Heading out to an anticipated social gathering or party? Forgot to buy a gift? Don’t worry, there’s a surefire way to make the recipient happy: buy them some wine. Wine makes a lovely and thoughtful gift for any occasion, and it can be picked up at the local wine store or even the supermarket while you’re on your way.
The questions to ask yourself before perusing the aisles are: how much do you want to spend, and what type of wine do you want to buy? The answers to these questions will likely depend on how well you know the person you’re giving the wine to.
The amount of money you have to spend shouldn’t be a problem. A respectable wine can be found anywhere from ten to twenty dollars. If you’re willing to spend more, that’s fine too—there are wonderful selections available at the higher end. Remember, wine is meant to be enjoyed during festive times or simply for relaxation. Either way, it will be savored, no matter the price.
Choosing the Right Wine
Choosing a type of wine may prove to be the harder part. If you know the recipient well, the answer should be much easier. Do they prefer reds or whites? Do you know their favorite winery? Is this for a celebration? If so, perhaps a sparkling wine or champagne is the right choice. Celebrations always call for champagne, so you can’t go wrong. Even those who aren’t crazy about it will have a glass to toast the occasion. Determine your choice of wine based on what you know about the person receiving it or the style of the soirée they’re hosting or attending.
Once you’ve determined a price range and made a wine choice, it’s time to head to the store. Don’t be alarmed if you’re unaware of the type of wine you’re looking to purchase. You can always ask the attendant for a recommendation. Provide them with any information you have, and together, you can find a suitable wine.
Going to the corner liquor store or supermarket may be convenient, but there are some disadvantages. At the corner store, you may end up paying more than you would at a larger retailer. While the supermarket might seem like a good choice, you’ll likely find yourself wandering the aisles alone, as a wine specialist is usually not available. Big bargain warehouses will have a decent wine selection, but again, you may not get the assistance you need. However, if you’re knowledgeable about wine, this may not be an issue. If you are working with an experienced salesperson, make sure to inform them of your price range right away. Stick to it, and don’t let them talk you into a purchase you’ll be dissatisfied with later.
If you don’t know exactly what type of wine to buy, there are plenty of excellent choices that are sure to please anyone. Pinot noir is always a well-received gift, as are Italian amarones. Alternatively, you could try something a bit more unique, like an ice wine or specialty dessert wine. There are endless possibilities. Making distinctive choices could introduce the recipient to something new, or perhaps its uniqueness will be well appreciated. Breaking the mold is always a good way to make a lasting impression.
Should you be purchasing wine for a dinner party, there are a few basic elements to consider, such as the host’s taste and the menu to be served. Traditionally, red wines were served with meats and white wines with fish and pasta, but this isn’t necessarily true anymore. Pairings are now often based on the heaviness of the dish. For example, if you’re serving red meat but want to drink white wine, pair it with a heavy chardonnay with an oaky finish, like the Rombauer Chardonnay, which is rich and full-bodied. If you prefer red wine but are serving shrimp scampi, try pairing it with a light red, such as a pinot noir.
When buying wine for a dinner party, you might also consider purchasing a larger bottle, like a magnum. This will accommodate more guests and can be found in most stores. Some varieties may have to be ordered in this size.
After you’ve made your purchase, don’t forget to wrap the bottle! There’s nothing less appealing than presenting an unwrapped gift. Most wine stores offer a selection of wine stockings or bags that the entire bottle can be placed in. These are an easy solution and usually come in a variety of colors and celebratory themes. You can also decorate the bottle at home for a more personal touch. Adding bows, ribbons, or streamers to the neck of the bottle creates a festive look. Using flexible, colored pipe cleaners is also an affordable alternative for a unique and thoughtful finish. Alternatively, you could try wrapping the bottle in paper, though it can be tricky for some. If so, try wrapping just the base and leaving the top exposed—this method may be easier.
Be sure to factor in the cost of wrapping when determining your overall budget. Wrapping should not cost more than five dollars.
