Drop that Snuggie and step away from the body lotion (everyone has enough body butter/mist/scrub already). This year, get ‘em what they really want—wine! This holiday season, stock up on incredible deals across Paso Robles Wine Country, and take home a few choice bottles for yourself, too. So, sit back and relax. There’s a delicious wine gift for every loved one on your list—even those pesky hard-to-buy-fors. Santa has approved this message. Now, get shopping for:
1. Personalized Wine Packages
When you give a gift like an Opolo wine package, you’re not just giving a few bottles of something yummy. You’re giving an entire experience. For the adventurous friend, pick up the winery’s Bordeaux Wine Package, which offers a foray into big, Bordeaux blends (including 2010 Fusion, 2012 Rhapsody, and 2012 Serenade).
Looking for something truly accessible and beloved by all? Check out Opolo’s Celebration Collection, featuring the winery’s ever-popular Mountain Zinfandel (2013 vintage), coupled with two bottles of exuberant Opolo Sparkling—perfect for any special occasion.
Gift the chef in your family with a Holiday Dinner Pairing Package, which comes in either red or white. You can even personalize any of these gifts with a message at no extra charge, which means your present can be as cheeky, charming, and considerate as you are. How easy is that?
2. Velvety Winter Reds
Holiday bells are ringing out across wine country! Jada has released a brand new red wine just in time for the holidays: The 2013 Sawbones Bordeaux-Rhone Blend. With 56 percent Estate Syrah and 44 percent Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is ready to wow your most finicky friend. Dried cherries, chocolate-covered raspberries, cola, and rose petals linger on the nose accompanied by a whiff of dried herbs and bacon fat (nothing says the holidays like bacon fat). Thanks to incredibly soft and supple tannins, this very special wine not only shows what Paso is known for—it’s as velvety as St. Nick’s suit!
Looking to round out that bottle with a few other sumptuous winter reds? Add Jada’s 2011 Malstria (estate Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot) and 2013 Jack of Hearts (Estate Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot) to a gift basket. Wrap it all up in pretty paper and there you go: instant cheer.
3. Sweet Stocking Stuffers
Forget the messy holiday cookies. Allow Harmony Cellars to bring the sweet joy to your holiday shopping list. The winery’s Treble Dessert Wine is perfect for any wine lover with an appreciation for luxurious port-style offerings. Made with Syrah grapes, aged in oak barrels, and fortified with brandy, this rich, winter-approved wine sings with caramelized cherries and earthy chocolate goodness—the perfect after supper treat.
Buy online, or stop by Harmony Cellars’ rustic tasting room this Saturday, Dec. 5 from 4:30 to 6:30 for a cozy Harmony Cellars Holiday Open House. Sip spiced wines, pick up a few artisanal stocking stuffers, and have a lot of fun while doing it.
A little elf told me there will be plenty of wine discounts, too!
4. Wild Wine Finds
Wine is not a want, it’s a need. If you agree with this, then read on! Give your most mischievous wine-loving friend a good bottle of wine and a good laugh, too. The Rabbit Hole in downtown Paso Robles is ground zero for fun, funky, and fantastical wine goodies—everything from cowboy boot-shaped cork cages (so cute on a countertop) to adult wine sippy cups.
Of course, you can also pick up amazing Rabbit Ridge Wine and Bling Bubbly while you’re shopping, and there’s plenty of offbeat wine wrappers, bags, and baubles to choose from, ensuring that your gift stands out from the pack. Not quite sure what they’ll fancy? Go for a Rabbit Hole gift certificate. Everyone deserves license to go wine wild every now and then.
This blog was written by Hayley Thomas, food and wine writer for New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at [email protected]
