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Gifts
By Noelle Ike, CNN Underscored
Published 2:00 PM EST, Tue February 13, 2024
Shopping for people who love a particular thing can lead to a very specific conundrum: How do you know if you’re getting them a gift that they’ll actually be excited about? This rings especially true for oenophiles, more commonly known as wine lovers. When it comes to the world of wine, there are a lot of different preferences, tastes, varieties and things to know.
Fortunately, finding the best present doesn’t have to be as complicated — especially when you’re armed with gift recommendations from experts with impeccable taste. These gifts, which include everything from the wine glasses you’ll find at Michelin-starred restaurants to a gadget that can keep an open bottle of wine fresh for years, have been hand-picked by expert sommeliers, winemakers, restaurateurs, hospitality pros and people who just know and love their wine.
Los Angeles-based certified sommelier and wine educator Brianne Cohen describes the Josephine No. 2 as “the sexiest wine glasses.” The universal wine glass, which is perfect for reds and whites alike, comes from the legendary Zalto family, whom she refers to as the GOATs of wine glasses. “Slim and dainty stems with gorgeously crafted bowls are a work of art on their own,” she explains, “and showcase your wines with their precise hand-blown craftsmanship.”
Aaron Thompson, a bartender, sommelier and co-owner of Brother Wolf and Osteria Stella in Knoxville, Tennessee, describes this as “a must for any wine lover who wants to keep their wine fresh.” This nifty gadget uses 100% food-grade argon gas to preserve the freshness of an open bottle of wine for years. “We use the Coravin preservation systems at all three of our restaurants because they work so effectively,” says Thompson. Cohen agrees, sharing that it's perfect for a household with “differing wine preferences or for the person who likes to switch between different wines.” If you’re shopping for someone who tends to prefer bubbly, there’s also a Coravin system for sparkling wines.
“This is my favorite entertaining showstopper,” shares Sarah Tracey, sommelier at The Lush Life. “This ice mold not only keeps your wine chilled for hours, but it doubles as a gorgeous centerpiece,” she says. “Simply fill it with seasonal fruit, flowers or greenery to wow your guests — it’s a wonderful gift for oenophiles that love to host!”
“This is such a fun idea for a wine-soaked game night, especially if the wine-lover on your list has a competitive streak,” shares Tracey. “With trivia categories like ‘Vine to Vino,’ ‘Wine Cellar’ and ‘Cork Culture,’ players get to flex their wine knowledge while beginners can pick up some wine education.”
Chas Martin, co-founder of Duro Hospitality — the group responsible for Dallas’ highly-anticipated restaurant and bar Mister Charles — recommends this book, which holds “a special place” in his heart. “Back in the day, my professor — who's a master sommelier now — used it as the go-to teaching material in one of my culinary school classes,” says Martin. “It’s super easy to get into, breaks down major wine regions and just gives you this broad, awesome view — seriously, a game-changer.”
“I love a good wine picnic, and this collapsible bamboo board is the perfect way to enjoy one both indoors and outdoors,” shares Amanda McCrossin, sommelier and host of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast. “Place your favorite cheeses and spreads directly on the board and keep your glasses and wine from knocking over in the holders — simple but genius design.”
“One of the best ways to continue learning about wine is by drinking outside of your comfort zone,” says McCrossin, and “a well-curated wine club featuring the recommendations of an unrivaled team of sommeliers is a perfect way to explore without the worry of wondering whether the wine will actually be good.” She recommends Wine Access, which boasts a couple subscription services you can choose from. One of the options is Wine Access Unfiltered, which pairs an episode of McCrossin’s own podcast series with four hand-selected bottles every two months, perfect for anyone hoping to learn about wine straight from the expert source.
“As a wine glassware expert, I continuously reiterate that decanters are one of the best and most important gifts you could give a wine drinker,” shares Maximilian Riedel, the 11th-generation CEO and president of Riedel. “Decanters are more than mere accessories; they are key tools for getting maximum enjoyment out of wine,” he says. This stunning option is perfect for gifting, especially to those who love to explore different varietals or have an ever-changing wine preference, he explains. “Defined by its ease of use and versatile functionality, it's ideal for any type of wine, including red, white and Champagne, and can be used to gently decant both older wines and vigorously aerate younger wines.”
“Sabering is such a fun party trick for wine lovers,” shares Desiree Harrison-Brown, a wine educator, influencer and founder of the blog Wino Noire. “Imagine the thrill of slicing open a bottle of Champagne with a sword, sending corks flying and sparking joyous moments.” Martin also recommends a Champagne saber as the perfect celebratory gift. “This adds a touch of French elegance and excitement to any celebration,” he explains, “making for a memorable and unique gift for the bubbly enthusiast in your life.”
“For a slightly more upscale gift, I love to give two glass sets of Gabriel Glas,” shares Ashley Herzberg, winemaker at Avaline. “These glasses are my go-to for writing tasting notes or for a casual glass of wine at home,” she says. “I love them and I love to share them.” They’re also a favorite of McCrossin’s, who refers to them as the little black dress of wine glasses. “A truly great wine glass can really optimize your wine,” she explains, “and this is one of the more affordable well-crafted options, and has that perfect balance of feeling both delicate and durable.”
“True wine lovers know that a lot of the joy of wine discovery lies in exploring pairings,” shares Tracey, “and cheese pairing is a classic way to start evolving your palate.” This subscription from the renowned Murray’s Cheese is available in three different shipping cadences, and each includes a variety of cheeses plus one other accompaniment, selected to pair with that month’s suggested beverage.
