A female friend invited me to her house for dinner. I am sure I will have a great time to taste her cookings... I am thinking of bring something to her house -- wines came into my mind; can anybody recommend a good brand of wine and a good place to shop for the wine? I am thinking of Whole-Food or Trade-Joes, but not very sure. I am not very much a drinker myself. Moreover, do you recommend other types of gift to bring with me? Thanks a lot!
2007-03-26 10:01:23 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
you can't go wrong with a good bottle of wine.
Try a bottle of Robert Mondavi. An Excellent Vineyard that wont put you in the poorhouse.
Red is best served at room temperature so you won't have to worry about getting it chilled in time for dinner, or having it after the meal.
Ask the clerk to make a recommendation as there are many different reds available. Go with what is popular in your area.
Personally, I'd recommend a Merlot.
Don't forget the corkscrew.... and if you do choose a red, let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes after you open the bottle, before you pour it. If you choose a white, you can pour it as soon as you open it but be sure you get it chilled properly.
If you're new to wines remember, they are an aquired taste. Sip, don't drink.
2007-03-26 17:00:35 · answer #1 · answered by HB 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Before you buy ANY wine, find our fist what sort of food is being served. With that information, you can easily discover on-line which wines would complement the menu, or if you go to a decent wineshop, the staff should be able to made recommendations. There's no need to spend a lot of money, either. Many fine wines are domestic & very good. I prefer Napa vintages myself. Another tasteful gift (no pun intended!) is a box of fine assorted chocolates (Godiva, for instance.) Bon Appetit!
2007-04-03 09:42:12 · answer #2 · answered by napqueen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what you think she is preparing for dinner. Most people tell you in advance, steaks, chicken or fish; or maybe bar=bque. If bar-b-que, bring her a non food item; such as a outside cooking tool, or you could just bring flowers. If steak bring a red or heavy wine and if chicken or fish bring her a white type. Any good grocery store will have some reasonably priced wines, and the deparment manager can suggest a good one. You can't go wrong with Woodbridge
2007-04-02 08:36:02 · answer #3 · answered by H. A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you know what type of foods your friend is cooking, that would provide you the best advice for what types of wine to bring - that way you could pair with the meal. Otherwise, you could get a nice chianti or a dessert wine that would go well after the meal, regardless of what is served.
This Website has more information and useful charts about pairing wines with foods, if you have an idea of the menu:
http://www.wineintro.com/food/basics.html
Good luck, and I hope you have a great evening!
2007-03-26 12:45:18 · answer #4 · answered by JenV 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For wine I like Turning Leaf a good rosea goes well with almost everything. Any liquor store will have a good variety of wines to choose from.
Some alternatives for a hostess gift instead of wine are
An after dinner cordial they come in a million different flavors ( I like Grand Marnier an Orange flavored liquor)
Dessert
Flowers
A CD with nice dinner music on it
Some pretty candles for table decoration during dinner
If you do bring wine don't forget a corkscrew!!!
2007-03-31 16:38:16 · answer #5 · answered by Cheryl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't know much about liquor, don't bring liquor. Bring something that you are familiar with, like flowers or a small gift for the house. If you insists on bringing wine, don't go to a supermarket. Go to a store that specializes in wines and spirits. You have two options; ask your host specifically what they want or go to the store and ask a professional what would be good to bring as a gift.
2007-04-01 17:34:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless you are asked to bring wine please consider a small gift such as a plant, flowers, or a homemade gift such as a spice mix that you use in your cooking. Someone once gave me a disposable camera so we could take pictures during the evening and record the great time we shared. When my friend hosted the meal I brought the pictures with one framed for my friend.
2007-04-02 08:50:26 · answer #7 · answered by Lizbiz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trader Joes has a number of very nice, inexpensive wines.
Buy the "Toasted Head" it's a red cabernet savaignon. It's about $4.99/bottle. It's a nice, smooth red wine.
Contrary to another piece of advice, don't take Champagne. Too many people hate champagne. It's a very dicey choice.
2007-03-31 12:40:18 · answer #8 · answered by SAB 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trader Joes: 2buck chuck is a really good wine made a some of the top wineres ask they will know what your talking about.
2007-03-29 11:11:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rodney Strong-Merlot
2007-04-03 04:50:08 · answer #10 · answered by Just be you. Go for the stars! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