Thursday, December 31, 2009

Gourmet Wine Gift Baskets or Gourmet Wine Fruit Gift Baskets is you prefert with Fruit

Luxury-Wine-Chocolates-Gift-Basket-mothersdayg...Image by mothernaturebeauty via Flickr

Over the past few years the diet of the people living in Mediterranean area has come into focus and many people where surprised to learn the prominent role wine plays in keep us healthy. You can create a healthy gourmet wine gift basket based on the Mediterranean diet and give the wine lover on your list a taste of the wonderful assortment of Greek wines.

Greece has a 6,000 year old wine tradition supported by mythology which attributes the origin of winemaking to Dionysus. Each of the local wines has a distinct identity and quality, which has been supported for the past 20 years by the formation of the Appellation d' Origine Controlee (AOC). Wine producers in Greece have enjoyed much success in culinary circles and gourmet wine gift baskets are a natural extension to this.

Greek gourmet wine gift baskets make a wonderful addition to any wine enthusiasts collection. For a country that is smaller that the state of Georgia in America, ranking after the 12th largest wine producing country of Chile is a testament to the improvement of wine quality over the last ten years. Wine production in Greece is a natural result of its variable, temperate climate and all sorts of varied soils, much of it mountainous with is conducive for a wide range of wines.

What are some of the best known grape varieties used in Greek wines? The grape variety of Moschofilero grown in a cool climate produces white wines that are delicate and aromatic. For full bodied red wines, look to the grape variety called Xinomavro. When you want to fill your gourmet wine gift basket with delicious dessert wines, the Muscat variety from the Greek islands are wonderful choices.

For the wine aficionado, the fact that most Greek wines are made from native grape varieties will make them unique and appealing. Greek wines come from a cool climate which gives them a subtle temperament with low alcohol content.

By some standards, every Greek meal could be considered gourmet; salads made with delectable feta cheese, fresh seafood combinations, whole grain breads served with delicious wine is the common fare eaten on a daily basis. For the basic Greek gourmet wine gift baskets, select a pair of red and white wine from any of the famous vineyards of Greece and then surround it with extra-virgin olive oil, “pitza” appetizers, marinated and oil cured olives, feta cheese, pasta, stuffed grape leaves with seasoned rice and fire-roasted peppers.

You can also create a gourmet wine gift basket with a Greek island theme; there are many regional producers of wine on Crete, Samos and Santorini online that can provide you with all of the ingredients for a wonderful present for any wine enthusiast.

If your wine lover has a sweet tooth, you can pair deliciously sweet dessert wines with a number of pastries that have a distinctive Mediterranean flavor; Kataifi (Shredded Nut Pastries) or Bourekakia (Honey Nut Rolls) and one of the many varieties of the world famous flaky pastry Baklava filled with honey, walnuts or pistachios just to name a few. Make your present unique and really surprise your wine lover with a gourmet wine gift basket of delicacies and delectable Merlot or Chardonnay from Greece; the land where wine is considered a “gift from the Gods.”




Bottles That Impress: Giving the Gift of Wine

Picture of a wine label indicating "Vintn...Image via Wikipedia

Wine makes the perfect gift for the holidays, from presenting it to your host at a dinner party to giving it to your friends and family. Whether your gift list includes a family member, a beloved friend or new boss, wine is sure to be a hit when presented with some flair.

Viansa Winery, situated at the Carneros grape-growing region at the entrance to California's Sonoma Valley, produces more Italian varietal wines than any single winery in the country. Consider these gift concepts that will set your bottle apart from the rest:

* Bottles that impress. Match your choice of wine to the person's personality. An assortment of fine Italian varietals like Viansa's "Vittoria" Pinot Grigio, "Pierina" Vernaccia, Arneis, Sangiovese, Barberra or Nebbiolo for the Italian food lover; or a choice of impressive California varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot for the Sonoma Valley enthusiast.

* Gift baskets that keep on giving. Viansa produces an array of award-winning wines and gourmet foods that are exclusively available through the winery, like the Sonoma Picnic Basket filled with salami, Vella Mezzo Jack Cheese, Olive Oil Crackers, Olive Harvest Nuts and Lemon Drops, along with a cork puller, cheese knife and two steady sticks to hold your wineglass upright in the lawn. Also try the Pasta & Piccolo for an instant Italian meal complete with porcini pasta sauce, imported pasta and Sangiovese wine.

