Holiday Gift Choices for the Cork-minded 

By Nellie Day
 
There are a million different reasons to give gifts this time of year: to say thank you to a loyal client, to express your gratitude for a party invitation or to fill your secret Santa stocking. As the holiday season seems to start earlier and earlier every year, the number of dinners, holiday parties, after-work get-togethers and present exchanges just keeps growing.

Though these occasions can be fun, they can also be stressful as etiquette and the all-around desire to offer others something that will truly please dictates that one gift may not fit all. This is not true, however. There is one gift that is appropriate for almost every need and occasion.

Almost 6,500 years after the ancient Greeks gave it to the Egyptians, wine is still a primo gift. But with so many choices and so little time, how is the average person supposed to sort through all the varietals to pick a bottle that will please all the people he or she will encounter during the holiday season?

As daunting a question as this may be, the answer is not as difficult to reach as you may think. The first thing to do is think of your favorite well-known varietals. This is done to eliminate any tertiary wines that may be tasty to the seasoned enthusiast but may intimidate the average party guest. An easy way to do this is to think about where you dine often and what kind of wine that restaurant serves as its “house” wine. Typically Merlot, Cabernet, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio are popular house wines.

After establishing a few favorites you’ll want to choose brands that are more on the fruity side than the acid side. If you’re unfamiliar with how to distinguish between the two a wine wheel may be helpful, or you can simply ask a clerk to suggest a few fruity labels.
Another thing to think about when choosing the perfect wine is whether or not the person receiving the gift will be serving or enjoying the wine with food. Though it may be difficult to guess what the main dish of any party may be, establishing what will be served as appetizers and desserts can be made even easier by bringing a small dish that will complement your wine. Merlot is sure to be enjoyed if you also provide some salami, cheese and crackers. And a Port will not go to waste if it is handed over in a gift basket containing quality dark chocolate.

Being that it is the holiday season, Champagne and sparkling wines are also appropriate, popular and convenient choices. They are beverages that are often associated with celebratory times, need very little introduction and are not necessarily paired with food. Though prices can range from a few dollars to a few thousand, a good champagne or sparkling wine does not need to cost an arm and a leg.
No matter what kind of party or gift-giving occasion, presenting someone with one of your favorite wines can be a very thoughtful, well-appreciated gesture. Just get a feel for your audience and have some fun—after all, that’s what wine is all about.
 
Nellie is a food and beverage writer in Hermosa Beach, California. She’s recently discovered a fondness for Cabernet, and is in the midst of creating the wine list for her wedding.
 
E-mail Nellie at nellie.day(at)gmail.com