Wine Gifts

A vintage wine makes the perfect anniversary gift for decade birthdays, diamond weddings, or long employment service. It is possible to find 40th, 50th, 60th or even older vintages on Wine-Searcher.

Four wine types, known for their ability to age well, are particularly suited to give as anniversary wine gifts: Port, Madeira, Armagnac, and Sauterne.

The links below use Wine-Searcher's database to search for available vintages across 8944 wine retailers. You can find vintages going as far back as the early 1800s.

Port

This fortified wine is made in a number of different styles, however only 'Vintage Port' is dated. Bottled after two years of maturation in oak casks, Vintage Port continues to develop in the bottle. A good vintage port will last (and improve) for 100 years. Correct storage is required however, cellaring at incorrect or fluctuating temperatures can easily ruin a bottle. Once opened, port needs to be drunk within seven days.
See available vintages, in the USA, UK, or World Wide.

Madeira

Like Port, Madeira is a fortified wine with a long history - it was the wine used to toast the signing of the American Declaration of Independence. When Madeira was first shipped to Europe in 1515, shippers found that moving the wine through the equator helped its aging process and improved the wine. Thus Madeira will survive, and some say flourish, with temperature changes that would destroy other types of wines; consequently, it is easy to keep at home for long periods. It can be stored (and will improve) for over 200 years. Once opened though, you should drink it within a month.
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Armagnac

Armagnac, a type of brandy, is distilled from white wine grown in an area just south of Bordeaux, France. It is aged in barrels over many years and, when finally bottled, does not improve (or deteriorate) further. It is available in a wide range of vintages and can be stored anywhere. Once opened, it does not go off.
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Sauterne

Sauterne is an area of Bordeaux that makes sweet white wines. Unlike the previous wine types mentioned, the alcoholic strength of Sauterne is the same as a normal table wine. The previous three wine types keep for long periods due to high alcohol levels, whereas with Sauterne it is the sugar level that allows long term ageing. Once opened, drink the same day. The most famous Sauterne is Chateau d'Yquem which can age and improve over 100 years.
See available vintages, within USA, UK, or World Wide.
See available Yquem vintages, within USA, UK, or World Wide.

In addition to the above wines, there are also the famous red table wines and Champagnes specifically made to last for 20 years or more. Only the best, in the prime vintages, will happily improve past 20 years. There are also many single malt scotch whiskies that age particularly well.

Take expert advice when purchasing such wines or spirits - consult your local fine wine merchant. For suggestions, refer to our list of wine retailers in USA, UK, or World Wide.

As an alternative, there are a number of "celebrity" wines now on the market which may make the perfect gift.