Wine gifts to make the best impression

Shopping Tips:

(NC)—Wine is a versatile and overwhelmingly popular gift for hosts and hostesses at any occasion. However, with thousands of choices on store shelves, how do you choose a wine that makes the best impression? Kevin Lefort, fine wine manager at E. & J. Gallo Winery, offers his expert tips to secure your spot on the next guest list.

• Wine presented to a host is a gift for them to enjoy. They are not obligated to serve it immediately. Keeping that in mind, choose a wine that you think the host would appreciate any time. If you happen to know what is on the host's menu, select a wine that pairs nicely with the meal should the host opt to open it right away.

• Decide on a price range that you're comfortable with. According to Lefort, great wines can be found at any price, but wines between $15 and $20 are safe bets for gift giving.

• Look to highly regarded regions like California's Sonoma County or Napa Valley, which produce quality, food friendly wines. MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir ($20), from Sonoma County, will impress and may be considered a special treat.

• Consider the host's wine preferences. If you know that they enjoy Australian wines, try a Shiraz, which is the country's signature varietal.

• Check the label for clues. Look for awards or accolades. The McWilliam's Hanwood Estate range from Australia is widely available and has won more than 165 awards since 2008 alone.

Tell your friends you saw this article on Taste of Whatcom.com

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About The Author
NewsCanada: www.newscanada.com with photo
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(11--2009)

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