Readers, if you haven’t already started thinking about holiday gifts, now is the time. In the age of Covid-19, you’ve got to plan ahead more than usual, especially if you’re doing most of your shopping online. And it’s not only the logistics that make gift-giving a little more complex this year. Many typical gifts just feel wrong. After all, who needs jewelry, ties or handbags right now? But people do need wine and the fun stuff that goes along with it, right? So to ease your holiday stress, My Wine Tribe has compiled a list of our top 10 wine gifts.
In composing the list, I chose things that I personally use or that get great reviews. I also looked for experiential presents at a variety of price points.
With that in mind, let’s get ready to give.
Sparkling gifts for the cheeky wine lover
For the person who needs to chill: Adult coloring books are all the rage and Wine Life, A Snarky Adult Coloring Book is a cheeky number themed around wine. At just $8.99, give the gift of laughter and relaxation.
For the person who loves sparkling wine: Occasionally, Big Red and I won’t finish an entire bottle of bubbles. Admittedly, this it is a rare occurrence, but when it happens I reach for this this Champagne stopper. It holds carbonation well and is super easy to use. And at $11, it makes a great stocking stuffer.
Wine gifts for the inquisitive yet lazy plant killer
For the person seeking approachable wine education: I am a big fan of the blog Wine Folly because its contributors provide rich, yet accessible wine information. Wine Folly has a new hardcover book out, Wine Folly Master Education ($35). Your giftee will learn a ton about wine, and not be made to feel like an idiot in the process.
For the person who loves greenery but lacks a green thumb: Pssst, here’s a secret: succulents are such hardy plants that even my inattention can’t seem to kill them. Which is why I recently bought this super cool bottle planter, which can also be used as a serving platter. The planters/platters range from $25 to $35 depending on the style you choose. Add a few succulent plants and you’ve got a great gift.
Gifts for wine lovers who go their own way
For the person who craves ease: I am a big fan of Corkpops wine openers because all you have to do is insert the needle into the cork, press a button and voila, out comes the cork. At $24, it’s more expensive than most wine openers, but you can’t put a price on easily removing the cork after a long day, can you?
For the person on the go: An entire bottle of wine can fit in this plastic, BPA-free flask. And when emptied, it can easily be folded into a pocket-sized square. All this convenience for only $12.99!
For the person who drinks wine alone: Maybe you know a wine lover whose usual dinner partner isn’t into the grape, or a single friend who enjoys a glass or two but balks at opening wine just for themselves. This carafe ($47) keeps wine fresh for up to a week so you don’t have to rush to finish up the bottle.
For the person who loves to picnic: Socially distanced picnicking is a great way to connect with friends. But the great outdoors presents a few challenges, like uneven grassy areas. Solve your giftee’s picnic problems with this nifty collapsible table ($58). A spike-like leg secures it in the ground, and the table easily holds a bottle, two glasses and even a little plate or two.
For the person who loves camping . . . or is it glamping?: Dig this, an insulated flask to keep your giftee’s wine chilled along with two little cups that are magnetically attached. It is sleek, portable and truly functional. And while it’s spendy at $125, I cant think of anything better for your giftees who love to sip on something around the campfire.
Go big on great wine clubs
For the person you’re willing to spend big on: I saved the best (and most expensive) gift for last: a wine club membership at your giftee’s favorite winery. With a club membership, your giftee will receive wines all year long–a great way to keep the spirit of the holidays alive. Not sure what winery to choose? Here are some of my favorites:
- For Pinot Noir lovers: Raptor Ridge is a small boutique winery based in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. I am a huge fan of their terrior-driven approach in crafting beautiful Pinots, and they are really nice people to boot. Depending on the level of membership, club members receive discounts of 15-30% on wines.
- For those who dig California reds: Gundlach Bundschu (aka: Gun Bun) is California’s oldest family-owned winery and they know a thing or two about reds. Not only do I love their wines, but I also appreciate their relative value compared to other California wineries. Your giftee will receive some great bennies and wine discounts ranging from 15-20%, depending on membership type.
- For the person who likes to customize: Fidelitas from Washington’s Red Mountain AVA is one of my favorite Washington wineries, but what I really dig is that their membership club allows members to select the bottles they will receive, which is a pretty unique offering in the world of wine clubs. The discounts of 20-25% are pretty sweet as well.
- For Complex Tribe members: If your giftee favors bold, complex and palate challenging wines, you have to get them a membership at Washington’s Kerloo Cellars. Winemaker Ryan Crane is focused on creating single varietal wines that showcase the grape’s truest expression. His wines will knock your Complex pals’ socks off.
I hope our list of top 10 wine gifts give you the inspiration you need to have a stress free and merry holiday seasons. Cheers!