WASHINGTON 鈥斅燝iving wine as a gift to a wine lover can be a tricky proposition since most people have particular tastes or favor a specific type of wine. In addition, wines themselves may be difficult to return or exchange. However, fear not. There is a huge assortment of wine accessories to suit every wine lover鈥檚 interest and buyer鈥檚 pocketbook.
Here is a list of wine gadgets that every wine enthusiast will love 鈥斅爄ncluding me! If you are looking to give something special to the wine lover on your holiday gift list, these suggestions are sure to please any oenophile.
I love books. And I love Champagne! Fortunately, local wine blogger-turned-author David White scratches both itches with his clever and informative book, But First, Champagne: A Modern Guide to the World鈥檚 Favorite Wine. In his book, White聽details Champagne鈥檚 history along with that of its wines, explains how and why the market is changing and profiles the region鈥檚 leading producers.
鈥淚t is essential reading for wine enthusiasts, adventurous drinkers, foodies, sommeliers and drinks professionals. With a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the region, its history, and its leading producers, But First, Champagne will demystify Champagne for all.鈥� $22
My 鈥済o to鈥� book 鈥� one that I consider to be my personal Wine Bible 鈥斅爄s literally The Wine Bible by one of the foremost wine experts in the United States, Karen MacNeil.
MacNeil is the only American wine expert to have won every major wine award given in the English Language. This second printing is a completely revised and updated edition of her original best-selling tome and is praised by many in the wine and food industry as 鈥淭he most informative and entertaining book I鈥檝e ever seen on the subject鈥� (Danny Meyer), and 鈥淎 guide that has all the answers鈥� (Bobby Flay). MacNeil is an expert teacher. She has a style that provides the reader with the fundamentals, while layering on informative asides, tips, amusing anecdotes, definitions, glossaries, photos, maps, labels and recommended bottles. MacNeil鈥檚 information comes directly through primary research; for this second edition she has tasted more than 10,000 wines. All this knowledge is at your fingertips for $15.
The perfect stocking stuffer for impatient wine connoisseurs who can鈥檛 wait to let the wine breathe in a decanter can let the Vinturi Wine Aerator speed up the process. Just pop this nifty gizmo into the wine bottle, and then pour the wine through the Vinturi into a glass. The nifty design draws in and mixes the proper amount of air for the right amount of time, allowing the wine to breathe instantly. You’ll notice a better bouquet, enhanced flavors and smoother finish. About $30 at most wine shops 鈥斅燼nd it really does fit in the average stocking!
Another stocking stuffer that鈥檚 perfect for the consumer who doesn鈥檛 feel compelled to drink a whole bottle of wine at one time is the Vac-u-Vin wine saver system. It is one of the most economical ways to store left over wines. Simply put the rubber stopper in the neck of the bottle and then use the hand pump to remove the air out and create a vacuum seal. The Vac-u-Vin reduces oxidation and keeps an open bottle of wine fresh for two or three days. It鈥檚 widely available at most wine shops. $10
A gadget that caught my eye this season is a new wine opener that was created specifically to deal with the issues of removing corks from older bottles of wine. The Durand鈩� is a fully patented, two-part device that enables the user to successfully remove older and fragile wine corks whole and intact. The Durand was invented by wine collector Mark Taylor who had struggled with challenging corks when opening older fine wines. Using The Durand for compromised corks or exceptionally long corks eliminates the unwanted outcomes of broken corks, corks pushed into bottles or corks partially removed leaving pieces floating in the wine. The Durand removes the cork whole and undamaged. It鈥檚 a little pricey for a wine opener, but when you鈥檙e opening an older, expensive bottle, you鈥檒l be glad that someone splurged for you! $125 ()
