Wine Etiquette for Holiday Gift Giving

We're almost at the end of October and the holidays are right around the corner. Some people have already started their holiday shopping, while others will wait till the last minute. For those of you who are in-between, we have some great tips on wine gifting for the holiday giving...

According to the National Retail Federation, retail sales for the holiday season are expected to surpass $655 billion, representing a 3.6 percent increase over the prior year.

Topping the list for many this year will be the gift of exclusive wines, because they make good gifts for varied types of people, including bosses, family members, friends and the hosts of holiday dinner parties. Knowing some wine gift giving etiquette can make a world of difference this holiday season.

“Wine can be a wonderful holiday gift for many people on your list, but it is important to know a little about the person you are giving it to, and it helps to know the wine well,” explains Nicole Motsek, executive director of the EOD Warrior Foundation. “For years, people have been proudly giving EOD Cellars wine as a gift, because it tastes great and it supports such a great mission.”

EOD Cellars Wine is a charity wine that is made possible through a partnership with Tackitt Family Vineyards and the EOD Warrior Foundation. Profits from the wine sales go directly to the EOD Warrior Foundation, which are used to help current and past EOD warriors and their families. EOD stands for Explosive Ordnance Disposal, the disarming and disposal of bombs. The EOD profession is one of the most dangerous occupations in the military.

For those giving wine gifts this year, here are a few etiquette tips to consider:

1. If you are not familiar with specific taste preferences of those you are giving the wine to, it’s always best to stick with classic varieties. Giving someone a simple white or red wine is usually a safe bet.

2. Don’t expect the host to serve it that night or right when you give it to them. They may have other plans in mind, and it is your gift to them. They can stash it away and serve it when, and to whom, they wish.

 3. It’s a good idea to stick a note on the bottle, letting them know you put some thought into the selection. If you are choosing an EOD Cellars Wine, for example, it’s a nice touch to write on there that you thought they would appreciate the selection and the mission.

4. You may want to give something with the wine, with good options being to consider pairing it with a good chocolate, cheese, Spanish olives, dried fruits, or almonds. Another nice option is to pair it with a special hand painted wine glass or small wine pairing book for their collection.

5. Wrapping it in a wine bag is optional, but if you choose not to use one, then it’s a nice touch to add the hand-written note and a ribbon or bow.  

“Everyone loves the surprise of a nice bottle of wine during the holidays,” adds Motsek. “This holiday season, people will be gathering together and making memories. They can help make those memories even more special by opting for a wine that helps our nation’s EOD warriors who are in need.”

The wines can be purchased online at EOD Cellars Wines, where free shipping will be available from November 25, 2016-midnight on November 27, 2016, for Black Friday weekend shopping.

With Love,
SAMALA