May and June: Parents in Bloom!
Here’s a conversation that has taken place a few times in my house:
Daughter: Why is there a Mother’s Day and a Father’s Day but not a Kid’s Day?
Me: Because every other day of the year is Kid’s Day!
‘Tis true! So let’s take this opportunity to shower our mothers and fathers with gifts they will use and enjoy this year. As usual, we did the work for you, so all you have to do is peruse this list of items and see which one is the best fit for your treasured loved ones. Remember, they are the ones who loved you unconditionally, even when you wouldn’t eat your veggies. You can also use this list to buy something for your spouse (from your kids, of course). Or, slip it to them as a hint for yourself!
VINO! – Always A Crowd Pleaser
ONEHOPE wines
Here is a “must-pour” with a “good cause” twist. ONEHOPE Wine donates 50 percent of profits from every bottle sold to 
a partner charity. ONEHOPE Wine features six popular varietals, each linked to a cause:
- Chardonnay: 50 percent of profits generated from the sale of every bottle of Chardonnay are donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to support research, early detection, and treatment.
- Cabernet: 50 percent of profits generated from the sale of every bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon are donated to benefit ACT Today! to help autistic children achieve their highest potential.
- Merlot: 50 percent of profits generated from the sale of every bottle of Merlot are donated to AIDS/Lifecycle in an effort to increase knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS.
- Zinfandel: 50 percent of profits generated from the sale of every bottle of Zinfandel are donated to Snowball Express, an organization that supports families and children of fallen soldiers.
- Sauvignon Blanc: 50 percent of profits from the sale of every bottle of Sauvignon Blanc benefit the American Forest Foundation.
- Pinot Noir: 50 percent of profits from the sale of Pinot Noir are donated to the Children’s Hospitals, which treats 17 million children yearly for many different diseases and injuries.
So sip this delicious wine and know that your drinking it is doing someone good! (www.onehopewine.com, Specs, $18)
Bridlewood Estate Wines
Despite significant challenges, the 2009 vintage throughout the Central Coast and Monterey County was exceptional. This aromatic Chardonnay displays juicy tropical flavors mixed with hints of vanilla and spice. Flavors of lush pineapple, mango and tart pippin apple give way to clover honey and toasted sugar notes. Monterey County Pinot Noir displays dark fruit flavors of raspberry and dark cherry with hints of caramel and toffee. Framed by floral and black pepper notes, this wine has a smooth, lingering finish.
Jacob’s Creek Wines
Jacob’s Creek is an Australian winery that offers an array of good value wines. This April, Jacob’s Creek is launching their line of regionality reserve wines in the US, and each of these new wines will reflect the distinct personality of each region through the chosen grape variety. Here are the 5 different reserve varietals from the 3 unique Australian regions. (Approx. $16)
Barossa Valley- warm, rich climate and where JC first planted their vines in 1947
· Shiraz – a full-bodied wine with rich fruit flavors of dark berries, plums and velvety tannins complimented by a lingering finish of spice, chocolate and mocha tones.
· Riesling - a classic example of the fresh, aromatic lemon, lime and floral style Riesling that Jacob’s Creek is famous for.
Coonawarra - terra rossa soil with a mild maritime climate (dry summers and cool nights)
· Cabernet Sauvignon - well-balanced, full-bodied wine, with vibrant and intense black currant fruit flavors layered over tight, supple tannins and well-integrated oak, with a long, smooth finish.
Adelaide Hills- known for its high altitude and cool climate
· Chardonnay- a medium to full-bodied wine that has intense aromas of peach and melon, with vanilla and toffee from the influence of oak.
· Pinot Noir - a medium-bodied wine offering sweet cherry, strawberry and rhubarb characters, balanced by mild oak tannins, leading to a lingering and well-structured finish.
FOR MOM
Torrid Dresses
By definition, “Torrid” means extreme heat, sultry. Contrary to what Hollywood and fashion magazines want you to think, I’ve always heard that the average woman in America is a size 12. Torrid exists to supply hot fashion for the “plus sized” gal (sizes 12-26). Torrid boasts an array of chic dresses, in addition to: tops, jeans, swimwear, accessories, jewelry, shoes, intimates and even maternity clothes.
