Perk up party host with gift of wine

As the recipient of seemingly every wine-related gift on the planet, I can finally vent that there are good wine gifts and not so good wine gifts.

Before seeming ungrateful, I do acknowledge the reason I've received items like wine-themed socks (in the not so good category, by the way) is because the giver of said socks knows I have a strong interest in wine. That kind of well-intentioned thinking should be applauded.

But by following a few guidelines, a wine-related gift can be genuinely welcome to any recipient, wine aficionado or not. And since wine is such an easy hostess gift, keep a few on hand so you're never left scrambling through the dimly lit corner liquor store, madly searching for a decent bottle minutes before a holiday party.

Give a bottle of wine of personal significance to you to the party hostess. This may seem counterintuitive, but giving a bottle of your favorite celebratory with an explanation of why shows you were looking forward to the festivities and want to contribute to its success. Many a nervous host will be thankful.

My party picks:

Lingot Martin Cerdon de Bugey NV ($19). At Frankly Wines.com.

Alain Renardat Fache Bugey Cerdon ($21). At Binny's.

Give wine of true significance to the recipient. This is one of my favorite ways to thoughtfully recognize a person's interests. For example, if a friend has recently made efforts to be more environmentally conscious, acknowledge that with an organic wine. Likewise, give a bottle that honors the recipient's heritage, such as a bottle from a renowned black winemaker.

My organic picks:

Montinore Estate, Parsons' Ridge Pinot Noir 2006, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($30). At WineChateau.com.

Robert Sinskey, Pinot Noir 2006, Napa, California ($36). At Binny's.

My heritage picks:

M'hudi Sauvignon Blanc, 2008, Western Cape, South Africa ($17). At WineStyles.

Vision Cellars, Pinot Noir 2006, Sonoma, California ($26). At Binny's.

For a wine aficionado, give memorable wine. This option requires the most research, at minimum an in-depth conversation with a quality wine shop owner.

Give a highly lauded "vertical" of wines -- wine from consecutive years that can age for several more. A vertical allows the recipient to taste how a wine progresses. Dig up some information on the wine's peak years and indicate this to the lucky recipient so they hold onto the bottles until the perfect time.

A similarly collectible wine would be a "special" bottle that could be cellared for a significant period. One benefit of the downturn in the economy is that spots are opening up on exclusive "members only" wine lists from wineries that produce a limited number of top wines.

My "vertical" pick:

Orin Swift Cellars, The Prisoner, Napa California 2005, 2006, 2007.

My "special" picks:

Liparita, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006, Oakville, Calif. ($55). At the Wine Cellar, Palatine; Tuscan Market, Arlington Heights; WineStyles, Woodridge, and Taste of Vino in Hinsdale and Western Springs.

Chateau Montelena, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006, Napa Valley, Calif. ($49). At Binny's, Knightsbridge, Randolph Wine Cellars, Wine Discount Center.

Classic wine-related gifts that are truly useful are always welcome. But remember, if you wouldn't use the item because it seems hokey (socks decorated with wine glasses), there's a decent chance someone for whom wine is a hobby wouldn't as well.

My picks:

Riedel's Pink Crescendo Breast Cancer Awareness Stemless Glasses. $60 for set of 4.

At Zappos.com.

Cheese selection from iGourmet.com or TheCheeseAmbassador.com.

Not to get all Emily Post, but a word on wine etiquette: If you bring a bottle of wine to a party, mention to the hosts if you brought the bottle especially for them to enjoy privately so they don't feel obliged to open it immediately.

And do yourself a favor -- indicate why you've chosen this gift so your thoughtfulness doesn't go unnoticed.

Anu Karwa writes the SwirlSavvy blog (swirl savvy.blogspot.com). Get more wine tips there and follow her on Twitter (@Swirl Wine Savvy).

Photo: (See microfilm for photo description).