What I imagine as the perfect holiday gift is always a bottle of good cheer. (or a new car.) What gift could be more sought after, fought after, or more perfectly wrapped? A good bottle of wine makes a most thoughtful gift, is always festive and can be tied with a bow or bagged with the best. It helps to have a good idea of what you are looking for before being overwhelmed by choices in a supermarket or wholesale shop. Remember too, that price does not always equal quality or value. Sure, that $50 Bordeaux might look like the perfect gift, but with a little homework under your belt, you may easily be able to afford two fine bottles, and what could be better than that? Many wine stores have tasting bars, which make choosing fun and easy. Buying wine from your local winery is also an educated purchase, as most of these can be tried on before buying. It makes sense to gift a bottle of wine that you have tried and liked. That way, if you are invited for dinner and no one else cares for the wine, there is always more for you.

Happy Holidays and Cheers!