That last-minute workplace Secret Santa (eek! It’s already time for that?). Your gardener (who does a way better job than the last guy); your kid’s teacher (a little bribe never hurt). There’s always a need for last minute gifts during the busy holiday season. This year, forget the re-gifted scented candles, faceless body lotions, and impersonal plants. Ugh! Come on. Go for what they really want: Paso Robles Wine. Take our advice and pick up a bottle and give with gusto. Extra credit: Pair with these easy-to-find wine gifts and accessories for maximum cheer.
The Busybody: Wine Saver
The frazzled single parent, overworked teacher, and determined career go-getter all have one thing in common: They never have time to finish a whole bottle of wine (let alone time to do a crossword puzzle or trim the cat’s claws). Help your frantic friend avoid wasting precious vino by gifting a handy wine saver, which pulls out excess oxygen from the bottle for fresh leftovers that last all week. Whew!
Give: Wine Worth Saving
This 2011 Tudor Hook Pinot Noir is high-toned with a fruity nose featuring notes of raspberry, cherry, and cranberry. According to Wine Enthusiast, it’s also worth a glowing 90 point recommendation. Now that’s a wine you don’t want to waste.
The Entertainer: Decanter
Nothing is more impressive than a gorgeous wine decanter sitting at the center of a well-dressed table. Give the entertainers in your life something more to dazzle their guests (and they always seem to have guests, no matter the season, don’t they?). Whether you go classic crystal or sleek, modern glass, your Martha Stewart-loving pal will relish ceremoniously aerating their wine at whatever the next gathering happens to be. Trust us. It’s a good thing.
Give: Quantity and Quality
Generous entertainers tend to pour a lot of wine during dinner parties, so gift your host or hostess something they can really use as well as savor, like a Holiday Bundle of Joy, 3 Wine Gift Pack from Oso Libre Winery. Inside you’ll find a 2013 Rojo del Patron Estate Blend, 2013 Primoroso Winemaker’s Blend and 2011 Quixotic Estate Cabernet Sauvignon—enough to delight a crowd across a swath of dishes.
The Creative Soul: Decorative Wine Stoppers
You know the artists out there. They’re always painting and re-painting the walls, adding antique furniture to the living room, or making their own jewelry. Don’t they just seem to add a dash of color wherever they go? We say, give them the color they crave alongside a fabulous red, white, or rosé. Pick up a few decorative wine stoppers to adorn your gifted bottle and watch as your artsy companion swoons over the aesthetic possibilities.
Give: A True Work of Art
Want to inspire a standing ovation? Gift a bottle of 2013 JUSTIN Isosceles, a legend in its own right. For more than 25 vintages, Isosceles has been a benchmark for Central Coast California reds. This one’s a showstopper for all the senses.
The Funny One: Giant Wine Glass
Nothing is more important in life than having a good belly laugh. That’s what your funniest friend believes, and that’s why you keep him or her around, right? The good times always seem to be rolling when your hilarious pal is near. Celebrate their appreciation for laughter with the wine equivalent of a whoopee cushion. A giant wine glass on the counter says two things. 1) I don’t take life too seriously and 2) the glass is always half full. These are important reminders for us all! Let ‘er rip.
Give: A Gigantic Jug
There’s nothing funny about the well-crafted wine housed inside Rotta Winery’s new two-liter jug. However, there is something visually stunning about the elaborately screen printed limited edition bottle and juxtaposition between what “jug wine” meant back in the day and how it can shine in Paso Robles. Filled with a classic field style blend of estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel (aged in French oak), this thoughtful gift is indeed the real McCoy.
The Adventurer: Plastic To-Go Wine Glasses
Always hiking, biking, or planning a rugged outing, your outdoorsy buddy loves to take the show on the road. Feed their need for excitement and adventure with no-break stemware far removed from the unimpressive stuff you’d find at the average party store. Lightweight, practical, and ready for any excursion, a pair of portable wine glasses will make their next camping trip meal unforgettable.
Give: A Picnic Pleaser
Pair Jada’s 2012 Malstria Estate Rhone and Bordeaux Blend with Wisconsin-born Bella Vittano Gold cow’s milk and you’ve got a powerful picnic companion on your hands. Yes, your adventuring pals can let this rich beauty age until 2020, but where’s the fun in that? Something tells me this one will be popped on the next perfect, sunshiny day.
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas Cain, food and wine writer for SLO New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at hthomas@newtimesslo.com or follow her on instagram @flavorslo.
If you’re looking for a place to spend the night in Paso Robles, checkout:
The Adelaide Inn is an iconic, locally owned hotel known for its friendly staff and lush landscaping. With spacious rooms and a convenient location close to highway 101 and the event center – home of the California Mid-State Fair – this hotel is a great choice for most travelers.
Directions: speedfind.com/AdelaideInn
L
a Bellasera Hotel & Suites is an elegant boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Central Coast Wine Country. Influenced by Mediterranean and Italian architecture, the luxurious accommodations reflect the aged sophistication of the Central Coast region and the relaxed nature of the California countryside.
Directions: speedfind.com/LaBellasera
Hampton Inn & Suites Paso Robles is nestled in the Central Coast wine region, home to over 200 wineries, beautiful beaches, mountains and diverse attractions. Relax and revive in a comfortable guest room with all you need for a successful stay. You can count on Hampton to deliver value, consistency and service with a smile. We love having you here®
Directions: speedfind.com/PRWine.HamptonInn
Experience the pristine countryside of Paso Robles Wine Country at Lekai Ranch. Lounge on the porch of your private suite and lose yourself in the tranquility and stunning views of the vineyards and oak studded hills beyond. This vacation rental is located just minutes from some of the most distinguished wineries and a premier olive oil estate, and only 15 minutes from downtown Paso Robles’ restaurants, wineries and shopping.
Directions: speedfind.com/Lekai | vrbo.com/701796
Enjoy the elegance, style and natural beauty of California’s Central Coast at the JUST Inn®. Surrounded by vineyards, our JUST Inn Suites offer luxurious appointments like fireplaces, Tempur-Pedic®mattresses, Frette linens, hydro-spa tubs, and range in size from 600–1,200 square feet. An overnight stay includes breakfast and a tour of the winery and caves.
Directions: speedfind.com/JustinWine