Not only does this weeks column run through some holiday gift ideas for the wine lover in your life, but its also testament to not giving any of the many goofy, heinous examples of wine paraphernalia on the market. Lets just say if youre thinking of giving a wine-themed gift that makes you laugh or you couldnt see yourself using, then its probably not very appropriate for your oenologically-inclined family or friends. These include The Wonky Wine Glass thats tilted to the side so it spills when you swirl or, my personal favourite, The Wine Rack, touted as a boob-enhancing beverage bra!
Here are a few suggestions that are not only more tasteful, but gifts that will go to good use.
Had A Glass: The Top 100 Wines Under $20 by James Nevison, $15-20 | Local Bookstores or Online
My good buddy and wine writer James Nevison compiles this annual run-down of fantastic wines that are available across the province thatll cost you less than 20 bucks and are pretty much guaranteed to please. Opening with a little overview of wine basics, the book is divided into sparkling, whites, reds, pinks and fortifieds with selections that span the globe. With food-pairing tips, an abundance of facts and his casual witty tone, James always has readers navigating local liquor store shelves with ease. With 100 wines to splash into, its definitely a gift that keeps on giving.
Riedel O Series Cabernet-Merlot Glass: Set of Two, $25-30 | Wine Shops or RiedelCanada.ca
Good glassware makes all the difference when drinking wine, and you definitely want to get a bit of a swirl on to release all of those lovely aromas. Im not the fancy kind of guy who has the proper glass for each grape variety, either. Most of the time when having wine around the house, my go-to glasses are Riedels O Series Cabernet-Merlot version. Even for whites, or other reds from Pinot Noir to Syrah, the size and shape of these ones are perfectly general enough to do all wine a good amount of justice. The lack of stem makes this range of glassware a little less likely to break for me as well, whether when doing the washing-up or that sweet move I have when crossing my leg too close to the coffee table when I seem to take out a stem or two with ease.
Vancouver Urban Winery Gift Cards, any denomination | VancouverUrbanWinery.com
Not only does Railtowns hot, new city winery make wine from imported grapes under their Roaring Twenties brand (a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and an Argentinian Malbec), and keg wines that are served on tap around the city, but with a small retail store and a tasting bar offering various food and wine experiences, any wine fan will make good use of their gift cards that can be charged up with any amount. Check out their website for plentiful options.
Wine, Various Prices | Local Wine Stores
Because, really, a good bottle of wine is usually the best gift of all. Talk to your friendly neighbourhood wine shop assistant about what kind of wines your loved ones usually like, and theyll steer you in the right direction.
