### Holiday Wine Gift Guide

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*Taylor Dye, wine manager at the PIGGLY WIGGLY IN CRESTLINE, recommends some of her favorite food and beverage suggestions.*Finding yourself stressed about gifts for that special someone, relative, or coworker? A bottle of wine is always my go-to: it is a gift that is easily shared with others, and may give your recipient an opportunity to enjoy a wine they’ve been eyeing or are even unfamiliar with. We have plenty of options available no matter your budget, but below are some of my favorite picks that are specially priced for the holiday season.# Laurent Perrier Brut Rosé $79.99. I’ve always considered RoseChampagne to be my “desert island” pick, and after you try this one, you will be convinced of why. Pop this and be greeted with harmoniously integrated flavors of wild red berries, zesty orange peel, and toasted almonds. Champagne is a good choice for recipients whose wine preference you’re unsure of: it is extremely versatile in food pairing – from light appetizers to red meat – and gives them a wine to toast with when the occasion arises.# Goldeneye Pinot Noir $45.99. Often we think of heavier reds in the cooler months, but this Anderson Valley Pinot Noir from Duckhorn is the perfect Pinot for gifting in the winter: it is a gripping style with mouth-coating flavors of cranberries and black cherries, supported by flavors of wood smoke and mushrooms. Paired with a dish such as coq-au-vin, it makes the perfect wine for a cold night in.# Far Niente Chardonnay $64.99. A benchmark for California Chardonnay,this wine is made from grapes coming from the cooler areas of SouthernNapa Valley, where the family has been growing grapes for 30 years. This cool spot in Coombsville yields high acidity and fresh tropical fruits, perfectly foiled by a rich, buttercream finish. If your recipient is one to eye the top-shelf Chardonnays longingly, this is the perfect pick.# Graham’s 20 Year Tawny Port $62.99. Every year I like to treat myself in the winter to a nice bottle of dessert wine, and this 20 year Tawny port from Graham’s is a favorite. Think grilled pecans, orange marmalade, figs and roasted coffee. It is rich and smooth with just a touch of sweetness, perfect for an after-dinner drink. An advantage of gifting port is that the recipient can hold on to it longer, as port will last at least a month after being opened.# Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon $52.99. A nice bottle of Cabernet is always a go-to in the colder months when you need something warming or the perfect pairing for that hearty dish you’re making for dinner. This is one of my favorite Napa Cabernets for gifting because it provides all of the rich dark fruit, espressoand sweet spice you want from a Cabernet of its caliber, with velvety tannins that make it instantly drinkable upon opening.

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