Etiquettes of Giving Wine As a Gift
There are so many ways, and so many occasions, to give a gift of wine. For anyone 21 years of age or older, wine is a classic, welcome gift that the recipient will gratefully receive. A bottle of wine will never sit on a shelf gathering dust like a knick-knack. Wine is always the right size and color, and it is one of the least gifts likely to be "regifted" ? that is discreetly passed on to another recipient.
Wine Gift Baskets
One of the most popular ways to give wine gifts today is in a wine gift basket, usually consisting of a container with one or two bottles of wine and appetizers, like crackers, bread, and cheese or tapenade spreads. Gift baskets come with one or two bottles of wine, and the food included in the wine gift basket is usually paired to the wine: chocolate with red wine; savory crackers and spreads with Chardonnay, and brie or fruit with Riesling wines or other sweet wines.
Wine of the Month
Another creative and popular way to give a gift of wine is to give the recipient a membership in a wine of the month club. This is such a popular gift because it keeps on giving all year long. Every month, your recipient will receive a new variety of wine selected especially for their household, at a cost to you of just a few hundred dollars. You can specify whether your recipient will receive red wine, white wine, or a combination of both. Your recipient will have an opportunity to reorder any wines they like through the wine of the month club.
Wine Gift Assortments
When one or two bottles of wine are not enough, a gift assortment is another creative way to give the gift of wine. Whether you give two bottles ? one red and one white ? or a dozen bottles that were selected in a wine of the month contest, wine stands on its own as one of the best, most wanted gifts ever.
Red or White
Of course, the simplest wine gift of all is a single bottle of an excellent vintage. Do try the wine you are giving before you give it as a gift to make sure it meets your expectations as to taste and quality.
If there is a story behind the wine you give, be sure to tell the recipient about it. Wine lovers enjoy hearing the tale of seeking out a winery off the beaten path, finding a unique tasting room, and buying excellent wine from an unusual source.
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