Personalized Wine Gifts

Ever drive around town and wasting time scouring the malls trying to find the perfect gift for your loved ones, only to arrive back home, tired, frustrated, and worse, even empty handed? Wine and cheese gift basket are the perfect gifts as both represent a timeless treat, made of two items that have been traditionally enjoyed together for a long time. Wine and cheese gift baskets can be purchased at many retail stores, online specialty stores or even be assembled yourself, allowing you to really personalize the gift. Most gift basket companies are more than willing to try and accommodate the needs and requests of their customers and will let you substitute items, to customize your gift basket. Make sure you contact their customer service department to see it is allowed. Wine and cheese gift baskets can also be perfect for those people that are difficult to buy for.

First, should you choose a white or a red wine? Unless you know the particular taste of the person on your list, I would suggest selecting what you prefer. If you’re choosing a basket with two bottles included the choice is easy - one of each. If the gift recipient take spicy foods regularly, try slightly sweeter wines such as Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc blends from New Zealand, the Shiraz-like Germany Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris etc. Once you decide on the baskets with the type of wine you want, take a look at what else is included. You can find wine and cheese baskets that include everything from multiple cheese selections to gourmet snacks, spreads, candy and a variety of other goodies. The key to the perfect wine and cheese pairing is balance. Wines usually go well with cheese that is from the same country or region. Acidic wines usually go well with acidic cheese which contains high levels of lactic acids such as fresh goat cheese. Cheddar cheese goes along with Riesling, Merlot or Shiraz as popular choices in many for-order cheese baskets.

Prices for these cheese and wine gift basket range from $20 to $200 or more depending on the size and type of goodies included. However, if expensive cheeses are chosen, the price of the baskets will be increased. Smaller gift baskets comprising of cheese, chocolate, fruits etc can also be quickly assembled just prior to giving it so that freshness and storage do not become an issue. Simply buy the baskets in advance and you can cut the cheeses and add in the fresh fruits on the day of giving.