with your decorations throughout December.
If you find one you like the look of, it’s also worth buying early as these calendars tend to sell out as the festive season approaches.
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