Meet our Resident Wino! She has worked in the Wine Industry for years and has lots of great tips on how to look like a wine connoisseur even if the only alcoholic beverage you actually enjoy is a white zin or frozen margarita:)
Don't worry Ladies, she doesnt judge, she totally sees me put ice cubes in a glass of red and resists the urge to laugh.
So feel free to ask any questions to our Auntie Vino!!!
Hi TCOT readers,
It’s Christmas crunch time! With less than a week to go, stopping in the mall to finish up my shopping sounds about as appealing as paying expedited shipping to get internet items ordered in time for Christmas delivery. This is actually only a small factor in my decision that all the “Over 21s” on my shopping list will be receiving my favorite gift to give (and receive) – a little vino!
There are plenty of perks to giving wine for a holiday gift:
- Wine is a great host/hostess gift to bring to whoever is welcoming you over for the holidays.
- Outside of people who do not drink at all, just about everyone can appreciate a bottle of wine whether to take the edge off of holiday stress or a great meal pairing.
- December tends to have the best deals on wine – lower pricing combined with in store multi bottle purchase deals (ie, buy 6 bottle, save 10%) means you can buy better wines at an even better deal.
However, when choosing a wine for someone else, it can also be challenging. There are SO many wines to choose from and unless you know what your gift recipient’s favorite is, wine departments and wine shops can be intimidating. Here are a few tips to make giving the gift of wine is more fun than battling mall crowds:
1. Choose your own favorite!This is my plan for this Christmas. I’ve tried a number of new wines this year both through work and through complimentary wine tastings. My own favorite this year is Erath Oregon Pinot Noir. I love all Pinot Noir but Oregon is certainly my top location for choosing one and Erath makes, in my opinion, the best for your buck. It is right in my gifting price range ($20+) and once I made the decision to buy a full case, I saved another 10%. Plus, if I have any bottles left over, I know they won’t go to waste!
Feel like upgrading? Most brands have a higher end of the wines you already love. Since I set my brand at Erath, I might purchase a Willamette Valley (pronounced Will-Am-It) or single vineyard. They also make a Pinot Gris for my friends who prefer white wine. This is not unique to Erath – check out your own favorite brand and see what else they’re making!
Feel like upgrading? Most brands have a higher end of the wines you already love. Since I set my brand at Erath, I might purchase a Willamette Valley (pronounced Will-Am-It) or single vineyard. They also make a Pinot Gris for my friends who prefer white wine. This is not unique to Erath – check out your own favorite brand and see what else they’re making!
2. Go classic or historicThere is nothing wrong buying well-known wines – especially historically famous wines! They’re sticking around for a reason. When I am giving a really special gift, I like to go for a wine people have heard of but have not necessarily had the opportunity to try. I love to see the look on a friend’s face when I hand them a bottle of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars – a pretty famous winery out of Napa known for beating the pants off the French in 1976 with their Cabernet Sauvignon! Although still best known for their Cabernet, they’re also making 2 Chardonnays, a Merlot and a Sauvignon Blanc.
Not into California wines? Check out Italy where there are wineries older than our country! This is a great option for to friend who loves to cook with wine. Keep an eye out for wines like Villa Antinori – a red blend made specifically to pair well with many different foods.
Feel like upgrading? Upgrading with Stag’s Leap can get pricey but for a real wine enthusiast or an extra special gift ask your local wine shop for more information on what wines they carry. Italian wines are fun to upgrade, too, check out Brunello, Borolo, or any other specialty grapes coming only out of Italy.
Not into California wines? Check out Italy where there are wineries older than our country! This is a great option for to friend who loves to cook with wine. Keep an eye out for wines like Villa Antinori – a red blend made specifically to pair well with many different foods.
Feel like upgrading? Upgrading with Stag’s Leap can get pricey but for a real wine enthusiast or an extra special gift ask your local wine shop for more information on what wines they carry. Italian wines are fun to upgrade, too, check out Brunello, Borolo, or any other specialty grapes coming only out of Italy.
3. Check out the listsEvery year a number of publications release a “Top 100” or something similar. Some people consider these lists a bit “pretentious” but I love reflecting on them when choosing a gift. If you have a friend who might go back and Google the wines you buy them these lists are an easy guide. Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, and Wine & Spirits all release these types of lists and you can find them by picking up the magazine or getting on their websites.
Final Tips- Don’t be intimidated! Ask questions to the people who work in the store, ask friends what kind of wine they like, ask me questions rights here and I will do my best to get back to you right away.
- Trust your instinct: These gifts should be authentic to you – the giver. When your friends and family open these bottles, they’ll be thinking of you.
- Don’t overly focus on price. There are great wines at all different price. If you find yourself spending less than intended, pick up some wine accessories like bottle openers, decanters, or aerators to go with it. If you keep finding items a bit higher than intended, wine shops have employees who can recommend something similar with a lower price.
- Trust your instinct: These gifts should be authentic to you – the giver. When your friends and family open these bottles, they’ll be thinking of you.
- Don’t overly focus on price. There are great wines at all different price. If you find yourself spending less than intended, pick up some wine accessories like bottle openers, decanters, or aerators to go with it. If you keep finding items a bit higher than intended, wine shops have employees who can recommend something similar with a lower price.
#1 Tip: Have fun! Wine is about celebrating and connecting with the people around you. What better time than the holidays!?
Cheers!
Thank you to our Resident Wino; Auntie Vino for the tips!
For those of you who happen to overindulge this Holiday season, please refer to this article http://www.ehow.com/how_4510675_cure-hangover-from-wine.html (heehee)
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