Think big: The best magnums for every party this season

There’s some truth to the saying “bigger is better” when it comes to the impressive, larger-than-life glorious magnum. You’ve probably spotted one in the wild – paraded through a nightclub, sparklers blazing, balanced precariously on a tray by a comparatively tiny waitress. It’s the “we’ve made it” bottle arc on every TV show, and immortalised in scripts, raps and pop-culture moments alike. But beyond the bright lights of showbiz, there’s far more to the supersized wine than being a Hollywood prop. These 1.5-litre beauties aren’t just for theatrics, they’re also easy sharers and great quality for the price. 

Holding the equivalent of two standard bottles of wine, cracking open a magnum instantly transforms a regular dinner into a celebration. And with 15 glasses to pour, everyone gets to share in the same vintage. Beyond the wow factor, there’s plenty of good sense in going big. Magnums age more gracefully thanks to their lower air-to-wine ratio, giving a more refined flavour. They also make knockout gifts: do I hear jingle bells? 

If you’re a newbie to the bigger format and looking to make a grand gesture this holiday period, we’ve lined up five of our fave magnums to stock the fridge. From sparkles to shiraz and all things in-between, here’s how to supersize your wine this holiday season.