Picking out the perfect wine as a gift can be just as much fun as it is for the person to receive it. Giving the gift of wine is great for any occasion, whether it's as a housewarming gift, hostess gift, birthday, or wedding. Going to the store or a local wine merchant with a plan can help you narrow your choices and select a great gift. First, determine your budget. Depending on who the recipient is, your budget may increase or decrease. If the gift of wine is for a novice, you may want to choose something on the lower end of the price scale that they will still enjoy. For a more experienced, wine savvy person, go ahead and choose a higher quality, more expensive wine. When headed to a party, feel free to choose a food-friendly or cocktail hour-friendly wine. Giving wine as a gift can mean fun for the whole party as well as the host. This can also mean providing a bottle of wine that simply looks like a great gift – often, the bigger, more memorable looking bottles tend to be more impressive in the moment than a smaller bottle where you have to explain its background. Be aware of a wine's alcohol content; too much alcohol can overpower the taste of the food. Another great idea for choosing wine as a gift, especially for birthdays, is to pick out a vintage from the year the person was born. Many vintage guides provide information about how different varietals rank around the world from different years. No matter what the occasion is, wrapping wine as a gift with a bow or other delightful additions can add to the excitement. One method is to buy a simple wine gift bag, but be creative if you'd like. Wine gift baskets are always a great choice, as they can include crackers, cheese, or desserts that pair well with the wine.
