The Perfect Gift: Monthly Wine Clubs

i have gotten to the point where finding a new and exciting gift for my sweetheart for Christmas is about the most challenging part of December. When you have reached a certain age, you find that you get a little picky, and do not necessarily want to give or receive just anything. But thanks to a little advice from a friend, i have stumbled upon what may be the best gift-giving idea ever. My friend and I have both chosen to give our spouses memberships to monthly wine clubs. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!

I started out by doing a bit of research on the Internet. Being admittedly a novice in the world of fine wines, I was thrilled to find a virtual library of information just a mouse click away. The problem (if you could really call it a problem!) with giving memberships to monthly wine clubs is making the decision on which one is the best fit. there is an absolutely marvelous selection of subscription styles to choose from.

Thankfully, it is not so much a decision based on the variety you may love best. The big decisions have to do with choosing foreign or domestic wines, well-known vineyards or smaller, boutique offerings, and deciding just how many bottles you’d like to receive each month. Again, these are great choices to have to make! Monthly wine clubs are just about the perfect gift. And that bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon is something you can enjoy at home or re-gift with confidence.

I ended up choosing a monthly wine club that was loaded with perks. I received two bottles per month, with the option to choose additional bottles whenever the mood struck. My monthly wine club also sent a terrific newsletter with each shipment, loaded with suggestions and even menu ideas from famous winemakers. Plus, i have gotten quite an education on wines from all over the world in the process. we have enjoyed a tremendous array from California, France, South America and Australia, to name only a few. Some of my favorite selections have been from well-known, award winning vintners, while others have been virtually unknown vineyards just beginning to make a name for themselves.

Actually, it is been the education that is been the most enjoyable aspect of joining a monthly wine club. i have been able to enjoy varieties that I’d never tasted before, including a brilliant Alsatian Gewusrtstraminer that is fabulous with dessert. Some of the smaller, lesser-known vineyards have proven to be thoroughly delightful, and we have been able to share our newly acquired tastes with friends. I feel a bit like the neighborhood sommelier these days!