How to give wine

Whether for a birthday, landmark wedding anniversary, or just a dinner party, wine is a gift that can be appreciated by connoisseurs and neophytes alike.

Hostess gifts

Presented to the host of any party, wine is a thoughtful way to show your gratitude, but you should consider the situation as well as the recipient. It’s always nice to choose a bottle that will appeal to individual tastes, however, unless you know your host well, this can be difficult. If you’re unsure what to bring, choose a popular wine, like Chardonnay or Merlot, that almost anyone will enjoy.
For a large gathering, don’t worry about securing an obscure or expensive vintage; it’s more than likely to get plopped on a table with all the other bottles. If you’d rather not waste nice wine on indiscriminate palates, ask the host to keep it for a later date, though etiquette dictates that it’s ultimately up to the host whether to serve, or save, your gift. Go with a crowd pleaser and reserve the special choices for more intimate dinner parties where you know the host and the other guests. Among small groups, interesting wines are more likely to be appreciated and enjoyed accordingly.

Holiday and special occasion gifts

Wine is sure to please even the most hard-to-buy-for person on your list. Does your boss collect wine? Have you got a Napa Valley enthusiast for a father-in-law? Will your best friend love indulging in a special bottle at her next dinner party? Is your mom new to the wine game? Give a bottle that matches the recipient’s personality and it’s sure to be a hit.
Collectors always appreciate a nice vintage that will age well, like a reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. It can be tucked away in the cellar and brought out a few years down the road when it’s at it’s best. For the wine-lover who’s more likely to drink your gift next Saturday, an interesting varietal or special bottling will go down nicely. For those with a pet winemaking region, impress with a few well-chosen bottles from a little-known vineyard. Of course, a real wine adventurer is not averse to a bit of direction. If you discovered a spectacular winemaker on a tour of Sonoma, by all means, share.
For the enthusiastic neophyte on your list, a range of bottles from around the world will encourage good taste and exploration.

Presenting wine

When packaging your gift of wine, remember: There’s life beyond the wine-store gift bag. Make an impact by using a little creativity in your wrap-up.
For a simple hostess gift, wrap the bottle in a nice linen tea towel or vintage tablecloth and tie it up with a ribbon. This is easy to do and adds something extra to the package that your host will appreciate.
Try using seasonal ingenuity: In summer, line the bottom of a terra cotta planter with shredded paper and tuck in a bottle or two. Add a small assortment of flower seeds and even some nice gardening gloves to the planter and tie a ribbon around the top. The wine may be polished off quickly, but the flowers will last the rest of the season. Wintertime calls for mulling spices and a couple of logs for the fire.
Wine accessories can make a welcome addition to your gift. Drip stoppers and wine charms are good choices for a frequent entertainer. For a collector, give handmade tags to hang from the bottlenecks so the desired bottle can be easily found in the cellar. A newbie would enjoy a book on wine basics or a journal to record tasting notes.

from: www.thatsthespirit.com