It can be challenging to find a gift for the wine lover who is well-versed in oenology, particularly when they already possess a stocked cellar of valuable wines, elegant glassware, and an abundance of wine-related accessories. Searching for something genuinely unique is essential. Below, we reveal some extravagant holiday gift discoveries that are certain to impress even the most discerning wine enthusiast:
For The Wine Enthusiast With Everything: Simon Family Estate “Double Blessings” Napa Valley Cabernet Pair
This duo of delightful Cabernets originates from Napa’s latest premium wine brand, Simon Family Estate. These wines (above image) are the brainchild of the collaboration between wine producers Sam and Nada Simon and the esteemed Napa Valley winemaker Maayan Koschitzky, known for his work with Screaming Eagle and Melka Estates. Each small batch of Simon Family Estate wines is made using exceptional fruits from some of Napa Valley’s most distinguished vineyards, including Sleeping Lady, Tench, and Rocca. With such high-quality fruits at his disposal, Koschitzky skillfully creates a captivating range of wines that eloquently express their esteemed origins. The “Double Blessings” Cabs, introduced now, are two distinct interpretations of Napa Valley Cabernet inspired by the Simons’ identical twin sons, Michael and Peter: “Michael,” sourced from cooler vineyard locations in Coombsville and Oakville, is intricate, sophisticated, and matures beautifully over time. “Peter,” crafted from grapes from warmer sites in Oakville and St. Helena, is vigorous, approachable, and ready to enjoy immediately. The Simon Family Estate Double Blessings wines are available as a pair for $375. Stay updated with the winery’s releases and purchase options by joining their mailing list.
Alternatively, for a truly impressive gift to your wine enthusiast, surprise them with a customizable Founder’s Circle membership that guarantees access to the complete range of limited edition wines from Simon Family Estate. Membership costs vary depending on the choice of varietals: roses/whites only: $660, reds only: $1925, full portfolio: $2585. In addition to these, all memberships offer other advantages such as exclusive winery events, early access to unique releases, fixed-rate shipping, and more.
Realizing Winemaking Aspirations: Craft Your Own Wines with Napa’s The Wine Foundry
For the dedicated wine enthusiasts who have always dreamt of creating their wine label, Napa’s The Wine Foundry provides the perfect solution. This custom winery, equipped with state-of-the-art winemaking facilities and an award-winning team of winemakers, specializes in producing small batches of premium wines for individuals (or small groups) using grapes sourced from some of California’s most prestigious vineyards. Your aspiring winemaker can participate remotely or in person to experience the ultra-premium winemaking process. Gift recipients may choose to start from the beginning, selecting from The Wine Foundry’s extensive vineyard and varietal collections, designing a personalized label, and engaging in the final blending session under the guidance of a professional winemaker to refine the nuances of the finished wine. Alternatively, the lucky recipient might opt to ‘adopt’ a barrel from a previous vintage to enjoy the finished wines earlier while still having a custom label and participating in the final blending process. Despite the chosen route, the end product is a globally competitive wine that can rival the best in the industry. Depending on preferences, there are various options available, with prices ranging from $6,000 to $15,000 per barrel of crafted wine. One of The Wine Foundry’s top-tier offerings is a customized barrel of Single Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from prized vineyard plots. Price: $14,000-15,000 (excluding taxes and shipping), with each barrel producing 24 cases of wine, each case containing 12 750ml bottles.
Goosecross Cellars’ The Holly & The Aeros Holiday Gift Pack
Wines that exude sophistication never fail to delight the serious connoisseur. Goosecross Cellars’ exclusive ‘The Holly & The Aeros Holiday Gift Pack’ includes two of the winery’s most exceptional vineyard-specific releases – the luxurious Holly’s Block Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and their exquisite State Lane Aeros Napa Valley Bordeaux-style red blend, made from the finest annual vineyard blocks and barrel selections. Each immensely expressive wine presents intricate flavors and textures that mirror their origins in the Napa Valley vineyard, Goosecross State Lane Vineyard in Yountville. Additionally, the package encompasses an in-person or virtual wine-and-chocolate tasting session guided by an experienced Goosecross Cellars wine expert and complemented with indulgent Kollar Chocolates from Yountville. Price: $600 for two individuals.
Optional: To elevate the experience further, for an extra $1500+, enroll your wine aficionado in an annual club membership at the State Lane Club tier to receive 18 vineyard-specific State Lane bottles annually, along with several exclusive club privileges including: private winery functions, early access to special/limited releases, complimentary tastings, fixed-rate shipping, exclusive rates with preferred travel partners, and more.
Theorem Vineyards’ Table 21: A Distinctive Brunch-Themed Wine Tasting Experience
If you seek a gift with significant ‘wow’ factor, nothing compares to the experience of wine tasting at its place of origin – especially when that place is the magnificent Theorem Vineyards estate nestled atop Diamond Mountain in Calistoga. The winery’s latest extravagant wine-culinary experience, ‘Table 21,’ offers a unique tasting experience pairing the winery’s limited production, estate-grown wines with gourmet, brunch-inspired delicacies. Each delectable creation is meticulously prepared by winery chef Josh Mitchell, drawing inspiration from the season and the freshest, most delicious offerings from Theorem Estate’s kitchen garden. Depending on the time of the visit, the gourmet spread may include premium ingredients like locally sourced oysters, truffles, lobster, caviar, chocolate, Mt. Tam cheeses, Akaushi beef, and more. As you savor these delicacies along with the estate-grown wines amidst the picturesque views of vineyards and mountains, live musicians provide the perfect backdrop for an indulgent culinary and wine experience. Seating for Table 21 is extremely limited, making it a highly coveted attraction in the Napa Valley. Price: $500 per attendee by appointment only. To secure priority reservations, consider signing up for Theorem’s Keepers of the Key Membership with an annual commitment to purchasing a minimum case. Cost: $2000-4000 per year, depending on wine selection (which you can customize). Membership brings numerous supplementary benefits, such as priority access to the estate and the stunning new Tasting Barn, exclusive gift deliveries, and access to Theorem’s upcoming sister property in Montana, Theorem Ranch, opening in 2023. For inquiries, reach out to [email protected].
Image Source: Marko Poplasen / Shutterstock
