Top Ten Gift Ideas for the Wine Enthusiast

Shopping for a wine enthusiast is easy as there are so many ideas for gifts. This article includes gifts that are pricey but also includes more resonable gift ideas.

1. Wine Gift Basket: A gift basket makes a delightful gift for the wine lover as it can be personalized according to the taste of the recipient. For example, A Taste of California offers a Tour of Italy gift basket that treats dinner guests to a taste of Venice. It includes a choice of wine either the Torciano Cabemet, a Cabemet Sauvignon with overtones of raspberry, or Pasqua Pinot Grigio which is a light wine. With the wine comes Tomato Paste, Venus Italian garlic and sesame breadsticks, Italian cookies, Colavita Italian pasta and marina Sauce. Everything you need for an Italian dinner party for a price of $119.00.

Another selection from the same company offers a chance to sample wines form around the world. You receive 6 imported wines: a Pinot Noir from Chile, Malbec from Argentina, Sauvignon Blanc form Napa, Vernaccia from Tuscany, Chardonnay form Australia, and Chateau de Camarsac from France. It comes in a wood box with an etched vineyard pattern on the lid. The price is $179.00.

2. Wine: Obviously, the wine aficionado will appreciate a chance to sample new wines. You can purchase from your local wine shop or a winery. The staff at each will be happy to educate you on the best wines to try and offer a wide range of prices.

3. Glasses and Decanters: Riedel decanters are exquisitely madeand enhance the wine drinking experience. The new Mezzo line (which means "half", in Italian) help preserve the unfinished portion of the bottle, extending the life of the wine. Various shapes are available including the traditional as well as one shaped like a duck. The price is $179.95. Another choice is handmade crystal; the highest performing glassware for wine is another great selection for the wine lover. Each glass in the Sommeliers series gives full expression to specific wines and spirits. The cost for a set of glasses is $259.95.

4. Picnic Insulated Carrying Case: A carrying case is a wonderful innovation and will be treasured by the wine lover. The interior is insulated with a storage selection to hold the wine and cheese. Each case includes two plates, 2 wine glasses, 2 knives, forks, spoons, 2 napkins, 1 cheese knife, 1 hardwood cutting board, 1 stainless steel corkscrew, 1 ornate bottle stopper, and 1 tablecloth. The picnic carrying case sells for $119.00 and is available for A Taste of California.

5. Accessories: Bar accessories are a must for the wine lover. Many accessories are very reasonably priced and make great stoking stuffers as well. The Twister Corkscrew set includes the corkscrew, 2 stoppers, and a wine saver for only $24.95. A rabbit corkscrew set is available for $44.95. Glass naming tags are a trendy gift. These delightful tags indicate "the wine is mine" and are founding holiday designs such as snow, wreaths, candy canes. Also available are tag designs that can be utilized all year such as a bottle, wine glass, a bunch of grapes. Another stocking stuffer idea is a deck of wine related playng cards which sell for $7.95.

6. Wine Tasting Tour or Party: This is a wonderful gift idea for the wine enthusiast. For those lucky enough to live in wine country, a tasting tour can be arranged for your wine lover and friends to sample the various wines form the local wineries. In the US, some wine areas include the great Lakes Region in PA and NY, California, and the Finger Lakes region in NY.

7. Engraved Wine Stoppers: A good wine is known by its bouquet and a good stopper by its style. A stainless steel stopper may be engraved as a keepsake gift. At the Blue Olive Gift website, you may purchase an engraved stopper for $21.95.

8. Steel Sculpture Wine Caddies: A wine caddy designed by Guenter Scholz makes a truly unique gift for your wine enthusiast. These are functional works of art and are sold not only in gift shops but art galleries. Various sculptures are available such as: Bride and groom, Golfer, waiter, doctor, executive, and fisherman. This item is available on line for $69.99.

9. Books: The wine enthusiast always desires to learn about the wines of the world. A great book on wine makes a wonderful gift or stocking stuffer. You can find books on French wines, Bordeaux, Swiss, California, Australia and New Zealand. Wine books on food and wine are also plentiful. Books on grapes and the history of wine making are good choices.

10. Wine Racks: Various styles of wine racks are available including a free standing counter top design that sells in the a price range from $22 to $79 or higher. A wall mounted version can sell from $31 to $129 or higher depending upon the design, size, and quality. Racks can be steel or wood and can be intricately designed. These make a great gift.

Have fun shopping for the wine enthusiast and enjoy the fruits of your labor!