Buying wine for a true wine lover can be a difficult task. Unless you drink with someone very regularly, it's hard to know their palate. Here are some things to consider when shopping for the oenophile in your life.
1.) Buying collector wine for the wine collector.
If someone is so into wine that they actually collect bottles for aging, be careful about your purchase of an addition to their collection. Wine collecting is a very personal hobby. Whether they have two or two-thousand bottles, a person's wine collection is a reflection of their quirks and idiosyncrasies. It's a glimpse into their very personality, and they are probably a tad picky about what makes the cut into their wine fridge. Try to get a glimpse of the kinds of wines they collect. Have a friend or family member write down some of the selections they already own (vinatges included). Armed with that, an informed wine merchant should be able to ascertain what kind of a collector the person is, and what they might enjoy having in their cellar.
2.) Everyone Loves Champagne
Okay, maybe not everyone. Still . . . I would say pretty much every wine enthusiast I know (myself included, hint hint) LOVES to get a good bottle of bubbly for a gift. Champagne and sparkling wine are just fun. THey're a party in a bottle! I tend to always like to have a bottle on hand, because you just never know when you're going to need it for a party, or maybe just a fun night in.
3.) Don't forget the accessories!
This one is especially true for the male wine lover you know. Guys love stuff. Believe me, there is a ton of "stuff" to satisfy the gadget geek/winelover in your life. Wine aerators, decanters, Riedel crystal glassware, etc. Try to find out what they typically drink, and we can tell you what would make a good addition to their beverage arsenal.
4.) Experiment!
I would much rather get a bottle I have never heard of than something I drink all the time. Cost is a non issue, as much as quality. Most wine lovers look forward to trying new things, so a bit of "out of the box" thinking never hurts.
Hopefully this helps you make a bit more informed decision when buying for your wine loving comrades. Remember, at the end of the day, it really is the thought the counts. Unless you're thinking of buying me socks. Think harder!
Cheers!
