| Giving wine has long been a popular choice as a | | | | people do not drink alcoholic beverages. For |
| gift for the hostess of a party or other special | | | | example, you probably would not want to give |
| occasion. Here are a few tips on how to pick out | | | | wine as a hostess gift to a pregnant mother, a |
| the perfect wine to present to your hostess... | | | | Muslim, or a woman under 21 years old. In this |
| 1. Avoid wines which appear cheap, such as those | | | | situation, you could consider a non-alcoholic drink |
| with screw-tops, bottles made of plastic, of | | | | such as Martinelli's Sparkling Cider. |
| course the boxed wine. Wines with genuine corks, | | | | White wine is more popular than red in the United |
| glass bottles, and a quality appearance are | | | | States, but many people like red wines as well. |
| available for under $15 dollars. | | | | Red wines offer some health benefits regarding |
| 2. If you are not sure what type your hostess | | | | cholesterol, although they are much worse to spill |
| prefers, you might pick out a Chardonnay as a | | | | on furniture or clothing (it may be best avoided if |
| gift. According to an article from Nation's | | | | the hostess has all white carpets). The Encarta |
| Restaurant News, Chardonnay is more popular | | | | 2005 encyclopedia indicates that Merlot, Cabernet |
| than any other variety in the United States. | | | | Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir are among the most |
| 3. Some people also give wine gift baskets as | | | | well-liked red wines in the U.S. |
| hostess gifts. These will usually include various | | | | Other factors to take into account when selecting |
| gourmet foods that go well with wine. You can | | | | wines include their ages, countries of origin, |
| buy the wine and food separately to create your | | | | names, alcohol levels, sulfite content, number of |
| own or purchase an all-in-one basket. | | | | calories (requires some research), and bottle |
| Consider reading reviews of a wine (or trying it | | | | styles. Wines with a straw (wicker) wrapped glass |
| yourself) before buying it as a gift, but keep in | | | | bottle make a distinctive gift, such as the Bell'agio |
| mind that different people have varying | | | | Chianti imported from Italy. |
| preferences. Since you can not be sure that | | | | Using these tips and suggestions should aid you in |
| someone will like a specific brand, avoid giving it in | | | | choosing the perfect wine gift to show |
| bottles larger than the standard size - 750 milliliters | | | | appreciation to your hostess. This will help to |
| (mL). | | | | ensure that she will be pleased with your selection. |
| Remember that, for various reasons, some | | | | |