Battle of the Boxes ~ Round 1 ~ Herding Cats Merlot-Pinotage Western Cape, South Africa

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Wine Everyday

I hear it all the time; folks declaring they are NOT wine snobs. So much so they freely admit to drinking wine with screw-caps! Imagine my confusion when I hear these same people turning their wine-snob noses up at boxed wine, with out even taking a sip.

Something I want to clear up;  the wine isn’t actually in a box it’s in a bag; the box is there to hold up the bag.  I took a quick look in my refrigerator; this is what I have in plastic bags: carrots, turnips, lettuce and grapes; ok, enough said.

Herding Cats Merlot/Pinotage

I live in a boating community where box wine is a staple on board. The challenge is to find a box wine that folks will be willing to serve at home as well as on board.  In this series “Battle of the Boxes” I am going to try one ‘box’ of wine at a time, I’ll  pass judgment on the quality of the wine upon first opening, and then again after being open for one week. I’ll also comment on the packaging, how sturdy the box, the bag and the spigot are. The battle ground here is not which of these wines is better then the rest, but rather will the box win us over and allow us to embrace it as a packaging alternative to the bottle.

Herding Cats Merlot – Pinotage, Western Cape, South Africa

First Sip

This wine opens up with herbal aromas and dark fruit flavors on the palette. There is a bit of spice on the finish, but not overt. The addition of the Pinotage to the Merlot brings in a bit of earthiness to this blend.  If you enjoy Carménère, you may very well enjoy this Merlot – Pinotage blend.

Second Sip ~ 1 week later

I sensed sweet-tart aromas and smooth dark fruit mid palette. The finish still has bits of spice; all very much the same as my first sip. The packaging kept together, the bag and spigot are sturdy. The spigot isn’t a push-type, but more like a little faucet that we turn to release the wine. I stored this octagon box on a shelf in my wine cellar, it was very convenient to pour directly into a carafe and bring the carafe to the table to serve.

Winner of Round 1~ Herding Cats. Why? Because if the crowd continued to go back to the cellar to refill the carafe; I think the wine won.

80% Merlot | 20% Pinotage | Alcohol 13.5% | Retails $24 3L | Available in 750ml bottle for $8

Thank you to Octavian Home Wine Bar, Folsom and Associates and Winemakers Pieter Carstens and Adam Richardson for providing the wine.

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Celebrate Valentines Day with Biltmore Estate’s Pas de Deux and Signature Sparkling Cocktails

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Wine Everyday
Biltmore Blackberry Bellini in Waterford Flute

This gallery contains 4 photos.

Pas de Deux is a French ballet term meaning ‘steps of two‘; a duet. Much like classical ballet, wine making is also a duet; a delicate dance between winemaker and the grape. Winemaker Sharon Fenchak’s creation is a fruit-forward sparkling wine … Continue reading →

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Napa Cellars ~ award-winning varietals by winemaker Joe Shirley

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Wine Everyday

I often host wine tasting events showcasing one varietal, comparing 3 or 4 different bottles  ending in a declaration of the best bottle of the night. I also enjoy hosting tasting events that showcase one winemaker and their suite of wines. What I’ve learned in these tastings is how the winemaker’s imprint flows thru each bottle, how his or her personality is expressed through the wines.

I recently sat down with four of my favorite wine tasting partners to taste and discuss Winemaker Joe Shirley and his Napa Cellars suite of wines. These wines were made in classic Napa Valley style with lush ripe fruits, rich and balanced. Blended from carefully selected fruit from renowned vineyards by the guiding hand of Joe Shirley; to produce stellar varietal examples.


Napa Cellars Wines2010 Chardonnay Napa Valley Mellow yellow in color, with lemon citrus aromas led us to oak and clove flavors.  The addition of pear and watermelon flavors gave it a softer finish. This is a Winter Chardonnay, and would pair very nicely with a spicy shrimp dish. 100% Chardonnay | Alcohol 14.4% | Retails for $22*

2009 Merlot Napa Valley The deep red colors and aromas of black cherry and plum were met with oak and vanilla flavors. A tight tannic finish with reminders of the luscious fruit make you go back for another sip. 100% Merlot | Alcohol 14.4% | Retails for $22*