Viansa's pestos, estate olive oils and vinegars, herbs and seasonings as well as dessert sauces add a flavorful twist to your gift of wine. To leave an even longer-lasting impression on wine and food lovers, Viansa offers exclusive membership to "The Tuscan Club." The club provides a 25 percent savings to members on wine purchases and a 10 percent savings on food and baskets.

* Accessorize. Consider including small accessories, such as drip stoppers, decorative corks and wine stoppers or wine charms. For a gift within a gift, wrap your wine in a fine bath linen, tablecloth or vintage material and tie with a large satin ribbon.

* Personalize. Viansa Winery offers a custom solution for impressive gifts with specially created wine or food baskets and custom-etched or private-label wine gift baskets.


Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Wine Gifts or Wine Gift Gourmet Gift Basket Elegant, Thoughtful & Elite

A half bottle of Yquem 1999Image via Wikipedia

Wine gifts are considered as one of the best gifts for men. They come in a variety of tastes, vintages, colors, wrappings, baskets, labels, corkscrews, stoppers, etc. Many types of wines are available in the market and a variety of vintage wines are sent as gifts. Sending a wine gift is considered elegant and reflects upon the thoughtfulness of the sender of the gift. Wine gifts have become a symbol of elite gifting and hence are on the rise.

Generally four types of vintage wines are considered best for gifting for anniversaries, birthdays, diamond weddings, retirements and other special occasions. They are Madeira, Armagnac, Sauterne and Port. Madeira is a fortified wine. It has a long history, it was used to toast the American Declaration of Independence. It does not go bad with changes in temperature and can be stored up to 200 years. Armagnac is in essence a brandy and is made from distilled white wine in Bordeaux, France. Sauterne is a type of sweet wine distilled in an area near Bordeaux named Sauterne. Sauterne can be stored up to 100 years. The alcoholic content of this wine is less compared to other wines. It is sweeter than other wines due to its sugar content. Port wine is a fortified wine made in many different styles. They are stored in oak casks up to 100 years. It may be noted that the wines are stored for a long time in special containers in special conditions for them to improve or cure and once the bottle is opened it is to be consumed within a day or up to a week depending upon the type of wine. There are wines other than the ones mentioned above like champagnes, red table wines, malt scotch whiskies and “celebrity wines” which are also gifted.

Wine gifts are generally given in a wine basket along with lobsters or other sea foods depending upon the taste of the recipient. Wines also have a proper serving temperature which vary according to the type of wine and is written on the bottle. Wine gifts are wrapped in attractive wrappings and sometimes designer cork lifters and wine stoppers are also gifted. An assortment of wine related gifts are available in the market like crystal ice buckets, ice tongs, crystal glasses, wine racks, wine cabinets, wine furniture, wine decanters, wine totes, wine bags etc.

With the advent of internet wine gifts can be purchased online and are delivered on required date to the recipient. Sending gifts by road works out much cheaper than sending by air, hence booking in advance is more cost effective. When the recipient’s wine taste is not known, presenting a wine gift certificate is better as the recipient will choose from an array of wines according to his liking on the company’s website. There are many websites and companies providing gift certificates and door delivery. The wine gifts are available in a wide range of costs ranging from under 35$ to over 100$. Some companies customize the label on the wine as per order. Wine gift deliveries are not made to hospital patients and there are laws in different states on wine gift delivery.




Texas Wine - Visit Wineries and Vineyards to Buy Various Texas Wine Gifts

Maysara Winery Tasting RoomImage by raleigh.mike via Flickr

Last few years have witnessed a growing popularity of Texas wine in the national as well as international market. One of the biggest testaments to their growing popularity was Grapefest 2004, where over 240,000 people attended this fest and over 20,000 plus votes received for the 2004 Peoples Choice. Grapefest is the largest wine festival in the state. According to one estimate, Texas now has 87 wineries and is the 5th largest wine producing state in the nation. Texans consume nearly 37 million gallons of wine a year and upon given a chance most Texans would prefer to buy a wine produced in Texas. That clearly leaves a plenty of room for Texas wineries to produce an increasing share. In addition to that there is a huge demand of Texas wine in the open market.

