13 Dec

Ho, Ho, Holiday Gift Ideas sure to please : 2017 Gift Guide

‘Twas just days before Christmas and shopping’s not done?

Alas, these suggestions are second to none

From online to retail, you can spend all your cash

And make others happy with gifts full of flash

Whatever you choose – books, whisky or wine

Your holiday season is sure to shine!

WHITE WINES

These two wines are ideal whites for your holiday sipping.

2015 Flora Springs Dashaway Chardonnay $45

Flora Springs has fun with holidays. Whether Halloween or Christmas, their creative labels and etched bottles always make me smile. The wine inside is delicious, as well. This full-bodied Chardonnay with a wintery potpourri of brown spice aromas, is a white to uncork this holiday season.

2016 Vietti – Roero Arneis $23

Not only are Vietti’s wines world-class, this unique white evokes a feeling of holiday spirit just from looking at the beautiful label. Arneis is a star grape in northern Italy and this crisp white sports savory complexity.

WHISKY GIFTS

Like the perfect novel, the Bowmore Vintner’s Trilogy has the perfect beginning, middle and end.

For that discerning whisky drinker in your life, try the Bowmore Vintner’s Trilogy, a new series of limited edition whiskies that have been aged in a variety of ex-wine, sherry and port casks at Bowmore’s famed No. 1 Vaults. Just in time for holiday gifting season, they are launching two of the three in the trilogy, with the third and final 27 Years Old bottling to be released in Fall 2018.

Bowmore 18 Years Old Double Matured Manzanilla which is matured in both ex-bourbon barrels and ex-manzanilla sherry barrels. It has a suggested price of $127 for 750ml.

Bowmore 26 Years Old Wine Barriques Matured which spent its first 13 years in ex-bourbon barrels before a second maturation of 13 years in wine barriques. This full-bodied whisky has a suggested retail price of $540 for 750ml.

Bowmore 27 Years Old will be released in fall of 2018 and will complete the collection.

Suntory Whisky Toki $35

This beautiful Japanese Whisky is elegant and stylish. With a slightly sweet and peppery finish, this whisky is a perfect gift for that libation lover in your life.

RED AND GREEN

Taylor Fladgate 325 $35

If sipping a smooth Port fireside is your thing, then drinking Taylor Fladgate’s “325” Port is right up your alley. A blend of aged tawny ports, “325” celebrates the 325 years since Jon Bearsely sailed to Portugal to begin his wine business. The rest, as they say, is history.

i Quercioli Lambrusco Secco $11

i Quercioli Lambrusco Dolce $11

These two Lambruscos from the house of Medici Ermete come in both dry (secco) and sweet (dolce) styles. The slightly fizzy nature of the ruby-hued Lambrusco adds a festive sparkle to any holiday party or gift!

SUPPORT NAPA AND SONOMA

With the tragedies of the Wine Country Wildfires this year, it’s important to continue to support the local Napa and Sonoma wineries. Their success depends on your business and support. Try out these holiday wines and gift sets from some of the best.

Flora Springs – Joy to the World Red Blend $65

This blend from the ever-festive Flora Springs, is part of a holiday tradition that began as an exclusive offering to wine club members and has since become a staple of their holiday celebrations. Each year they create new holiday artwork to provide unique, limited-edition Napa Valley wines to use as gifts, share with friends or add to your collection. This red blend is features the Joyful Angel, herald of the holidays.

B.R.Cohn 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Olive Hill Estate Vineyard $58

Celebrate the bounty of Sonoma County with this delicious Cabernet Sauvignon. A ripe, dark fruit and deep flavored Cab, it pairs remarkably well with another one of B.R. Cohn’s finest, their estate olive oil. Get the oil and vinegar set to create the perfect Sonoma County gift basket.

SILVER AND GOLD

Nothing says the holidays like bubbles. But where many think exclusively sparkling wine, I’ve included an decadent beer in this category, as well. And with all of them wrapped in holiday decor, you can’t go wrong.