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Deep purple in color with very fruity and barn floor aromas. The flavors of black cherry, cedar, sawdust and clove, lead way to a smooth creamy finish of toasted oak. A classic NY Strip or Rib Eye steak pairing is in order here. 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot | Alcohol 13.9%  | Retails for $22*

2009 Zinfandel Napa Valley A very deep purple color with aromas of peat; flavors of oak and spice lead to a dry toasty finish. The addition of the Petite Sirah does not go unnoticed, yet does not overpower. 88% Zinfandel, 12% Petite Sirah | Alcohol 14.7% | Retails for $26*

After our tasting we enjoyed these wines with a dinner of Butterflied Grilled Lamb, scalloped potatoes and grilled asparagus. With enough wine to go around everyone settled in on their favorite, with the Chardonnay to be the first empty bottle of the evening. These sophisticated wines offer quality and value, with the consistency of the winemaker’s balanced touch flowing thru each bottle.

Many thanks to Winemaker Joe Shirley, Napa Cellars and Balzac Communications & Marketing for providing the wines.

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Wine, Zinfandel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

An Australia Day Celebration with Fish Eye Wine!

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Wine Everyday

It’s 32 degrees and the middle of winter here on the East Coast of USA, but in Australia it’s 92 and sunny! So why not bring a little summer into this dreary winter day and celebrate “Aussie Day” with our Mates from Down Under!

Australia Day commemorates the arrival of The British First Fleet in 1788 to Sydney Cove and the establishment of British sovereignty over this new Colony. The celebrations, however, didn’t begin until 1808. Today, Australia is no longer under the British rule, but the celebrations continue with great fanfare!

Winemaker Steve Roden was kind enough to send us that bit of Australian history lesson along with two of his wines. Tasting the Fish Eye Pinot Grigio and Shiraz, both from South Eastern Australia, it didn’t take me long to get in the summertime mood.

Fish Eye Winery

Pinot Grigio and Shiraz

2011 Fish Eye Winery Pinot Grigio: This wine is almost crystal clear, with a tint of pear color. The aromas are fresh and citrusy. Soft fruit flavors of melon, lemon and peach give this wine its refreshing character. The finish, while short, is cleansing and fresh. Alcohol 12%

2011 Fish Eye Winery Shiraz:  Aromas of fresh cut grass and strawberry jam greet you with reminders of springtime! The flavors are fruity and bright, with blackberry and blueberry predominant. The finish is medium dry, with very soft tannins and a tiny hint of spice. Not typical of the rowdy, in your face Australian Shiraz, this is a fruity (not sweet) quaffable wine, a good daytime red wine, perhaps slightly chilled on a very hot summer day. Alcohol 13.5%

I paired these wines with Smoked Spicy Baby Back Ribs and Homemade Sweet and Spicy Baked Beans. The Pinot Grigio offered a refreshing palate cleanse from the heat of the dish, and the Shiraz offered a bit more of a full mouth feel with the fruit and hint of spice on the finish. The Siraz would go equally well with a traditional Australian dish of Steak smothered with mushrooms and onions.

I tasted these wines in the 750ml size bottle; however they are also available in 1.5L bottles and 3L box format. (*Pricing is $7 $12 and $18 respectively). Boaters in my hometown of Annapolis, Maryland are going to love this wine in box format!

Folks are always asking me for wine recommendations under $10. Here are two easy to quaff, good varietal examples that clearly won’t break the bank.

Many thanks to Winemaker Steve Roden, Fish Eye Winery and Folsom and Associates for introducing us to these wines.

Cheers & G’Day Mates!

*Note these wines were provided as trade samples.

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Ramian Estate 2009 ‘PARLAY ~ The Bookmaker’ A red blend that hits the jackpot!

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Wine Everyday

Ramian Estate produces small quantities of quality wines under the labels Ramian Estate, J. Garrett and Parlay. Today we are indulging in a Cabernet Sauvignon blend “Parlay ~ 2009 The Bookmaker”

Parlay 2009 The Bookmaker

This is a big bold, in your face (in a good way) wine. Rowdy upon opening, it was sent to the decanter for a time-out. Of course, I can’t ignore a wine in during this evolutionary period; I had a few sips on its journey. After 2 hours in the decanter, the wine was ready to pour. There are licorice, boysenberry and dark cherry flavors; with the Petite Sirah not being a shy component of this blend. The finish is long and lush with dark fruit still present. Tannins present give this wine a bit of earth on the finish.

