As the holiday season arrives, many families turn to Advent calendars to count down the days until Christmas, opening a small door each morning for a surprise. This tradition, rooted in 19th-century Europe, has expanded beyond chocolates to include wine.
Wine lovers now enjoy a miniature version of the ritual, with 187 ml bottles that fit comfortably in a glass. The format offers a daily tasting without overwhelming the palate, allowing diners to match reds with hearty meals and whites with lighter fare.
For nearly a decade, The Australian Wine Club has curated an Advent calendar that brings together selections from boutique producers worldwide. The annual case presents 24 wines, each chosen to showcase regional character while keeping the price at a modest $165 for the full set.
A global tasting in 24 days
The calendar’s lineup spans Australia, Argentina, France, Spain, Germany, South Africa, Portugal, New Zealand and Italy. Eleven reds, eleven whites, a rosé from the Côtes de Provence, and a full-size bottle of Italian prosecco complete the collection.
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Several of the bottles are exclusive to club members, sourced from small-batch vineyards that rarely appear on supermarket shelves. Among the reds, a deep-red French blend was previously described as “the red you would drink at your local bar if you lived in the south of France”. A grenache-rich blend from 50-year-old vines offers concentrated flavor, while a crisp sauvignon blanc from the same region crackles with citrus notes.
What’s inside the case
Germany contributes a bone-dry Riesling that balances green apple acidity with mineral undertones, while Portugal offers an old-vine aragonez blend combined with Syrah and Cabernet. For meat-centric evenings, an Argentine Malbec delivers bold, velvety depth, and the Australian portion includes a rich Shiraz alongside two luscious Chardonnay, reflecting the club’s domestic roots.
In the middle of the lineup, a rosé from southern France provides a subtle fruitiness that pairs well with poached salmon, and the calendar’s final door reveals a 750 ml bottle of the club’s bestselling Italian prosecco, noted for its apple and lemon flavors.
Historical roots of the Advent calendar
The practice began in early nineteenth-century Germany, where families marked each day with a candle or simple drawing. Its purpose was to celebrate the religious meaning of the season while offering a small daily joy during cold winter months. After the turmoil of the second world war, the custom spread beyond its Lutheran origins and found a new home across the Atlantic.
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In the United States, the post-war era saw the emergence of chocolate-filled calendars, turning the daily opening into a sugary surprise. Over time, manufacturers applied the same principle to a range of themes, from toys to cosmetics. Only in recent years did the concept evolve to include miniature wine bottles, offering an adult-focused alternative to the sugary versions.
How the wine calendar fits the tradition
Among the 23 small bottles, many come from boutique vineyards that rarely appear in mainstream retail. Several of these are produced exclusively for members, ensuring that each door reveals something not easily found elsewhere. Long-time subscribers often recognize familiar labels, turning the calendar into a curated “greatest hits” experience.
While the full-size celebratory bottle caps the collection, the daily piccolo pours provide a manageable portion for tasting. This size fits comfortably in a standard glass, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy a new wine each morning without excess. The format also encourages exploration of regions that might otherwise remain unfamiliar.
