It’s 2020 – everyone on my list is getting wine, especially given the latest news that California is back under lockdown. The good news is that several of my favorite wineries have done the hard work for you putting together gift sets, so you don’t even have to work hard to choose. Here are my personal favorites that I am picking out for my loved ones (or myself because let’s be real self-love is important in 2020):
$150, Three Bottles of Single Vineyard Zinfandel
For the uncle who spent all summer hosting socially distanced barbecues in his backyard – everyone knows bbq and zin are what MTV show “Are you the One” would call a perfect match. Bella is a new to me winery that produces 18 different single vineyard zinfandels. This pack is a perfect starter kit to get your family to put down their whiteclaws and raise a wineglass instead.
Varnum Vintners Taste of Oregon Box
$99, one bottle of any Varnum wine and other local treats
For the friend who maybe loves wine, but likes other things too – this box has you covered. It’s got local tea, coffee, jam, hazelnuts and olive oil. Shipping is included and the items in this box retail for $125, so you get an excellent deal.
Evening Lands Best of ELV Holiday Pack
$200 for three single vineyard bottles (two chardonnay and one pinot)
For the friend who binge watched every SOMM movie during quarantine – though this is a pricier set at $200, it’s actually a great deal considering the bottles retail for $250 on their own. Raj Parr, owner/winemaker, makes some of the most elegant expressions of Willamette Valley chardonnay and pinot noir, making this set a best of the best for the wine geek in your life.
Clif Family Eat Chocolate, Drink Wine
$80, one bottle of Zinfandel and three boxes of handcrafted chocolates
For the friend who depleted their stash of quarantine chocolate back in Lockdown v1 eight months ago – The only thing I might love as much from Clif Family Winery as their wines is their chocolates. The first time we went to visit Clif Family, Vivek ate almost an entire tin of the dark chocolate sea salt caramel. Try these and you won’t regret it, but you may be addicted (especially paired with the Zin.)
$67 for four bottles of wine
For your relative who is looking to up their quarantine cooking game – Wines til Sold Out (WTSO) sells weekly tasting kits that come with an assortment of bottles as well as tasting notes and food pairing suggestions. Only fitting that the week I publish this the theme is Cru Beaujolais, one of my personal favorite holiday pairings.
Meadowcroft All Reds Blind Tasting Kit
$135 for four bottles of red wine and the blind tasting mats, notes and wine aroma wheel
For the friend who is tired of their date nights consisting of rewatching Harry Potter and eating pizza for week ~32 in a row. One of the most fun quarantine activities I did back in April lockdown was this blind tasting from Meadowcroft Wines, a winery I love in Sonoma. It’s a great way to test your palate and learn more about what you’re drinking.
Kobler Estate Russian River Terroir Pinot Pack
$115 for three bottles of Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (30% savings)
For the cousin who watched Sideways years ago and only drinks pinot noir ever since – Another new favorite for me in 2020, Kobler Estate makes some really incredible Russian River pinot noirs. I love how super, super small production these wines are and the fact they serve as a perfect entry point for folks new to the terroir of Russian River. Similar bottles from other producers could easily cost you $250+ for the same three bottles.
Macrostie Winery Mini but Mighty Set
$110 for six half bottles of wine (three chardonnay, three pinot) and a tasting for two at the winery
For the friend who lives alone and does not have a Coravin. Last but certainly not least, we are shopping small…literally. This half bottle set is perfect to have on hand for nights you want to indulge but not go overboard. Best of all – a tasting at the gorgeous winery is included for the lucky recipient’s next trip to Sonoma County.
Happy gifting (or happy indulging if you’re buying for yourself…it’s 2020 so I’m definitely not judging!)