No doubt, wine has a great impact on Texans life because it generates revenue and employment. During the year 2004, the wine industry generated $200 million along with 1,898 jobs for Texans. And, now due to new legislation, you as a wine lover can enjoy wine direct from the winery of Texas. Most of these wineries and vineyards encourage visitors to visit their vineyards and taste different wines before purchase in tasting rooms. Not only this, but you can also buy different Texas wine gifts for your family or friends while visiting or tasting wines at their wineries and vineyards.

The Overall Scenario Is Fast Changing and Promising
Although, earlier there were many restrictions in the past, but during the last two decades Texas wine industry has seen a time of incredible growth. In the last few years the number of wineries has increased from 50 to 87 or even more. According to one estimate, currently there are around 20 more wineries that are pending for state approval bringing the number of wineries to 104. Nowadays customers can directly place their orders with the winery and can also visit them to taste different wines in their tasting rooms.

And, there won’t be any exaggeration if we say that the day is not too far when these wineries will sell more wine over the Internet than in the tasting room in winter. Moreover, people would visit these wineries and vineyards not just to see, taste and purchase wine but to buy different wines and other related gifts for special occasions such as Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving. Texans who visit a winery and make purchases in person can also have them shipped directly at their home. Purchases of these wines and other wine gifts can also be made by phone, fax or online for shipment to a Texas package store for pick-up or further delivery. So everything seems to be fast changing and promising especially when it comes to customer satisfaction.




A Business Wine Gift Can Strengthen Your Business Relationships with your college

Fruit Wine at Russell OrchardsImage by Elizabeth Thomsen via Flickr

You are probably familiar with the traditional fruit baskets and flower settings used as business gifts in today’s modern corporate world. But a new trend is developing in corporate gift giving that adds a whole new dimension to business relationships – the business wine gift.

As it is customary for business associates to exchange gifts on occasion, an alcoholic gift has been frowned upon in the American business scene. But as business relationships become closer and on a more personal level, a wine gift is becoming much more acceptable.

Is a Corporate Wine Gift Appropriate?

Because of business teachings in America, the mixing of work and alcohol has never really been accepted as an appropriate practice. Of course, the endorsement of intoxicated employees at any corporate level is never a good or practical idea. But as business relationships have changed over time, from short term arrangements to longer term partnerships, the view of the appropriate gift has also changed.

The European business community has been of different opinion merely due to cultural differences. A glass of wine at a business lunch is an everyday occurrence and an acceptable practice. The European business lunch is treated very similarly to an American business dinner.

Therefore, a business wine gift is considered to be an appropriate and personal display of gratitude between business associates. This philosophy is permeating the American business scene and is now becoming a “chic” way to make a favorable impression on clients and customers.

When Should You Send a Business Wine Gift?

There are really no hard and fast rules when it comes to sending wine as a gift. An attractive wine gift basket can be given for almost any occasion:

- Launch of a New Product
- Signing of New Clients
- Completion of a Business Deal
- Recognition of Special Customers
- Performance Awards
- Recognition of a Major Vendor
- What Type of Corporate Wine Gift Should You Sent?

The wine gift doesn’t need to be in the form of a gift basket either. It can be given as a wine gift box or collection, a personalized wine gift (with a special message on the wine bottle sleeve or label), or a wine of the month gift club membership.

Today’s attractive corporate wine gift can be tailored to your business partner’s likes and preferences. A red, white, or blush wine and specific countries of origin are common requests that can easily be handled by the wine gift merchants.

So, if you want to encourage a long term corporate relationship with your special partners, clients and customers – send wine! They will be very appreciative of your business wine gift and you will have strengthened and solidified a valuable business relationship.




how to Choose A Wine Gift Basket, maybe with Cheese so you will have Wine and Cheese Gift Basket

The-5th-Avenue-Wine-Gift-Basket-mothersdaygift...Image by mothernaturebeauty via Flickr

Wine gift baskets are a wonderful gift for all kinds of people – wine lovers will appreciate them as you have shown consideration of their hobbies, and if you are selecting a gift for someone you do not know well, then it is a safe bet that a wine gift basket will be considered a generous and luxurious gift.

