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EVERY
WINO’S CHRISTMAS LIST
Twas
the fortnight before Christmas, and all through the house,
Not a wino was stirring, not even the louse.
My brother-in-law, Wino John, was snoozing in his Barco-Lounger,
While visions of fermentation danced in his head.
I’m sure that you recognize the weak attempt above at a holiday parody (my
apologies to Clement C. Moore).
The season is upon us and it’s time for my annual shopping list.
There’s something for everyone on this year’s list and in all price
ranges. Unless otherwise noted, you
can find all of these items in The Wine Enthusiast catalog.
Wine is not included since I don’t have a clue what you like and
don’t care, as long as it doesn’t come in a box (just because many of these
gifts are not designed for wine-in-box lovers).
Screwpull
Foil Cutter
This device should be in Everyman’s kitchen drawer. Slices the foil at the top of a wine bottler for that quick, decisive
removal in order to foist your corkscrew with authority. Price $7.95 or less
Table
Model Screwpull Corkscrew
Teflon
coated corkscrew pierces the cork with just a few turns of the handle.
Beats using a cheapo on your Swiss Army knife!
Price $18.95 or less
Laguiole
European Hardwood Corkscrew
The
original, French corkscrew, seen in many finer dining establishments.
Impress your friends with the history of this baby, as long as you
don’t mind working the bottle and the crowds. Price $79.95
or less
Nickel-finished
Estate Opener
This
is the pimp version opener and worth every nickel for its ease of use and
sure-to-impress-your-neighbor style. I
have three of these in use at my various abodes and have given out quite a few
as house warming gifts. Price
$129.95
52
Bottle Compact Cellar
Refrigerator
has racking for 52 bottles of wine which it stores at ideal temperatures and
allows for quick viewing through the doubled-pane glass door.
Can be built-in under kitchen counter or used as a stand-alone.
You can get one of these at BJ’s or Costco (when they have them) for half
the price of the Enthusiast’s $599.
Great way to start to keep a few bottles upstairs for handy access.
Riedel
Vinum Sampler Set
The
less expensive version of the world famous Riedel stemware.
Riedel’s engineering design of a glass for a particular style of wine
has made these glasses in high demand by the budding wine snob.
If you want to impress, buy the starter set.
If you think it’s worth it, buy two sets so you have two of each of the
four glasses. Price $74.95/set
or less
Stem
Charms
A
great way to identify wine glasses (other than by looking for lipstick prints).
These charms loop over the bottom of each glass’ stem and are fun
conversational pieces to boot. Price $17.95/set
of six
Guy
Buffet Rapid Ice
This
little sleeve will cool a bottle of wine in 5 minutes.
Store it in the freezer like most reusable ice packs.
Slip it over a bottle of wine for chilling and then serving.
Price $10.95
each
Vacu-Vin
Wine Saver System
Most
affordable way to preserve an opened bottle of wine.
I’ve written about this little gadget many times and must chide anyone
who doesn’t own one of these kits. Kit
has one pump and two stoppers. Price
$12.95
eRobertParker.com
A
one-year’s subscription to the world famous wine critic’s website will
impress your wine buddies and keep you away from the low lying, cheap, freebie
sites like winostuff.com. Price $99/one year
Wino
Wally
Baltimore, MD
November 18, 2002
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