Wine Gift Baskets - Ideal For Any Occasion

Of all the types of gift baskets, a wine gift basket is 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 first choice in creating a wine gift basket will be that of the wine itself. The wine will determine all the other items in the basket. Wine typically comes in two varieties. Red wines are made from the black and red grapes. The most popular choice for red wine is the Cabernet sauvignon, Merlots and Grenaches. Merlots are full-flavored wines that provide a hint of chocolate, while Grenaches hint 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.

Choosing the right wine can be a difficult task. Wine retailers usually have recommendations based on the occasion, your budget, the recipient, etc. All of these factors are important in choosing the right wine. For example, if you are buying a gift basket for an experienced wine enthusiast, you may want to find a more interesting wine. On the other hand, a beginning enthusiast will enjoy a mid-range bottle of wine.

After choosing the wine, the next step is to decide on the other items that you will include in the basket. Food is a common accessory. However, food choices should be made with the type of wine and the preferences of the receiver in mind. Some foods go better with one type of wine than others. Common food selections are sesame crackers, cheeses, chocolates, nuts, fruits and olives. Be sure to consult a wine and food pairing chart to ensure the correct food choice for the wine that has been chosen.

Besides food the most obvious accessory added to wine gift baskets are wine glasses. Wine connoisseurs are almost as picky about the glass in which their wine will be served as they are about the wine. Several different types of wine glasses exist. The choice of wine determines which type of glass will be used. Red wines get served in a glass with a large bowl, while white wines get served in small bowled glasses. Champagne glasses are fluted. The number of glasses included will be determined by the occasion for which the basket is 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.