Giving the Gift of Wine

As with any other gift you should start with the basics in gift giving. Here are some helpful tips that will make buying wine as a gift easier.

Know the Recipient

First of all make sure they drink alcohol. If this is someone that you are friends with, scope out what they already have or what they frequently drink. Pay attention to their tastes. If you go to their home check out what types of wines they have already. If your recipient is someone with whom you are not familiar, try to learn as much as you can about them to help in the selection of the wine.

If you know what type of wine they enjoy then look for something different in the same varietal. Look for a fun and different bottle, bottles with weird names, shapes or colors. Also a wine from a different country, or a rare or vintage wine of their favorite is sure to be a hit.

If you have no idea what they like, Champagne (or Sparkling Wine) is an excellent option. Champagne is frequently overlooked but it is a fun cork popping wine that is also a great food wine.

Set a limit on how much you want to spend on the wine gift. When you walk in the wine shop you will see a large price range and by doing your research you won’t have to break the bank for a good bottle of wine.

There are several different locations to begin your search for the perfect wine gift.

• local wine shops
• grocery stores
• liquor stores
• online retailers

Besides getting wine you can include other "wine" gifts like a wine journal, wine stopper, wine charms, cheese/crackers, wine glasses, cork screw, wine rack, wine decanter, wine refrigerator, wine sign. If your gift recipient does not know much about wines including a guide to tasting wines would make a nice addition to your wine gift.

There are recommendations on what types of wines go best with what types of foods. Generally, white wines go best with lighter flavored food, while reds go best with heartier meals. However, these are just recommendations, it is really up to someone’s palate and what they like. If you are giving wine as a hostess gift for a dinner party keep in mind the menu being served, and if you are not sure about the menu just give the hostess a call.

Wines are rated and you will see these ratings in many restaurant wine list and on wine websites. Keep in mind that this is very subjective as everyone’s palate is different.

Wine Spectator, a highly regarded wine magazine and website rates wines on a 100 point system.

95 – 100 highest rating, considered “classic” wines

90 – 94 outstanding wines

85 – 89 very good wines

80 – 84 good wines

70 – 79 average wines

60 – 69 below average wines

50 – 59 undrinkable wines

For more on wine ratings visit Wine Spectator.

Ask the wine shop personnel. People in wine shops have experience, take advantage their knowledge! Talk to bartenders at your favorite restaurants they are generally very knowledgeable about selecting wines.

When giving wine, you should not just hand over the bottle. Make sure that you choose creative wrapping that will express the care that you put into choosing the wine.

Creative Ways to Give Wine Gifts

• Wrap in decorative wine sleeves.
• Create your own Wine Gift Basket with gourmet chesses, wine accessories, and chocolates.
• Give them the a gift that keeps on giving with a Wine of the Month gift.
• Give them a memorable gift by treating them to a wine experience gift.

Tips on Personalizing Your Wine Gift

• Consider countries that the gift recipient has traveled and choose a wine from that country.
• For a special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays, choose a vintage wine gift from the year the couple was married or the year the recipient was born.
• If you are looking for a high-end wine gift then choose a collectible wines.
• Make custom wine bottle labels.