Need some help figuring out just how to select a wine or beer as a gift? Here are some tips from Wine Director Constance Begue.
• Try to think back to the last time you dined or were at a party with the recipient; did they relish that Cabernet Sauvignon, or was a sweet Riesling more their style? Or did they admire the craft beer above all?
• If you can narrow their preference down to red or white but aren’t sure of which variety of grape, go with a blend. This is an easy way to have success with many palates as the blends often contain several grape varieties and typically result in a smooth, easy drinking wine.
• If you truly don’t know the gift recipient’s taste, try to use a different angle; have they traveled anywhere special recently? Are they from a part of the world that makes wine? Do they have an interest or hobby that might be shared by the winemaker that is depicted on the label? Another fun option is to go with a wine from a hot new region or made from a recently popular grape variety.
• Always remember to always ask the staff at The Hills Market Wine, Beer & Liquor Departments for suggestions on that special bottle!
For the Wine Lover
Hayman & Hill Interchange 2007 $12.99, Santa Barbara County (white blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat and Riesling)
Hayman & Hill Meritage 2006 $12.99, Monterey County (red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc)
These easy drinking wines are a great value and when purchased by the case, come packaged in a gorgeous wooden box in addition to your 10% discount!
Dom Perignon 2000 Champagne Gift Set with 2 Crystal Champagne Flutes $169.99
Limited Quantities!
Perrier Jouёt Fleur Champage Gift Set with 2 Crystal Champagne Flutes $159.99
Limited Quantities!
Moselland Ars Vitis Riesling 2007 $10.99, Mosel
A perfect gift for someone who enjoys slightly sweet wines, and it comes in a beautiful package. The front “label” actually displays a beautiful winter scene painted on the backside of the bottle; the painter and wine grower Heinz Ames uses Riesling instead of water to paint his pictures of regional historic sights.
For the Beer Lover
Maumee Bay 2008 ‘Blitzen’ $4.99/22 oz.
A festive ale brewed with Orange, Cinnamon and Honey
Samuel Smith’s Winter Welcome Ale 2008-2009 $3.99/18 oz.
Honey-amber-colored, creamy head of small bubbles, floral aroma and delicious malt flavor with great finesse.
Rogue Yellow Snow IPA $4.99/22 oz.
This irreverently named ale packs a punch of fruity hoppiness and a serious, slightly bitter finish typical in India Pale Ales.
Santa’s Butt Winter Porter $4.99/22 oz
This special holiday porter is made for winter: rich and warming!
Fun Wines for your Holiday Party
8 Tiny Reindeer Donder & Blitzen Chardonnay and Comet & Cupid Cabernet Sauvignon, California $8.99
“The Fall months are extremely frantic at the North Pole. Not only is Santa getting ready for Christmas but it’s also the time he harvests and makes his wine for next Christmas. All summer long The Eight Tiny Reindeer watch and wait for the grapes to grow to their optimum maturity. Santa knows that when his reindeer are smiling it’s time to pick the grapes. It seems that happy reindeer make really good wine.”
Reindeer Ranch California White $6.99
This special cuvée is offered in the spirit of joy and friendship of the season. Harvested from select vineyards throughout California, the grapes for these delicious holiday wines are hand picked at the magic moment of perfect maturity. Limited Quantities!
Reindeer Ranch California Red $6.99
This special cuvée is offered in the spirit of joy and friendship of the season. On the palate the wine is full and plump, dense with flavors of pomegranate and dark berry preserves that linger in the aftertaste. Soft and supple yet complex with firm tannins, the wine is inviting and ready to drink today! Limited Quantities!
Gerstacker Nürnberger Glüwein $7.99
A tradition in Nurnberg for untold years, this spiced wine is typically enjoyed warm at about 170 degrees in mugs rather than wine glasses. An amazing way to welcome guests with its enticing aromas!
Old New England Egg Nog $9.99
Made with Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Rum, Brandy, and 3 year old Blended Whiskey—now also available in chocolate! Limited Quantities!
Don’t forget about our Liquor Agency for that special bottle of Scotch!
I would like to send you samples of Way North Food’s fabulous biscotti. It is hand crafted, twice baked with a soft center in 6 tantalizing flavors, fully sealed with 2 packaging choices (8-oz bag / 2 piece foil pack) and has an 8 week shelf life from date of delivery! Please visit www.waynorthfoods.com, e-mail me at waynorthfoods@gmail.com or call me at 1-616-540-5258. You won’t be disappointed.
Way North Food’s Biscotti was named “Food Find of 2008” by Traverse magazine and was featured in Detroit magazine December issue as a pick for the perfect hostess gift!
Thank you for your time!
Linda Mason
linda@trafiik.com
Posted by: Linda Mason | February 22, 2009 at 04:41 PM