Christmas is almost upon us and I hope that not everyone is as disorganised as me; I think this may be the first year that I have got to December without a solitary gift purchased. Ah well, never mind.

If you are still scratching around for inspiration — and you have a wine-lover on your list — then let me see if I can help with some ideas.

For as long as I have been interested in wine I have been a member of The Wine Society (www.thewinesociety.com); the longest-standing wine-drinkers’ co-operative in the world.

Founded in 1874, it is owned solely by its members, sells only to them and exists purely for their benefit.

The wine list extends to some 1,500 bins and you get invited to a range of wine tastings and dinners throughout the year.

There is a £40 joining fee but after that there is no annual subscription and you can buy as little or as much as you want.

Most importantly of all, they offer a top-quality selection of wines from all over the world and I have rarely been disappointed with anything I have bought.

There is also a £20 discount on the first order to anyone that joins before the end of December.

Closer to home, you might want to consider a voucher to one of The Oxford Times Wine Club Dinners that are held during the year.

The programme in 2009 included top-growth Bordeaux wines, a profile of one of Chile’s leading estates and a fabulously fun Portuguese evening. The whole idea is to share a little knowledge, drink great wines, eat lovely food and have a great time, and given that every dinner has been a sell-out, we think we have got the package right.

If you would like to buy a voucher for any of the 2010 events, please contact Theo Sloot at The Oxford Wine Company at theo@oxfordwine.co.uk or on 01865 301144.

A good book is one of the best Christmas presents of all and there will not be many wine-lovers who would not thank you for a copy of Colin Fraser’s Working with Bacchus (£14.99) which is a wonderfully entertaining and heartfelt tale of a Scot in Italy who is inspired to make wine in Italy. It is not a new book but I only read it this year and loved it.

Glasses are — almost — as important as the wine itself and regular readers will know how much I dislike gimmicky glassware; simple and elegant is the key.

British glassware manufacturer, Dartington (www.dartington.co.uk) have some very beautiful, well-priced glasses that I would be thrilled to receive.

The Special Reserve range, from the best lead crystal, is quite pricey — you’re looking at about £35 per glass — but wonderful to drink wine from. For less than £30 you can buy a pack of four Wine Debut glasses which are fantastic for everyday use.

Of course, you could just buy a single, lovely bottle of wine.

It is amazing how often people like me get the gadgets to help open bottles but very rarely the wine itself. Pity really because that is every oenophile’s favourite present — always.

Click here for The Oxford Times Wine Club offers.