Of all the types of gift baskets, wine gift baskets are the most elegant present to give. Wine is a gift that most people appreciated and can be given for an array of occasions. The most popular occasions though are Christmas, New Years, anniversaries, weddings and birthdays.
The most important choice in a wine basket is the wine itself. Wine comes in two varieties - red and white. Red wine is made from red and black grapes while white wine is made from white grapes. Popular red wines are cabernet sauvignon, merlot and Grenache. Red wines are usually full flavored. The chocolaty flavor of merlots makes them a very popular choice among women. Grenaches contain a slight taste of raspberries.
The other type of wine is white wine. Obviously white wines will be made from white grapes. Chardonnays are the most preferred white wines. They appear to be fruity on the palet with varying degrees of vanilla.
While choosing the wine, you should keep in mind the occasion for which the gift is being purchased. Many wine gift basket retailers have certain wines that fit certain occasions, such as Valentines, Christmas or New Years. Also, for who you buy wine for should play a factor in making the wine choice. When you buy wine for a person knowledgeable in wine, you would want to find wine that are more rare or unusual. However, for a beginner, almost any wine choice could do.
The second factor in creating or choosing a wine gift basket is the accessories that will be included. Accessories can range from food to literature. Food choices should be made carefully. Certain foods can enhance the flavor of wines while other foods can cloud the palette so that the wine can not be fully enjoyed. Some foods that are commonly included in gift baskets are toasted sesame crackers, chocolates, cheese spreads, cashews, apples, oranges and Spanish olives. However, the selection of these will depend upon the type of wine chosen.
Another common accessory for wine baskets is the glass. The type of wine also determines the type of glass chosen. Red wines are typically served in glasses with larger bowls. Champagnes are served in flutes. And white wines are served in glasses with long stems and small bowls. The number of glasses included in the basket should be determined by the occasion for which the gift was given.
It is not unusual for other items to be included in wine gift baskets. These other items can be determined by the occasion and the recipient. For example, a beginning enthusiast may enjoy some good literature on choosing a wine. Alternatively, a basket given for an anniversary may include some spa products so that it has a more romantic feel.
More Information:
All gourmet foods make ideal gifts. Some people prefer a
gourmet coffee gift basket, whereas other people choose the more traditional
wine and cheese gift baskets. The key is to have a sense of the tastes of your gift recipient.