Now that the holiday season has officially begun, so have the holiday shopping lists. Before you set out on your shopping quest, pour yourself a glass of wine, have a sip and relax; you are in good hands.
A Wine Gift For Everyone On Your List
by Matthew Lorman
Now that the holiday season has officially begun, so have the holiday shopping lists. Before you set out on your shopping quest, pour yourself a glass of wine, have a sip and relax; you are in good hands. Follow these suggestions for a flawless shopping experience with gifts for every person and price point. From your in-laws to friends, the experienced wine drinker to the novice, here are suggestions that will make everyone feel extra special this holiday season.
For The Coworker
Let’s be honest here: unless you attend a regular happy hour with your coworkers, chances are you don’t know what Sally from accounting likes to drink, but she covered for you that one day you left work early without telling the boss, so you owe her a nice Christmas gift. Instead of racking your brain trying to think of that one wine she likes, get her a wine that matches her personality. Is Sally bold? If so, pair her personality with a bold red, such as Cabernet Sauvignon. Is she spicy? How about a Gewurztraminer (Gewurtz translates to spicy in German). Maybe Sally is classy, drives a Mercedes, and prefers the finer things in life. If so, then a bottle of Champagne will certainly do the trick.
Wines We Recommend:
- Slingshot Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (North Coast, California)
- Finca Río Negro Gewürztraminer 2022 (Castilla-La Mancha, Spain)
- Gaston Chiquet Champagne Brut Tradition NV (Champagne, France)
For The In-Laws
Imagine the classic scene straight out of a Hallmark or Lifetime movie where the in-laws show up at the front door with holiday gifts in hand for the entire family. Maybe you made a bad joke at Thanksgiving that didn’t go as well as you planned, and you need to give them something nice to smooth things over... something to keep you in the family will. Think about gifting them a nice bottle that will surely win them over! Perhaps the Italian duo “King and Queen” of wines (Barolo and Barbaresco) for your mother- and father-in-law. A nice bold Amarone, which in Italian means the “great bitter one” is perfect if you prefer to give a gift with a little double entendre—let's just hope they don't speak Italian!
Wines We Recommend:
- Azelia Barolo 2018 (Piedmont, Italy)
- Remo Farina Valpolicella Superiore Classico Ripasso 2020 (Veneto, Italy)
- Laronde-Desormes Bordeaux Supérieur 2019 (Bordeaux, France)
For The Novice Wine Drinker
If you’re looking for a nice bottle for the beginner wine drinker, go for one of the classic grape varietals such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Noir. If they are looking to venture out and experience new wines, try out a lesser known grape varietal, such as Pecorino or Kekfrankos. Unsure of what style of wine they like? Not a problem! Instead of risking getting them a bottle that they don't like, a class with DCanter Wine School would be a great option. There is something of interest to everyone, regardless of their level of wine knowledge. Whether it’s the lowdown on sparkling wines, up-and-coming wine regions, or an introduction to the fabulous world of wine, there is a class for every wine drinker on your list!
Wines We Recommend:
- Domaine Gitton Pere & Fils Sancerre Blanc Les Montachins 2022 (Loire Valley, France)
- Brandborg Vineyard & Winery Benchlands Pinot Noir 2021 (Umpqua Valley, Oregon)
- Center of Effort Chardonnay Edna Valley 2018 (Edna Valley, California)
For The Francophile
We all know that one wine enthusiast who obsesses over classic wines. This person has an affinity for everything French: language, history, culture, and most importantly great wines! Feed their never ending thirst and curiosity for French wines with either a classic, such as a bottle of Burgundy or Bordeaux, or something sparkling, like Champagne or a Crémant (a sparkling alternative to Champagne).
Wines We Recommend:
- Domaine de l'Olivette Bandol Rouge 2018 (Bandol, France)
- Bernard Rion Cote d'Or Rouge Pinot Noir 2021 (Burgundy, France)
- Domaine Bellevue Crémant de Loire NV (Loire Valley, France)
For the Locavore
Locavore is a term often used to describe a person that makes an effort to participate in the local food movement, committing themselves to eating and drinking food and beverages produced in the local community. With an endless number of wine producing regions around the world to choose from, it is possible to overlook the fact that great wine is being produced in our own backyard here in the DMV area. Look west to Virginia; turns out this state is not only for lovers, but also wine lovers! Or head north and east to explore the wonderful wines of Maryland.
Wines We Recommend:
- Big Cork Vineyards Six Wicket Cabernet Franc 2020 (Maryland)
- Thibaut-Janisson Blanc de Blancs NV (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Don't keep pushing off your holiday shopping list! Stop in the store today and let us help you pick out wines for all your holiday needs. Just don't forget to pick up a nice bottle for yourself this season!