Chocolate Advent calendars are cute. Tiny doors, tiny sweets, tiny moment of joy. But wine Advent calendars? That is the holiday countdown wearing velvet slippers. In 2023, the best wine Advent calendars turned the simple act of opening a cardboard door into a nightly tasting flight, a dinner-pairing experiment, and occasionally a very persuasive reason to put on fuzzy socks at 6:01 p.m.
Whether you wanted 24 mini bottles, 12 half bottles, canned wines from small producers, sparkling wine only, or a DIY calendar you could fill yourself, the 2023 wine calendar scene had something for every kind of sipper. Big names such as In Good Taste, Laithwaites, Vinebox, Aldi, Total Wine, WSJ Wine, Maker Wine, and Give Them Beer all competed for space under the treeand in the fridge, where the whites and bubbles politely demanded VIP treatment.
This guide breaks down the 10 best wine Advent calendars of 2023 based on variety, presentation, bottle size, giftability, value, tasting experience, and overall holiday fun. Consider it your festive roadmap to reds, whites, rosés, sparkling wines, and the occasional “wait, why didn’t I buy two?” moment.
What Is a Wine Advent Calendar?
A wine Advent calendar is a holiday countdown box filled with individual servings of wine. Most include either 12 or 24 numbered doors, with each compartment hiding a mini bottle, half bottle, can, or tasting vial. A 24-day calendar usually starts on December 1 and runs through Christmas Eve, while a 12-day version can begin on December 12or whenever your holiday spirit becomes louder than your self-control.
The best wine Advent calendars do more than deliver alcohol in cute packaging. They introduce different grape varieties, wine regions, pairing ideas, and tasting notes. In other words, they turn December into a casual wine class, except the homework pairs beautifully with cheese.
How We Chose the Best Wine Advent Calendars of 2023
For this 2023 roundup, we looked at popular U.S.-available options, reputable retailer descriptions, editorial gift guides, customer-friendly features, and practical buying factors. The top calendars offered a strong mix of wines, reasonable serving sizes, attractive packaging, clear shipping details, and enough surprise to make each night feel like a tiny holiday party.
Key buying factors
- Variety: Red, white, rosé, sparkling, sweet, dry, international, and domestic selections.
- Serving size: Mini bottles around 187ml, half bottles, cans, or tasting pours.
- Value: Price compared with number of pours and wine quality.
- Gift appeal: Packaging, presentation, and ease of shipping.
- Experience: Tasting notes, pairing guides, videos, or educational extras.
10 Best Wine Advent Calendars 2023
1. In Good Taste Wine Advent Calendar Best Overall
In Good Taste earned the top spot in 2023 because it checked nearly every box: 24 mini bottles, a balanced mix of red, white, and rosé wines, sleek packaging, and an approachable tasting experience. Each 187ml bottle offered a generous single glass, which made it easy to enjoy one pour without opening a full bottle on a Tuesday night while pretending laundry does not exist.
The 2023 calendar featured wines from regions such as California, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. That global variety made it ideal for curious drinkers who enjoy trying different styles but do not want to commit to full bottles before knowing whether a grape variety is their new personality trait.
Another major advantage was the educational element. In Good Taste paired its mini bottles with tasting information and food pairing suggestions, helping users understand what they were drinking instead of simply saying, “This tastes red.” It was polished enough for gifting, practical enough for personal use, and varied enough to keep December interesting.
Best for: Wine lovers who want a stylish, balanced, 24-day tasting journey.
2. Laithwaites Wine Advent Calendar Best Classic Wine Calendar
Laithwaites has long been a favorite for holiday wine gifting, and its Advent calendar remained one of the most dependable options in 2023. The format was simple and festive: 24 mini bottles behind 24 doors, usually covering reds, whites, rosé, and sparkling wine. It felt like the traditional Advent calendar grew up, got a wine club membership, and learned how to pronounce Sauvignon Blanc confidently.
Laithwaites stood out because of its broad appeal. The wines were selected to please different palates, making it a smart gift for couples, hosts, parents, neighbors, or that friend who says “I’m not picky” and then absolutely is. With familiar varieties like Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Prosecco, the calendar offered enough comfort for casual drinkers and enough discovery for more adventurous ones.
