Wine - to give as a gift?

[windypumpkin]

How do I know what wine to buy someone as a gift? They like steak. But where do I start? Or is this a ridiculous thing to do? I don't drink so have no idea.

It doesn’t really go with steak specifically but I usually buy a bottle of English sparkling wine as a gift, it feels special and supports local business.

Do they like wine? My DH likes a good red with steak, if you have a quick look online at a classic steak restaurant menu - they'll have a wine menu or suggested pairing wines, that might give you an idea of a wine to get?

I'd just ask what their favorite wine is. They might not like a particular type.

That's a nice idea. Is this usually white wine?

Ooh great idea!

Is it really that different?

I wouldn’t overthink it. I’d buy them a bottle of chateauneuf du pape. It’s a reasonable price range (just over £20 at Sainsbury’s) and it’s shorthand for “I know this is a reasonable wine that most people like, and I haven’t just bought the cheapest wine I can find for you.”

I second getting an English wine - a sparkling white like the previous poster suggested can be very good, and it will have novelty value which makes for a good present.

Go to a Majestic and have a word with them, they’ll be really helpfully

I’d agree with this and usually go for this (not the gift box fandango just the wine)

https://nyetimber.com/product/classic-cuvee-multi-vintage-with-gift-box/

If that’s a bit out of your price range then pick a decent Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon which are the two classics to go with sirloin

Yes it can be really different. There's a lot of different types of reds, white and rosè. Different dryness levels etc. For example I like merlot but hate any other type of red.

Yes it is very different and very down to personal taste. Does it have to be wine?

I'm a red wine drinker, love a good chianti or primitivo. Like the idea of the sparkling but couldn't drink it because of the acid.

I think given you don't drink wine, don't know wines, and don't know what grapes they like, it's best asking them

What's your budget?

That's exactly what I would buy.

You should ask them. I'm often given bottles of wine as a gift and I mostly pass them on as they're always wines that I dislike.

I love wine but many people who do are quite snobby particular about the sort of wine they like. Have had people buy me wine as a gift before and invariably they get something I don’t particularly care for. DP has usually ended up drinking it.

I’d ask them first what they like. Or ask someone who knows them.

I think champagne is a safe present - even people who are not regular drinkers can use it on a birthday etc or for family gathering
I'm a big fan of English sparkling wine so often get that instead

£20-30

Thank you all so much!

I always got for a bottle of chateauneuf du pape. I like it and I think most people recognise it as being decent.

Buying a £30 bottle of wine as a gift when you aren’t a wine drinker is … bold.

Look, don’t spend that sort of money in a supermarket. Go to a wine merchant who will give you some advice. Surprisingly you’ll probably get more useful information online.

This is a good site. If you click on anything you’re interested in you should find enough information to help you make a decision. (You could then scout around for the best price - but who has time for that?)

https://www.buonvino.co.uk

Ha! Just noticed it’s a zombie thread!

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