Do you have a friend’s milestone birthday coming up? Are you planning your festive season gifts already and looking for the perfect festive season gift?
Wine is one of the very best gifts, perfect for any occasion. And what can be better than locally produced South African wine? With so many incredible options to choose from, there is a South African wine for every wine lover and every occasion. Finding the right gift wine can be pretty overwhelming.
Let’s unpack the art of buying wine with these tips for gifting wine:
Think of the giftee
Buying wine as a gift is easy when you know what the giftee likes. Do they only drink white wines? Consider Sauvignon Blanc or a lekker white blend. Easy-drinking sweet wines? Consider a sweet Riesling or dessert wine. Is your friend a tree hugger? Think sustainable wines! Check their social media for clues.
Choose the right wine for the occasion!
Different occasions call for different types of wines. Here’s a quick guide to gifting the right special-occasion wine:
For a Braai: Impress your friends or family by gifting a wine that will pair well with the food. It’s simple, really: Red wine with red meat; white wine with white meat or fish.
Consider the season
When it comes to wine gift etiquette, it helps to select the right wine for the season. Of course, this isn’t crucial.
But buying a bottle that coincides with the current season will help your gift pack a punch. Lighter, more refreshing wines such as semisweet sparkling wine, floral rosé, and Sauvignon Blanc are great for the summer months.
Pro Tip: They play well in summer too! Fuller-bodied wines are the perfect complement to the cooling season of autumn. Also, for wine lovers who simply enjoy richer taste notes all year round.
Add a personal touch
Including a short, handwritten note or card is a nice way to make the gift more personal. You can add a little something on why you chose this wine and what your relationship to the giftee means to you.
ALSO SEE: The perfect way to drink wine
A version of this article was originally published in the Garden&Home Decemeber 2022 printed magazine.
Feature image: Pexels
