The Bakersfield Voice

All > Columns > Wine
Ask a wine-know: Christmas gifts for wine lovers
Topics:
Posted by Mon Dec 15, 2008 16:50:04 PST
Viewed 513 times
0 responses 1 comment

There I was, on a coolish late November morning, reading my paper with that first wonderful cup of really good coffee, and the phone rings.

“Are you up? I’m ready to go shopping and I need some ideas about wine gifts ...” I get that question a lot this time of year, needless to say. I've written some columns in years' past on that subject. Don't tell me you didn't save them. But, for you first-timers with a wine lover or two on your Christmas list, here are my suggestions:

1. A good bottle of wine. Yeah, but what's a good bottle you say? Find out what he or she likes. Put on your sleuthing shoes and ask around. What they like is what determines what's good. Cabernet, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel. Some one close to them will know what wine they prefer. Find out and then ask for help at a good wine shop with a large selection. There will be someone at that store who is really familiar with all the selections. Ask for that person, and then ask for their opinions, being sure to specify the dollar amount you wish to spend. Hint: the best "bang for the buck" is in Zinfandel these days.

                                  
2. Glasses. If they don't already own Riedel wine glasses, buy one or two or what your budget will allow. You will be doing any wine lover a favor either by adding to their own collection, or if they haven't discovered what a difference in taste the right glass makes, they'll thank you forever!

3. Wine paraphernalia. Wine becomes a hobby to all new wine lovers and there's a whole world out there catering to you and those on your gift lists. Games, books, aprons, hats, T-shirts (all winos should have wine-colored shirts so the spills don't show), figurines, glass holders, coasters, linens, napkins, and corkscrews, corkscrews, and more corkscrews. A wino cannot be far from an opener. They need one in every purse and glove compartment, as well as in several rooms in the house. And speaking of wine implements...

4.A basket outfitted with necessities. This is perfect for a picnic or brunch outdoors is a splendid gift too. Wine shops and winery tasting rooms are filled with all kinds of good ideas for your relative, friend or spouse.

5. Food. Wine enthusiasts are foodies, first class!  Cheese, cheese and more cheese. Special cheeses. Trader Joe’s, Luigi’s, Gourmet Shoppe — check all the delis at your favorite grocery. Also look for cheese boards and cheese knives, they make great gifts for wine lovers. Another food with a special affinity for wine is nuts. Patronize local business, buy My Husband’s Nuts. Also here’s your chance to purchase caviar. Tell me you always secretly wanted to try it — no kidding, it really goes fabulously well with champagne. Ahhh. Additionally, there are lots of gourmet foods and food baskets you can purchase and send by mail.

6. Wine magazines. There are several noted monthly magazines all about wine. Pause by a magazine rack and thumb through a few. About $50 a year will buy a subscription for 18 issues of Wine Spectator, or half that will get you Food and Wine or Wine and Spirits. It’s fun to keep up with the world of wine if you're an aficionado.

7. Wine storage assistance. If your spouse, special friend or relative is serious about wine — or becoming so — they will really appreciate help with the storage issues. The bottom of the closet floor is getting crowded! Wine needs to be kept away from light and heat. A cool place where it can lie on its side is also required. No walls adjacent to constant movement like washing machines, etc. Quiet please. Check out wine racks, small refrigerated cellars (Target had a nice one for about $150), or look at the ads in the back of wine mags for the big cellars if you're buying that special gift for that special person.

8. Gifts you make, or make happen. I call these “Gifts From The Heart.” A tasting party, a winery tour, a pair of tickets to an upcoming event held by the Bakersfield Friends of Wine or the Bakersfield Wine Society, a catered affair at home, one of the wine events at a local country club, or prepare the perfect wine dinner yourself. You can also do the research and prepare a wine shopping list of the best buys available in Bakersfield this winter and spring. You can do any of these things. I'll help.

Send to a Friend

Report a Violation

Comment From: asp3

I enjoyed your article, but I would put wine books into a class by themselves rather than lumping them in with wine parephenalia. When picking a wine book for someone I'd follow the same advice given about wines. Find out what they like and go from there. If the person you're buying for is a relative new comer to wines, buying some introductory books about wines in general or wine regions would probably do well. If they're someone who has been interested in wine for a while purchasing a more specialized book would probably be a good idea. Some of my favorite wine books have been the following: Judgment of Paris: California vs. France and the Historic 1976 Paris Tasting That Revolutionized Wine by George M. Taber (2006) Zin: The History And Mystery Of Zinfandel by David Darlington (2001) There was also a book by the wine writer for Gourmet magazine with a collection of his articles. I'm afraid I forget the author and the title, but it was a wonderful book.