This year's guide presents a curated selection of non-wine items that make creative gifts when paired with particular wines.

From tasty cheeses to toasty warm gloves, every item on the list was carefully chosen as a way to enhance a gift of wine. Hopefully, these gift pairings will add an extra touch of warmth and flavor to your wine-loving friends and family’s celebrations.

A Book and a Bottle

***Exploring Wine Regions:* *The Central Coast of California***

*All photos by Lisa Denning except when noted.*

Michael Higgins's latest addition to the Exploring Wine Regions series, The Central Coast of California ($45 on amazon.com) is a must-have for wine enthusiasts dreaming of exploring this breathtaking region. Featuring stunning photography, detailed winery profiles, and insights into the region's terroir, it provides a comprehensive guide to California’s Central Coast wines and wineries, culinary scene, and attractions beyond the tasting rooms.

Higgins's personal touch and passion for the region shine through, making readers feel like they're receiving advice from a trusted friend who’s intimately familiar with Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties.

Pair the book with one of these Central Coast wines:

The Hilt Bentrock Chardonnay ($80) “I really like how their winemaker Matt Dees expresses his wines. For the Chardonnay, he is looking for electricity. He wants lime-pit quality and fresh salty brininess,” writes Higgins of this stunning Sea Rita Hills white wine.
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rouge ($26) “If it isn’t the Bordeaux grapes that do well in Paso Robles, it is the Rhône varietals that excel here in a big way…. Tablas Creek has become the best source for Rhône vines in America,” writes Higgins of this fabulous Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Counoise, and Terres Noir blend.

Chianti Classico, The Atlas of the Vineyards and UGAs

For anyone passionate about Chianti Classico wines, the book Chianti Classico: The Atlas of the Vineyards and UGAs by Alessandro Masnaghetti is a must-have.

Offering a comprehensive overview of the territory, communes, vineyards, and the eleven newly approved UGAs (Additional Geographical Units), the book is the outcome of decades of meticulous fieldwork by Masnaghetti, known as “the map man.”

With nearly 500 pages of detailed information and 180 maps, this book serves as an invaluable resource for wine enthusiasts seeking in-depth knowledge of Chianti Classico. Purchase the book for $95 at rarewineco.com.

Give the book with (you guessed it!) a wine from the land of the red rooster, Chianti Classico.

**A few Wine Chef favorite Chianti Classicos.**

Pagliarese Chianti Classico 2020 ($21). Once a prestigious estate that fell into neglect, Pagliarese regained its stature when the Poggiali family, owners of the esteemed Fèlsina, bought and rejuvenated it in 1995. They replanted 28 hectares with cuttings from the healthiest, oldest vines, resulting in a wine boasting notes of juicy cherries, cranberries, raspberries, and subtle hints of cloves, complemented by fine-grained tannins and racy acidity.
Querciabella Chianti Classico 2019 ($33). Querciabella boasts Italy's largest biodynamically farmed vineyards, spanning 183 acres in prime Chianti Classico locations and 79 acres on Tuscany's Etruscan coast. You will find extraordinary biodiversity here, including a sanctuary for honeybee colonies. The winery’s commitment to nature translates into well-made, energetic wines, with their Chianti Classico 2019 featuring aromas of rose, violet, redcurrant cherries, and juniper berries. The juicy palate, fine tannins, and bright acidity lead to a persistent finish with a pleasing, savory note.
San Felice Chianti Classico 2020 ($19). Since 2023, San Felice has embraced regenerative viticulture, a sustainable model centered on the carbon cycle, aimed at soil regeneration, erosion prevention, biodiversity promotion, and climate change mitigation. This fastidious approach in the vineyards is reflected in the San Felice Chianti Classico 2020, where notes of fresh strawberries, cherries, raspberries, and herbal undertones on the nose harmonize with a medium-bodied, dry palate boasting subtle tannins and a refreshing, crisp acidity.
Castello di Verrazzano Chianti Classico Riserva 2015 ($42). Stewards of Chianti Classico, Castello di Verrazzano has played an indelible role in Tuscan winemaking and American history. Owners Luigi and Silvia Cappellini pour their passion into the estate, producing traditional organic wines that deservedly enjoy an incredibly loyal following worldwide. Since 2014, they have farmed organically, a dedication reflected in this wine, which exhibits a leathery-spicy nose and delicately balsamic, dark fruits. The palate reveals firm tannins and a full-bodied character derived from over two years of barrel aging.