Martini & Rossi Prosecco $12

An affordable option for holiday gift giving, wrapped up in gorgeous packaging.

Moet Imperial $50

A slightly higher price point but Moët Impérial is the House’s iconic champagne. Created in 1869, it embodies Moët & Chandon’s style.

Le Grand Courtage Blanc de Blanc – Brut $50

Want some bling with your bubbles? Le Grand Courtage comes bedazzled, just for the holiday season.

Rodenbach Grand Cru Red Ale 2015 $11

This Rodenbach Red Ale is a unique Flemish red-brown ale that is matured for 2 years in oak casks.

READING FROM THE VINE

Why not get a bottle and a book for the wine lover in your life? Here are some of my favorite releases of 2017

Red Wine – The Comprehensive Guide to the 50 Essential Varieties and Style- Kevin Zraly, Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jennsen $20

Rosé All Day – The Essential Guide to your New Favorite Wine $18 – Katherine Cole

Cork Dork: A Wine-Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste – Bianca Bosker $30

The Vineyard Years – A Memoir with Recipes – Susan Sokol Blosser $30

Drink Pink – A Celebration of Rosé – Victoria James and Lyle Railsback $12

FREEBIES

Buying for the holidays can get exhausting, and expensive! So one last little gift that will cost you absolutely nothing. Grab this app, some colored pencils and a bottle of wine!

15 Dec

2016 Wine Lover’s Holiday Gift Guide

It’s that time of year again! Time to wonder what to get the boozehound in your life… you know, the one who loves their wine, thinks craft beer is the only beer and loves a nip of an interesting liquor. Well have no fear, my holiday gift guide is sure to impress with the spirit of the holidays. (See what I did there? Spirit? Ha)

So without further ado, I bring you the 2016 Wine/Spirit Lover’s Holiday Gift Guide.

Flora Springs “Holiday Kisses” $57

This gorgeous hand-etched bottle is home to a beautifully juicy cabernet blend, joining the flavors of Flora Springs’ estate vineyards. Bring it as a hostess gift to that holiday soiree or save it for the holiday table, but either way, enjoy both the beauty of the bottle and the wine within.

California Classics

This trio of California Classic wines features the 2014 Groth Chardonnay, 2014 Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel, and the 2012 Goldeneye Pinot Noir. Each of these wines is a standout on their own, but would make a great gift basket all together, especially to showcase the beautiful wine that California has to offer.

The 2014 Groth Chardonnay $30 is a well-balanced example of true California Chardonnay, aged in a mixture of old and new barrels, which gives it layers of complexity. Grab a bottle for your favorite white drinker or just sip while you contemplate all the holiday wrapping you have to do.

2014 Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel $32 – At this price point, you should be grabbing a bottle of this complex and spicy Old Vine Zin for everyone on your holiday gift list. Heck, forget the bottle, grab a case.

2012 Goldeneye Pinot Noir $58 – For a little more of a splurge, try this classic Pinot Noir from the Anderson Valley. With help from the Mendocino Coast, this wine is the créme de la créme of the Goldeneye harvest and is a truly elegant gift for any Pinot lover.

Give a Little Gifft

With the influx of holiday parties, gift baskets to give and general merriment of the holiday season, it’s always nice to arrive a bottle in hand. The Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 ($75) is a beautiful wine, highly aromatic and the perfect gift for the discerning wine lover in your holiday gift giving lineup.

On the white side of things, the Gifft Pinot Grigio 2015 is full of lush tropical flavors, bright acidity and at $20 is an elegant choice to bring to any holiday party, to drink or for the hostess to save for herself.

Kosher Wines for Hannukah

Need to bring wine to a Hannukah celebration? Terrenal Wines are Kosher and non-mevushal, which means the wine is actually delicious. And available at Trader Joes for an amazing price point (under $10).

Grab a few bottles of the Cabernet Sauvignon or the red blend, excellent wines from Spain and enjoy the celebration of lights.

