Some people think that presenting a bottle without gift box may give the impression of carelessness and lack of attention, other people think that in informal contexts, simplicity is quite acceptable so gift wrapping is not necessary.

In this article we take a closer look at this issue, analysing what wine etiquette suggests and what the exceptions are.

Should wine to be given as a gift always be placed in a wine gift box?

We answer immediately:

According to the Wine Etiquette, it is not mandatory that the wine to be given as a gift be placed in a gift box. However, it is recommended.

In short, wine etiquette does not impose it, but suggests the use of gift box when deciding to give wine as a present. The use of gift box is recommended for three reasons:

● MORE ELEGANT PRESENTATION

One or more bottles placed in a gift box are visually and aesthetically more elegant. They convey an idea of greater sophistication.

● EXALTING THE GESTURE

Well-cared-for gift box adds value to the gesture, communicating care and sensitivity. It is not just a bottle, but a thoughtful, carefully chosen gift.

● PRACTICALITY

Gift box has more than just an aesthetic function. Gift box preserves the integrity of the bottle, protecting it from shocks or accidents that may occur while being transported.

When to put wine as a gift in a gift box?

We have seen that, as a general rule, wine etiquette recommends putting bottles of wine to be given as gifts in a gift box.

There are, however, special situations in which you should always put the wine in a wine gift box. In particular, gift box should be used when the wine is sent to the recipient's home. In this case, the gift box has aesthetic and, as we have seen, practical and protective functions. We add that gift box allows the recipient to immediately realise that it is a gift.

Furthermore, there are other situations in which it is definitely recommended to put the wine to be given as a gift in a gift box:

● corporate gifts

● special occasions (birthdays, graduations, promotions ...).

● rare and valuable bottles (many of these bottles are already packaged by the producer in boxes or fine wooden cases, precisely to emphasise their value and because they are particularly suitable as gifts).

The best gift boxes in which to place bottles of wine as gifts are:

● wooden gift boxes, because they are more valuable and safer.

● cardboard gift boxes.

When is it acceptable NOT to put wine as a gift in a gift box?

There are also occasions when it is acceptable not to use a gift box to put the bottles in.

When you give wine as a gift to friends or relatives, not for special occasions. Imagine that you want to give a bottle of wine to a friend simply to let them try it, not to celebrate important milestones. In this case, you might not even use the gift box. But be careful, the delivery must be made in person. If you send the wine, as we have written before, you must put it in the gift box.

We conclude by giving you a piece of advice from our long experience in the wine business: always include the gift box! ; )