The wine calmed down a bit when paired with Goat cheese, stood up to the nuttiness of Manchego cheese, and hit the jackpot with a juicy steak for dinner. I enjoyed the versatility of this wine, a nice departure from a 100% Cab, the additional reds blended into a very unique and enjoyable wine. Petite Sirah lovers take note and embrace this wine, odds are you will love it!

Made from 72% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from vineyards in the Oak Knoll district in Napa Valley and the balance of 28% is a blend of: Syrah, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot, from a mountaintop vineyard in El Dorado in the Sierra Foothills.  Because ‘place matters’ winemaker Brian Graham carefully chooses the vineyards to source the variety of grapes used in his wines. Brian’s formal wine training in France gave him the foundation to produce quality, unique wines for Ramian Estate.

Alcohol 14.5% Retail price $20

Many thanks Brian Graham, Ramian Estate and Balzac Communications & Marketing for providing the wine.

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Perrin Reserve Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2010 ~ A white for all seasons

Posted on January 8, 2012 by Wine Everyday

Produced by the Perrin Family with nearly a century of wine making legacy, and grapes sourced from the southern region of France near Cairanne and Joquieres, this full bodied, yet fresh, white wine is a blend of 50% Grenache Blanc, 20% Viognier, 15% Marsanne, 15% Roussanne.

There are green apple and kiwi aromas; with fresh grapefruit and citrus flavors upon the first sip. The finish is creamy and lush. All this suggests this wine can bridge the gap between a summer and winter white wine.

Perrin Reserve

Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc

This wine is quite at home sipping alone on the porch, or with a meal. The diversity and crowd pleasing qualities make this a ‘go to white’ when you want something other than a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Pair this wine with fresh salads, Mediterranean and seafood dishes.

Alcohol 13%

Retails at $12 (found at Trader Joes, Washington, DC for $9.50)

From the Côtes du Rhône region of southern France


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Anytime is the right time for bubbly wines!

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Wine Everyday

I’m happy to share this encore post of a recently published article of mine at 12most. Remember, everyday is a holiday and any day is the right day to pop some sparkling wine!

12 Most Luscious wines to enjoy this Holiday

With the upcoming holidays of Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s, chances are you’ll be in the market for a few bottles of Champagne or special holiday release wines. Drinking sparkling wine is one of the most elegant and civilized activities we engage in, so take time in between wrapping gifts to enjoy some of these sparkling wines and special holiday wines.

1. Santa Julia Brut Rose NV, Mendoza, Argentina

100% Pinot Noir, bright sparkling strawberry pink color in the glass with fresh aromas of grapefruit on the nose. This gem of a wine has a lush finish making you want to go back for more. With a retail price of $13* you can easily do so!

2. Majella Sparkling Shiraz, Coonawarra South Australia

Deep red colors with a great head of bubbles. Vanilla and strawberries on the nose, black fruit flavors with great mouth feel. This is not a novelty wine, but a quality sparkling Shiraz that will please the red wine lovers at your holiday table. Retails $25.

3. Moet & Chandon Rosé Imperial, Epernay, France

Pink wine is not just for girls! This champagne presents delightful strawberry and raspberry aromas with a toasted finish. The rich intensity of this champagne from Epernay, France, will set the mood for the day. Retails for about $50.

4. Domaine Carneros by Taittinger Brut Rose, Napa, California

This California sparkling wine is fruity and floral with a very elegant rose color. At $36 a bottle it’s a bargain compared to its French counterpart.

