Wine is the perfect gift for almost any occasion. When my husband performs weddings he often presents the couple with a bottle of Champagne and a bottle of red wine. The Champagne represents the sparkle and exuberience of a young marriage. The red wine is meant to age and become fuller with time. They are asked to wait until their tenth anniversary to open the bottle. A time when they too have grown into the fullness of their vows.

Wine is an easy gift to give. Unlike a clock, one can never have too much wine in the home. There are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

1. You don't have to spend too much. Plan to spend $15-$20 per bottle for a decent bottle of gift wine. (This is more than you often spend on a bottle of wine for yourself, but remember, it's a gift.) The exception to this is kitchy bottles of wine. Two years ago I gave friends a selection of Electric Reindeer wines. These are available from CostPlus World Markets for about $5 a bottle. I gave them a bottle of Merlot, and two bottles of Chardonnay. The cute factor won points from the recepients.
2. Don't give what you want to drink. Give what they want to drink. This is opposite of much advice you receive. I don't give big, bold reds to friends who only drink white zinfandel. Instead I find wines they would like. I also find wines that will expand their taste experiences. Try a Riesling Spätlese from Germany or Austria. These light, sweeter wines will be a delight to any pink wine drinker. It will introduce the drinker to full body flavors, complex character, and structured wine.
3. Champagne is always appropriate. There are many choices available in a variety of price ranges. An excellent choice is the Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut. It is a well respected sparkling wine from California. It received a 92 from Wine Spectator and is a great buy for under $20.
4. Don't be afraid to go to a real wine store. The personnel there are trained to help you find what you want. Tell them what you're looking for. You want a nice gift wine for about $20. They will ask if you want white or red, sweet or dry. They want to send you away happy so that you will come again. Fear not. The wine store personnel will not try and pass off some bad wine on you. If the wine is bad they will loose you as a customer and the person who receives the wine.
5. Find something that has a specific meaning. We have wines that are from the years our sons were born. Is there a wine that comes from town where a couple honeymooned? A lover of Marilyn Monroe movies might appreciate a bottle of Marilyn Merlot or Norma Jean.

What ever you choose to give it can be meaningful, fun, or educational. The choice is yours. Enjoy the hunt.