Wine Gifts: For Those Who Like A Glass And A Game

Julie Dupouy finds presents for quaffers and quizzers …

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Finding that perfect present for your wine-loving friend, family member or colleague might feel a little challenging, especially if you don’t consider yourself a wine expert. So, here is a festive gift guide guaranteed to make you the holiday hero of any of the wine afficionados in your life. A great bottle of red, white, or sparkling wine never goes out of style, but why not put a modern spin on it? Instead of sticking with the familiar faces, go for something a bit unexpected – a wine from a lesser-known region like Moldova, Hungary, or Uruguay. Not only does it show thoughtfulness, but it also gives the recipient the joy of discovering something new.

If you know your recipient’s tastes, try choose a wine that complements their personality. A rich, bold Zinfandel for the adventurous type, a crisp Albariño for someone who loves light, refreshing flavours, or a festive sparkling rosé for a bubbly friend. For an extra fun touch, add a handwritten note suggesting a movie night combo for a cosy evening. My personal go to is The Holiday with a good glass of Burgundian chardonnay – a real festive treat.

Want your gift to last longer than a single evening? A wine box subscription is a lovely option. These services deliver a curated selection of wines, usually monthly, straight to your door. It is a real treat for anyone who loves exploring new wine horizons. Some subscription services tailor the wines to suit the taste of the lucky recipient by getting you to take some fun personality quizzes on their behalf.

Rather than giving wine, why not offer a wine experience? A wine tasting, whether it be in person or virtual, is a fun, interactive way to learn a little more about wine with friends and family. Virtual tastings where wine enthusiasts can join experts from the comfort of their own home have become increasingly popular. Tastings can usually be tailored to a specific theme or request.

If you are looking for something a bit more playful, a wine game could be a fun gift idea. Wine games combine the joy of sipping great vino with a healthy dose of competition and fun, and are suitable for both wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. There are various options to choose from such as a wine-tasting party game with kits that usually include everything you need to host a wine-tasting event at home. They come with tasting score cards, flavour profiles, and bottle covers to set up a blind tasting. This type of game is perfect for wine lovers who enjoy tasting and want to learn more about the differences between different grape varieties and styles in a relaxed, social setting. Try the exploration Thursday wine course, €49; www.whelehanswines.ie.

“Sponsoring a vine is a lasting gift that grows over time – literally.”

For those who love board games, Wine-Opoly is an excellent twist on the classic Monopoly game, but with a wine-themed spin. Instead of properties, you are buying and trading wineries and grape varietals. Wine trivia games and mobile apps also make for a fantastic gift that is both entertaining and informative. They challenge players’ knowledge of different regions, grape varieties, winemaking processes, and fun historical facts. If you’re looking to spoil a loved one, you could consider giving the ultimate wine lover’s dream: a wine fridge. Not only is this a practical gift for anyone passionate about wine, but it also adds a touch of sophistication and style to the home. A wine fridge goes beyond just chilling bottles – it’s about preserving wine at its ideal temperature, ensuring that wine is stored and matures in the best possible conditions. Take a look at the Siemens website.

Has the wine lover in your life ever been to a vineyard? Typically guided by a passionate winemaker, it is a wonderful way to experience and understand the journey of the grape. There are cheap flights available throughout the year to many beautiful and fascinating wine regions. A little forward planning should ensure you find interesting domains to book tastings and tours. If the budget extends to this, then what better way to enjoy any wine than where it is made, explained through the eyes of the visionary that made it?

GREAT GIFTS