The Perfect Present

We've all have that moment of frustration when you need to bring a gift somewhere and you just don't know what to get. You're getting ready to head to someone's house for dinner. It's the first time and you don't know them well. You'd like to bring something, but what?

Maybe it's a birthday party, one of those big bashes for someone you haven't seen in ages, and you don't really know what they like anymore. How about those holiday gift exchanges and you have the name of the person who works down the hall that you've only ever said hi to?

The solution to practically any gift-giving dilemma is wine. If you are looking for a great holiday gift for someone you know or even someone you don't, pick up a rich bottle of Merlot or Cabernet-Sauvignon. It'll be a hit at any event. If it's a celebratory event like the birth of a baby, a milestone birthday, an anniversary or anything worth toasting, a bottle of champagne is ideal.

If you are heading to dinner and would like to present the host or hostess with a nice gift, wine is always a sure winner. You have several options in this type of situation. If you know what is being served, you may want to bring something that is complementary. If it's an outdoor light dinner, you may want to bring along a fruity white or blush wine. If you know that a hearty steak is the main course, maybe a robust red would work well.

The other option is to bring along a dessert wine or something unusual like an ice wine that would make a good conversation piece also. Just remember the host may or may not open it that evening. It is his or her prerogative.

If you are thinking that just a bottle of wine is not enough to offer as a present, wine accessories are also a great addition to your gift. Unusual or decorative wine corks are fun to receive.

A good wine opener is always a welcome gift. A decorative wine rack already holding a bottle is a fantastic housewarming gift, as are a set of wineglasses. A decanter and a bottle that greatly benefits from decanting make a perfect gift for anyone who loves to play host. If you know that the person you are buying for is a true wine lover, there is nothing better than a book on wines or even the latest edition of a great wine magazine, tied artfully around a bottle that is featured in the same magazine.

So no matter what the occasion or what time of the year it is, wine makes the absolutely best gift for any occasion. Be sure to keep several bottles on hand, along with some attractive gift bags or boxes, so that you are ready the next time you need a gift quickly. You can always get some wines that you'd like to try too, so in case you don't need them or you have guests in unexpectedly, you'll be able to enjoy them also. The next time you visit your favorite wine seller, get your stock of handy presents so you'll be ready for any occasion.