Every year about this time people ask me how to choose holiday gifts for wine lovers. First of all, friends who bring me wine are my favorite friends, so you are on the right track if you are wine shopping for the holidays. Don’t be intimidated. Here’s a tip. Stick with classic grapes that most people know and enjoy.
Chances are good that many people on your gift list like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. I went on our NBC affiliate – KGW Portland- to share some examples. Here is a picture of me with host Ashley Korslien. She looks even better in person.
When I learned I was going on air I immediately texted my girlfriend Kristy Pruitt to ask for styling advice. She is a make up artist and owns a salon. She said I only had to be cuter than the other person on screen. Well that flew out the window. I think I look pretty good for getting up at 4:00 a.m. though.
Holiday Gifts for Wine Lovers – Which Wine to Choose
Josh Cellars North Coast California Cabernet Sauvignon – It has a sweet back story. Vintner Joseph Carr named this wine “Josh” after his dad. Josh was bold yet approachable and that is the quality they captured in this bottle. Dark fruit flavors, it is a mouthful, but not overbearing. $20 and you are done with the Cab lovers on your list. *This was Ashley’s favorite.
The Calling Chardonnay from Russian River Valley – Chardonnay is such a “go to” white wine for people. This one is smooth and dreamy with lots of personality. It reminds me of the celebrity who collaborated on this wine, Jim Nantz. You know the sportscaster with the great voice. At $32 it is a little more of a splurge but you are bound to impress someone with this bottle. **This was my favorite.
This was a sponsored segment so we talked about specific wines. But you can find a Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay you like and gift that knowing most people find these grapes appealing.
Holiday Gifts for Wine Lovers – Maybe an Accessory?
There are so many wine accessories nowadays, from fancy openers, to coasters, to decanters. My favorite from this segment was the bottle stoppers from MAKO makobarware.com. I hear that some people have a problem with leftover wine. That doesn’t really happen at my house, but if you or someone you know has this issue, popping one of these in an open bottle will help the wine stay fresh so you can finish it the next day. They are only $4 for 2 so you can pair them with a bottle for a wine themed gift bag.
Okay, here’s the video. Be kind!
For more tips on Holiday Gifts for the Wine Lover see Sparkling Wines for Holiday Gifts.
You live in Oregon and paired California wines,really! We have wonderful wines to right here in Oregon.
Shame on You!
Hi Vicki, Thanks for watching the segment and visiting Tasting Pour. I am glad to hear you are a fan of Oregon wine. I am too! I invite you to look around my website or find my writing in other publications. You will discover I promote Oregon wine A LOT! I also promote wine in general and do not restrict my writing, speaking, or imbibing to any one style, grape, or region.