1. Don’t buy a fancy corkscrew!

I have around 50 standard bar style wine openers. Some I like, some I don’t.  I have one really fancy one that sits in a box.  Clue: if it takes longer to get the corkscrew out and set up than it does to open the bottle it probably won’t be used.

If you MUST buy a corkscrew I highly recommend getting a Laguiole Millesime Corkscrew.  I was recently given one of these and they are super nice and very smooth!

2. Do buy fun wine accessories that don’t look like wine accessories!

This wine purse from thegiftedgrape.com is so much fun!   I love things that are multi use.  I could see using this for more than just wine, couldn’t you?

3. Don’t buy wine glasses!

I guarantee that if you ask any of your wine loving friends they have very particular ideas as to which wineglasses they like the best.  Are they Riedel folks? Schott Zwiesel? Do you know them that well?  Wineglasses to a wine lover are a bit like underwear to the general population.  It’s personal.  Make sure you are very good friends and when in doubt ask for their preferences.

4. Do buy wine!

The caveat here is to try to find something that they wouldn’t normally buy themselves or they don’t have a lot of hanging around the house.  Wine lovers always like to try new things so be sure to check out up and coming regions or difficult to find wines.  They don’t always have to be expensive but I would definitely pony up more than $12 for a gift wine.  Wine Spectator just released their 100 Top Values of 2014, all wines under $20.00.  It makes a great starting point for good gift ideas.

5. Don’t buy wine themed randomness!

Step away from the grape towels, the wine glass earrings, and the glass cheese board made out of a wine bottle. I have been in some houses where these types of decorations can go WAY overboard and it is amazing how much random wine themed stuff is out there.

6. Do capitalize on their “Foodie Side”!

Let’s face it.  Most winelovers are foodies too so feel free to indulge that side with fun stuff that they wouldn’t normally get for themselves but are super cool anyway.  I love some of these non-traditional serving pieces particularly if your winelover/foodie/wannabe chef likes to entertain.

Himalayan Salt Plate from Crate and Barrel

Slate Cheese board from Williams-Sonoma

Olive Wood Salt Keeper from Sur La Table

Or go for the fancy spices and flavorings that you have to really seek out to find

Real Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla (This is one of my “go to gifts” for the bakers on my list!)

These gifts are great for cooking and are usually a good way to get invited for a get together to  share some wine and show off their cooking skills using your gift.  Just saying!

Do you have an awesome or terrible gift idea? Feel free to share in the comment section below!