It’s the Who That Counts
When choosing a gift of wine, consider the recipient: Are they a wine connoisseur, a newbie, or someone in between?
Do some recon to discover their preferences and wow them with the perfect bottle.
For the Wine Connoisseurs in Your Life
For your recipient well versed in vino: Do they collect it? Are there styles they prefer? You might already know or be able to ask someone who does, but when you’re together, you can also ask questions about what they’re drinking or tour their wine cellar together to get them talking.
For connoisseurs, we especially recommend wines in our Winemaker’s Series, which showcase the talent of our winemaking team. Each bottle boasts info about the blend and the winemakers who dreamed it up. This collection gives creative freedom for innovative techniques and combinations, pushing the bounds of Michigan wine. Each limited-release wine is sure to delight anyone with an appreciation for wine.
For the Wine Newbies in Your Life
Gifting wine to someone who’s just exploring wine? You might opt for a more aromatic wine. Someone who hasn’t yet developed their palate might not enjoy subtler wines. Our Heron line, which includes semi-sweet white and red wines, features versatile, everyday-occasion wines crafted with a specific blend to highlight Michigan’s grape-growing climate.
If a sweeter wine might be their thing, surprise them with something fruity or playful, like our Strawberry Fields, Cotton Candy, PB&J, S’mores, or Raspberry Truffle. Any of these will deliver a unique drinking experience they’re sure to remember!
For Everyone
Whether you’re buying a gift for an aficionado or someone fresh on the wine scene, consider sparkling wines. People already associate bubbly with celebrations and gifts.
Gifting one of your faves is also a meaningful way to share the joy of wine, on any occasion. You might tell a story or enclose a note about why you think they’ll love it too.
For That Special Someone
When gifting wine to a partner, consider if you’re selecting a wine to enjoy together now or to save for a special occasion.
For passionate pours, you can never go wrong with our Brut Champagne, or give it a twist with Sweet Nancie, a refreshing and bright dry bubbly rosé.
For a sweet-enjoying sweetie, try a wine from our Emotions line: Sweet Revenge, Desire, or Envy.
Take a nod from Valentine’s Day and pair top-notch chocolates and a bottle of wine, such as our Catherman’s Port. And if your partner isn’t a fan of sweet wines, pair darker chocolates—which are less sweet—with rich, full-bodied red wines packed with lush fruit flavors. We recommend our Braganini Reserve Cinsault, Braganini Reserve Cabernet Franc, or Coastline Red Blend.
What about Gender and Age?
Avoid limiting your gift by gender, age, or other association. Such assumptions might not apply to your recipient. Wine fans enjoy an array of wines, and it would be a shame to limit anyone to fewer styles!
Price-Point Perfection
How much to spend is always a tough question with gift giving. For wine, the answer depends on the occasion and on how well you know the recipient. Major events, like weddings, might invite a higher price tag, and birthdays might deserve a more expensive wine than a casual thank you gift.
The price is also reflective of the reason and the relationship. You might spend more thanking someone who helped you move than for someone who invited you to a gathering. You might splurge on wine for your nearest and dearest.
It truly is the thought that counts, no matter the price. We have a wide range of wines and prices for you to explore in our shop. There’s something for everyone.
Bottle? Case? How Much Do I Give?
You can’t go wrong with a single, thoughtfully chosen bottle or two. But sometimes, volume says more than price and several bottles of a less expensive wine (maybe even a case) mean more to someone than one expensive bottle.
A mixed case of colors and grape varieties could offer a newbie a helpful introduction to several wine styles.
A half-case of a white and a half-case of a red could supply a frequent host for their next gathering. Searching for a mix of red and white? Our Coastline line offers a great opportunity to split a case of a nice dry red and a white, and our Simply line offers the same but in a sweeter variety.
Someone who prefers intimate dinners or small tasting groups might prefer a single showpiece wine. Our white Reserve wines are a can’t-miss go-to for the entertainer on your list.
Don’t stress! While there’s a lot to consider about gifting, the person receiving the wine will likely be grateful no matter what.
Still unsure? Stop into one of our tasting rooms, and one of our wine consultants can help you pick out the perfect bottle (or two) for anyone on your list. You can even have a taste before you buy! Not local? Send a note to wines@stjulian.com, and we’ll be happy to help.
