When buying wine as gifts, I like to choose a wine to match a person’s character, interests and hobbies, as I might a gift of a book or an album. Whether it’s for the fashionista, the traditionalist or the artist, we have all of your wine gift-buying covered.

Traditionalists and classicists

2013 Howard Park Porongurup Riesling, $34

This is a stunning expression of the noble variety from the southwest of Western Australia. Fresh, vibrant and zingy with citrus aromas, the palate offers enlivening acid, a fine minerality and a long, harmonious finish.

2010 Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, $70

Margaret River is one of Australia’s premium cabernet sauvignon regions and this wine, which is a benchmark Australian style, proves why. It is perfectly balanced, poised and a very fine wine for the traditional collector.

Creatives and contrarians

2013 Thousand Candles, $110

Made in the Yarra Valley, this wine has caused a stir since its first release in 2011, due to a high price and big reputation. It’s a unique blench of mostly pinot noir and shiraz with a dash of sauvignon blanc. It’s wild and beautiful for those willing to go there.

2013 Moorilla Pinot Noir, $30

Moorilla Winery is part of the MONA arts domain in Hobart, so it is hardly surprising the Moorilla wines come with a heavy design aesthetic. This wine is a beautiful drink-now pinot noir, with lots of up-front light and cheery red-fruit deliciousness.

Naturalist and wild ones

2014 Jauma Blewitt Springs Chenin, $27

James Erskine makes his wines naturally, and this is made in a similar way to vins jaunes (‘yellow wines’) of France’s Jura. He describes it as a “loose cannon”. It’s ideal for drinking now.

2013 Ar Fion Smokestack Lightning Pinot Noir, $30

Ar fion in Scottish Gaelic means ‘our wine’ and is a nod to winemaker Dave Mackintosh’s heritage. It’s pinot noir with an edgy savouriness, made with minimal intervention.

Nomads and adventurers

2012 Pittnaurer Blaufrankisch, Austria, $48

Blaufrankisch (pronounced blouw-frank-ish) is one of Austria’s three indigenous varieties and is also in the medium-bodied red wine style. it’s a very attractive red for the gastronomically adventurous and from somewhere you might not expect.

2013 Le Chat Noir Rosé, France, $17

Made with fruit from the south of France (where else?), this wine is a dreamy to look at as it is to drink. Crafted in the dry and savoury European style of rosé, it’s a perfect summer drop for those with a penchant for other places.

Fashionistas and trend-setters

Bollinger Special Cuvee Non Vintage, $90

Nothing accessorises quite like Champagne. Bollinger is one of Champagne’s most esteemed houses, and this is one of its best.

Prosecco Mascareri, $19

Italian sparkling wine from the Treviso region, which has a rich and refreshing palate that’s perfect for summer.

For more of our top wine picks be sure to check out our favourite red and white wines from around the world.