45 Ways to Live Like an Italian

Indulge in the joy of "la dolce vita" with 45 Ways to Live Like an Italian, a delightful holiday gift for travelers and Italophiles.

Authored by Raeleen D’Agostino Mautner, whose keen insights stem from her Italian upbringing and frequent travels to Italy, this charming book captures the essence of Italian traditions and serves as a unique self-help guide, promoting mental well-being through life's simple pleasures. From savoring delicious homemade tomato sauce to mastering the art of Italian hand gestures, this book offers practical advice on embracing the Italian way of life, making each day a celebration.

The author says that there is one hard and fast rule on wine: Italians don’t drink wine to get drunk. “Even though wine is consumed daily during mealtime,” says D’Agostino Mautner, “you rarely see a drunk Italian staggering down the street, getting rowdy, or being unable to go to work the next day because of a hangover.”

A few Italian wines to sip on while reading the book (no gulping allowed!):

Brancaia Il Blu 2020 ($120) Founded over 30 years ago in the Tuscan hillsides by Swiss couple Brigitte and Bruno Widmer, Brancaia has been a key player in the influential Super Tuscan movement. The winery seamlessly combines classic Italian grapes with international varieties, adding a modern touch to an ancient wine region. Brancaia Il Blu 2020, a blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Sangiovese, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, hails from two of the winery’s top Chianti vineyards. The wine is rich, structured, and balanced, with a harmonious interplay of fruit and acidity. Decant and pair with aged cheeses and charcuterie.
Zenato ‘Ripassa’ Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2019 ($30) Made by using the traditional “ripasso” technique (fermenting the wine a second time on the skins of dried Amarone grapes), the resulting wine is rich with intense aromas of blackberries and black currants, pepper, and hints of leather. This red wine will make you want to cozy up next to the fireplace.
Marchesi di Gresy Martinenga Barbaresco 2019 ($70). The Martinenga vineyard, owned by the di Grésy family since 1797, is one of Piedmont's Langhe region's top single-owned "monopole" estates. A deceptively light color, this highly fragranced Nebbiolo wine draws you in with its rose petal and raspberry aromas. On the palate, the wine’s bold tannins envelop, without disguising, the delicate flavors of tar and roses. Decant and enjoy with a hearty grilled bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin.

Food and Wine

Traditional Paella Kit by Peregrino ($99)

For centuries, the people of Spain have celebrated with paella, a tasty rice dish that is synonymous with Spanish cuisine.

This kit is a gorgeous box filled with staple ingredients to make an authentic paella dinner for six: 15" steel paella pan, paella rice, saffron, smoked paprika, extra virgin olive oil, and two great recipes. All that’s needed are the fresh ingredients. Find the kit ($84) here: Tienda.com.

Gift these Spanish wines:

López de Heredia Viña Gravonia Crianza Blanco 2012 ($52). A Wine Chef favorite, this complex white is produced by one of Rioja’s most famous producers. Pear, apricot, yellow plum on the nose, and honey and vanilla… a masterpiece!
Ramón Bilbao Lalomba Finca Ladero 2017 ($90). A classic Rioja with notes of cherry and plum and a hint of toasty oak. Medium-bodied and juicy with balanced acidity and soft tannins.
Arano Ribera del Duero 2019 ($27). This more affordable, easy-drinking Spanish Tempranillo is a touch lighter-bodied than what you usually find from Ribera del Duero wines. Juicy blackberry fruit notes with tobacco and vanilla make it very easy to drink and pair with everything from soup to nuts.

French Cheese Sampler

Who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive an indulgent assortment of luscious cheeses from Murray’s, New York City’s most famous artisanal cheese shop?

The Best of France Cheese Sampler ($95) will transport France to your friends with a delicious journey through five of its best cheese-producing regions.

