11/08/06 Wine as a Gift

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and this week we are answering questions from the email. Recently a listener wrote that he was "invited to dinner with some very knowledgeable wine people" and although he didn't know much about wine he wanted to bring a bottle of wine as a gift and what would I suggest?" When invited to dinner with a wine lover realize that bringing a bottle of wine is appreciated. After all, you know they love wine! They may feel as though your intention is to drink it that evening. If that is not your intention - and it is truly a gift  let them know that and make it their choice. I think the best way to impress a wine lover is to give them a bottle of wine with a story or a recipe that is said to go well with it. You can accomplish this by visiting to a wine retail store and asking the wine merchant to help you select a bottle that has some interesting tale behind it. Make a few notes so that you do not forget the details. Take that information home and if you have time hit the internet to see what else you can find out. Write it down or print it out and attach it to the bottle. I do not know anyone who wouldn't be flattered by your efforts and grateful for the information. Telling the story of how you got the information or the recipe is also great conversation, and a perfect "ice breaker", if you don't know everyone well. The fact that you made an effort and are having fun with your host, will be appreciated, I am sure! Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.