If you’re reading this right now (the eve of Christmas Eve), you might be one of those folks who like the hunt—the hunt being, of course, the Christmas gift you forgot to buy before now. But relax, you have 1.5 more shopping days and if you have a wine lover in your life, your task is easy. Here are 10 stocking stuffers that you still might procure now, if you hunt and click fast.
Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book. Since 1977 (just a year after the historic “Judgment of Paris”), this handy little guide, written by regional experts, has outlined the world’s wine-producing regions, notable producers and signature wines. (Full disclosure: I have written the chapters on Texas, Southwest U.S., and Mexico for the past five years, and can attest to the due diligence involved!) $14.99
Delong’s Wine Tasting Notebook. Though there are many fine wine-tasting journals out there, I like the sleekness of this slim book, which fits into your back pocket like a reporter’s notebook. I also appreciate the clean, straight-forward page design with helpful jogs on descriptors but without interfering with my own notes. Hardbound: $14.95; softbound: $8.95
Le Moderne Recipe Journal. Anyone serious about food and wine pairing will want an nifty book like this for recording recipes, pairings, ratings, notes and favorite purveyors. Includes measurements and conversions. It has the elegance of a Baedeker guide, only you can use this one for food/wine journeys. Hardback with a ribbon marker; three colors, measures 6” x 8.5”. $32.99
Save your fingers with this foil cutter
Edgy
EDGY Wine Foil Cutter Accessory. If your wine lover is clumsy handling that mini knife on the waiter’s wine key (or doesn’t have one), this ergonomically designed foil cutter saves frustration and fingers. Four sharp stainless steel cutting wheels do the trick. $9.97
Left, the VacuVin comes with two stoppers; Right, the Zwilling set of three.
Manufacturers
Wine stoppers. I received the Vacu Vin as a stocking stuffer about 15 years ago, with somewhat of an apology from the giver. To this day, I don’t know why he was so sheepish: This has been a tried and true device for keeping wine fresh after opening. Kit comes with two stoppers. $12.95. A more chic option is the Zwilling 3-piece vacuum wine sealer set for $19.95. Available online only; best bets are Bed, Bath & Beyond and Sur La Table.
For the wine geek in your life
WineEnthusiast.com
Periodic Table of Wine Marble Coasters. Made of Italian marble with protective cork backing, this set of four features popular grape varieties with their own atomic symbols and numbers. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir. $44.95
Wine Cork Key Chains. Various styles and versions with and without charms, personalized, and/or created from your own special corks. Many versions available on etsy and variously priced; the style pictured here is $12.50
Pulltex offers a classy way to open your wine
Pulltex
Pulltex “Cordoba” double-lever corkscrew. Your wine lover will open bottles like a pro and with style with this handsome “Cadillac of corkscrews.” Handmade in Spain with natural silver and black horn inlays. Slick mechanism, comes with a black leather pouch. $99
An all-year round way to keep your [wine] cool.
VinGlace
VinGlace insulated wine glasses, tumblers and bottle coolers. Steel outside and glass insert inside, these are simple in design, easy to get a grip on and keep 10 ounces of your wine cool. Eight colors for all your entertaining moods. $34.95 each (glass or tumbler); matching insulating cooler is $90.