The Christmas holidays are here and whether you believe in elaborate gifts or just something small and sentimental, wine often is a very good choice as a gift.
- You can go for a very expensive bottle or even a whole case beautifully packed in an oak tray if you want to splurge.
- A vintage with a special meaning or a favourite estate and variety will always be welcome.
- Bubbly says celebrate and no one can resist a beautiful bottle of bubbly – whether it is Champagne, Cap Classique, Cava…
- And don’t forget bigger bottles – a magnum (1.5 Litre) is just that bit more generous!
I always enjoy receiving a bottle of wine and often use it as a gift as well! But is there a certain protocol about wine as a gift? I thought about it carefully and I think protocol and etiquette are strong words to use. As with all gifts it is more about the spirit in which it is given and received.
Saying that, here are a few thoughts:
You don’t have to open the bottle your guest brought to the party. Just be gracious. If the wine will work well with your meal, go for: “This will be a spectacular match with tonight’s dinner! Can I please open it straight away!” If the gifted wine will not work at all, rather opt for: “Lovely, I am going to keep this for another special occasion.” Everyone should feel special – and that really is the goal of gifts, is it not?
As with all other gifts, it is not just about the money you have spent. Think about what someone usually enjoys, what they like to eat, consider their year of birth if you can find such a vintage.
Those really into wine might also enjoy wine accessories such as special openers, decanters, perhaps a sommelier cloth to catch a drop or a special cloth to ensure glasses are fuzz free. A book on wine or wine countries is a great idea and how about a voucher for a special tasting?!
If the idea of Christmas shopping makes you run for the hills… just shop online and have it delivered! No one will complain about some wine for the festive season!
Wine is not just a safe or uninspired choice, just put some thought into it!