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GIVE
THE GIFT OF WINE
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Giving
the gift of wine could be your answer. With a vast array of countries,
grape varieties, price points and packaging, shopping for wine gives you
endless opportunities to find “The Perfect Gift”. Whether it is a
bottle for the host of a party, or a package of wines to recognize your
employees or for customers to thank them for their loyalty, the gift of
wine is always well received. When
you embark on your shopping spree at your local wine shop, there are a few
things to keep in mind. Choosing
wines to age. If you
are selecting wines with the intention for them to be placed in the
recipient’s wine cellar, it is recommended that you do not choose a wine
in a clear glass bottle. A
dark coloured bottle protects the contents by defracting the light and is
a quick indicator that the winemaker intends for the wine to be aged. Price
is not an indicator of quality. Outstanding
price tags do not necessarily mean that it is an outstanding wine.
To choose a wine that is of good value, ask a LCBO Product
Consultant for their recommendation of wines in your price range. Splurge
on a bottle of something different.
Why not break away from ‘the usual’ red or white wines and
select a bottle of sparkling wine, port, sherry, late harvest wine or
icewine. Add
a personal touch.
Since you have hand selected your gift, write a personal message on the
bottle using a metallic glass marker available from a stationary supply
store. Included in the message could be the reason for choosing the wine,
suggest an occasion to enjoy the wine or provide food pairing suggestions. If
you do not have the time to spend roaming the aisles at the wine shop,
there are other convenient ways to give the gift of wine. Gift
Packs from the LCBO The LCBO has the “Holiday Wrapped Up” in-store promotion that takes the guesswork out of shopping for wine. The store shelves are well stocked with colourful packages of wines, some containing accessories such as wine coolers, corkscrews, music CDs or a set of wine glasses. These gift packs are not only convenient but are great to have on hand for last minute gifts. And the LCBO will gift wrap your selection at no additional cost. New this year, the LCBO will ship your order directly to the recipient within Ontario. Call 1-888-LCBO-GIFT (1-888-522-6443). Order direct from a winery If
you prefer giving a more unique gift, order wines directly from an Ontario
winery. With over 80 wineries in Niagara, Pelee Island and Prince Edward
County regions, there is no shortage of options.
Shopping can be done from the convenience of your office by calling
the winery or visiting their web site to view the wide range of wine gifts
available. Many wineries have Christmas gift programs from a single bottle
to an attractive wooden crate of wine, foodstuffs, wine journals and
celebrity cookbooks. All Ontario wineries will ship directly within the
province, while others are licensed to ship across Canada. Another
novel idea for “The Perfect Gift” is giving a bottle of wine with your
company name and logo incorporated into the label.
Private labeling is offered by a number of Canadian wineries and
the minimum order is less that you may expect. The labels are
professionally designed, complete with the wine details integrated into
the final product. This is an innovative gift to be enjoyed by your
employees and customers or to give to clients throughout the year or for
special company events. Let a Sommelier select your wineThe
Accredited Sommeliers of The Savvy Grapes have the extensive
knowledge of wines and the winemaker’s.
With this combined knowledge they can create an exclusive gift of
wine. Ask one of their Sommeliers to accompany you on your holiday
shopping spree and you will learn more about wines as you shop.
Alternatively give your shopping list and budget to these experts and they
will select, package and ship your perfect gifts of wine. Still looking for more gift ideas?·
The Savvy
Grapes offer gift
certificates for their popular and fun winemaker’s dinners and Sommelier
led dinners. These events are
memorable experiences for everyone regardless of their wine knowledge.
More information is available at www.thesavvygrapes.com ·
Give an evening out
at an award-winning restaurant. Most restaurants have gift certificates
available. Recently, the Wine Spectator’s Magazine granted
wine list awards to Trattoria Caffe Italia, Vittoria Trattoria, Le Baccara,
Empire Grill, Fratelli, Les Fougeres, Luxe Bistro, Meditheo, Merlot,
Perspectives, Restaurant 18, Signatures, Vittoria Trattoria (Rivergate Way
location), and Wilfrid's Restaurant. ·
New and classic
wine accessories are available at kitchen specialty stores, gift shops,
bookstores and wine shops. Look
for wine decanters, wine glasses, hand crafted wine coolers, decorative
wine stoppers, wine motif napkins and wine journals. Packaged
in a gift bag, festive stocking or wooden crate, giving the gift of wine
is as much fun selecting the gift as it is receiving it. Keep in mind that
wine is “The Perfect Gift” anytime. “Cheers
and Happy Holidays!” Debbie
Trenholm is an accredited Sommelier who hosts fun and informative
winemaker’s dinners, Sommelier led dinners and wine tastings for private
and corporate clients and the general public. To receive invitations to The
Savvy Grapes upcoming events, contact her at debbie@thesavvygrapes.com
Sidebar Angels
Gate Winery www.angelsgatewinery.com Henry
of Pelham www.henryofpelham.com Malivoire
Wine Company Lailey
Vineyards Vineland Estates Winery www.vineland.com ------------If you would like to re-publish this article or would like The Savvy Grapes to write in your publication, contact Debbie directly. Cheers! |
Copyright © 2004 The Savvy Grapes Inc.
All rights reserved. OUR
PRIVACY POLICY: The Savvy Grapes will
not sell or distribute your contact info.
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Ottawa
Business Journal - Executive Dining Guide