Make your gift that much more thoughtful by sending a bottle or two of French wine for pairing with the cheese.

Champagne Henriot L’inattendue Grand Cru Chardonnay 2016 ($135). In my book, nothing goes better with cheese than Champagne! This excellent wine from famed Champagne producer Henriot delivers a balanced, complex, and mineral bubbly with notes of lemony grapefruit, green apple, creamy vanilla, almond, pear, marzipan, and brioche. Stunning!
Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Brézé 2018 ($78). Domaine Guiberteau, an outstanding producer in the Loire Valley, is celebrated for its exceptional Chenin Blanc sourced from the esteemed terroir of Brézé, frequently referred to as the "Montrachet of the Loire." This 100% Chenin Blanc is all racy acidity and saline minerality, balanced by honey, citrus, flint, biscuit, and caramel. Divine!
Chateau de Saint Cosme Gigondas 2010 ($70). The Gigondas appellation of southern Rhône is known for its robust red wines, made primarily from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Château de Saint Cosme, an organic and biodynamic estate, skillfully produces wines that exhibit both richness and refreshment. Their Gigondas 2010, dense purple in color, has aromas of licorice, black fruits, herbs, and pepper that lead to a palate of rich fruit with fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. At 13 years of age, now is the time to enjoy this classy Gigondas.

Avocado and Oil Gift Basket From California

Attractively packaged in a faux distressed wooden gift tray, this avocado and oil gift basket comes with 4 large, fresh California avocados and a tin of all-natural La Tourangelle avocado oil. Order at Avocado of The Month Club and use the avocados to make Lisa’s famous guacamole.

Gift one of these classic California wines:

Bouchaine Estate Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 ($32). A full-bodied Napa Chardonnay with juicy notes of yellow apples, pear, melon, and orange zest. Dry and slightly earthy undertones. Delicious!
Priest Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ($48). This one is for your friends who like bold, structured wines with rich, dark fruit and savory herbal notes—a classic expression of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon from the Saint Helena AVA. Scrumptious!

Support Companies that Support the Environment

Anyone who cares about the environment will appreciate a gift from Patagonia, considered one of the world’s most environmentally responsible companies.

CEO Jenna Johnson says, “There’s no business to be done on a dead planet. We are running out of time and absolutely need to turn this climate crisis around.” Patagonia supports global environmental nonprofits dedicated to safeguarding our air, land, and water, and over the past five years, they've contributed almost $14 million to organizations actively addressing climate change.

Additionally, the company backs farms pursuing the rigorous Regenerative Organic standard, a practice to lower greenhouse gas emissions and potentially sequester more carbon than conventional agriculture.

Let’s support companies like Patagonia that acknowledge and take action against the environmental distress our planet is facing. Consider these two great gift suggestions to encourage your friends to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors!

Synchilla™ Fleece Gloves ($49). These classic cool-weather gloves are constructed from warm, lightweight Synchilla® fleece that wicks moisture and dries quickly. They are well-made, comfortable, and come in four colors.

Ultralight Black Hole® Mini Hip Pack ($35). Made with 100% recycled materials, this tough, lightweight 1-liter hip pack carries the bare essentials and stows into its own pocket when not being used. The pack comes in six great colors.

Wine to give with a Patagonia gift:

Situated in Southwest Oregon’s Applegate Valley, Troon Vineyard shares similar philosophies with Patagonia. This expansive winery and farm, spanning nearly 100 acres, proudly holds certifications in Organic, Demeter Biodynamic, and Regenerative Organic. These practices actively contribute to the battle against climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring biodiversity.

Troon wines reflect the meticulous care taken in the vineyards. They are full of life and rich in flavor. They belong on the dinner table, enjoyed with delicious food and great company.

