Gifting ideas for Dad.

Father's Day is right around the corner, and let's be honest, dads are notoriously difficult to shop for. But if your old man loves wine as much as ours, you're in for a treat—because we’ve rounded up ten wine-adjacent gift ideas that are guaranteed to elevate his vino game, from stylish decanters to nifty gadgets. 

So, scrap the “World’s Best Dad” mug this year and gift him something that speaks to his inner sommelier.

1. A stylish new decanter

A decanter is more than just a vessel; it's like a little piece of art that takes wine drinking to the next level. Letting the wine breathe in a decanter helps to bring out all of those killer flavours and aromas while separating the sediment from the liquid. Whether it's a sleek machine-made version or a bougie hand-blown masterpiece from brands like Riedel, a decanter is sure to elevate your old man’s wine ritual, whether he’s a newcomer or a seasoned pro.

2. Professional Wine Opener Sets

A good wine opener is indispensable for any wine lover, but in a world of endless options - what style do you go for? Firstly, focus on quality. Cheap, whimsical corkscrews are a nightmare to work with and can lead to a broken cork, which you don’t want. Whether you opt for a lever-style corkscrew from Le Creuset, a waiter’s corkscrew from Laguiole, or an artistically designed wing corkscrew from Alessi, there are plenty of premium options to choose from.

Of course, if you're feeling bougie, consider an electric wine opener, it’ll help your old man conserve his energy. 

3. Temperature Control Gadgets

Wine temperature is paramount to the tasting experience. Too warm or too cold, and the wine's flavour profile can be significantly altered. Wine fridges, single-bottle chillers, or even a wine thermometer can make excellent gifts. For a more tech-savvy dad, a smart wine thermometer that connects to a smartphone app can ensure his wine is always served at the perfect temperature.

Learn more about the importance of wine and service temperature in our ‘Guide to the Perfect Wine Temperature’ here. 

4. Aerators and Pourers

Everyone who drinks wine can benefit from using a tool as useful as an aerator. Aerators enhance a  wine's flavour by allowing it to mix with air as it's poured, significantly improving the taste of younger wines. Pourers that combine the functions of aeration and drip-free pouring, like those from Vinturi or Georg Jensen, are particularly popular. These gadgets are small yet impactful, making them perfect gift to go alongside dad’s favourite bottle of red.

5. Wine-Tasting and Wine-Aroma Kits

This is a bit of a ‘choose your own adventure’ gift idea. These days you can buy self-guided wine-tasting kits that included wine samples, tasting notes, and regional guides, others include aroma vials to train your nose in identifying different scents in wine. You may even choose to get crafty and create an at-home, wine-tasting experience yourself. They’re fun, educational and can be enjoyed solo or with family and friends.

6. Cheese and Charcuterie Boards

Wine, cheese and charcuterie. What a glorious combination. Elevate your dad’s Friday night or knock-off drinks with a cheese and charcuterie board made from natural wood, resin, slate, or even marble. Pair it with a cheese knife from brands like Laguiole, Georg Jensen, Country Road or Stanley Rogers, and consider wrapping it all up with a little cooler bag filled with a selection of fine cheeses, cured meats, and gourmet accompaniments.

7. Wine Subscriptions and Memberships

Consider an annual subscription to your dad’s favourite winery, or to something wine adjacent like an industry-specific magazine or cheese delivery service. These days most wineries, and online retailers, offer some sort of wine subscription or membership. Platforms like Wine Selectors, Good Pair Days, Halliday or Vinomofo will deliver curated selections of wines based on what you like to drink, while monthly cheese boxes from the likes of Milk the Cow, Smelly Cheese Co and Cheese Therapy act as the perfect complement. These subscriptions typically include tasting notes and pairing suggestions, providing a comprehensive wine-tasting experience from the comfort of your own home. 

Better yet why not sign him up to the Taylors Collector’s Club? There’s an array of tasting packs for dad to enjoy, including Director’s Dozen cases which showcase back vintages of our favourite Clare Valley varieties. Learn more about the Collector’s Club here. 

8. Wine Books and Journals

For the intellectually inclined, a beautifully bound wine book can be a lovely gift. Consider titles such as “The World Atlas of Wine” by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson, “Wine Folly: Magnum Edition” by Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack, or “Intoxicating: Ten Drinks that Shaped Australia” by wine writer Max Allen, all offering deep dives into the world of wine. A wine-tasting journal is another thoughtful gift, allowing your dad to keep a record of all the wines he drinks, particularly those he loved.

Don’t forget to personalise it, too. Instead of writing a card, leave a handwritten message on the inside of the cover.  

9. Glassware Upgrades

Ask any serious wine drinker and they’ll say that quality wine glasses are integral to the tasting experience. Riedel, Plumm, Gabriele-Glas and Zalto are renowned for their glassware, designed to influence the perception of aroma and flavour. While there’s a glass for every varietal these days, consider a set of versatile, all-purpose glasses that can be used across the board. 

10. Wine Experiences

If your father is someone who values experiences over possessions, and wants to deepen his knowledge in wine, consider a tour, course or masterclass. Examples include a wine-tasting masterclass, a short WSET course, a day tour to a nearby wine region, or even a winemaking / wine blending experience. Jump online, you won’t be short on options after a quick search. 

Lastly, if a good quality drop is all he is after, consider wines from our latest Family Flagship Release; The Visionary, The Pioneer and The Legacy. Beyond these wines being a tribute to the ‘founding fathers’ of Taylors Wines, these exceptional wines are all gift packed and ready to share with dad on his special day. Plus, we’ve got our Father’s Day promotion running! Spend $100 or more on any Taylors Wines in August and receive as a bonus gift: A pair of collector’s edition Taylors wine socks! (limited to 1 bonus pair of socks per order and only available while socks last).