The mini glass-bottle format also made it feel more premium than calendars using plastic containers. For shoppers who wanted a reliable, gift-ready wine Advent calendar from a recognizable wine retailer, Laithwaites was one of the safest bets of 2023.
Best for: Traditional wine drinkers who want variety without weird surprises.
3. Vinebox 12 Nights of Wine Best 12-Day Tasting Experience
Vinebox took a more elegant, tasting-room approach to the wine Advent calendar. Instead of mini bottles, Vinebox became known for beautifully packaged tasting vials and curated wine flights. The 12 Nights of Wine format was ideal for people who wanted a refined sampling experience rather than a full month of daily pours.
In 2023, Vinebox appealed especially to drinkers who enjoy guided discovery. Its calendars often included tasting cards, pairing notes, and sommelier-style context. That turned each pour into more than “open, sip, repeat.” It encouraged drinkers to notice acidity, body, aroma, finish, and food pairingsthe things wine people discuss while the rest of us nod thoughtfully and reach for crackers.
The 12-day structure was also practical. Not everyone wants 24 days of wine, especially during a month already full of office parties, family dinners, cookie trays, and mysterious punch bowls. Vinebox offered a more focused countdown that felt upscale, educational, and easy to gift.
Best for: Curious wine drinkers who like tasting notes, smaller pours, and premium presentation.
4. Total Wine “Most Winederful Time of the Year” Calendar Best Value
Total Wine’s 2023 Advent calendar was a favorite for shoppers who wanted maximum holiday cheer without maxing out a credit card. With 24 small bottles and a mix of reds and whites, it delivered a full countdown at a price that often looked friendlier than many boutique competitors.
The big appeal was accessibility. Total Wine has a large retail footprint, and shoppers who lived near a store could often avoid the stress of alcohol shipping restrictions. The selection typically leaned crowd-pleasing, with recognizable styles such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, red blends, and other dinner-friendly options.
This was not necessarily the calendar for the collector hunting rare volcanic-island wine made by moonlight. It was for the person who wanted 24 fun pours, a festive box, and a nightly “what are we opening today?” ritual. In that category, Total Wine delivered strong value.
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who still want a full 24-day wine countdown.
5. Maker Wine 12 Days of Canned Wine Best Canned Wine Advent Calendar
Canned wine has come a long way from “emergency picnic beverage.” Maker Wine helped prove that cans can be clever, convenient, and genuinely enjoyable. Its 12 Days of Canned Wine Advent Calendar offered 12 different cans, often representing a mix of red, white, rosé, and sparkling styles from small producers.
The format was modern and practical. Cans chill quickly, travel easily, and remove the need for corkscrews, glassware, or dramatic bottle-opening rituals. Each can was also shareable, making the calendar a good pick for couples or roommates who enjoy tasting together.
Maker’s focus on smaller and often diverse producers gave the calendar a distinctive personality. Instead of feeling like a generic variety pack, it felt like a tour through independent winemaking with better branding. For younger wine fans, outdoor entertainers, and anyone who likes good design with their good juice, Maker was one of the most interesting 2023 picks.
Best for: Modern wine fans, picnic people, and anyone who appreciates small producers.
6. WSJ Wine “Wines of the World” Advent Calendar Best for Variety
The WSJ Wine Advent Calendar, often known for its “Wines of the World” concept, was a strong choice for drinkers who wanted broad international variety. The appeal was right there in the name: a global tasting trip without airports, luggage fees, or someone reclining into your knees.
These calendars typically included reds, whites, rosés, and special holiday-friendly bottles. Some editions included richer dessert-style wines or sparkling options near the end of the countdown, giving the final nights a celebratory finish. For people who love comparing regions and styles, this type of calendar offered one of the most engaging experiences of the season.
It also worked beautifully as a couples’ calendar. Open one bottle, pour two small glasses, compare notes, argue gently over whether something tastes like blackberry or “fancy grape,” and call it bonding.
Best for: Adventurous drinkers who want international wines and broad style variety.
7. Vintage Wine Estates 12 Bottle Advent Calendar Best for Sharing
Vintage Wine Estates offered a 12-bottle format that stood out because many versions used larger bottles than the tiny single-glass minis found in other calendars. That made it one of the better choices for sharing. Instead of one person getting a modest pour, two people could enjoy the same bottle comfortably.
