I always wash a quilt as soon as the last stitch of binding is finished, even though I pre-wash all the fabric. I use starch while sewing, and I want to get that out. I also want to see what it looks like after washing. I think washing usually enhances the quilt's appearance. And like Scissor Queen said, I want the recipient to receive the quilt in its "finished and final" state.
Edited to say - but that's what I do. If you don't want to wash your quilt, don't wash it. Explain to the recipient that it will change somewhat in appearance when it is washed, but that is all right.