Holiday gift guide: What to give the wine lover on your list
When you know someone who is a serious oenophile, holiday gift-giving is as easy as hoisting a glass. From fun labels to quirky accessories, here are five presents wine lovers will surely say “Cheers” to:
For your own Lady or Lord Grantham
Know someone who is counting down the days until the season five premiere of Downton Abbey (it’s Jan. 4 on PBS, by the way). Then they will give a very civilized cheer when they open a bottle or two from the Downton Abbey Wine Collection, which features two Bordeaux blends: a “Blanc” white wine and a “Claret” red wine. The Blanc is light and crisp (sort of like Lady Rose MacClare), white the Claret is medium-bodied red with bright fruit and a silky finish (hello, Lady Edith). Find the Downton Abbey Duo, $29.99, or the Downton Abbey Gift Set, $59.99, which also includes a candle and tea bags. Both at wine.com.
For the Christian Grey enthusiast
Have a pal who tore through the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy in no time? Toast the premiere of the movie version of the EL James books (set for release Feb. 13) with a bottle of Fifty Shades of Grey wine, created by the author, together with winemakers in California’s premium North Coast. There’s Red Satin, primarily a blend of Petite Sirah and Syrah, with flavors of black cherry, cocoa powder, creamy caramel and vanilla, leather and clove spice. White Silk, primarily a blend of Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc, has flavors of crisp grapefruit, mineral and lush pear with a faint hint of butterscotch. Find the Red Satin, $17.99, and White Silk, $17.99, at wine.com.
For those on-the-go
Campers, picnickers, beach-goers, and pretty much anyone who loves a little wine with their outdoor activities will love this BYOB fabric carrier that can hold inner bags from standard boxed wine, making your favorite drink totally totable. Oh, and like your wine chilled? It has room for an ice pack, too. Baggy Winecoat, $62.95, fab.com
For the wine and cheese (and pizza) foodie
Sometimes you need a little food to go with your wine. For those who like to cook, wrap up the Wine Bites Cookbook from Barbara Scott-Goodman. Featuring more than 60 simple dishes (think satay, ceviche, dips, grilled fruit and, yes, pizza), the recipes come with suggested wine pairings. You may need to pick a copy up for yourself, too. Wine Bites Cookbook, $24.95, crateandbarrel.com
For the party-thrower
When lots of people are all sipping vino, wine charms can come in extra handy. We’re smitten with this set of four charms that, as Alex and Ani tell us serve as reminder that “life should be savored, the environment cherished and the abundance of nature and man’s combined efforts adored.” We’ll drink to that. Alex and Ani Illumination wine charms, $24, alexandani.com