Practical Wine Gifts

• Choose a wine gift that the host can use. gift and wine image by William Berry from Fotolia.com

  Guests bestow bottles of wine upon hosts and hostesses at holidays and house parties. While some recipients pop the cork on the spot for guests, others have a cupboard full of decade-old unopened bottles. If you suspect the recipient may not consume the wine before it spoils, select a practical wine or wine-related gift that will not sit on the shelf. Choose versatile cooking wines, accessories and memory-making wine experiences.

Cooking Wine

• The family will be able to use a cooking wine. a plate of pasta puttanesca with wine and bread image by David Smith from Fotolia.com

  A fine Marsala or a dry white wine is appropriate for the family chef. For advanced gourmets, select a cooking sherry. Since the alcohol burns off during the simmering or broiling process, diners of most ages can enjoy dishes enhanced with a wine sauce. Include a recipe for a stir fry or simple pasta white wine pasta dish. Marsala wine reduction sauce also creates a simple and succulent turkey glaze. Print recipe instructions on a decorative card and attach it to the bottle with a fancy ribbon.

Wine Sampling

• Give a certificate for a local wine-tasting event. a taste of wine image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com

  Investigate local wine and cheese shops as well as gourmet supermarkets for wine-tasting events. Present the recipient with a gift certificate that covers the event cost or for several generous samples. Adventurous samplers mingle and receive a tasting portion, so they can try several varieties without consuming a large amount of alcohol. Participants learn what varieties they prefer, making future gift-giving easier.

Wine Glasses

• Choose wine glasses as lasting gifts. two wine glasses and flowers at the background image by Elnur from Fotolia.com

  Wine glasses make a lasting gift. However, you need not purchase several types of wine glasses for the recipient's various favorite wines. In her book "Great Wine Made Simple," master sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson suggests a wide-bowled wine glass with a capacity of 12 to 14 oz. to accommodate a 5- to 6-oz. portion of wine. "A thin rim allows you to 'pour' each sip so it slides effortlessly onto your palate" instead of sucking it over a thick rolled rim. Choose a pair of glasses to accompany a bottle of wine for an intimate celebration or select an entire set as a housewarming gift.

Budget Wines

• Choose a recommended budget wine for a dollar-limit gift exchange or when the occasion calls for just "a little something." Southern Living Foods editor Scott Johnson suggests several wines under $10. Red wine selections include Oregon vintner Duck Pond's rich pinot noir or the zinfandel from California's Rancho Zabaco. Try Columbia Crest chardonnay, or South African maker Fairview's sauvignon blanc if the recipient prefers a white wine.