Christmas hamper with wine: regional wine as a surprise

Why wine from a vineyard just outside Alkmaar works better than an anonymous bottle, and what to add to it.

A bottle of wine in a Christmas hamper is classic. But a bottle of wine actually made in this region is a talking point.

Wijndomein de Koen

In Langedijk, close to Alkmaar, lies Wijndomein de Koen: a vineyard proving that North Holland soil produces seriously good wine. From Langedijk sparkling wine to a fresh first-harvest rosé - wine with a story you can retell.

What to add

• Cheese and crackers.
• Artisan sausage.
• Nuts or olives.
• Chocolate to finish.

Think of those who don't drink alcohol

Always make an alcohol-free version with the same look: seltzer, a speciality lemonade or coffee.

Tip: choose drinkable over prestigious

A bottle that can be opened this year beats one that 'needs a few more years'. For hampers, approachable wines with clear character work best: a sturdy red for the cheese, a fresh white for drinks.

Tip: include one dish with the bottle

• Red wine: a stew recipe or a cheese board.
• White wine: something with fish, or simply a good pairing with the snacks included.
• Sparkling: serving advice is enough - properly cold, in a large glass.

A bottle with a suggestion gets opened sooner than a bottle without.

Tip: always prepare an alcohol-free variant

Alcohol-free wines and fermented drinks have improved enormously. Make sure the alcohol-free variant is packaged just as beautifully and feels just as expensive; otherwise it becomes a second choice anyway.

Tip: mind packaging and transport

Glass plus post is the most common damage combination. Use a cardboard bottle insert, tape the box on two sides and flag glass contents for home delivery. With a single delivery address you can use less packaging.

Tip: watch the storage temperature at the office

Hampers standing next to a radiator for two weeks do wine no favours. Store the boxes cool and dark, and hand them out soon after delivery.

Wine features in several of our larger compositions - browse all boxes or put together a wine hamper via a quote.