The Gift of Wine

Wine is a popular gift at holiday time. It’s available in a variety of price ranges and when selected carefully reflects both thoughtful consideration and the good taste of the giver. Selecting “the right bottle” for your boss, neighbor or brother-in-law is easier when you bear in mind a few tips:

Know your budget. Sophisticated wine drinkers know that good wine can be had in any price range, so resist the urge to blow your budget on the most expensive bottle you can find.

Select a wine you'd like to drink. If you know a specific type of wine the recipient likes, by all means, buy that. If not, pick one of your own favorites. It’s a great way to connect with the person you’re buying for.

When in doubt, buy bubbles. Sparkling wines are festive and speak to many gift-giving occasions. Your friend is likely to have a number of opportunities to drink it.

Choose a bottle that will age gracefully. This ensures that whether it sits for a bit or is regifted (yes, it happens), your gift will hold up to the test of time.

Select something sweet. Dessert wines, such as a tawny port, are something both enthusiasts and new wine drinkers can agree on.

Dig deep. No, not into your pockets. Into the bottle! It’s what’s inside that counts, so fight the urge to buy a bottle simply because it has a clever name or a charming design. Some of the best wines have fairly unpretentious labels.
 

Be thoughtful. Choose a bottle from a country or region your wine lover has visited or has always wanted to see. Also consider one that matches their favorite food or a dish they like to prepare for guests.

When you don’t feel comfortable making a selection yourself, ask one of our Wine Specialists for assistance. They’re happy to help you choose just the right wine for your occasion and receiver. If in the end you’re still stuck, Kowalski’s Gift Cards work in our Wine & Spirits shops, too!