How to Master the Art and Etiquette of Gifting Wine

The holiday season will be upon us in no time at all. During this season, gift-giving is a common practice both at home and in the workplace. For most people, gift-giving is an awkward ordeal because you never know how much to spend on a gift and if the other person will like your gift. Can you go wrong when gifting wine bottles? Probably not.

Consider buying wine as a gift and you will not regret it. There are all types of wine, and they make a great gift for almost any occasion. You can match the wine to the individual’s personality and, maybe more importantly, wines are affordable. So, what type of wine should you gift?

If the event is an anniversary or a celebration, go with champagne (or other sparkling wine). Sparkling wine screams sophistication and luxury and will make most people feel special.

Wine Gift Baskets

Another option is a wine gift basket. If you have been invited to a family party, consider a wine gift basket. There are many types of wine gift baskets, and they usually include a bottle of wine, wine accessories, and either cheese and crackers or chocolate. 

You can even add all types of delicious treats like fresh nuts, fresh fruit, or chocolate truffles to make it extra special.  Wine gift baskets can vary in price from $75 to $200.  Gifting wine is a great idea for many people and on many occasions. Plus, if you are feeling particularly DIY, you can create your own wine gift basket with a selection of products that you carefully curate yourself.

Red Wine as a Gift

When gifting wine bottles of red wine, you have plenty of choices, including the following:

• Pinot Noir: a soft and elegant wine 
• Malbec: full of fruity flavors
• Bordeaux-style Blend: easy wine to drink with cherry flavor
• Merlot: smooth wine with plummy taste and notes of chocolate
• Cabernet Sauvignon: full-bodied with fruit flavors

White Wine as a Gift

There are many great white wines that also make great gifts. If you do not have a clue about white wines, pick up a bottle of Riesling that is moderately sweet with peach and pineapple flavors, and you will not go wrong. Other great white wines include Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Moscato, and Pinot Grigio. Buying wine as a gift works well whether you choose red or white wine.

How Much Should You Spend on a Gift of Wine?

There is no absolute answer to this question. You can buy the most inexpensive wine and many people will love it and sometimes you can buy the most expensive wine and no one will like it. When you buy wine for someone, it should come from your heart and not the pocket. 

You can walk into any wine store and ask for the most expensive bottle of wine, but there is no guarantee that the person will like it. Experts recommend spending anywhere from $15-$30 for a bottle of wine. Choose a wine that is not too sweet or too dry. 

Select something that you have tasted and know is good. Another safe bet is to go with the classics, such as Chardonnay, Riesling, or Zinfandel, and your gift will be much appreciated.

For questions about gifting wine bottles or buying wine as a gift, call Pacific Rim & Company at 1-503-863-5454 and talk to a knowledgeable representative.  Our staff at Pacific Rim is passionate and enthusiastic about all things wine-related, and they will be happy to help you.  The holiday season is coming soon; stock up now and you can make your own gift baskets!