Choosing Elegant Wine Gift Baskets

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.

While choosing the wine, you should keep in mind the occasion for which the gift is being purchased. Many wine gift basket retailers have certain wines that fit certain occasions, such as Valentines, Christmas or New Years. Also, for who you buy wine for should play a factor in making the wine choice. When you buy wine for a person knowledgeable in wine, you would want to find wine that are more rare or unusual. However, for a beginner, almost any wine choice could do.

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.

Another common accessory for wine baskets is the glass. The type of wine also determines the type of glass chosen. Red wines are typically served in glasses with larger bowls. Champagnes are served in flutes. And white wines are served in glasses with long stems and small bowls. The number of glasses included in the basket should be determined by the occasion for which the gift was given.

Other items can be used to fill out the basket. For example, a beginner may enjoy some literature on how to choose a wine or the history of a particular winery.