Get into the Holiday “Spirit”

Looking for a boozier option for your holiday gift? Look no further than G’Vine Gin ($34) or Blue Nectar Tequila ($60).

G’Vine Gin($34) is a modern-style French gin, infused with vine flowers and over 9 different botanicals to give it a smooth, herbaceous taste, with hints of juniper, cardamom and ginger.

Blue Nectar Tequila Reposado, Extra Blend ($60) is the cognac of tequilas. A sipping spirit for the true Tequila connoisseur, Blue Nectar is silky smooth, with notes of vanilla and nutmeg and other holiday spices.

Trendsetting Spirits

Do you know someone who sports a beard? Wears flannel yet doesn’t work in forestry? You might have to buy a gift for a hipster. If that’s the case, try these super-interesting small batch spirits from Northern California.

No: 209 Barrel Reserve Gin ($47) is a gin with “wine country roots”. Aged in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels, this gin is spicy, with notes of toffee and caramel and is sure to impress the trendiest trendsetter in your life.

Re:Find [e] Vodka ($35) is another unique barrel aged spirit, but instead of wine barrels, this vodka is aged in whiskey barrels. This process creates a vodka that can be sipped like the finest whiskey. Unique? Totally. Trendsetting? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely.

The Party Pack

Want to show up at your party with a party-pack? Look no further than Butter, Toast and JaM. This trio is not only adorable for gift-giving, but the wines are truly delicious. Butter ($16) is a true California Chardonnay with a creamy texture and an oaky, vanilla finish. JaM ($20), the red-head of the group, is %100 Cabernet and all plum, dark berries and vanilla. Toast ($25) is the party girl, toasty and effervescent with notes of peach and honeydew. This trio might sound good for breakfast, but is the perfect accompaniment to all of your holiday party/planning/gift giving needs.

Nibbles

I’d love say that we have a product shot for this amazing toffee. But I ate it all. In like two seconds. The minute I opened the package.

So, with that in mind, if you have a sweet tooth, or know someone who does, Crack’d Toffee ($29) is the BEST present for them. It’s buttery and rich, with a variety of toppings, from white chocolate to dark. YUM.

Not to Drink, but Still Wine-Oriented

So what do you get the wine-lover that has all the wine? How about gorgeous art, boxes or even a dog dish made from wine crates? Check out our newest shop here on the site for the opportunity to buy some of these amazing pieces!

Not Boozy but Still Beautiful

Statement jewelry is still a must-buy for any time of year, especially the holidays. Pick one of these unique and gorgeous necklaces from Serendipity Sellers and the Ruth Schaffer Wave for a truly special gift for someone you love.

Whether it’s a gift of classic Californian wines or classy art made from wine boxes, there’s something for everyone on this list. Even with only a week and a half until the big day.

Happy Holidays!

15 Jun

Father’s Day – Wine Gifts for the Dad in Your Life

Father’s Day can be perplexing, as buying gifts for men can be a challenge. The kids usually have the cute factor covered, with their arts and crafts, and frames proclaiming that “I Love Daddy”… but where does that leave the rest of us? He assuredly does not need another tie, does not want the workout clothes you’re so desperate to buy him, but probably would love a really nice bottle of wine. And whether you’re buying for your spouse, your significant other, or YOUR dad, there are some amazing wine gifts out there that will make them feel loved and appreciated this Father’s Day.

The Classic Dad

Your dad may be as classic as old Blue Eyes, but let’s lead him toward a more modern crooner instead.

2013 LVE Cabernet Sauvignon “Legend Vineyard Exclusive” Napa Valley, California $85
LVE is a collision of superstars. John Legend, the famous musician, and Jean-Charles Boisset, the wine business’s version of a rockstar, have joined forces to create LVE. The wines are created by Boisset’s Napa property, the historic Raymond Vineyards, with input from Legend. The Cabernet Sauvignon is a stylish sip. Lush, opulent and sexy, it’s destined for wine collectors’ cellars but can be enjoyed now. Pour it alongside a seared sirloin while listening to music from who else? Legend-ary.

