For reasons unknown, there tends to be a great deal of overlap between people who love spending time at the cottage and those who consider themselves wine connoisseurs. Perhaps the two hobbies have more in common than we think; after all, they’re both about learning how to slow down, relax, and appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Gift buying for a discerning wine lover can be a tricky endeavour—after all, only the best will do—but we’ve consulted the experts and put together this list of exceptional gifts for the ultimate wine connoisseur.
Photo courtesy of Grape Witches
Curated wine package
Toronto’s beloved natural wine evangelists, the Grape Witches, opened a bottle shop in the Dundas West neighbourhood and are offering specially curated three-packs of wine for the holidays. This particular pack includes an electric Riesling and Pinot Blanc mix, a funky Chenin Blanc, and a modern take on a Chardonnay blend.
Photo courtesy of Riedel/Amazon
Glass polishing cloth
This high-quality polishing cloth from one of the world’s best-known stemware brands won’t leave unsightly streaks or scratches on wine glasses.
Photo courtesy of Amazon
The Noble Rot Book: Wine from Another Galaxy
A user’s guide to sniffing and sipping from London’s world-class wine bar, Noble Rot. This informative but entertaining tome makes for the perfect cottage coffee table read.
Photo courtesy of Gabriel-Glas/Amazon
Gabriel-Glas Austrian Crystal Wine Glass – Set of 2
Every discerning wine connoisseur needs a top-shelf set, and these stems are perfect if the wine glasses you keep at the cottage are due for an upgrade.
Photo courtesy of The Durand/Amazon
The Durand Corkscrew Bottle Opener
Vintage wine drinkers know that the corks inside older bottles of wine are particularly fragile. The Durand ensures that potentially compromised corks won’t crumble into a beautiful bottle.
Photo by Martins Pormanis/Shutterstock
Wine subscription
The Living Vine, an all-natural wine importer, offers wine club subscriptions. You have the option to choose monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly delivery.
Photo by Le Chateau/Amazon
Le Chateau Wine Decanter
Every wine connoisseur should have a good quality decanter in the cupboard, and this 750 ml crystal glass model is both beautiful and functional.
Photo by Amazon
Wine rack
In the absence of a wine cellar, the wine connoisseur must make do with a good quality rack. We recommend this rustic-looking wooden one, however, those with carpentry skills could easily make their own. Here’s a tutorial on how to build your own angled wine rack.
Photo courtesy of Kloveo/Amazon
Champagne sealer
In the unlikely event that you’re not able to finish a bottle of bubbly, this Kloveo champagne sealer will keep your sparkling wine fresh until the next day.
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Coravin Advanced Wine Bottle Opener and Preservation System
If you’re not sure you’ll have the time or inclination to enjoy the entire bottle before leaving the cottage, the Coravin will ensure your wine will be as fresh as you left it the next time you’re there.
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Adventures on the Wine Route: A Wine Buyer’s Tour of France
“Wine is, above all, about pleasure. Those who make it ponderous make it dull,” writes Kermit Lynch in this classic romantic journey through European wine country. It’s the ultimate relaxing read for the wine lover in your life.
Photo courtesy of The Grange Winery
Grange Winery Best of the Season Pack
The Grange Winery in Prince Edward County offers an affordable tasting kit that includes keepsake glass and 4, one-oz. wine samples.
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