With virtual tastings, Zoom social sips, and online buying the new norm, a click of the computer comes naturally for sending the best bottles to a wide variety of wine lovers, foodies and budding chefs.
Sleigh that shopping list away!

LOCAVORE LOVER

The new Texas Fine Wine Holiday Bundle features five coveted bottles including hits from Pedernales Cellars, Spicewood Vineyards, Duchman Family Winery and more. $160 with shipping.

We all know a whiskey lover, so tie up a fine local bottle with a bow or have it shipped to that out-of-state mate. Garrison Brothers and Balcones Texas Whiskey are a few impressive choices to consider.

CLEAN DRINKERS

Bonterra Organic Vineyards has a new line of biodynamic wines—The McNab, The Roost and The Butler—the perfect accompaniment to this delish edible cookie ornament recipe. DIY, but drink the good stuff! Holiday Gift Trios start at $50

We recently discovered Scout & Cellar, a company that sources organic, Clean-Crafted™ wines free from synthetic pesticides, chemical additives and sweeteners by partnering with growers and family-owned farms globally. Expect an international array of whatever suits your fancy including fun gift sets.

AVID ENTERTAINER

You’re going to need a big bottle to send off 2020—or lots of party favors. Rose Gold’s rosé, a dry, beautiful Provencal style wine from Texan Casey Barber, is ready for the party. 3 sizes, $19.99-$82.99

Pinot noir fanatics look to Oregon for some of the finest pinot noir in the US. Choose from Dobbes Family Estate wine sets like the Holiday Dinner Pairing with sips for any palate or plate including Oregon rosé blend, Rogue Valley viognier, and Eola-Amity pinot noir. $120

CALIFORNIA DREAMERS

The reputable Duckhorn Vineyards portfolio covers seven labels, each solidly crafted. Choose from a gift box of Duckhorn red and white duos, three-packs, or Little Ducklings gift set of six half bottles including Duckhorn Napa Valley sauvignon blanc and more. Cute! $148

That chardonnay worshipper will drool over the luscious choices in the Foley Family Wines Chardonnay Showstoppers gift ($135). The elegant trio of iconic chardonnays is made with fruit from estate vineyards in California’s most celebrated regions.

Order a corporate or personal custom gift set from Stags’ Leap Winery. Popular picks include the Napa Valley petite sirah, viognier and stellar sauvignon blanc. Bottles start at $32

The hip millennial in your life will dig Banshee Wines, small-batch yet affordable selections sourced from some of California’s wildest wine growing regions including Mendocino (lip-smacking rosé) and Paso Robles cabernet sauvignon. $22-$28

FOR THE WINE COLLECTOR

The Donum Estate in Sonoma’s Carneros region is a marvelous melding of sweeping vistas, bold pinot noirs and owner Allan Warburg’s jaw-dropping collection of outdoor artworks. The coveted gift of an art tour, art book or wine box can be ordered online. Donum will donate $10 for each wine order to the W.H.O. COVID-19 Response Fund.

For that splurge gift, connoisseurs of cult Napa Valley wines will swoon over the ’17 Spoto Oakville Cuvée Christiane, a heady blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and malbec. $110

FOR THE FOODIE

The Spicy Collection of hot sauces from Bricoleur Vineyards paired with viognier ($100) will make any foodie pleased as punch. The Seasoning, Salt and Spices kit with gourmet luxuries also delights—throw in the estate olive oil and newly released zinfandel for the cook. (See other wines here.)

Choose from several virtual tastings hosted by Gary Farrell Winery’s sommelier. The Inspiration Taste at Home Wine Kit touts three award-winning pinot noirs including the ’15 Martaella Vineyard, aged gouda, organic cherry blossom honey, smoked tomato paté and more. $230

Cover photo courtesy Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Robin Barr Sussman (rbs@pdq.net) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Prime Living and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s and Private Clubs Magazine.