“This is a personal journey through the wines that have most impacted my career and my take on what makes a real Italian wine,” shares Joe Campanale, co-owner of Bar Vinazo, LaLou and Fausto in Brooklyn, New York, and author of this book. “With a focus on indigenous grape varieties and small producers who are working in an organic and artisan method, this book showcases the most exciting wines being produced in Italy today.”
If you're looking for a practical yet elegant gift, both Martin and McCrossin recommend this corkscrew for serious wine aficionados. The two-pronged wine opening device is “indispensable when it comes to preserving those old and fragile corks from vintage wines,” explains Martin. McCrossin also recommends this pick: “Having opened thousands of bottles of older wine over the course of my sommelier career,” she says, “I can tell you from personal experience this tool is a lifesaver.”
“This is a fantastic gift for someone who has shown an interest in learning the nitty-gritty about wine,” says Thompson. The comprehensive, eye-opening two-book set features a lot of information about the state of wine in modern-day France. “There are also lots of great antidotes throughout the book about the families and different characters of winemakers in France, and the photography is also a high point.”
“These sea salt spice blends were formulated by chef and cookbook author Barton Seaver to pair with and enhance the flavors of your favorite wine varieties,” says Tracey. She recommends them for any wine-loving foodie or aspiring chef on your gift list.
McCrossin calls this glass “the epitome of luxury and world-class design,” explaining that when it comes to experiencing the full aroma and flavor of Champagne, a tulip-shaped glass is actually preferable to that of a flute or coupe. “Crafted from one singular piece of glass, [so] drinkers can see the bubbles highlighted beautifully in its narrow base as they would a flute,” she says, “and the multiple bends up the side to the wider opening create the most perfect Champagne-drinking experience you can imagine.”
“My friend Victoria James, who’s wine director and partner of Cote and Coqodaq, co-founded this organization that supports women and the BIPOC community in the wine industry,” says Campanale. “Empowering more voices in the industry benefits every single wine lover.”
“As a winemaker, I always like to include a little something extra when I gift a bottle of wine,” shares Herzberg. “Some of my favorites are an elegant but inexpensive bottle chiller like this one,” she says. “It serves as the perfect addition to my friends’ kitchens and looks beautiful even when not in use.”
Cohen recommends a wine club membership from Theopolis Vineyards, a Black- and female-owned winery near the border of Mendocino and Sonoma counties. She describes owner and founder Theodora Lee’s petite sirah as “a standout that has stacked up more medals than she can count.”
“Never wince or poke a hole in the ceiling again,” says McCrossin. “Simply place this device on top of the Champagne bottle, hold the neck and press the button, and the device will do the rest.” And while useful for most people, it’s a particularly great tool for those with limited mobility or conditions that make gripping a challenge.
“Say goodbye to half-dry wine glasses,” says Harrison-Brown. “These silicone drying racks are designed with openings to allow you to thoroughly air dry your wine glasses." And as a bonus? They also work great for water bottles, tumblers and protein shakers.
There’s also this option from Kohler. “I purchased this not knowing whether I would actually use it,” says McCrossin, “and now I can’t remember my life without it.” This drying rack fits up to six glasses — even those with a super-wide base — and allows you to let your glasses dry without worry of knocking them over. “It folds completely flat, feels super sturdy and can be stored easily under the sink,” says McCrossin.
“A good crystal wine glass that works for most occasions is an always welcome gift idea,” says Thompson. Riedel is loved for its smart and purposeful design — the shape, size and other variables of the glassware all work to highlight specific types of wines and their aromas. “These Riedel glasses are perfect for white or red wine, and a good starting place for someone just getting into wine,” he says.
Though this may initially look like a book about architecture, McCrossin shares that it’s actually an inside look at some of Napa Valley’s most revered, prestigious and beautiful wineries and homes. “This team of architects in Napa Valley is a household name in the wine world,” says McCrossin. “Whether you want to reminisce about a trip, get excited for an upcoming one or get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most exclusive wineries in the world, this is the perfect coffee table book.”
For the person who’d rather be sipping wine on a vineyard, Harrison-Brown recommends this sweatshirt, which features regions from some of the top wine-producing countries.
“A beautiful wine decanter is a great way to enhance your experience with wine,” says Thompson, who recommends this elegant yet affordable option that’s large enough to hold a full bottle of wine. “This decanter is simple with clean lines, and it’s easy to pour from,” he says. “We recommend decanting young wines that are big and bold to give them some oxygen so that they can show you more of their hidden aromas.”
Harrison-Brown calls this “the best wine book for newbies and connoisseurs alike.” The author “takes you on a journey around the world exploring wine, food, culture and more,” in what’s an engaging yet incredibly informative and entertaining read.
“Alice Feiring is the leading voice on natural wine and I've been a subscriber to her newsletter for years,” says Campanale. “She just moved to Paris to be closer to the heart of the natural wine world, and I can't wait to read what she reports back. She loves and supports natural wines not because they’re sceney or cool but because she loves great wine.”
“This one is a splurge, but for celebrating a wine lover you want to impress,” says Tracey. “Known for their impeccably crafted knives, Laguiole makes the gold standard of wine openers — pieces destined to become heirlooms.” This stunner is crafted with a green banded malachite stone.
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Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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