Sip, Sip, Hooray! The Best Wines to Gift a College Graduate

Sip, Sip, Hooray! The Best Wines to Gift a College Graduate

Looking for the best wine for a graduation gift? Medly has you covered! Whether you’re shopping for a gift or scouring the internet for wine to bring to an upcoming graduation party, this guide is here to help you say “congrats” with a little more personality, and a lot more flavor.

We’re a little biased as a team who makes organic, sugar-free, good-time wine in a pouch, but we think wine makes a pretty great place to start when it comes to graduation gifts. Whether your graduate is the life of the party, a DIY supreme, a CEO-in-training, or something a little in between, here are 4 wine recommendations to say “congrats,” plus a few gift pairing ideas to round things out!

Very important disclaimer: while we’ve matched each wine with a certain graduate vibe, don’t forget to consider what your grad actually likes! 

A Crisp Italian White

Why It’s Gift-Worthy

An Italian white wine is refreshingly calm, impressive yet understated, and easy to love. Whether you gift your graduate a Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, a Vermentino or an Inzolia, you can expect this type of wine to have bright acidity, subtle notes of fruit, and a clean finish that pairs effortlessly with everything from Italian cheeses to sushi.

This One’s For…

The emotionally intelligent overachiever. They’re organized, grounded, and radiate peace until you ruin their carefully curated schedule.

Gift Pairing Ideas

• A Reusable Tote with a Fun Pattern: But not TOO fun!

• A Clean-Smelling Candle: Bonus points if it’s also organic, non-toxic, or plant-based.

• A Ceramic Cup: The wonkier the craftsmanship, the better.

It’s Better in a Pouch: Medly Italian White Wine

Medly Italian White wine isn’t a regular wine— it’s a cool and different wine! Turn a good graduation gift into a great one with a pouch  of our crisp Italian white wine blend, made with Pinot Grigio and Inzolia grapes. Featuring notes of bright tropical fruit, pear, and almond, Medly White Wine is certified 100% organic, sugar-free, low in sulfites, and (in our opinion) even tastier than the bottled stuff.

Check Out Medly White Wine

 

A Dazzling Italian Prosecco

Why It’s Gift-Worthy

Italian prosecco is bubbly and bright, a classic symbol of revelry. With tasty notes of peach, apple, and citrus, this sparkling wine is light, celebratory, and always ready to celebrate. It’s typically a little more sweet and aromatic than champagne, with softer bubbles and a fruit-centered flavor profile that makes it so delicious and drinkable.

This One’s For…

The effortlessly charming social butterfly. They’re the reason the group chat stays alive, and probably the reason you showed up in the first place. Being around them just makes everything feel a little more special.

Gift Pairing Ideas:

• A Drink Koozie for the Pool or Beach: It’s functional AND stylish!

• A Pair of Over-the-Ear Headphones: For when they have to curate the perfect playlist.

• A Set of Coasters: Practical, personality-filled, and a thoughtful touch for wherever they go next.

A Fresh French Rosé

Why It’s Gift-Worthy

French rosé is crisp, dry, and fruit-forward, thriving in the in-between: not quite red, not quite white, and not trying to be anything other than itself. Often made from grape varietals like Syrah, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Sangiovese, Cinsault, Malbec, and more, rosé strikes a balance between crisp acidity with bright fruit flavors. The result? A refreshing, colorful wine that’s perfect for celebrating something, or someone, special.

This One’s For…

The artsy grad who’s effortlessly curious, expressive, and beautifully intense. They definitely have a favorite French art house film director, or a passionate opinion about color symbolism in traditional Japanese Noh theatre. 

Gift Pairing Ideas:

• A Postcard: Don’t be shy, write a nice note on the back!

• An Antique Store Trinket: Pro tip— it should look haunted, but not actually be haunted.

• A Pocket-Sized Sketchbook or Journal: For notes, doodles, and existential musings.

It’s Better in a Pouch: Medly Rosé Wine

Meet your new go-to for good times! Made with Merlot, Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes, Medly’s dry, fruit-forward rosé is crisp and refreshing, with bright notes of strawberry and cranberry. It also happens to be certified 100% organic, sugar free, low in sulfites, and effortlessly tasty!

Check Out Medly Rosé Wine

 

A Smooth French Red

Why It’s Gift-Worthy

Not all French reds are heavy and bold— plenty of varietals are smooth, fruit forward, and effortlessly drinkable. Soft by design, these reds are made with grapes like Malbec and Cinsault, usually gently fermented to bring out their fruit, aroma, and easy-drinking charm. We recommend gifting this kind of red wine to grads who appreciate balance, simplicity, and a good glass at the end of the day. 

This One’s For…

The CEO-in-training who ran group projects as the naturally born leader that they are, in between juggling four internships, presiding over five student orgs, and still managing to post a mildly inspirational LinkedIn update a few times per week.

Gift Pairing Ideas

• A Frame for Their Diploma: A humble start to (or continuation of) their office brag wall.

• A Nice Fountain Pen: NOT the kind you lend out to others.

• Business Card Holder: Even if they don’t have cards yet, you know it’s just a matter of time.

It’s Better in a Pouch: Medly Red Wine

Made with malbec, cabernet sauvignon, grenache, and cinsault grapes, Medly’s rich, smooth French red wine blend brings together notes of currants, red fruits, and soft spices for a bold-yet-approachable kind of beverage. Like all Medly wines, it’s certified 100% organic, sugar free, low in sulfites, and packaged in a very cool and convenient pouch form!

 

Check Out Medly Red Wine

 

Cheers!

Who knew great wine paired so well with thoughtful gift giving? We did! And now, you do too. We hope this guide on which wines to get for a graduation gift has been helpful in your hunt for the perfect present. 

One more tip: still not sure which wine to pick? Consider a Medly Wine Gift Card, which is thoughtful, convenient, and fun!

Check Out Our Gift Cards