The Gift of Wine

You’re invited to a holiday party and want to bring a gift.  A bottle of wine is usually a good choice–but which one?  How much do you want to spend?  How well do you know the person or people for whom you are selecting the bottle?  Are they avid wine drinkers?  We’ve all stood in front of rows of wine bottles, trying to decide what to purchase.  Some things to consider:

1. Price. This depends on your budget, the occasion, and to whom the wine will be given.

2. Will this bottle be consumed during the party or saved for later? If the bottle will be part of a festive wine pairing dinner, you will need to consult with your host in order to select an appropriate bottle.

3. Purchase from your favorite local wine store, not the grocery store.  You want your selection to stand out and show some thought.

Mark Meissner is the proprietor of Petit Philippe in Charlotte, North Carolina.  His store is highly curated and features many unique wines from the United States and around the world.  The shop offers frequent tastings, educational events, and wine dinners.  Mark has contributed to my blog in the past and, here, shares his thoughts on four wines at various price points that are bound to impress.

Later this week, we’ll hear from some of my other favorite retailers – stay tuned.

Cheers!