The calendar often focused on California wines, with red, white, rosé, mixed, or single-style options depending on the retailer and release. For fans of domestic wine, especially California bottles, this was a smart and familiar choice.
The 12-day calendar also offered flexibility. It could be used during the final 12 days before Christmas, opened every other night, or turned into a holiday dinner-party tasting lineup. Nobody said Advent calendars must be followed with military discipline. It is wine, not a spreadsheet.
Best for: Couples, hosts, and California wine fans who want larger pours.
8. Aldi Wine Advent Calendar Best Budget In-Store Find
Aldi’s wine Advent calendar became a seasonal treasure hunt in 2023. Affordable, festive, and limited in quantity, it was the kind of item shoppers mentioned in group chats with too many exclamation points. The calendar usually included 24 mini bottles and was sold in stores where alcohol sales were permitted.
The biggest strength was value. Aldi’s wine calendar was typically priced well below many online competitors, making it attractive for shoppers who wanted the fun of a full 24-day countdown without boutique pricing. The tradeoff was availability. You usually had to find it in person, and popular Aldi seasonal items have a way of disappearing faster than appetizers at a holiday party.
Because alcohol laws vary by state and store, not every Aldi location carried the wine calendar. But for shoppers who could find one, it was one of the best budget-friendly wine Advent calendars of 2023.
Best for: Bargain hunters who enjoy limited-edition grocery-store finds.
9. Give Them Beer Red Wine Advent Calendar Best for Red Wine Lovers
Some people like variety. Others know exactly what they want, and what they want is red wine. For them, Give Them Beer’s Red Wine Advent Calendar was a strong 2023 choice. Instead of mixing in whites and rosés, this calendar focused on reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and red blends.
The red-only approach made gifting easier when the recipient’s preferences were clear. If someone has said, “I don’t really drink white wine” more than twice, believe them. A mixed calendar may look festive, but half the box could become kitchen décor. A red wine calendar keeps the experience focused and practical.
This type of calendar was especially good for winter meals. Red wines pair naturally with roasts, stews, grilled meats, mushrooms, aged cheeses, and cozy evenings where the dress code is “blanket.” For cold-weather sipping, it was one of the most seasonally appropriate options.
Best for: Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and red blend devotees.
10. Give Them Beer Sparkling Wine Advent Calendar Best for Bubbles
If December needs more sparkleand it doesGive Them Beer’s Sparkling Wine Advent Calendar was one of the most celebratory choices of 2023. Instead of still wines, it focused on bubbly styles such as Prosecco, sparkling rosé, Brut, and other festive bottles.
This calendar worked beautifully for people who enjoy aperitifs, brunch, holiday parties, and dramatic “pop” moments. Sparkling wine also pairs with more foods than many people expect. It can handle salty snacks, fried appetizers, seafood, creamy cheeses, popcorn, and even holiday leftovers. Bubbles are basically the extrovert of the wine world.
The only practical note: make fridge space. Sparkling wines are best served chilled, and nobody wants to play refrigerator Tetris with 12 bottles, a casserole, and three containers of cranberry sauce.
Best for: Champagne-style celebrators, brunch hosts, and sparkling wine fans.
How to Choose the Right Wine Advent Calendar
Know the recipient’s wine style
If the recipient loves crisp whites, do not buy a red-heavy calendar just because the box is pretty. If they drink only dry wines, avoid sweet-leaning assortments. If they love trying anything once, a global mixed calendar is perfect. Matching the calendar to the drinker matters more than chasing the fanciest packaging.
Check bottle size before buying
A 187ml mini bottle is usually one generous glass. A 375ml half bottle can serve two. Cans may contain more than one serving. Tasting vials are smaller but often more curated. Bottle size affects value, storage, sharing, and how quickly December becomes cheerful.
Order early
Wine Advent calendars often sell out before December. Popular options from In Good Taste, Laithwaites, Aldi, Vinebox, and Total Wine can disappear quickly. The best time to shop is usually October or early November, especially if the calendar needs to be shipped.
Understand alcohol shipping rules
Wine shipping in the United States is complicated. Some states restrict or prohibit direct alcohol delivery, and individual retailers may have their own shipping limitations. Adult signature is generally required for delivery. Before ordering, confirm that the calendar can legally ship to the recipient’s state.
