I am not a wine connoisseur. I can’t tell the difference between an exceptional bottle of wine and a so-so one. All I know is that I like them sweet. And I can only drink half a glass anyway, and rarely have even that much, so it’s never something I’ve given much thought to. Lately, though, it seems that all of my friends are oenophiles. They really love and appreciate and understand good wine. And since I can’t compete with their knowledge and wow them with a great bottle of wine, I’ve decided to take a different approach, and try to find unusual, unexpected gifts for the wine-lovers on my list. Not all of them will appeal to everyone, but I think you will be able to find something here for the wine lovers on your list!
1. Monogrammed Crystal Wine Caddy and Stopper, $24.99: This sparkling, two piece set is a thoughtful, personal gift. Both the stopper and caddy (like a coaster for wine bottles) have elegant, etched monograms.
2. Wine Bottle Gift Set, $29.95: A clever bottle-shaped case neatly stores wine accessories and essentials, like a corkscrew, a pourer, and wine charms, and fits right on your wine rack.
3. German Silver Crested Wine Bottle Coaster, $19: This beautiful German silver coaster is a perfect way to show off an extra special bottle. Matching coasters for wine glasses ($25 for a set of 4) are also available. If you are adding a bottle of wine to the gift, present them in one of these jute bags with clever quotes.
4. Hercule Poirot Wine Bottle Candleholders, $34/set of 4: My crafty friend Kari made me the prettiest kitchen light out of a wine bottle. This is another take on the wine-bottle-as-decorative-accessory theme. This hand forged metal candleholder turns any bottle of wine into a centerpiece.
5. Skybar Wine Chill Drops, $49.95: Need to chill a single glass of wine in a hurry? Simply slip this prefrozen “wine drop” into the glass and in minutes, your wine will be at the ideal temperature.
6. Root of the Earth Wine Caddy, $39: This rustic, almost sculptural piece proudly displays that prized vintage.
7. Vintage Toasting Bells, $19 each: These beautiful old bells can be used to call everyone to dinner, or to draw the table’s attention to a toast.
8. Napa Valley Wine Lovers Chocolate Drops, $59/six tins: These all natural San Francisco made chocolates are designed to complement a favorite bottle of wine. Each of the six tins features a different drop to go with a different kind of wine.
9. Clef du Vin, $125: This unbelievably simple looking wine “key” disguises state of the art, patented technology. A metal alloy in the dot on this “spoon” instantly ages wine on contact, softening the tannins of a young wine. Every second the dot is in contact with the wine is equal to one year of aging. Incredible.
10. Wine Glass Lampshades, $16/set: These petite vellum lampshades turn an ordinary wine glass into a pretty little lamp. All you need to do is add a votive or tealight. So cute!
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