Some of my favorite dress styles include: the Olive Military Shirt Dress ($74) and the Black & White Polka Dot with Rose Pocket Dress (on sale for $50). Never be scared off by those single-digit sized magazine and movie fashions again. www.torrid.com, Lakeline Mall and Barton Springs Mall)
TOCCA Candles
Small Indulgences can go a long way. If there is one accessory for Mom to adorn her home, let it be a TOCCA candle. Nothing is more powerful than the way a scent makes you feel. Synonymous with simplicity, refinement and sensibility, TOCCA’s candle collection evokes specific moods and emotions linked by an exotic romanticism and Old World sentiment. Available in 26 fragrances. ($36 each)
Eat Your Peas for Mom
Looking for the perfect gift to tell your Mom just how you feel in words. Way more touching than a Hallmark card is Eat Your Peas for Mom, a heartwarming gift book taking the words right out of your mouth. The Eat Your Peas series uses pea-sized affirmations to encourage and inspire. Each Eat Your Peas installment begins with a promise to be there for a loved one throughout life’s hilarities and heartaches. The author calls the act of gifting these hardcover books a “peas promise.” With nearly one million copies sold, she acknowledges that one book purchase has inspired another - people want to pay the promise forward. An Eat Your Peas book is a verbal and written hug a person can take with them anywhere. Karpen chose the title, Eat Your Peas, because that was what her mother had always told her to do – they were good for you. And they could make you strong, just as support and encouragement from a loved one can. ($13, www.amazon.com)
Desert Hibiscus Flower Necklace
This jewelry is designed by a mother/daughter team from Casalinda Studio and is inspired by California native flowers, mudcracks, and other natural elements. Casalinda pieces use only recycled, reclaimed metals and fair trade, conflict free, recycled, reused, or vintage semi-precious stones and beads. This piece is an elegant, environmentally responsible sterling silver necklace (a simple, yet outspoken piece). Mom is sure to receive compliments every time she wears it! ($118, www.casalindastudio.com)
Project Iris Tees
Project Iris's lovely lines of cause conscious clothes rife with feminine florals are tees Mom will love. The love in a woman’s heart can be measured by her compassion for the world around her. When she wears Project Iris tees, she spreads a message of giving and hope that is reflected through the vibrant original artwork that adorns these casual chic fashions. This is because a portion of each Project Iris sale is donated to the World Food Program USA to provide nutritious meals to mothers and their young children in the developing world. My favorite is the long-sleeve Butterflies in Orion Blue, a V-Neck in 100% combed ring-spun cotton. You can find tees for all uses: to dress up with jewelry for a fancy look, tees to wear around town doing errands and even workout/ yoga wear. www.projectirisclothing.com
Tagua Bracelet
Hope for Women is a Fair Trade Certified, eco friendly and sustainable company that sells Tagua jewelry made by disadvantaged craftswomen from around the world. The Tagua, also known as the “ivory of the rainforest” is perfect for a chic mother's style. Mom will treasure the blue bracelet, which will remind her of hard-working women everywhere. (www.hopeforwomen.com, $20 or less)
FOR DAD
Appleton Estate Reserve
This luxurious rum is an exceptional blend of aged rums, each of which has been aged for a minimum of 12 years. Created for savoring and sipping, the Extra 12-Year-Old offering is an unsurpassed masterpiece of complex oak aging that is comparable in every way to a fine Single Malt Scotch or Small Batch Bourbon. The Appleton Estate 12-Year-Old Rum is perfect for sipping on the rocks or added to a base of water or to a splash of club soda. A fantastic and delicious gift for any father who happens to be a rum lover. ($50)
Camus Borderies Cognac
The 5th largest house worldwide, family-owned CAMUS Cognac debuted in the U.S. in mid 2010. Whether your dad prefers VS on the rocks; VSOP in a cocktail; or XO to sip after dinner, CAMUS cognacs all display a notably floral nose, thanks to the preponderance of the Borderies appellation in their blends. www.camus.fr ($26 - $140)
Karoun Dairies Authentic Handmade Mediterranean Cheeses