Note: Availability, pricing, shipping rules, and exact wine selections can change by retailer, vintage, state law, and year. Always verify current product details before purchasing.
Wine Advent Calendar Experience: What It’s Really Like
The charm of a wine Advent calendar is not only in the wine. It is in the ritual. After a long December day of gift wrapping, inbox clearing, grocery juggling, and pretending you know where the tape went, opening a tiny numbered door feels oddly luxurious. The moment is small, but it says: congratulations, you survived another holiday errand.
A good wine Advent calendar turns an ordinary evening into a tasting moment. You might open a bright Sauvignon Blanc one night and suddenly decide dinner should involve goat cheese. The next night could bring a velvety Merlot that makes leftover roast chicken feel like it has been promoted. A sparkling rosé may appear on a random Wednesday and convince you that Wednesdays deserve bubbles. Honestly, it makes a strong argument.
One of the best ways to enjoy these calendars is to keep a simple tasting notebook. You do not need to write like a sommelier. “Crisp, lemony, good with shrimp” is useful. So is “too sweet for me” or “buy again immediately.” After 12 or 24 pours, you will start noticing patterns. Maybe you love Portuguese reds. Maybe Pinot Grigio is your reliable weeknight friend. Maybe you thought you disliked rosé but only because you had not met the right one yet. Wine calendars are sneaky like that; they teach while acting festive.
They are also excellent for couples and small gatherings. Instead of opening full bottles, you can taste a mini together, compare reactions, and move on. This is especially fun with blind tasting. Pour the wine without reading the label first, guess the style, then reveal the answer. You will either impress yourself or discover that your “expert palate” confidently identified a Chardonnay as “probably red.” Both outcomes are entertaining.
Food pairings make the experience even better. Keep simple snacks nearby: cheddar, brie, olives, roasted nuts, salami, crackers, dark chocolate, popcorn, or fruit. White wines often shine with seafood, salads, soft cheeses, and poultry. Reds love mushrooms, beef, tomato sauces, and aged cheeses. Rosé is the friendly middle child that gets along with almost everything. Sparkling wine is the miracle worker: salty, fried, creamy, crispyit can handle the chaos.
Wine Advent calendars also make memorable gifts because they last longer than a single bottle. A nice bottle of wine is opened once. A calendar gives the recipient multiple little moments across December. It feels thoughtful, interactive, and slightly indulgent without requiring the giver to know the exact vintage preferences of someone who once said, “I like wine that tastes like vacation.”
The only downside is storage. Mini bottles are cute until your refrigerator becomes a crowded holiday village. For mixed calendars, keep reds in a cool, dark place and chill whites, rosés, and sparkling bottles before serving. If the calendar includes cans or vials, those are easier to tuck into fridge doors or small shelves. Organization is your friend; warm Prosecco is not.
The real magic, though, is discovery. A wine Advent calendar gives permission to try styles you might skip in a store. You are not committing to a full bottle. You are just opening door number nine. That low-pressure format makes wine feel more playful and less intimidating. It is a reminder that tasting should be fun, not a test. If you love the wine, wonderful. If not, you learned somethingand tomorrow has another door.
Final Verdict: Which 2023 Wine Advent Calendar Was Best?
For most shoppers, the In Good Taste Wine Advent Calendar was the best overall choice in 2023 thanks to its 24-day format, attractive packaging, global variety, and generous mini bottles. Laithwaites was the best classic pick for traditional wine lovers, while Vinebox offered the most polished tasting experience. Shoppers looking for value gravitated toward Total Wine and Aldi, while Maker Wine brought fresh energy to the category with premium canned wines.
The best wine Advent calendar depends on the drinker. Choose In Good Taste for balance, Laithwaites for reliable variety, Vinebox for tasting-room elegance, Total Wine for value, Aldi for budget-friendly fun, Maker for modern canned wine, WSJ Wine for global discovery, Vintage Wine Estates for sharing, Give Them Beer Red Wine for red-only fans, and Give Them Beer Sparkling for anyone who believes December should fizz.
In the end, wine Advent calendars are not just about counting down to Christmas. They are about slowing down, sipping something new, and adding a small daily celebration to the busiest month of the year. And if that celebration comes with tasting notes, a cute box, and a glass of Cabernet? That is holiday planning at its finest.