Troon Vineyard Kubli Bench Amber 2022 ($33) This skin-fermented Vermentino includes 25% Viognier and 5% Roussanne and is full of character: fruity, rich, and complex with notes of almonds, pear, dried apricot, white flowers, yeast, and just the right amount of acidity. When my husband tasted it, he said it was the best wine he’s had all year! And rest assured, he samples nearly every wine I try.
Troon Vineyard Syrah 2021 ($36) Classic Syrah aromas of olives, bacon, meat, and pepper, but more subtle than what you get with a Northern Rhône Syrah. On the palate, medium-bodied, dry, mineral, and savory, with balanced acidity and dark fruit. Energetic and very impressive. As you can tell, I am a big fan of Troon Vineyards!

Sicily Ceramics

Sicilian ceramics, known for over five centuries for their vibrant colors and intricate motifs, are the inspiration for William-Sonoma’s line of festive, Italian-made stoneware. Find bowls, plates and serving platters at williamssonoma.com.

Pair Sicily ceramics with wine from Sicily’s west coast: Marsala

In the U.S., Marsala is often seen as a simple cooking wine due to widespread low-quality examples. However, Cantine Florio's VecchioFlorio, a Marsala Superiore, is aged for at least two years and stands out for its quality. Made with the native Sicilian grape Grillo, it is available in both dry and sweet variations. Versatile—and delicious!—on its own or in savory dishes, desserts, and cocktails.

Cantine Florio Vecchioflorio Marsala Superiore 2017 Dry ($17). Amber-colored with gold highlights with scents of almonds, raisins, and vanilla. The wine is full-bodied with an elegant finish of bitter almonds and raisins.
Cantine Florio Vecchioflorio Marsala Superiore 2019 Sweet ($17). This intense, amber-colored sweet Marsala offers ripe grape and vanilla aromas. The wine is round on the palate, with an elegant finish of dried fruits like dates and raisins.

Or a dry Sicilian white:

Tasca d’Almerita Fondazione Whitaker Mozia Grillo 2022 ($25). Produced in Mozia, an archaeological site on San Pantaleo island, just off the western coast of Sicily, this unique and delicious white wine (100% Grillo) invites you in with aromas of citrus, pear, apple, and flowers. The palate reveals a more tropical profile, featuring notes of pineapple, melon, and passion fruit, complemented by a stony, saline minerality. Ideal for pairing with garlicky pasta with clams.

Pair Sicilian ceramics with wine from Sicily’s east coast: Mount Etna

Known as the “Burgundy of the Mediterranean” for their elegance, quality, and longevity, Mount Etna’s wines are made from vines grown on the slopes of the famed Sicilian volcano. The volcanic soils of various ages impart minerality and complexity to these distinctive wines.

The reds, with flavors of bright red fruits and smoky, earthy undertones, are crafted mainly from the indigenous Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes. While the whites, made from Carricante, are crisp and mineral-driven.

Pietradolce Etna Bianco Archineri 2019 ($52). Pietradolce’s old Pre-Phylloxera vines, some exceeding 120 years old, produce wines with an unparalleled style and sense of place. This 100% Carricante shows peach, lemon, and jasmine on the nose and a nutty, lemony, green apple taste with a streak of mineral salinity on the palate. Very lively with crisp acidity. Excellent with seafood.
Nicosia Monte Gorna Rosso 2020 ($32). A 90/10 blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, the wine is expressive and elegant with notes of red fruit, herbs, spices, and licorice. The palate is warm, robust, and lingering, with a pleasant balsamic finish and unique smoky character. Curl up with a bottle when season three of White Lotus airs.

A Wine Class

Send your favorite wine-loving Australophiles to school. New York City’s Astor Center is holding an Australian Wine Workshop on Tuesday, January 30th, during which attendees will delve into the secrets of Australia's ancient vines, explore the country’s grapes and regions, and learn all about Australian wine styles and flavors. Get all the details about this class and more at astorcentaerny.com.

Is your giftee outside of the New York metropolitan area? Perhaps an Australian snack box filled with 30 Aussie-made items, including Vegemite, Tim Tams, Cadbury chocolates, and more, will bring the flavors of Australia right to their doorstep and provide a taste of Down Under no matter where they are in the world. Find the gift box ($59.99) at amazon.com.