These delicious cheeses are made for chilled white wines and good friends. All of Karoun Dairies cheeses are natural and handmade at their state-of-the-art California facility, strictly using only milk from cows that are free from growth hormones, BGH/rBST, and are Real California Milk certified. For a perfect summer night with friends and family, try Karoun’s Yanni Grilling Cheese right off the grill, with its buttery texture, pared with a chilled California Chardonnay, or the award-winning Karoun Basket Feta with a smooth Sauvignon Blanc and Kalamata Olives or the subtle flavors of Karoun hand-braided string cheeses with a crisp and delicate seasonal Riesling. Whoever has the pleasure of enjoying these cheeses will love them with some savory crackers and wine, perfect for summertime enjoyment. www.karouncheese.com
Tasty Bite Sauces
For the dad who likes to grill and to help spice up family barbeques, Tasty Bite – the leading shelf-stable brand of Indian and Pan-Asian food in the United States –is launching brand new cooking sauces this April. New Tasty Bite Cooking Sauces bring lively, healthy flavors to even the most traditional grill. They can be used to sauté any number of meats, along with tofu and veggies, creating BBQ dishes such as Spicy Pad Thai Wings and Korma Chicken Salad. Also, they are a healthier alternative to most marinades, as all Tasty Bite products are vegetarian and use all natural ingredients. Many are even gluten-free and kosher as well. Not only do they bring a variety of unique flavors to the grill, but Tasty Bite Cooking Sauces are quick and easy to prepare during a hectic BBQ. Simply tear open the package and place in the microwave for 90 seconds to heat and serve. ($1.99 each, most major grocery stores and Whole Foods, Super Target and Costco)
EITHER ONE!
First-Class Frequent Flyer: Soar with iPic Theatre
It’s the equivalent of flying first-class, but in a cinematic sense. Formerly Gold Class Cinemas, rebranded iPic Theatres, are sporadically based around the country. They have designed a concept that is truly brilliant. You might not fly first-class every time you have to go somewhere, but every once in a while, it’s a fabulous treat!
You pay a higher price for a movie ticket ($29 versus $9 in a regular cinema) but you’re treated to a first-class experience. You walk into a classy and comfortable lobby area with dimmed lighting and plush couches. You sit down and are immediately waited on by a server, so you can order a cocktail, glass of wine (such as a semi-local Becker Claret) or beer. About 5-10 minutes before your movie is to begin, you are escorted back to your auditorium where you are shown to your reserved seat. And, it’s not just an ordinary seat; we’re talking comfy recliner seating.
You can kick your recliner back, stow your items (purse, coat, etc) in a cool bin next to your seat and you have a fancy call button to request (almost) whatever your heart desires. Once you’re situated, your server will take your food order, which can include appetizers, entrees and desserts (who doesn’t like something sweet while watching a movie?) Some of my favorite items on the menu are the spinach and artichoke croquettes (like poppers) and the flatbread pizza. www.goldclasscinemas.com (this site will likely redirect to a new rebranded site)
Blue Platypus T-Shirt
In Austin, you can be as casual as you want to be, which means we can wear fun and spunky t-shirts anywhere. Blue Platypus has fabulous t-shirts for women, men and even juniors, in both short and long sleeve. They’re so comfy, Mom/Dad will want to wear them to bed! You can find graphic styles of all sorts. Most of the long-sleeve women’s shirts are fitted and the short-sleeved for women have adorable puff sleeves, which sets them apart from your “average” tee. One of my favorites is the short-sleeved “Photo Finish” ($30). They also have bags and accessories. www.blue-platypus.com/
Grafton Village Cheese
Grafton Village Cheese Company of Vermont has been making its cheddar the same way since 1892 from raw milk. The amazing 1-4 year cheddars would be a perfect complement to Mom or Dad’s wine and food. (http://new.store.graftonvillagecheese.com, Whole Foods, prices range from $8 for 8oz the 1-year cheddar to around $14 for the 4-year cheddar)
Valsey and Me
This is the most unique gift giving idea you're going to find on the market today! These adorable personalized soaps can say such cute phrases as: "Stay Clean Dad!" or "Happy Mother's Day!" or just "I love you!". They are intended for one-time use and come in a cute hand-crafted paper mache treasure chest box. Say goodbye to germs and no more sharing dirty old "bars"! www.valseyandme.com
2010 - 2011 Year-Long Gift Guide
Our 2009 Holiday gift guide was such a hit that we decided to bring you the latest and greatest again this year. We scoured the best new items on the market for 2010 and deliver to you ideas for every person you need to check off your list. For our devoted oenophile fans, savor the “wine & spirits” section at the end!