5. Biltmore Estate Blanc de Blanc, Ashville, North Carolina

Made with 100% Chardonnay grapes from California and produced by the historic Biltmore winery, this sparkler has hints of freshly baked bread on the nose with fruit flavors of lemon and apricot. This will pair nicely with spicy dishes and seafood. Retails for $25*

6. Cupcake Prosecco,Veneto, Italy

White peaches and honey-dew on the nose, with citrus flavors and a toasted finish. Will pair nicely with a traditional Italian Christmas Eve seafood dinner or wonderful accompaniment to the dessert table. Retails for $14*

7. Christmas at Biltmore, Ashville, North Carolina

Not a sparkling wine, but a sweet, limited release wine just for the holidays. Made with a blend of four white grapes it has a light blonde color with sweet spices and orange blossom on the nose. Sweet flavors of strawberry and apricot. The bottle has a limited release label that makes it beautiful for gift giving. Retails for $12*

8. Cupcake “Red Velvet”, Livermore, California

Nothing says “Classic Holiday” more than a red velvet dress, so when they name a wine “Red Velvet” it’s sure to be an instant holiday classic. Deep chocolate aromas and dark berry flavors with a creamy intense finish. This red blend from California will pair with a steak or a dessert tray of chocolates. Retails for $14*

9. Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut, Sonoma, California

From the first sparkling wine producer in Sonoma, California, this wine presents lovely floral aromas, nutty with fresh apple and lemon flavors. Made with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, widely available at $20 makes it easy to keep a case on hand for the holidays.

10. Bartenura Prosecco, Veneto, Italy

From the Veneto region of Italy, this sparkling wine is fruity with a dry, creamy finish. This versatile Kosher wine will pair nicely with your Chanukah celebrations. Retails $18

11. J Vineyards Cuvée 20 Healdsburg, California

Their distinctive bottle is recognizable from across the room, a “label-less” bottle adorned only with an elegant “J”. The elegance continues with each sip, lemon and honeysuckle aromas and tart grapefruit flavors and creamy pear finish. This wine commemorates their 20th anniversary, a great reason to pop a bottle! Retails $24

12. Pindar Vineyards 2009 Cuvée, Peconic, New York

Made from 100% Pinot Meunier grapes, the latest vintage of sparkling wine from this North Fork, Long Island vineyard has hints of ripe apple and sourdough flavors. Challenging to find outside the New York metro region, I try to pick up a few bottles whenever I head back home. Retails for $28

This list is a compilation of special occasion wines I’ve enjoyed during this year. While it would have been spectacular to have had all 12 available at one tasting, it’s best to spread them out and enjoy them one by one. Wines with a (*) were provided to me by the winery as a trade sample.

Featured image courtesy of author, Eileen Gross.

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Mumm Cuvée Napa ~ Napa Valley’s prestigious sparkling wines with a French Heritage

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Wine Everyday

In 1979 when G.H. Mumm set their sights on producing sparkling wine in the United States, winemaker Guy Devaux was put to the task of seeking out just the right location.  By 1986, Mumm Cuvée Napa was established, and has been producing sparkling California wine in the méthode champenoise (or traditional method) ever since. Not trying to imitate the French Champagne that bears its name, Mumm Cuvée Napa has established itself as a superior producer of fine Napa Valley sparkling wines.  Today, winemaker Ludovic Dervin is responsible for the variety of elegant wines Mumm produces.  Clearly, there was no hesitation on my part when asked to taste these three sparkling wines.

Mumm Prestige BrutMumm Brut Prestige Made with 51% Pinot Noir, 46% Chardonnay, 2% Pinot Meunier and 1% Pinot Gris. This wine presents soft sparkling bubbles, with golden color in the glass and soft floral aromas. Flavors of peach, apricot, and vanilla make this a rich flavored wine. The finish is lush and lingering. This is a complex, food friendly wine that can take you from the dinner table straight to a mid-night toast on New Years Eve. A retail price of $20 for this wine is remarkable.

Mumm Brut Rosé Made with 85% Pinot Noir 15% Chardonnay. The light bubbles enhance the salmon glow of the wine in the glass. Aromas of yeast and cherries; flavors of tart pink grapefruit with a mild, but satisfying finish make this a very sophisticated wine. The flavors became more complex when tasted with blue cheese, and would also complement a spicy meal. Retail price of $24.

DVX

DVX

Mumm DVX 2003 Made with 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay.  This wine honors the legacy of winemaker Guy Devaux. The tiniest of bubbles accentuate the golden straw color. With aromas of toast and flavors of green apple; this wine has a smooth creamy feel and a very long finish. I found this wine simply elegant to sip alone. A well done, but not over done wine; complex but not confusing. This is an age worthy sparkling wine. A retail price of $60 this is a bottle to treat yourself to!

