What Exactly is a Wine Gourmet Gift Basket?

By definition a "gourmet" is a person who enjoys with discrimination and appreciation the subtleties of food and drink. A wine gourmet gift basket can consist solely of wines or can be a combination of food, wine, and chocolates.

Varieties of Baskets

Typically a gourmet gift basket is assembled around a theme. For instance, you might have a favorite winery and wish to highlight their wines by presenting several selections of their finest wines.

Gourmet gift baskets are often created around regional wines such as, California wines, or Ohio wines; French or Spanish wines. In which case, they may include specialty items from the region: gourmet cheeses, chocolates, local jams and jellies, distinctive vinegars, etc. All add to the holistic experience of the regional wine gourmet gift basket.

Baskets are also assembled around an ethnic dinner theme. For example, a very popular wine gourmet gift basket is the Italian gift basket, which includes generous sampling of the Italian wines, Italian cheeses, pasta, sauces, olives, vinegars, chocolates and desserts. Gourmet dinner baskets can be found in a wide variety of ethnicities.

Where to find Them

Shopping for a gourmet wine gift basket can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. If you're in a hurry take a look at some wine magazines in the local library, all have wonderful recommendations and ratings for reputable dealers. Or, spend a little time on-line. In the 21st century, you can buy the most amazing gifts on line. And don't think that because the word "gourmet" is in the title it means that you have to drop a lot of money, there are tons of discount wine gift baskets to be had on line. Only you will know they have been discounted.

If shopping is part of the joy of gift giving, then by all means stop by your local wineries and gourmet shops. Most quality retailers have a wide variety of wine gourmet gift baskets in graduated prices ranges.

Or Make a Basket Yourself

Create your own wine gourmet gift basket. It is as simple as one, two, three. First acquire your basket. Baskets are easily found at craft and fabric stores. But a basket doesn't actually have to be a basket—it can be a hatbox, a large flower pot, anything that will serve as a suitable and functional container will work.

Second, select the wine. If you know your recipient's favorite wines, the choice is a no-brainer, but if you are not sure, then choose a red wine and a sparkling wine or a white wine and a sparkling wine, or splurge and include all three.Third, add chocolates, cheese, breads, and fruit. Wrap with clear or colorful cellophane; add a bow, and you've created the wine gourmet gift basket. Doesn't it feel good?