For those of you who have procrastinated or are still looking for a gift for the friend or relative who has everything, I offer the following suggestions. I know as you are reading this post you are probably saying, “It’s too late to get here before Christmas.” For most of these ideas that is probably true, if you are talking about deliveries. But many of New Jersey wineries are open today and/or tomorrow, at least. Besides, you may have friends who you won’t be able to see on Christmas, perhaps giving you a narrow window of opportunity to make that special purchase.
Knowing that we all have different budgets to contend with, I will offer ideas at various price points. Obviously all of these will be wine-related (and primarily New Jersey wine related).
First, here’s a few ideas for stocking stuffers (all under $20):
- A wine chiller-as cold as it is now, you know summer is coming and these are indispensable (better than ice buckets)
- a foil cutter-makes the bottle opening easier and neater
- wine stoppers-I can never have enough of these (maybe because I lose them or lend them to friends at dinner). I prefer the type shown below, as they fit easily and snuggly, but also have a filter for pouring, getting out any sediment that might detract from your glass of wine.
You can purchase many of these at wineries, but they can also be purchased at wine stores like Total Wine or online at one of the usual e-behemoths.
Next, here are a handful of reasonably priced wines I have enjoyed recently (all under $20-Four of these are pictured at the top of this post):
- Autumn Lake Winery Traminette-award winner and only $16
- Bellview Winery Chambourcin 2016 ($18)
- Hawk Haven Vineyards Flying Press Red (best version yet and only $14.99)
- White Horse Winery Chambourcin (voted Best in Philly local red-$18)
- William Heritage Winery Unoaked Chardonnay (retails at $20, but let’s not nitpick over a penny)
For those with a less restrictive budget who want that “special bottle,” may I suggest (priced roughly $30-$50):
- Beneduce Vineyards Blue 2 2016 Blaufrankisch
- Unionville Vineyards 2016 Pheasant Hill Chardonnay
- Turdo Vineyards Turis Etichetta D’Oro 2016 Sangiovese and 2014 Nebbiolo Note: Turdo Vineyards closed for the season, but you can reserve for next year. You may be able to have wine delivered, though obviously not in time for Christmas!
- Pretty much any of the Amalthea Cellars Legend Series (Europa I-VII). My favorite is Europa I.
So you know your friend loves wines, but not sure what their “Go-To-Wine” is…
Most wineries offer gift cards and folks don’t mind picking our their personal favorites.
Let’s not forget the wine lover in your life, who is always looking to learn more…
Time is running out for using the holiday coupon giving you $2 off your purchase of my e-book, New Jersey Uncorked: A Snob-Free Taste of NJ Wine. Now $10.99 at the Apple iBook store. Works on any iOS product (Mac, iPad or iPhone). Remember to use the coupon code: Holidays19.
Cheers! Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah!
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