05 Jun Giving a Wine Gift
Giving wine as a gift can be a tricky matter as there are many things that need to be considered. The primary and initial thing to keep in mind is that you are giving alcohol. The very first thing you should do is ensure that the bottle will be welcome; not all households drink alcohol. While the thought may be nice, the gift may not necessarily be welcome and you may be better off with a box of chocolates.
If it is decided that the gift of wine will be welcome, the next step is to decide on purchase itself.
Do you know the person and what they commonly drink? Do you know their tastes and what style suits them best?
If you do not know the taste preference of the intended recipient then it best to stick with the key grape varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay orShiraz. Avoid some of the more off-beat varieties such as Carmenere, unless you know there is a preference. The exception to this rule is if you are giving a gift to a true wine geek (like me) who would most definitely enjoy the most unique and interesting wine you can find!
When making your selection at the store avoid the mass produced brands that are commonly on sale, as that not only makes you look cheap, it also looks like you put minimal thought into the gift. An exception would be for promotional or holiday packaging that can be unique or different. If you are having difficulty finding a variety or brand then talk to the wine store and ask for suggestions.
Once you have chosen the bottle, the next step is the packaging. There are many unique bottle bags available in paper or cloth that can make a quick and attractive display for the gift; they also make carrying the bottle easier for both you and the recipient. They are essential if you are giving the gift while out to dinner since not all restaurants allow outside bottles.
Overall the gift of wine is a fantastic and easy idea. It is an elegant, simple and versatile gift that covers most occasions. Cheers!