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FOR THE TECH-SAAVY:
VTech has launched a new Wi-Fi internet radio, called the IS9181, that is the coolest new gadget for the home this holiday season. Get this fabulous gift for your honey and enjoy listening to over 11,000 internet radio stations from around the globe. If you don’t have one of these in your kitchen, you’re missing out! Haven’t you heard it’s good for your health to dance in the kitchen, while cooking up a feast, having a glass of wine or any other time. You can also wirelessly stream music libraries stored on your computer (PC/Mac compatible) and connect any digital audio library. You can check out a demo here.
iSafe Backpacks and Bags are the first and only school and laptop backpacks and messenger bags with a built-in mobile personal security system to provide added safety and peace of mind for students, parents, commuters and travelers. The backpacks and bags feature a lightweight, battery-powered audible and visible alarm system that, when activated, signals distress and attract immediate attention in a dangerous or crisis situation. You can order them in children’s sizes and designs, as well as adult laptop/business sizes with professional designs.They’re ideal for children who walk home from school, college students on campus and even adults who want to feel safer and more secure in dark parking lots or unfamiliar surroundings. (www.isafebags.com, $60+)
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FOR THE FASHIONISTA:
You’ve got to get your feet in a pair of Oka b.’s. I happened upon a pair of Oka b. flip flops about five years ago and they’re still my favorite sandal. Even though I wear them all the time, they’re still in great shape and, oftentimes, I receive compliments on the cute foot decor. Check out all the adorable styles, like the Annie, the Bridgette, or the Stephanie. Known for its spa-like craftsmanship of shoes that pamper the foot, OKA b.’s feature the company’s signature reflexology inspired massage beads and ergonomic footbeds. They are waterproof, antibacterial and are made from the company’s proprietary recyclable Microplast™ material. If you spend $100 or more on a holiday purchase, you will receive a $25 gift certificate good for the Spring 2011 Collection. (www.ShoesThatLoveYou.com, $20-40)
Saky Sacks are the new anywhere, anytime “it” bag and a stylish and affordable gift idea. If you’re like me and want to be environmentally conscious but can’t stand those ugly grocery market bags, Saky Sacks are the perfect present for the modern woman who does it all. The City Saky Tyvek® bags are the shoppers tote and are washable, tear, stain and water resistant. I even used mine as a diaper bag for a day outing. The Saky Weekend is larger and roomier-- perfect for weekend getaways or travel. (www.sakysacks.com, $25-30)
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FOR THE CHEF:
George Foreman Healthy Cooking has released the Evolve Grill, which is a healthy way to cook up a nutritious meal sans all the fat. If you’re like me and don’t like to use the old George Foreman Grill due to its messy clean-up, this one is dishwasher safe. The grill comes with four grill plates and you can order additional plates. Take a look at all the versatility in this knock-out: mini-burger, griddle, cupcake/muffin, Panini, deep dish, omelet, waffle and hatch grill plates. (www.georgeforemancooking.com, $130)
Artful Vision features unique gift items created in the U.S.A., that donate 20% of every sale to a partnering worthy cause of the customer's choice. For those oenophiles on your list, they need one of Sally Kennedy wine (and liquor) cheese platters. She creatively takes the label from a wine bottle and turns it into a fancy cheese tray—what a great conversation piece! (www.artfulvision.com/Sally-Kennedy, prices vary)
Chop ‘n Prep Chef and Whip ‘n Prep Chef help get the prep work done in a jiffy. Tupperware’s Chop ‘n Prep keeps everything organized in one container and takes half the time of cutting each item individually. Turbo chop fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruit with a pull-cord mechanism, eliminating the need for electricity. Like its chopping counterpart, Tupperware’s Whip ‘n Prep whips egg whites, creams, sauces, dressings, light batters and desserts faster than a traditional mixer – all without the need for electricity. (www.Tupperware.com, $40/ $53)
Vivabox is 2-gifts-in-1 and is based on the concept of “experiential” gift-giving. You choose a Vivabox online that matches the individual’s interest (movies, coffee, spa, etc). They receive part of the gift in the box and then they get to experience the other part of the gift. Here’s a sampling of the choices:
