by: Peter

During the holiday season, most of us are in a frantic search for presents for loved ones and friends. Next time, instead of the usual hassle of selecting a gift which will suit him or her, try sending a wine gift basket instead. Wine gift basketsare a perfect present for both men and women and suit every occasion e.g. Birthdays, Weddings etc. The information below will help you select an appropriate wine gift for that special occasion.

Who will be receiving the wine gift basket?

Men will prefer a bottle of wine, which they can open and drink immediately or store in their own wine cabinet (The smile when he or she unwraps the present to discover a 1990 Bordeaux is priceless) whereas women are usually more delighted with a wine accessory e.g. Corkscrew, Crystal Wine glasses or a decanter. Below are the four basic questions you need to ask yourself before you shop for a wine gift.

What is the occasion?

Different wine gift baskets are suitable for various occasions. Wine gift baskets are a favorite for parties. The numerous items within will allow everyone to enjoy the gift and enjoy the wine with delicious tidbits as well. Wine merchants also have wine gift baskets for special occasions such as Valentine's Day, Christmas etc.

What is your budget?

Most nifty wine gift baskets can be had for $25-$50 although fine wines will be more expensive. Wine gifts often include cheese and chocolates (a favorite with children). Just remember it is the thought that counts!

What is their knowledge of Wine?

If the wine gift is for a beginning wine enthusiast, then a well-written book on enjoying wine will be an excellent gift whereas an expert wine enthusiast might enjoy having a stopper for the half empty bottle of wine. Try to find a wine gadget that he does not already own, most people will be touched by the thoughtfulness of your gift. The wine gadget will also remind him/her of your friendship each time he enjoys a bottle of fine wine.

About The Author Peter is an wine enthusiast who has created his own website which offers information on Wine Cabinets and fine wine. url@fine-wine-guide.com

Wine Types



Decant old red wines to remove the sediment that has developed over the years. Before decanting an older wine be sure to stand it up for 6-12 hours so that the sediment settles to the bottom of the bottle. Decant just prior to serving and handle the wine very gently. Use a candle (or other good light shining up from beneath the bottle as you pour) to see when the sediment in the bottle starts to move into the neck. Stop pouring just prior to the sediment escaping from the bottle. If done properly, you�ll have less than an ounce left in the bottle and the decanted wine will be free of sediment. Dense reds from strong, maturing vintages (such as �82 Lafite-Rothschild) may want double-decanting.
Celebrate with champagne today!

Homemade Wine



Find a winemaker you like and experiment with new varietals (grape varieties) through their expertise. Then, find a varietal that interests you and follow it back to its source. Where does it come from? This is a great way to learn about wines.
Try a new port tonight!

Wine Grape



The variety of grape(s), aspect (direction of slope), elevation, and topography of the vineyard, type and chemistry of soil, the climate and seasonal conditions under which grapes are grown, and the local yeast cultures all together form the concept of "terroir." The range of possibilities lead to great variety among wine products, which is extended by the fermentation, finishing, and aging processes. Many small producers use growing and production methods that preserve or accentuate the aroma and taste influences of their unique terroir.
Buy your wine jugs at Ye Olde Wines

Wine Vintages



Banana flavors (isoamyl acetate) are the product of yeast metabolism, as are spoilage aromas such as sweaty, barnyard, band-aid (4-ethylphenol and 4-ethylguaiacol), and rotten egg (hydrogen sulfide). Some varietals can also have mineral flavor, due to the fact that some salts are soluble in water (as limestone), and thus absorbed by the wine.
Buy your wine corkscrews at Ye Olde Wines

Wine Shop



Some degree of aging for finished wines is beneficial, allowing the full complexity and intensity of aromas and flavours to come through.
Buy a wine bar

Grapes may become viable crop for Brownwood ag - High Plains Journal

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:23:02 GMT

Grapes may become viable crop for Brownwood ag High Plains Journal, KS - Apr 27, 2008 A growing interest in wine grape production has prompted Texas Cooperative Extension, the city of Brownwood and the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce to ...

Monterey Current Events

Featured Monterey Event: Spring Winemaker Dinner at Chateau Julien Wine Estate. A bountiful Carmel Valley harvest of the finest local fare paired with limited release Estate Vineyard and Private Reserve wines acentuate the simple elegance and beauty of the Chateau this spring evening in the Valley. Barrel samplings and new releases selected by the Winemaker.


Wine Class
Wine Manners | Wine Market

Labels: Wine Refrigerators | Wine Regions | Wine Review

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