Making a Wine Gift Basket

Wine gift baskets are quite simple to make, but if you give someone a home made one then they will appreciate the time and thought you have put into it. Just select the things you want to put in to the basket, arrange it all in an attractive fashion, and wrap it and tie it nicely with ribbon.

You may need to secure the items before you wrap the basket to make sure they stay in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.

Buying a Wine Gift Basket

If making a gift basket yourself is too daunting a prospect, then you could purchase a ready made one. There are lots of companies that sell them – some will even let you pick the gifts and make you a basket to – order.

One is Wine County Gift Baskets, which is a company that offers the absolute best selection of value priced, handcrafted gift baskets and gift towers, and this includes corporate gift baskets, gourmet gift food baskets, spa gift baskets, coffee gift baskets and tea gift baskets, just to name a few of the many offered selections.

Wine country gift basket will make personalized wine gift baskets for you, allowing you to pick out items from their catalogue to make the ideal gift basket. They will also hand deliver the basket to the recipient if you wish.

Another great option here is Express Gift Baskets, a company that was established a decade ago, in 1997, and which since then has been shipping thousands of baskets across the world. They specialize in the corporate market and carry a full line of promotional items.

Express Gift Baskets will also make custom baskets for you, and will allow you to add your logo or design to the items if you wish, making them ideal for businesses who wish to send gifts to regular customers or to their employees.





Tips For Shopping For Wine Gift Baskets

Wine.com Gift BasketImage by swanksalot via Flickr

If you are shopping for wine gift baskets, there are a few things you need to know. First, just because an arrangement contains a bottle of what appears to be a high quality beverage, doesn’t mean that it is a high quality arrangement. Many companies package cheap beverages in pretty wrappings that make them appear better than they are. Make sure you carefully check the brand and vintage of the beverages in a basket you are considering buying.

Next, you also need to be aware that there is more to wine gift baskets than just the beverages they contain. Some companies that sell these arrangements will choose an excellent beverage. However, because the beverage is so pricey, they will then put cheap foods in the basket to make it look full. Another thing you might find is that these companies put worthless items into their arrangements. These things are items the person you are giving the present to will never use. You want to find an arrangement that couples an excellent beverage with quality foods that will enhance the flavor of the drink, not detract from it.

Another thing to look for when shopping for arrangements is the container that the arrangement is in. the best quality arrangements be housed in attractive and useful containers, not plastic tubs that are good for nothing when the contents have been consumed. One great idea is to look for an arrangement that is housed in a beverage-cooling tub, so the container is useful even while the recipient is still using the contents!

One mark that indicates that you have found high quality wine gift baskets is if you find arrangements that contain useful tools, such as a corkscrew or wine opener. This shows that the company making the arrangement has thought of what the recipient will need as soon as he receives the gift. After all, a good beverage cannot be enjoyed if it cannot be opened.

Don’t forget to look at the way the arrangement looks. The best vendors will carefully arrange their products so that the beverages are showcased and offset by the other items the arrangement contains. Also, they may decorate the arrangement with items like bows or faux grapes that highlight the contents beautifully. By finding a company that shows attention to the details included in creating the arrangement, you will be assure that you have found a company that will pay attention to putting the best foods and beverages into their products.

When shopping for wine gift baskets, you should consider shopping with Van’s Gifts. This online store had its beginnings as a paper catalogue vender. They have been making arrangements for all sorts of purposes for over twenty years. They include the best beverages, quality foods, and important tools in their beautiful arrangements. You can see pictures of what they offer by visiting http://www.vansgifts.com, where you will find their entire catalogue in a convenient online forum. From this site, you can place your order and have it shipped either to you or your recipient directly. Whatever you choose, you will be confident that you are purchasing the best arrangements available anywhere, whether online or offline!



Gifts For The Wine Lover On Your Shopping Listthey will be surprise with this Wine Gift Basket

no original descriptionImage via Wikipedia

If there are persons on your shopping list who enjoy drinking wine, consider giving them a wine gift for this gift giving occasion. Wine gifts are a very thoughtful gift that the recipient can actually use. And depending on the type of wine or the type of wine gift, it is usually an inexpensive gift. Prices on bottles of wine can vary according to brand, the type of wine, and the year in which it was produced. However, there is sure to be a bottle of wine that is well within your budget.



When Is It Appropriate To Give A Bottle Of Wine As A Gift?