The Spirited Dad

For the man who appreciates wine, but loves spirits, this gift can’t be beat.

Distillery No. 209 Gin $35
Being a gin devotee, one of my favorite picks is Distillery No. 209. When the brand’s owner, Leslie Rudd, bought the historic Edge Hill wine estate in Napa Valley, he uncovered an old building with the words “Registered distillery no. 209” painted above the door. He traced the background of the verbiage to the property’s original owner, William Sheffler, who was an award-winning distiller in the late 1880s. Using this as inspiration, a new distillery was built in San Francisco on Pier 50. The gin now being crafted there is a marriage of botanicals such as juniper – the key ingredient in gin – as well as up to 11 other botanicals from bergamot orange and lemon peel to coriander seeds. It’s a crisp yet aromatic gin that I love with a simple splash of tonic and fresh lime or as the base for a classic martini. Bottoms up.

The Classy Dad

Not to confused with the Classic, this Dad appreciates the finer things in life and will appreciate the quality of this iconic wine. You will appreciate it’s reasonable price, so make sure to stock up on a few bottles (or cases) for yourself.

2012 Le Domaine Saget, Pouilly-Fumé, France $28
The Saget family has been in the wine business for more than three centuries with nine generations at the helm. This legendary time frame has afforded them ranking among the best producers of the Loire Valley. But, they don’t rest on their laurels and accolades. General Manager Arnaud Saget has taken the reins and is focused on innovation as well with a new line of affordable Vin de France wines dubbed “La Petite Perriere.” This wine, however, falls into their masters category. Made from Sauvignon Blanc planted in the Pouilly-Fumé appellation, this classic style of white encompasses citrus and passion fruit aromas with a driving force of minerality. Pure, focused flavors fleshed out with a luscious texture make it a wine to pair with oysters, scallops or salmon, but also to enjoy on its own as a respite from the day. Though collector-level quality, it’s priced with drinking in mind so stock up for summer time sipping.

The Fun-Loving Dad

For the Dad who appreciates the latest Facebook meme and laughs at most anything, this offering from JaM Cellars is both whimsical and delicious.

JaM Cellars is the brainchild of John and Michele Truchard (who own John Anthony Vineyards, a downtown Napa hotspot). As part of the Truchard clan — one of Napa’s great grape-growing families — John knows a thing or two about vineyards. He and his wife also clearly know what appeals to consumers. I come across a myriad of brands with eye-catching labels, but this trio is the most creative I’ve seen in years. Offering up a smile-inducing lineup of wines entitled Toast, Butter and JaM, each has a purpose and unique character. All three pack a high-quality punch while telling you exactly what you’re getting in each bottle.

Toast Brut Sparkling Wine, California $25
Crafted from Chardonnay, this bubbly is made in the traditional sparkling wine method in a dry —or brut— style. It’s got a luscious texture with a touch of toasty richness, yet finishes with crisp fruit flavors. A terrific choice for celebrations year round.

2014 Butter Chardonnay, California $16

Creamy with succulent pineapple fruit notes and a hug of oak, this is an unapologetic style of Chardonnay. It wraps you in buttery pleasure and sports melt-in-your-mouth goodness. If you crave lush Chardonnay, you’ll love Butter.

2014 JaM Cabernet Sauvignon, California $20

As the name says, you get jammy dark fruit flavors in this full-bodied red wine. Made with 100 percent Cabernet, it’s a crowd-pleasing style to pair with barbecue ribs, grilled lamb chops or meat-lovers pizza. It could also saddle up to a PB&J slathered with what else? Jam.

Gifting Tips

Still confused or think that Dad might not be a big wine guy? Check out my spirit tips on Scotch, Pisco, Gin and Tequila. You’re certain to find some gift ideas to get for the Dad in YOUR life!

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