I’ll encourage you to try one or all three of these wines this New Year’s weekend. Pick your favorite because Valentines Day is right around the corner!

Thank you to Mumm Napa and Folsom & Associates for providing the samples.

Cheers!

by Eileen Gross

Posted in Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine, Wine | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Wines to pair with your holiday Turkey

Posted on December 17, 2011 by Wine Everyday

Thanksgiving is well behind us, but the Turkey is still a centerpiece at many Christmas dinner tables. If your December holiday menu will include Turkey, Duck or a Truducken, take a look at this article I wrote on Thanksgiving Wines for 12 Most .

12 Most Thanksgiving Friendly Wines

The quintessential American Thanksgiving meal will inevitably include turkey as the main course. But with eating that begins early in the day and concludes late in the evening, there is no one perfect wine for this day. Also, the wide variety of side dishes and turkey that can be prepared so many different ways makes it almost necessary to have both a white and a red available on the table. Here are some widely available wine suggestions for what to serve throughout the day.

Sparkling Starters

1. Saint Hilaire LimouxSaint-Hilaire

Because it isn’t a holiday until someone pops the bubbly, the morning breakfast feast should include some sparkling wine. You don’t have to spend a lot to get a quality wine, the Saint Hilaire from the Limoux region in France, retails for about $12.

2. Piera Martellozzo, Prosecco “Blue Pearl”

This is a delightful sparkling wine, not sweet, but fruitful in both aromas and flavors. It will be a delightful wine to sip while preparing all the luscious dishes of the day! Retails for about $16

3. Moet & Chandon Rosé

If your wallet allows, splurge for a bottle of this wine, and make it a vintage. The rich, intensity of this champagne will set the mood for the day. Retail prices vary widely on this wine.

Dinner Table Whites and Reds

4. Sheldrake Point Riesling

Rieslings are widely known as food friendly wines. This wine is medium dry, crisp and refreshing. If you are preparing a Turducken Cajun style, this wine will be a very refreshing pairing. Retails for about $15.

5. Hosmer Dry RieslingHosmer Dry Riesling

There is a crisp apple on the nose with refreshing citrus and mineral flavors. This is a bone dry Riesling that is perfect to drink on its own. The mineral flavors on this wine remind me of a fine French Chablis. If I were standing over a hot vat of boiling oil ready to fry my turkey, I would want this wine to take the heat off! Retails for about $13.

6. Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc

Stick with the classics; this is a versatile, easy to find, crowd pleasing white wine. Aromas of tropical fruits will pair nicely with a tofu turkey, a sumptuous salad entrée, and shrimp cocktail appetizers. Retails for abut $12.

7. Saintsbury Pinot Noir

For a traditionally prepared roasted turkey, the Saintsbury Pinot Noir pairs nicely. Offering ripe cherry and berry flavors, with a full body and a bit of spice, it is an elegant Pinot Noir. Retails for about $20.

8. The Crusher Pinot NoirThe Crusher Pinot Noir

If you are planning on smoking your turkey, then you’ll want a Pinot Noir that can stand up to those hearty flavors. The Crusher Pinot Noir from Don & Sons has smoke and bacon aromas with clove and cherries flavors. This wine won’t be drowned out by the hearty flavors of a smoked turkey. Retails for about $18.

9. Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir

A chimichurrie brined turkey will be juicy and have delicate herbal flavors with a hint of spice. Such a bird calls for a medium bodied Pinot Noir with fresh raspberry and cherry aromas. This is a sexy Pinot Noir and at a retail price of about $15 it is sure to be a hit.

Dessert and Fireplace Wines

10. BR Cohn Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon

Rich flavors of berry, black cherry and vanilla. This is a high quality Cabernet Sauvignon that will pair perfectly with the chocolates on your dessert menu. Retails for about $20.

11. Chateau Montelena Estate Zinfandel

With aromas of earth and spice, this wine is a perfect pairing with after dinner cigars enjoyed around the fire pit. Retails for about $30.

 12. Terra d’Oro Zinfandel Port  Terra d'Oro

In our house, holidays begin with Champagne and end with Port. This California Port is a luscious treat; with no aging required it’s ready to drink! Serve it with chocolate or blue cheeses. Retails for about $12.

