Wine is the perfect hostess gift to give when attending a dinner party, but it can be tricky to select a bottle for another person. With dozens of grape varietals, six continents of origin, and a price range from two dollars to several hundred per bottle, it's no wonder wine is a mystery to most. Before you head to your local wine shop, narrow down your options to choose the perfect bottle for your hostess.
Instructions
1. Select a medium-bodied wine to appease most taste buds if you're not sure what type your hostess prefers. Medium-bodied whites include Sauvignon Blanc and Reisling, while common medium-bodied reds include Chianti and Merlot.
2. Go neutral by selecting a wine that will complement most meals, like a Riesling or Pinot Noir. According to wine expert Pam Clark of "Talking Wine," "These two grape varietals hold up well with most types of food." They are two great options if you're unsure about what food your hostess will be serving.
3. Pick a wine that is significant to you or to your hostess. For example, if your hostess is an Italian American, bring her a bottle of Chianti -- a wine from the Tuscan region of Italy. If she is environmentally conscious, try an organic wine. Personalizing your gift will give it more meaning to the hostess.
4. Be unique by purchasing a lesser known wine or a local wine. Wine is supposed to be fun and exciting, so introducing your hostess to a new bottle can be a great conversation starter. An added benefit is that no one will know how much you spent.
5. Hand the bottle personally to your hostess and mention that it is for her to enjoy. This relieves the pressure of serving the wine that night, especially if your hostess has selected wines for the meal already.
Tags: your hostess, , grape varietals, local wine,