1. Wine - Inside is a wine guide book for both the novice and the wine aficionado 
to enjoy. Choose a six bottle collection of unique wines to be delivered to your home, and as an added bonus, receive a subscription for 12 issues of Wine Spectator magazine. $145
2. Gourmet to Your Door- Choose from our dinner list of six themed menus and have a specially prepared gourmet meal shipped directly to your door. Use the enclosed elegant dinner napkins when the meal arrives. $115
3. My personal favorite Vivabox is the NYC Tapas Experience. This is big fun for someone who lives in or is traveling to NYC. You’re given a set of delicious olive oil and balsamic vinegar. T
hen, you get to choose from one of several tapas restaurants in NYC. The one I visited was absolutely delicious and they kept bringing us food for hours! (www.vivaboxusa.com, prices vary)
Epicureanist, a fabulous one-stop-online-shop for every wine accessory imaginable, has numerous gifts under $40 for the wine lover on your holiday gift list. The Electric Corkscrew is an innovative bottle opener will ensure that your favorite oenophile will never face a stubborn cork again. It features a simple switch control to remove the cork from the bottle and to release the cork from the corkscrew (also comes with a stand that doubles as a foil cutter) $30). Also, the Aerating Funnel Set is a fabulous accessory for any wine lover as it removes sediment while aerating. And, because it comes with a stand, drip stains are eliminated. (www.epicureanist.com, $20)
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FOR THE FOODIE:
Roba Dolce, a premium Italian gelato and sorbetto, is known as America’s most Italian Gelato. Roba Dolce, which means “sweet stuff,” uses family recipes that have been passed down for generations to create real Italian taste. Following the old-world artisanal approach of an authentic Florentine gelato master and using imported Italian equipment, this gourmet dessert offers a bold, intense flavor. The delicious dessert is available in a variety of flavors including: Deep Dark Chocolate Chunk, Blood Orange, and Coconut. (available at select grocers)
Tastefully Simple’s Everyday Goodness is a five-star assortment of their most popular products : Spinach & Herb Dip Mix, Dried Tomato & Garlic Pesto Mix, Perfectly Potato Cheddar Soup Mix, Bountiful Beer Bread Mix, Nana's Apple Cake Mix. The receiver of this gift will love the ease of preparing items in a pinch. Note: the Beer Bread will be gone seconds after it comes out of the oven! And, if you don’t care for apple cake, the Apple Cake Mix can be made with crushed bananas instead of apples. During the winter months, there is nothing more satisfying than a hot bowl of Perfectly Potato Cheddar Soup for lunch. (www.tastefullysimple.com, $43)
Lotus Bakeries Holiday Cookie Tubes filled with Biscoff cookies-- If you want to give cookies but you just don’t have time to bake them yourself, these are adorable! These are perfect for neighbors, kids’ teachers and friends! Each Biscoff cookie is made with all-natural ingredients, no artificial colors or preservatives and contains no trans-fat or butter. With as few as 30 calories a cookie, why not buy a tube to stuff your own stocking? Each tube comes with two extra large Biscoff cookies – “Europe’s favorite cookie with coffee.” Lotus Bakeries will donate 10% of each purchase from October 1 to December 31, 2010 to Teach For America. ($14.95 (plus shipping) for a set of six tubes and $26.95 (plus shipping) for a set of 12 tubes, www.biscoff.com)
If you’ve ever flown JetBlue (my personal favorite airline), you’ve likely enjoyed Terra Chips BLUES, the official snack of the carrier. Now, the same delicious flavor is kicked up a notch! Terra Chips new Thai Basil Curry Exotic Vegetable Chips are a nice twist on the typical potato. Fabulous flavor with every crunch! (at major grocery retailers, www.terrachips.com, $5/bag)
Aunt Ida’s is a contemporary all natural bakery that takes old Eastern European desserts and makes them current. These yummies come in chic packaging and all the products are all-natural. Aunt Ida’s babkas are the perfect holiday gift to send to a friend or family member or to have as part of your own celebration. Babkas are similar to an Eastern European coffee cake. Everything is hand-made and you can’t find these products or anything similar in a store or bakery. It’s feel good in an all natural way. (www.auntidas.com, $12-$14)
Bear Naked, known for its signature granolas, has just launched NEW 100% Pure and Natural Soft-Baked Granola Cookies and Trail Mixes. The hearty new snacks are both delicious and better-for-you snacking options. These soft baked cookies are great to keep on hand for neighbors, teachers and others you need last-minute gifts.
