What's a good gift wine?

Question

A friend let me stay at her house a few nights in my process of making a trip out of town and I want to get her and her husband a bottle of wine as thanks. What's a good one most people like that's not terribly expensive? Maybe up to $40 or so?

Answer 1

Tastes vary so much that it's hard to buy a gift wine for someone if you don't know their specific tastes. For that reason I usually recommend a dessert wine as a thank you gift. Sweet wines seem to have the most wide appeal and they'll remind the person of you in a fond way.

The $40 mark gives you a number of options.

1) Sauternes. My favourite! It's a rich yet elegant dessert wine from Bordeaux in France. Liquid gold. The 2001 and 2003 vintages were both excellent and should be on the shelf. A number of great bang for your buck examples are available including Chateau Lamothe-Guignard, Chateau Roumieu, and Chateau Coutet from Barsac (next door to Sauternes). A 375 mL bottle should cost around $30-40.

2) Canadian Ice Wine. I don't know what the availability is in your area but $40 should get you a nice example.

3) Port. 2003 was a great year for vintage port. $40 would buy you a 375 mL bottle from any of the top houses, like Fonseca, Taylor Fladgate, and Dows.

I hope that helps, and I hope your friends have a sweet tooth.

Answer 2

Red or white? Part of the fun drinking wine is learning about them. If you've got the time to drop in a nice liquor store, they will help you. But before you ask for help, take some time to read some of the signs that are usually attached to certain bottles of wines. You can learn about the hints of fruits and other flavors in the particular bottle of wine, whether it's dry or extra dry, etc. I have found many a good wine just by reading. I prefer a Cab Sauvignon and Chateau Ste. Michelle is very nice. Not very expensive, much less than $40/bottle. I also love Cardinal Zin by Bonny Doone - graphics are always wonderful on the bottles. Around $25/bottle, also a Cab. Many California wines are very good. Enjoy!

Answer 3

Wine taste is fairly specific to each person so that's kind of a tough one. It also depends red or white....

For White's I would suggest a nice Chardonnay like Cambria, Cake Bread or Kendall Jackson... all of which are fairly fancy but for a lighter price (each around $30 in my area)

For Red's I would suggest a Merlot like Red Diamond or Blackstone. Also perhaps a Pinot Noir like Distant Bay or Castle Rock. (both around $40 in my area)

I work at a restaurant and these seem to be the most popular there. Fancy taste, without the fancy price.

In any event, I'm sure your friend will appreciate the gesture. Good luck! :)

Answer 4

Which ever wine she likes - ask a salesmen at the winery and let him know your budget... but the best gift for wine drinkers are those wine glass markers! You can get them in several shapes, colors, and sizes. I got my mom these and she wont stop thanking me... they are very useful when more than one person is drinking the same wine! Happy Hunting!

Answer 5

I always say the best gift is in sharing what I really like. If you like it, then your friend will like it too. If they are new to the wine scene, Maybe a nice Chardonnay.

Answer 6

There is a red that is "cashmere", by Cline vineyards, it is a delicious red and it benefits the breast cancer foundation--A gift with conscience.
Why don't you give her that and a couple of those cool, foreign fashion or design magazines that you only read at the book store.

Answer 7

Crystall

Answer 8

wine in a box rules!!! You can keep it in the fridge and it has a spout for easy access

Answer 9

mad dog 20/20 should be able to get a case for 40.