2022 Holiday Gifts for the Wine and Spirits Lover
12 Wine Accessories, Sabers, Clothes, Somm Classes, 12 Nights of Wine, Books
Every holiday I am asked, “What wine or wine accessory should I give as a gift for friends, colleagues, or customers?” My answer: “Give the gift of their favorite wine, an iconic wine, a wine accessory, spirits accessory, a wine magazine or newsletter subscription, a wine book, or even a Champagne saber.”
“How about a celebrated wine book?” “What about wine education or wine storage?” Depending on your budget and the recipients’ preferences, here are some suggested wine books, clothing for the wine lover on your holiday gift list. Or give a gift of a Wine Wanderings newsletter subscription to your favorite wine lover!
Countdown to Wine
12 Nights of Wine – Vinebox, $129
I have received this gift! The 12 nights of wine was the world’s first curated wine advent calendar…Twas the Night Collection.
Wine and Spirits Accessories, Clothing, Storage
Resafy Champagne Saber with Wooden Box, $37
Yes, I do saber Champagne bottles, but mostly for a charity or wedding event. Sabering is a fun party trick, but be sure to practice first on a more inexpensive bottle. My favorite for drinking and saber-practicing is this Crémant de Loire, Langlois Brut Rosé, $19.
There are many myths and legends about sabering or “Sabrage” including stories of Napoleon saying, “Champagne! In victory one deserves it; in defeat one needs it.”
Flexible Wine Storage bins 3-6-9 Crates, holds 12 bottle each, Amazon, 3 for $72
Not everyone has a wine cellar, but these crates each hold 12 regular bottles or 6 magnums. Organize your wine closet or actual cellar with this inexpensive option.
Mixology Infusion Kit, $25 per flavor
This at-home alcohol infusion kit helps you serve up seriously impressive cocktails.
Personalized Barrel-Inspired 16” Lazy Susan with Iron Rail, $95-$111
A Wine Enthusiast offer, this stylish lazy Susan is handcrafted in mango wood and iron. Great for entertaining.
Nicole Miller Pop and Heels Leggings, $69
Cheers! These leggings add a touch of whimsy to your everyday wardrobe in signature Nicole Miller style with illustrations of sparkling bubbly, chic heels, and sweet treats.
Vino-Voyage 2.0 TSA-Approved 6-Bottle Wine Suitcase, $169
Shipping wine from wine regions can be so expensive. One of two trips will pay for this suitcase…in a rugged yet stylish Bordeaux red color.
Wine Education and Certification
Napa Wine Academy Tuition for WSET Level One Online course, Wine, Exam, $350
This remote, online course includes self-paced education, 6 100ml wine tasting kit, and the Level 1 WSET® certification exam. Course dates are available every month. Napa Wine Academy was my alma mater for my WSET Level 3 certification. Grape Experience, located in San Francisco and Boston, was my alma mater for my WSET® Level 4, Diploma of Wine, certification. Several of my close colleagues have attended the Dallas-based WSET®-provider, Dallas Wine Education Center.
Wine Book Recommendations
Hugh Johnson Pocket Wine 2022, $16.99
I have already given three copies of Hugh’s new pocket edition to friends and colleagues. This was first published in 1977 and has sold hundreds of thousands of copies. He also co-authored with Jancis Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, now it its eighth edition.
The 24 Hour Wine Expert by Jancis Robinson, MW, $9.50
My favorite wine expert, Jancis Robinson, wrote a book I often give as a gift. This book helps wine drinkers who wish they knew more about wine, without having to understand every nuance.
The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil, $39-$55 (can be signed and personalized)
Karen MacNeil, my Culinary Institute of America-Napa Valley location - professor, and one of the foremost wine experts in the United States, offers her latest edition of this famous wine book. Her storytelling about the making of wine in the world’s foremost wine region keeps the novice and the wine connoisseur alike engaged. Her unique voice notes: “In the great years, Pétrus is ravishing, elegant, and rich – Ingrid Bergman in red satin.”
A Newsletter or Magazine Gift Subscription
A Holiday Wine Wanderings premium newsletter subscription, $47.50/year – 52 weeks of news and education on wine, spirits, and travel with interviews from favorite wine regions.
A Very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Healthy 2023 New Year to all my subscribers! Stay tuned for a holiday sparkling wine guide.
Wine Wanderings Editorial Calendar
Bubbles and Holidays: The Best Sparkling Wines for the Holiday Season
Christmas in the Vineyards with Janis Miglavs, Photographer
Feeding America -feedingamerica.org – Thank you, Premium Subscribers
A White House State Dinner- Contrasting Administrations
A Texas Winery with Napa Valley History
Uruguay Wines – What is Trending
1881 Museum Napa Valley: A Transformation of the Oakville Grocery
Unexpected Blends – Explaining this Phenomenon
North Texas Premier Wine Destinations
Meet Eden Hill, Lone Star, and Blue Ostrich