Present-ing: Wine Geeky Gifts

What winos want.

Wine geeks love a map. Chances are they’ve had to study them extensively as part of their certification. This map takes the major French wine regions and lays them out like a subway map. Very pleasing to the eye and to the brain, I must say. DeLong, $24.95

This Capabunga reusable rubber wine cap is such a duh. I wish I had thought of it. They come in lots of different silly styles. $6.95/2-pack.

Whether your fellow wino has a good nose for wine or not, they’re sure to love this Le Nez du Vin master set. The mack daddy of all smelling kits, this one has 54 aromas- everything from the elusive bilberry to blackcurrant bud to butter. (Hmm- what DOES butter smell like?) I know a couple of Master of Wine candidates that never leave home without these things. They also come in smaller sets. $429.

Give the gift of education. Wine classes are always a great gift for a true oenophile. Even those at the top of their game always have something to learn. If you live in NYC or nearby, Corkbuzz Wine Studio is a fantastic place to take wine classes. Run by one of the world’s few female Masters Sommeliers, these guys know their stuff. The studio serves up great classes as well as being a wine bar and a restaurant. I’d like to find this in my stocking!
*Corkbuzz is offering a free $50 gift card with purchase of a $225 gift card until 12/15. Inquire when purchasing your gift card. They also have a great wine club.

Speaking of wine clubs, who wouldn’t love 6 bottles of great wine delivered every 3 months. And you could do it for $90/shipment with Food & Wine’s Wine Club. That works out to about $15/bottle. Not only a good deal, but you’re in good hands with F&W and Ray Isle’s selections. I’ve always been a fan of Ray Isle’s nose and his unpretentious approach to wine. These bottles are not your run of the mill grocery store wines. You can expect tasty, lively wines and a few indie selections like the boys from Banshee’s Rickshaw Cabernet- an unexpected and punchy little Cab kicked up with a bit of Petite Sirah. Your wino will be in good hands.

I am in love with these simple little shatterproof champagne flutes. They are perfect for a picnic, a party or just a night in by the fire (sans toss). The thumb indention is a nifty little design bonus. $12.95/4-pack tote.

I love the shape of the Tour wine glass by Crate and Barrel. Reminiscent of the more expensive littala glasses, they’re a nice change from the standard shape, and feel sophisticated. $11.95/each

Yeah, it would be nice to own your own vineyard but perhaps for now at least, you can settle for just making your own wine. You don’t have to live in wine country to do so. City Winery makes it possible to do so on their premises in both their NYC and Chicago locations. A fun little vanity project, these guys really do it right harvesting their grapes from top notch vineyards. You can choose your grape varietal and be part of a barrel share or customize your own project. Prices vary.

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