If you are attending a celebration party, a bottle of wine makes the perfect gift. Gifts of wine are an excellent choice for housewarming parties, parties celebrating a raise or promotion, retirement gifts, wedding gifts, birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, Thanksgiving gifts, and of course, New Year's gifts. It is something that everyone at the celebration or holiday get together can enjoy. Let’s face it, a party does seem to liven up once the bottle has been popped open. It is also a great gift for your mate if you are planning a romantic evening in celebration of Valentine's day, an anniversary, a birthday, or to simply let them know that you're thinking of them.

Other Types Of Wine Gifts Basket

A wine gift doesn’t necessarily have to be a bottle of wine. It can also be a gift that’s associated with wine, such as a wine key, wine glasses, drink coasters, a wine bottle holder, a wine rack, or even wine themed decor. Anything that has to do with wine is considered a wine gift, and the wine lover in your life will most certainly welcome it.

Everyone who drinks wine should have a good wine key in their house. Even if it’s an inexpensive one, it will be appreciated. However, there are wine keys that are a little more expensive that require some arm and wrist strength to open the bottle. This makes a great gift for someone who loves wine but hates opening the bottles.

Wine themed decor also makes a great gift idea for the wine lover. This type of decor will have depictions of wine bottles, grapes, vineyards, or possibly even cheese. Many clocks, candles, candleholders, wall plaques and paintings are available in this theme and make lovely decorations in the dining room and kitchen. If the gift recipient already owns a wine rack, then wine glasses or decorations to put on and around the rack would be great wine gift ideas.

Wine Gift Baskets Make A Thoughtful Gift

Another idea for a wine gift is a gift basket. These gift baskets usually include a bottle wine, maybe some meats and cheeses, as well as an opener, or anything else to do with wine. These also make great gifts that are thoughtful, especially if your create it yourself. It is a gift the wine lover in your life is sure to enjoy. The best part about giving the gift of wine is that if you stick around, you may even get to enjoy the wine yourself.

It doesn’t matter if you're giving a bottle of wine, a wine accessory, or decoration, it's the thought of giving that will impress the person or couple that you are giving it to. So, this gift giving occasion, be sure to consider giving the gift of wine.









Wineries Focus on Corporate Wine bottlesGift Giving

NAPA, CA - SEPTEMBER 17:  A worker at Artesa W...Image by Getty Images via Daylife
According to Wine Spectator, wine consumption has increased over the years, making wine a more desired gift during the holidays.

There is also an increased interest in high-end wines and small wineries, like California's Viansa Winery in Sonoma and Kirkland Ranch Winery in Napa. Viansa and Kirkland Ranch wineries have focused on the following corporate gift-giving ideas to help customers make a statement with employees and special clients:

* Create a lasting impression. Pair your corporate identity with exclusive wines and olive oils for a strong reminder of your company to those valuable business relationships. You can put logos, photos, images and slogans on any private label wine from Viansa and Kirkland Ranch wineries.

* Add a touch of elegance. Etching bottles can be used during the holidays, for promotional gifts year-round, for weddings, anniversaries or celebrating new babies.

* Sweeten the deal. Indulge your clients and colleagues with the perfect pairing of wine and chocolate. Viansa wine bottles are hand-dipped in Belgium chocolate and then wrapped for an elegant presentation. Add chocolate medallions with your corporate logo or a personal message.

* Give a subtle reminder. Share an exclusive Taste of Tuscany with business associates each month and enjoy the opportunity to subtly remind them of your business. Viansa's Tuscan Club offers a unique wine and food experience reflective of Californian and Italian wine country living every month. Members also enjoy a 25 percent savings on all wine purchases, 10 percent on gourmet foods and gift baskets, and a complimentary subscription to Tuscan, Viansa's full-color monthly magazine filled with entertaining ideas, wine information and recipes.

The Kirkland Ranch Wine Club will deliver six shipments per year, each containing two bottles of estate wine, family recipes that complement the wines, a newsletter and winemakers' notes. Members also enjoy 20 percent savings on all purchases.

* Indulge them in flavor. With gift baskets like Viansa's Classic Cal-Ital, you can share the tastes of fine Italian wines and artisan cheeses.

Whether it's a hard-working employee, a dedicated client or someone who has referred business to you, a gift of wine can create a lasting impression.