Wine Selection as a Gift if You Don’t Drink Wine
A friend who does not drink wine recently asked me to help her buy some wine for her son who hasrecently begun to drink wine, likes trendy things, and probably would appreciate getting some wine as a gift as he’s still paying off student loans and such. Normally, I’d discourage a non-wine-drinker from buying wine as a gift but in this case, I could understand why someone who doesn’t have much money and is only learning about wine might welcome it as a gift.
knowledgeable people
Also, as it happens, even though I’m not a professional and think I have a lot left to learn about wine, even in my wine club, where there are a lot of knowledgeable people, I’m considered something of an expert. So, I’m willing to share my thoughts on this task to anyone who might find it helpful with a holiday season full of gifts to buy ahead of us.
First of all, my greatest tip for buying wines when you don’t know what you’re buying is to find a store that specializes in wine. Where they say they’re a wine store or carry “fine wines” and that doesn’t mean you can’t find some cheaper things there, usually, just that it’s a bit lighter on carrying the really cheap stuff. Go at a time of day when they won’t be busy. Walk in and ask for help. Tell them what you’re trying to buy, price range and such. Most will be glad to help you. If they do, from then on, you’ll have a place to buy wine gifts for him. Also, whatever I tell you below, remember that selections are different in each state, not just by store.
Anyway, here are some suggestions. Without knowing whether the person likes white or red, sweet or dry, I’ll assume it would be dry if the person is eager to learn about wines for real.
Stores specifically
There’s a grape called Grunter Jetliner (first word pronounced “groomer”). It’s kind of rare. It’s from This is something he or she is unlikely to have tried. At my local wine store, they had a single brand I think it was about. I tried it and liked it. We don’t get many coming to the US. Also, if you live in NYS (New York State), NYS wineries are starting to make this wine, too. So, a store that carries NYS wines MIGHT have this wine. I would not start going to stores specifically to find this. First, I’d call a couple to see if they have any of these.