What to fill those glasses with…

We’re frequently asked to provide recommendations for travel to wine regions, dinner parties, clients and friends. At this time in particular, those inquiries ramp up so we thought we’d compile a list of ideas with the Holiday season now kicking into high gear. Whatever you are celebrating this month, here are some ideas for various types of wine lovers on your list.

*We have not received any form of compensation for the promotion or endorsement of products, services, or items mentioned in this article.

The Connoisseur

A great list of ideas for wine lovers.

People who know us know of our love for Washington wine which inevitably ends up at the top of our recommendations. We were pleased to see the good folks at Walla Walla Valley Wine have put together a gift and holiday pairing guide.

They’ve pulled together several wine-centric opportunities that include everything from exclusive gift packs, wine club memberships, and experiences such as a virtual cooking class with Kyle MacLachlan, actor & owner of Pursued By Bear Winery.

The Philanthropist

With the spirit of the season about giving, there’s nothing more perfect than a gift that gives back. Two wines in particular this year that resonated with us fit that criteria perfectly.

The Girls Rosé by One Faith Vineyards.

The first is “The Girls” by One Faith Vineyards in BC’s Okanagan Valley. This saignée rosé is not only a terrific wine, but 100% of the proceeds are donated to breast cancer research. The first vintage was made for a family member who survived, and the current vintage was produced for one who sadly did not.

Vital Wines is a non-profit winery in Walla Walla, Washington in which 100% of its proceeds are donated toward improving access to healthcare for local vineyard workers. Established in 2016 by Brook & Bull proprietor Ashley Trout, Vital has rolled out numerous programs including free or reduced-fee clinics such as SOS, a free mammogram program, and the Yakima farm workers clinic.

The Chef

Blasted Church’s culinary kit

Blasted Church Winery is offering a very limited-edition culinary kit assembled by in-house Chef John Burke. Along with a bottle of Blasted Church’s Small Blessings Lagrein Teroldego 2021, the kit includes truffle salt, black garlic, Tuscan olive oil, an off-set spatula, and an insulated 20^th anniversary wine tumbler. Only 24 kits are available for purchase and we fully expect this to sell out quickly.

The Artist

Wine box design by Justin Broadbent.

The Prisoner Wine Company has partnered with Canadian artist Justin Broadbent to create a limited-time-only (LTO) wine box design. From December 1-30, these gift boxes featuring Broadbent’s distinctive graphic style will be available with the purchase of The Prisoner Red Blend at select BC Liquor Stores.

The Socially Conscious

Nk’Mip Cellars, North America’s inaugural Indigenous-owned winery, presents a captivating selection of wines tailored for the conscientious wine enthusiast in your circle. Ranging from Icewine to Merlot, each bottle serves as a vibrant tribute, showcasing Nk’Mip’s unwavering dedication to authenticity and profound reverence for their roots.

Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay

This collection pays homage to their rich culture, history, and the Okanagan Valley.

In a spirit of cultural celebration and an appreciation for wines deeply intertwined with the Indigenous heritage of the region, Nk’mip proudly spotlights six wines: Qwam Qwmt Chardonnay, Qwam Qwmt Cabernet Sauvignon, Qwam Qwmt Merlot, Qwam Qwmt Riesling Icewine, Nk’Mip Dreamcatcher white blend, & Nk’Mip Talon red blend. These selections form an integral part of the ultimate holiday gift guide, specifically curated for British Columbia wine aficionados who are passionate about fostering connections, honoring Indigenous legacies, and actively supporting Indigenous enterprises.

The Foodie

The perfect book for wine & food lovers.

Very few things are a better match than food and wine. When you find the perfect combination of flavours to complement both, it’s hedonistic perfection.

Our good friends Robin and Michael Renken at Crushed Grape Chronicles have recently released the second of their ‘Tempting Spoonfuls’ Book series and either provide some brilliant inspiration for both oenophiles and wine enthusiasts alike.

“Pairing single bites with glorious wines” and “Small bites paired with wines from around the globe” can both be purchased on Amazon.

The Unconventional

Rara Avis.

Rara Avis is the pioneering fortified BC wine crafted from the haskap berry—a truly distinctive creation tailored for both seasoned wine enthusiasts and those on the hunt for a less conventional wine gift.

This premium fortified fruit wine is produced in very limited quantities, utilizing organic haskap berries grown in British Columbia. With just 250 cases available, “Rara Avis,” (latin for Rare Bird) lives up to its name as an uncommon creation that will make a fascinating addition to any wine collection.

Stellar’s Jay Brut.

The Secret Santa

If you have been invited to participate in a ‘Secret Santa’ where gifts are limited to a certain price point to ensure that the real focus is on fun versus blowing everyone’s budget at an already expensive time of year. If you’re tasked with a limit of $25 that can be especially challenging when considering wine as a gift. One suggestion that is sure to please is the Stellar’s Jay Brut sparkling wine. This sparkler is not only a crowd-pleaser, its also an absolute bargain at $24.99 (CAD) and found in most BC Liquor stores.

The Traveller

A glass of champagne to kick off a new AdVINEture…

There are so many fantastic wine regions to visit and there’s truly nothing more enjoyable than drinking a favourite wine at the very place it was produced. If a wine trip is in your plans for 2024, feel free to reach out for assistance with a curated wine itinerary from AdVINEtures.

We’ve travelled extensively worldwide in including France, Spain, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, California, Oregon, Washington State and our own backyard of British Columbia.

Wishing you and yours joy and peace this holiday season. Cheers!