The Vinous 2013 Holiday Gift Guide

With the holidays in full swing it’s time to start thinking about gifts. This year, we are once again proud to present our selection of some of the best gift ideas for the wine lovers in your life. The 2013 Gift Guide has as bit of everything, from stocking stuffers to the ultra-luxurious, plus a last-minute idea or two, if like, me you are a procrastinator! Readers might also enjoy this short video I shot with this year’s selections.

(Not pictured) DropStop ($8.95/package of 5)

A pack or two of DropStops makes the perfect small gift or stocking stuffer. The shiny, silver discs make serving red wine simple, easy and free of spills.

Available through Amazon

1. Champagne stoppers ($6.99)

These simple, inexpensive stoppers make it easy to enjoy a bottle of Champagne over a day or two. The model in this link is not the exact model in our video, but many versions work alike. Nothing fancy is required. You can never have enough Champagne stoppers around, especially during the holidays.

2. Waiter’s Corkscrew ($12.00)

An everyday workhorse, the standard traditional waiters’ corkscrew is functional and inexpensive.

Available at most wine stores.

3. Ah-So Corkscrew ($25)

The Ah-so corkscrew is an excellent tool for removing fragile older corks. Gently nestle the dual blades in between the cork and the glass, then twist gently.

Available from the manufacturer or in select stores.

4. The Durand Corkscrew ($125.00)

The Durand brings together elements of the traditional corkscrew and the Ah-so. It is an absolute essential for anyone who enjoys opening and drinking older wines. The Durand is simply a must-have.

Available direct or from a handful of select retailers including The Rare Wine Co, Vins Rare and K&L Wines.

5. Screwpull filter and funnel ($70)

Screwpull’s two-piece filter and funnel is indispensable for decanting older bottles and removing any small bits of cork or sediment that remain in the wine.

Available directly from the manufacturer.

6. a, b, c.   Zalto Glassware/Decanters ($60-$63/stem for glasses, $100 for the decanter

Zalto makes some of my favorite glasses. The White Wine glass is a great all-around glass also works beautifully with Champagne. The Burgundy glass is gorgeous. I use it for Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo. Recently, I have begun using the decanters as well. Zalto glasses are not inexpensive, but they are worth every penny.

Available from select retailers, including Crush Wine & Spirits, Wine Monger, and Vintry Fine Wines.

7. a, b, c, d. Riedel Glassware/Decanters ($30-$100 for glasses, $60 and up for decanters)

Riedel’s Vinum Extreme Pinot Noir glass is one of the best for Barolo and Barbaresco. I have also used the Burgundy Grand Cru stem for years. It remains a classic. No wine lover should be without Riedel’s standard Cabernet Sauvignon decanter, which an affordable, everyday workhorse.

Widely available directly from the manufacturer and in stores

8. Coravin ($300)

Ever wonder what it might be like to have multiple bottles of great wine available at any time? Coravin uses a high-grade surgical needle to draw wine from an opened bottle. The missing wine is replaced with neutral argon gas, extending the life of the wine for days, weeks and perhaps even longer, although I have only used the Coravin for a few weeks.

Available directly from the manufacturer and from select retailers, including Chelsea Wine Vault and Chambers Street Wines.

9. Moreschi Leather Wine Tote ($1,350/€1,000)

Moreschi is best known for their hand-made shoes and other leather goods. The Wine Tote, seen here in dark brown, is a magnificent example of Italian design and craftsmanship. The Wine Tote has not yet been commercially released, but it is available to Vinous readers directly from the manufacturer. If you would like more information, please contact Vinous at info@vinousmedia.com to be put in touch with Moreschi.

10. Vinous ($120/1 year, $200/2 years)

A subscription to Vinous is always an option for any last minute needs…!