Which ever way you serve your turkey or tofu turkey, and whichever of these wine you select, remember that the focus of the day is on family, friends and all we have to be thankful for. So, I raise my glass in a toast to you and your family that you may have a wonderful holiday.

This article was written by Eileen Gross, and previously posted on 12 Most.

Posted in 12most, Cabernet Sauvignon, Finger Lakes Region, Hosmer Winery, Pinot Noir, Port, Prosecco, Riesling, Rose, Sauvignon Blanc, Wine, Zinfandel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

12 Most Thoughtful Gifts for the Wine Lover on Your Holiday List

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Wine Everyday
Heavenly Peace~Leanne Laine

Heavenly Peace ~ Leanne Laine

There are so many gadgets and gizmos on the market today that you can find just the right gift for the wine lover on your holiday list (aside from bottles of wine). Many are small enough for stocking stuffers!

1. Wine glasses

Well, they probably have dozens of glasses, but do they have the right glasses? Yes, glasses matter! The shape, size and glass quality play an important role in how the wine will taste. And, if you’ve ever broken a few glasses, you can appreciate a box of fresh glasses under the tree. My personal favorite is Riedel.

2. Decanter

Young wine is decanted to allow the wine to breath, evolve and improve. Older wine is decanted to remove the sediment. Some folks pour boxed wine into a beautiful decanter to serve it more gracefully. Whatever the purpose, a wine lover can never have enough glasses or decanters!

3. Wine bottle travel sleeves

If your wine lover travels and is always trying to find clever ways of packing wine bottles, get them these ingenious little wine pouches. They are designed for air travel (not carry on). Look for Bottle Guard Neoprene Wine Protector or Wine Hug Self-inflating protective travel pouch about $25

4. Books & e-books

My favorite book on wine is “The Wine Bible” by Karen MacNeil. At over 900 pages, this book is an amazing guide on the history of wine, the grapes, the regions and much more. As a resource book it’s fantastic, no wine lover should be with out it!

5. Corkscrew

A corkscrew seems pretty basic, and maybe they already have one. But, the right corkscrew makes all the difference when you are standing over a bottle struggling to get at the wine! The Waiters Corkscrews are used in restaurants and are the most reliable.

6. Wine cellar

If your wine lover isn’t lucky enough to have an entire room devoted to their wine storage, then it’s time to consider going for broke and getting them a wine cellar. They come in all sizes, ranging from 6 bottles to storing over 300. Buy the biggest one you can fit in your space. You WILL fill it, trust me.

7. Aerator

Using an aerator to open young wine is important if you don’t have time to let it sit in a decanter. There are so many on the market now, small and portable to bring to your favorite BYOB or an aerator tower stand that sits on your counter. Either way, they aren’t expensive, and the little ones make a great stocking stuffer.

8. Vacuum sealer

Yes, there is such a thing as left over wine. Some folks freeze the leftovers in little ice cube trays to use later. I use the Wine Bottle Vacuum Sealer Pump and have had a lot of success with it. It’s priced at around $10. If your wine lover already has a vacuum sealer remember you can never have enough fresh stoppers. Yes, the stoppers do wear out.

9. Gourmet food treats

Let’s face it, food and wine go hand in hand. Wine lovers love to nibble on gourmet cheeses, chocolates and specialty crackers. Why not put together a basket and toss in a bottle of their favorite wine!

10. Wine club subscription

Wine clubs have been around forever. Unfortunately some push whatever wine they can get their hands on. Skip all that and go directly to the vineyard and sign your wine lover up for a year’s subscription to their favorite winery. Chances are they ship a few bottles four times per year. This is the gift that keeps giving all year long!

11. Artwork

We can’t always be drinking wine, but we can have it hanging around us all the time! Check out artwork from this hot artist Leanne Laine  for some extraordinary works of art at a variety of price points.

12. Wine aroma kit

If your wine lover is forever asking “What is this aroma I sensing?” it’s time to get them an aroma kit. These kits come with small vials, and look something like a little science project. Along with a guide book, it can help identify those lovely aromas emitting from the glass.

Whatever holiday your family celebrates during this season of giving, putting thought into the gift is the most important thing. Cheers!

Written by Eileen Gross, WineEveryday  Originally published on 12most.com Republished with permission, courtesy of 12 Most  Photo courtesy of Leanne Laine

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