If you are looking for a wine gift, consider this your field guide. Here are some ideas to help you along the way.
Remember, this is about fun, no pressure.
The main reason many people don’t linger over choosing a bottle of wine is that they feel entirely out of their element in a liquor store or wine shop. They may be intimidated by labels that look like hieroglyphics and influenced by snooty-sounding terms such as “nose.” If you’re buying for someone else rather than yourself, even more pressure gets piled on because now there’s an actual person attached to the gift!
But it doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming at all if you follow these simple steps:
If the thought of spending more than $20 gives you heart palpitations, stop right there and go to step two. Sure, even a bottle at the bottom end of the maker’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is likely to taste better than your typical plonk — but it also won’t break the bank if it doesn’t work out.
Maybe this person likes red wine with steak or white wine with seafood; maybe he favors chardonnays and pinot grigios or zinfandels and cabs. Whatever their preferences, try to zero in on one aspect of what they like when pairing food with wine so you’ll have an easier time finding something that fits the bill.
This is a big one because if you choose a bottle that’s similar to what the person already drinks, your gift will be a success once it reaches its mark — and it won’t sit around gathering dust on a shelf somewhere.
Ask them straight-up how they feel about malbecs or zinfandels or pinot grigios before you head out shopping. If you don’t know them all that well but see lots of wines in their kitchen from this particular winery, there’s a good chance they’ll enjoy more from the same maker.
You can do this by checking ratings online at places, scanning restaurant wine lists for their favorites, or even checking out their social media profiles to see if they brag about trips to vineyards where you can make a personalized purchase.
Here’s how to think like a connoisseur: don’t look at the type of grape on the front — instead, pay attention to what’s inside and taste it first! Even within a category — say, pinot grigios — there are big differences in flavor that depend as much on nuanced winemaking as they do on grapes and terroir (the way the grapes were grown and where they came from).
If you’re not sure if the person is a wine snob (or how to tell), play it safe by getting one of your favorites. Even if it’s an everyday bottle, chances are the recipient will appreciate the gesture because you thought enough about them to make sure they would enjoy it.
Have fun with it! Make your way through different stores until you find something that strikes your fancy. If buying online, look into retailers’ return policies in case the person likes white wines but hates reds or vice versa; maybe there’s a store in town where you can exchange gifts without paperwork, so when in doubt, consider that option.
Chances are, if somebody is a wine snob, they won’t be impressed by your ability to impress them with the perfect bottle because they’ve already got it covered. The real secret sauce of buying a great gift is knowing what makes that person tick and how you can address that inner desire.
Maybe this person has been talking about visiting a vineyard in Italy or Portugal and seeing where their favorite wine comes from — now’s the chance to make it happen! Some wineries offer tours for small groups who pre-purchase bottles as souvenirs or as an extra treat while sipping on at the winery shop.
If you want to go the extra mile, get something from their favorite region. Maybe there’s a little wood-burning stove at the winery where they can take a seat and toast with friends or family — bonus points for having a photo op that would make a perfect gift!
If all else fails, think about going big with a gorgeous decanter or personalized wine glasses etched just for them. Even if they don’t have an extensive glassware collection, chances are they’ll use these items regularly because nothing gets the party started like sharing a bottle of bubbly with good company.
Buying a bottle of wine can be intimidating if you don’t know much about the beverage, so it’s important to do your research before heading out shopping. Knowing what kind of wine the person prefers will ensure they enjoy your gift and take into consideration details such as their favorite regions that might inspire an exciting trip or purchase along with your thoughtful present.
Remember that even if you’re not sure about the type of wine being served at this year’s holiday party, just because somebody is certified in enology doesn’t mean they all have great taste — everybody has different preferences when it comes to what goes best with their meal!