Annie Chun’s, makers of quick, easy and healthy Pan-Asian food, offers organic and all-natural options. New Brown Rice Noodles, available in Pad Thai and Mai Fun, allow the foodie to cook up quick mealtime solutions that offer nutrients and whole grains.
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MINI-GIFTS:
Lake Champlain Chocolates, based in Burlington, VT, are preservative-free and kosher-certified chocolates crafted in small batches with select local and natural ingredients, sure to satisfy any chocolate lover. The selection boxes, an assorted combination of their best-selling chocolates and truffles, make great gifts – whether it’s a hostess gift, a stocking stuffer, or an accompaniment to a great bottle of wine. (www.LakeChamplainChocolates.com, $29-$65)
Stretch Island Fruit Strips are made of real fruit and are a great on-the-go snack for kids. With a half serving of whole fruit in each strip, kids can taste their favorite fruits even when they’re out of season. The all-natural strips are preservative and artificial-free. Also, FruitaBu Fruit Rolls are great for kids, as they sneak a whole serving of fruit into your kids diet in a tasty, naturally-sweet way. Your kids will love unrolling the fruit rolls and sharing them with friends. Tuck these rolls into your children’s stockings for colorful treats!
Papeterie has a great selection of customizable and personalized stationary notecards. Don’t you just love getting a hand-written note? Please tell me 
this communication is not dead! Order up a set that matches the gift receiver’s interest. Some of my favorites are the grapevine, the suitcase and the bicycle; and there are even men-specific styles: golf bag, fishing pole, etc. Coming in a number of designs from sailboat to gardening and cooking motifs, these notecards come in an array of colors and can be personalized with a name or initials making for a distinct and specific gift that can be used year-round. (www.papeteriestore.com, letterpress: $49.99 for a set of 25, digital: 8 for $8)
Mister Steamy is a product for the laundress in your home, made to green your laundry and save time & energy (if you’re like me and hate to iron!). By adding water and tossing it in the dryer, Mister Steamy utilizes the power of steam to release wrinkles and make laundry wearable in minutes! It can even work on forgotten loads left in the dryer. When paired with its Fresh Shot formula, the dryer ball can also eliminate odors and refresh clothes. (www.mistersteamy.com, $15)
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WINE & SPIRITS:
We know that wine & spirits have special relevance around the holidays. From cocktail hours and work parties to neighborly gift-exchanges and formal family dinners, the roadmap of what to serve, what to bring and what to gift can get confusing. Consider this list your GPS navigation to this year’s liquid entertaining maze.
2009 Clos du Bois California Riesling, $12--Riesling is a versatile wine whose home base can be found around the holiday dinner table. Food-friendly and remarkably refreshing, the off-dry style of this Riesling in particular makes it a delicious choice before, during and after dinner. At this terrific price point, you’ll want to make sure to have several on hand to open throughout the holidays.
2008 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay, $50--Straight from the winery that won the famed Paris Tasting in 1976, this California Chardonnay boasts a classic European style, which ages beautifully. It’s the perfect gift for the history-buff or wine-collector on your holiday list.
2009 Pietra Santa Cienega Valley Pinot Noir, $18--At Pietra Santa, nature has provided a perfect palette ideal for growing Pinot Noir. The artist in residence is winemaker Alessio Carli who likes to quote Marc Chagall: “Great art picks up where nature ends.” Brighten your holiday feast with this palette of Pinot Noir flavors.
2007 Clos du Bois North Coast Merlot, $15--Merlot hangs in there as the most popular red wine in the U.S. Produced by a Merlot winery pioneer, Clos du Bois continues to be a master of exceptional, easy-to-enjoy Merlot. The North Coast Merlot is no exception and a classic choice you can feel good about bringing to the holiday dinner.
