I enjoy savoring a glass of wine at the end of a long day. It’s a nice way to unwind and transition from work mode to my own time, usually while watching an episode (or three) of The Real Housewives.
Since it’s more of an occasional ritual, I’m not always well-stocked. And I’m definitely guilty of opening a new bottle of pinot noir — my favorite — having a glass or two, and then forgetting about it until I’m cleaning out the liquor cabinet months later. So, when I had the chance to test a wine advent calendar, I was thrilled. It gave me a chance to step outside my comfort zone and sample a variety of wines without the guilt of wasting a full bottle.
Total Wine’s Wine Adventure Advent Calendar is the ultimate holiday treat for yourself — and a great gift for loved ones. Inside, you’ll find 24 mini bottles of red, white, and rosé, each tucked neatly behind a perforated cardboard door. Just press lightly to reveal a 6.3-ounce unbreakable bottle — a generous single serving or enough for you and your partner to sample — with a screw top, allowing you to twist and pour right away.
If you’re thinking of snagging one for yourself or gifting it to a fellow wine lover, act fast. This Total Wine favorite sells out every year, and at $80, or roughly $3 per bottle, it’s easy to see why. I’m buying one for all of my friends this year.
Total Wine’s Wine Adventure Advent Calendar
Total Wine
The box looks like something Santa Claus might have made himself. Its festive red and green design put me in the Christmas spirit, even though it’s only mid-October. Each circular cutout reveals the date but hides what’s inside, making every pour a fun surprise. My favorite part was discovering wines I wouldn’t normally reach for — like the Grand Sud chardonnay — and realizing I loved them.
The calendar includes wines from around the world, with bottles from France, Chile, South Africa, Spain, and Germany. Many, including my favorite of the bunch, the Cavalys cabernet sauvignon, have QR codes you can scan to learn more about tasting notes, as well as order the full-size version on Total Wine’s website. It’s packed with recognizable brands, like Magic Box, that the store also sells in larger bottles — making it a great value and a fun way to discover new favorites or share with friends all season long.
People
I’m not the only one who loves the wine advent calendar. One person said it is a “great gift,” adding that it is high quality and they plan to buy “multiple” to give out this season. Another shopper noted that it is a fun way to kick off the holidays, sharing that they received this as a gift last year and loved it so much they bought it for themselves and a few friends in September.
This is truly a gift that keeps on giving, and with 24 bottles, there’s plenty to go around. Snag yours before it sells out, or consider other gift sets from Total Wine. Prices start at $31.
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