by Lorri | Jun 12, 2019 | UnCorked
Father’s Day gifts do not have to be all about the stereotypical ties and socks. If you know your father enjoys wine, why not buy a gift you know he will appreciate?
- His new favorite bottle. Finding an ideal wine is easy because according to the surveys I consulted nine out of 10 dads love a great bottle of cabernet sauvignon. There’s no need to break the bank here with an exorbitantly priced bottle. There are many great wines for under $40. Stay with regions that have a history of quality bottles such as Bordeaux, Napa Valley and Australia.
- His “camping” wine glass. No one should have to drink wine from a flimsy plastic cup. New trends in outdoor glassware include insulated tumbler styles and even stainless-steel wine glasses. The one I found with the best reviews was the stainless-steel nesting wine glass. It’s lightweight and stores easily into camping gear without the worry of breakage.
- Wine Barrel Staves for Grilling. Just as wood influences the wine you drink, grilling staves have a tasty effect on food. The staves are from used red wine barrels and offer a unique fuel to your father’s next grilling adventure.
- A Wine-Beer Hybrid. If your dad loves beer and wine, this is the drink for him. Several breweries are crossing the grape-grain divide by combining these different but equal beverages with excellent, if not intriguing results. If he enjoys the beer drinking experience but still orders that chilled crisp pinot gris this gift will be a unique taste for exploration.
- A serious but comical wine book for his library. Master Sommelier Richard Betts took his passion for wine (less the wine-speak) and created a fun scratch-and-sniff way to explore the world of wine. The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert explores the basic components of wine, the fruits, woods, earth and allows the reader to discover the differences in grape varieties. The illustrations bring a humorous approach and put the fun into wine fundamentals.
- A bottle with a story. An incredible bottle of wine with a great story behind it is always a great gift. I always think of Steve Reynolds of Reynolds Family Winery as one of those bottles for Father’s Day. It could be that he is an amazing winemaker but also that his business card says, Steve Reynolds, “owner/winemaker/dad.” It was his father being a hobby winemaker that introduced him to the craft early in his life. In 1994, Reynolds left his career as a dentist and with his wife, Suzie, bought a 100-year-old chicken ranch that needed “lots of love” to have potential for fine winemaking. As a tribute to their substantial hardships, the stigma of being a newcomer to Napa Valley, arduous startup politics and other challenges, Reynolds named one of his red blends “Persistence.”
by Lorri | Jun 14, 2017 | UnCorked
There are many Father’s Day gift ideas to consider along with the stereotypical ties, grilling tools and golf clubs.
If the fathers on your list love wine, then this is the year to make it personal. Since all dads are unique, it makes sense to choose a wine fitting his personality and passion.
THE STORYTELLER
I think the ultimate wine gift is one that includes a story. I am honored to call Steve Reynolds of Reynolds Family Winery a friend, an amazing winemaker and a pretty cool dad. He has brought his children to Arkansas on many occasions to partake in our local traditions. One of things I love about Reynolds is his unique business card. It simply says, Steve Reynolds, owner/winemaker/dad. His father, a hobby winemaker, introduced him to the craft early in his life. While living in Germany, many of his family vacations were spent in the vineyards of Europe. In 1994, Reynolds left his career as a dentist and with his wife, Suzie, bought a 100-year-old chicken ranch that needed “lots of love” to have potential for fine winemaking. As a tribute to their substantial hardships, the stigma of being a newcomer to Napa Valley, the arduous startup politics and other challenges, Reynolds named one of his red blends “Persistence.”
- 2013 Reynolds Family Winery Persistence, California (about $60 retail)
THE MILITARY MAN
For the dads who protect our country and fought for our freedoms, this is a gift that acknowledges that. Purple Heart Red Wine recognizes the sacrifice and service of U.S. military men, women and families while promoting the Purple Heart Foundation, a nonprofit providing services to veterans and their families. The foundation is in collaboration with C. Mondavi and Family. Purple Heart Red Wine has aromas of mulberries, plums and blackberries with hints of black licorice.
- 2014 Purple Heart Red Wine Napa Valley, California (about $20 retail)
THE EXPLORER
Some dads relish being first and want to explore the wide-open spaces. There are many options for exploring when it comes to wines and I think Mira Winery from Napa Valley is the gift an exploring father can appreciate. In the past few years, Mira has taken wine aging to a new level, or should we say depth. The winery is experimenting with aging wine in the ocean rather than on land, calling the process “Aquaoir.”
- 2014 Mira Winery Rose, California (about $20 retail)
THE BUBBLY KIND OF DAD
We all know those dads who are the life of the party. They understand the gift of bubbly because they are living large and celebrating every day. Moet & Chandon is the world’s leading Champagne producer with claims that a bottle is opened somewhere in the world every second. A vintage version, only made in exceptional harvest years, is a rare and prized gift to the wine enthusiast.
- 2006 Moet & Chandon Grande Vintage, France (about $85 retail)