2008 Casa Silva Carmenère Reserva, $12--For an original, international wine choice at a bargain price, impress friends and family with a bottle of bright and intense ruby red Casa Silva Carmenère from South America’s wine darling, Chile. 
Masi Agricola, producer of high-quality wines from Northeast Italy, offers Masianco Pinot Grigio ($18), which is an exclusive blend of Pinot Grigio and Verduzzo grapes. The estate also produces Campofiorin ($20), which is a truly affordable luxury wine. Those looking to spend a bit more, Costasera Amarone ($60) is the estate’s specialty -- a high quality Amarone expressing a particular majesty and complexity. Costasera Amarone is sophisticated enough for the wine-knowledgeable, yet palatable and versatile enough to pair with any menu and drinkable enough for all to enjoy. (winesearcher.com)
Francis Ford Coppola Diamond wines from the newly opened vineyard in Geyserville, CA offer 14 varietals (12 single-varietals, and 2 flagship proprietary blends) each with a different jewel-colored label. Each displays all the characteristics of a serious wine, with immediate drinkability and widespread accessibility. Diamond wines are classically California in taste with depth, character and complexity. The Diamond Collection includes (but isn’t limited to) the following staple varietals: Claret (flagship red/Bordeaux blend), Pavilion Chardonnay (flagship white), Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah-Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio and more. (winesearcher.com, $15-20)
Gallo has an enticing selection of wines available in Texas:
Alamos (from Argentina): Hand-tailored wines from Argentina’s first family of wine; 100 years of winemaking expertise in every glass. www.alamoswines.com, $13-$20.
D on Miguel Gascon (Argentina): Superb Mal bec from Mendoza’s most historic winery; the first to produce 100% Malbec varietal in Mendoza in the 1940’s; it is the true expression of Argentine Malbec. $14-$25, http://gasconwine.com 
Ghost Pines (Napa): Modern wines proving excellence has no boundaries; our winemaker has the freedom to select the best grapes and blend across appellations to make superior wines (a second label for Louis M. Martini). www.ghostpines.com, $20-$30
MacMurray Ranch (Sonoma): Specializing in the best Pinot Noir from the best places; with firm roots in the Russian River Valley, this winery is renowned for being an elite producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. www.macmurrayranch.com, $20-$60
William Hill Estate (Napa): Hand-crafted, contemporary Chardonnay and red Bordeaux varietals from Napa Valley’s Silverado Bench; an undiscovered gem with an expansive range of luxury wines. www.williamhillestate.com, $25-$100
Martin Codax Albarino-- Go for something a little unexpected by choosing a varietal that many people may not have tried and probably don’t already have sitting around their kitchen. Albarino, a Spanish white wine, is a bright and fruity wine with a nose of sweet peach. $17
Tequila Don Julio Añejo--Aged for 18 months, this tequila has a complex flavor with vanilla and honey notes that will certainly impress even the most stylish person on your list. Known as the cognac of tequilas, it is a fitting gift for the person who loves to sip in style. $55 for 750 ml
Zacapa Rum 23--Hailing from Guatemala, this rum is aged 8,000 feet above sea level in the “house above the clouds,” making the perfect gift for a travel enthusiast. This deep, rich sipping spirit is an ultra-premium blend of rums aged between 6 and 23 years old. $45 for 750 ml
Steinlager Pure, the newest beer from New Zealand’s award-winning Steinlager, is the new tasty kid on the block for beer drinkers. Preservative and additive free, Steinlager Pure is “brewed with the highest integrity and follows rigorous sustainability practices”. As a beer drinker, that intrigues me! The New Zealand hops create a clean and natural taste and finish. This import will be enjoyed by those who drink both light and dark beer. Select retailers, $9-$10 per 6-pack
Marika Flatt has been a freelance travel writer since 2002, writing for publications such as: GoodHousekeeping.com, AustinWoman magazine, FamilyTravel.com, ChickVacations, and several others. Her writing has also appeared on NPR.org. She is also the founder of PR by the Book, www.prbythebook.com. She lives with her husband and 3 children in Austin.
Plate & Vine Holiday Gift Guide
