And despite the wellness boom on Wall Street — and many other corners of the corporate world — alcohol is still a go-to option. None of the survey respondents said they wanted booze for themselves, but Eileen Rizzo, the CEO of Zachys Wine and Liquor, said it’s a popular gift.
Rizzo said that champagne is “always the hero of the holiday season,” but more customers are starting to opt for statement wines, like those that are limited-edition or grace the top of annual best wine lists. People interested in banking and investment are among her most active clients, she added.
“Champagne, Italian, and Bordeaux wines tend to be the most requested categories as they’re classic, universally respected, and easy to tailor to different budgets,” Rizzo said.
Wine Enthusiast named the $179 Mastroberardino 2018 Stilèma Riserva Aglianico as its top wine of 2025, and the $370 Gusbourne 2016 51°N Traditional Method Sparkling Blend took the number-two spot. A bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut champagne usually costs $57.95 on Zachys’ website.
Seventeen survey respondents said they’re giving colleagues alcohol, and Balrup said a nice bottle of wine is always a hot gift in his office’s white elephant exchange, either to drink or regift at one of many holiday parties.