Give this Australian wine with one of the two above options:

Yalumba The Signature 2018 ($70). The Signature is a celebration of wine and people – more than 50 vintages, 50 names, and 50 stories – encapsulated in one historic Cabernet Shiraz blend. The first vintage was released in 1962, and since then, this wine has acknowledged 57 signatories – people who have enhanced the traditions and culture of Yalumba.
The aromas include red currants, cool perfumed cedar flavors, and complex savory dried herbs, with exotic florals, cranberry, and a depth of dark chocolate richness on the palate. This terrific wine will pair well with hearty holiday entrees.

The BEST Wine Glasses

RIEDEL Crystal’s groundbreaking grape variety-specific glassware, developed in 1958, has become a fan favorite among wine enthusiasts. These uniquely shaped glasses are designed to enhance the sensory experience and overall enjoyment of specific grape varieties by increasing the wine’s nuances of aroma, taste, texture, and finish.

For your wine-loving friends who want to explore first-hand how glass shape influences aroma, flavor, and textural perception, Riedel’s Veloce Tasting Set ($178) includes four elegant glasses specially designed for Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.

Include the following wine with the Veloce set of glasses—let your friends agree that it tastes best in the Cabernet glass, a fun experiment.

Sullivan Rutherford Estate Coeur de Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 ($97). 22% Merlot and 3% Malbec blended with Cabernet, this bold and luscious Napa Valley wine has grippy layers of dark cherry, cassis, plum, and vanilla, underscored by a subtle earthiness. The finish reveals clove, black pepper, chocolate, and tobacco nuances.

Wine Preservation System: Coravin Timeless Three+

Named one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2022, the Coravin Timeless Three+ system lets you pour your favorite wines without pulling the cork, allowing you to preserve still wines for weeks, months, or even years.

Read more about Coravin and why it could change your wine-drinking life in my article, A Wine Preserver System That Will Change the Way You Drink Wine.

Pair this Pinot Noir with Coravin:

Louis Jadot Les Boudots 2006 ($105). The Les Boudots vineyards border the Premier Cru vineyards of Vosne Romanée at the northern edge of the Nuits Saint-Georges appellation. This Premier Cru Bourgogne shines with its cherry and raspberry fruit and notes of mushrooms, leather, and forest floor. Seventeen years in, the tannins have mellowed, and the 2006 is energetic and drinking beautifully. If you can’t find 2006, look for another vintage from Louis Jadot, a reliable producer that can be counted on to make excellent wines every year.

*Photo: @coravin.* **The Timeless Three+ is on sale for $174.30 (usually $249) at** **coravin.com**.

Vinarmour Wine Carriers

Looking for something special for your wine-loving friend who has everything? Think no further than Vinarmour’s luxurious bags and totes, designed to last a lifetime.

The Vinarmour Wine Carrier is ideal for both worry-free air travel and local outings. Its elegant puncture-resistant leather and waxed cotton exterior, combined with an interior that keeps wine chilled over 30% longer than neoprene, makes it the perfect accessory for wine enthusiasts on the go. ($298.95 at vinarmour.com).

The Vinarmour Wine Tote Bag combines practicality with a touch of elegance. The bag is durable and stylishly designed to hold three single bottles within the interior’s foldable, protective leather insert. ($199.95 at vinarmour.com).

Gift an Italian wine from one of Tuscany’s most revered wine regions: Montalcino.

Biondi-Santi Rosso di Montalcino 2020 ($120). Considered the “founder of Brunello di Montalcino,” Biondi-Santi wines are revered for their vibrant freshness and distinct fruitiness, hallmarks of the winery’s high-altitude vineyards. Produced from the estate’s youngest vines, this Rosso is thoroughly enjoyable at a young age.
Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2018 ($66). Brunello di Montalcino’s 2018 vintage was challenging, yet this historic winery produced a classic expression of Brunello: aromas of red berries and black cherries with a hint of spices. The taste is complex yet refreshing, thanks to the excellent acidity.
Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2018. ($90). A bright and fresh 2018 with cherry and floral aromas and flavors, medium body, refined tannins, and a linear finish with bright acidity. This pure Sangiovese was honored as the #1 Wine of the Year in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2023.