There is a huge assortment of accessories to suit every wine lover’s interest as well as the buyer’s pocketbook. Here is a list of wine-themed ideas that every wine enthusiast will love.
The holiday season is in full swing and the pressure is on to find just the right gift for family and friends. And if that special someone is a wine lover, well, there can be a little added burden when trying to find the perfect gift. After all, buying a bottle — or two — of wine is always a dicey proposition, particularly since wine tastes are so personal.
But fear not. It turns out that there is a huge assortment of accessories to suit every wine lover’s interest as well as the buyer’s pocketbook. Here is a list of wine-themed ideas that every wine enthusiast will love — including me!
(Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
If you’re looking to light up your recipient’s next party, check out Upcycled Wine Bottle Lamps. They make a great gift for any wine lover, and look great in a dining room, kitchen or bar. Made from “repurposed” wine bottles, these fun lights come in different colors and a variety of wine bottles. Using craft lights, these handmade accent lamps are decorated with glass gem “grapes,” grape leaves and a small metal coil “vine.” Available online at etsy.com — search Upcycled Wine Bottle Lamps. $25 each
(Courtesy Scott Greenberg)
Courtesy Scott Greenberg
Books about wine are always a good bet, but if your wine lover also loves a good mystery, then he will love the books by local wine writer Dick Rosano. Rosano is a wine, food and travel writer with long-running columns in The Washington Post, Wine Enthusiast and other magazines. His two latest books are murder mysteries set in Italy. Dick takes you on a wonderful journey where he describes picturesque landscapes, intriguing characters and the wine and food of the region in mouthwatering detail. Check out “Tuscan Blood” and “Hunting Truffles.” Both are a delight to read and an escape from the normal wine encyclopedia-of-the-moment. Available at Amazon $13 for the paperback and $2 for the Kindle version.
(Product Screen Shot)
Product Screen Shot
Every year I recommend wine decanters. I just don’t think you can ever have enough of them. Wine decanters are not only a stylish, but they are also an incredibly practical gift. Decanting serves two purposes. It separates a wine from any sediment that may have formed in the bottle, and it aerates a wine to enhance its aromas and flavors before serving. Decanters come in a variety of styles and shapes. Check out the selection at Wine Enthusiast. Prices range from $25 — $100
(Product Screen Shot)
Product Screen Shot
The BIG Splurge: If you know someone who likes to travel with his own compliment of wine, then the VinGarde Wine Valise is an absolute necessity. It is a virtually indestructible wine carrying case, with a polycarbonate shell and dense closed-cell foam interior that can accommodate a full case of 750 mL bottles. It weighs about 48 pounds when fully packed so you can check it as luggage on a plane under the baggage limit. The wine cavities are designed to hold a combination of almost any shape bottles, including traditional Bordeaux and Burgundy, to Champagne and riesling. The foam inserts can be removed if you need to pack clothes or other items. Available at select wine stores and amazon.com $270
(Courtesy Scott Greenberg)
