If you like it, save it! Save and organize all of the stuff you love in one place. If you like something… Click the heart, it's called favoriting. Favorite the stuff you like. Today: Lettie Teague, wine columnist at The Wall Street Journal, outlined her five rules for gifting wine in her book Wine in Words. They're so good, we couldn't help but share them. It's a bustling Saturday night, and there you are: in the middle of the wine store, eyes quickly roaming row after row of bottles while clad in party-wear and running behind. The subway was late! The clerk hovers over your shoulder expectantly—likely silently judging you—as you desperately grab for the neck of a non-descript bottle of red and rush out because, really, what busy host cares anyways? Well, the type of wine you bring to the table is more noticeable than you think. Lettie Teague, wine columnist at The Wall Street Journal and author of Wine in Words, says that while some wines will always be more gratefully received than others, there are some tips to follow that will make the inevitable in-store scramble less intimidating.

Here are Teague's five rules for wine gift giving: 1. Bring a magnum, and stock up on party cred.Present a magnum of wine at the door and you are instantly the life of the party (tug it around the crowds and pour into empty glasses for added effect). Equal to two bottles, Teague says it looks "a lot like four or five bottles instead of two." the great wines of new zealandA magnum is often either a great value buy or a splurge—and either way you're bound to look like you know what you are talking (drinking?) about.buy wine in india online 2. Deciding between two bottles? wine by post usaChoose red over white.wine by the case cheap

Teague doesn't believe that "red wine is inherently superior to white"—she drinks plenty of both. "For some reason, most people seem to believe red is the more sophisticated choice," Teague writes in her book. While this may not be true, red is always a safe option—unless you have intel on the giftee's preference for Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay. best wine awards 2013Then, you may want to stray to the lighter side.best red wine for drinking without food More: Find yourself gravitating toward the pink stuff? best wine to go with chocolateRead our love letter to rosé.where to buy wine bottles wholesale 3. You'll never go wrong with bubbly."best wine for a party 2014

Although red wine is safer than white, Champagne is the safest of all," Teague writes. We'd agree that a little bubbly goes a long way—it classes up just about any occassion and your host will thank you for adding some extra pop to the night (or day!). Teague suggests looking for bottles from lesser-known producers that might not be available everywhere as opposed to the big names—but don't limit yourself to French bubbles. There is no dearth of high-quality sparkling wines from other countries, including lively Italian prosecco or some earthy Spanish cava. More: The history of the coupe, our favorite Champagne glass, makes for perfect party conversation. 4. Save that ultra-obscure bottle for friends.Teague recalls bringing a bottle of "very good Moscato d’Asti" to a host who noticed only that it was a sparkling wine that was not Champagne. "He left it on the sideboard near the front door, didn’t thank me for the bottle, and clearly didn’t consider it a present—it was just too odd and too far outside his experience."

It's probably best to save the Blaufränkisch or Gragnano for confidants and avoid gifting a wine that’s too far afield. 5. Resist the wine gift set.Gift sets are ubiquitous in wine stores—a bottle might come with a corkscrew, a pair of glasses, or even a picnic basket. "If anything is added to enhance the package, you can be fairly certain the producer of the wine is hoping that you’ll overlook what’s actually inside the bottle," Teague warns. "No wine that is worth drinking ever requires anything extra." What's your favorite wine to give (or receive)? Tell us in the comments below! Excerpted with permission from Wine in Words by Lettie Teague, Rizzoli ExLibris, (c) 2015. Illustration by Wasco, photos by James Ransom.Posted on 09/25/2015 by Jean Sexton At Biltmore, we believe wine is always the perfect gift, regardless of the occasion. This holiday season, we invite you to share your favorites with friends and family, and discover new varietals to love, as well.

Check out our guide to great gift-giving for everyone you know! There’s one in every crowd—they’re usually asked to choose the wine for the whole table or the event and they make great selections that everyone enjoys. This year, surprise them with a gift of Biltmore Wine and allow them to sit back and enjoy your thoughtfulness. We recommend our Biltmore Reserve North Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon so they can try a local varietal and compare it to one of their favorites from California. Crafted from North Carolina's finest locally grown grapes, this wine is full-bodied with aromas of black cherry and plum. Forward tannins are marked by hints of leather, wild cherry, and hints of smoke, and we enjoy pairing it with a variety of rich flavors including duck, lamb, veal, and dark chocolate. Whether it’s tailgating in the fall or a New Year’s bash to wrap up the year, he or she throws a great party every time. To thank your host for all their hard work, bring a bottle of Biltmore Wine they can add to their menu with confidence.

If it’s a REALLY great party, bring a second bottle they can stash to enjoy after all the guests go home! Try our Biltmore Estate Cardinal’s Crest—a soft, easy-to-drink red blend with dried herb aromas, rich blackberry flavors, and smooth tannins—that pairs well with beef, lasagna, and pizza. You’re hosting a holiday gift-giving gathering and somebody turns up with an unexpected plus-one. when passing out presents, give them a bottle of Christmas at Biltmore Wine—white or red—that you were saving to share with Santa when he visits. The beautiful commemorative label makes either wine a thoughtful choice. Hint: pick up some extras to have on hand throughout the season! With its striking label inspired by the strong lines and rich heritage of an extraordinary firearm in Biltmore’s original collection, The Hunt—our robust, Bordeaux-style red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot—features a photograph of the finely wrought engraving of a vintage Auguste Francotte shotgun crafted of walnut, steel, and silver.

It’s an elegant gift for anyone who enjoys the sporting life, or fine wines in general. Holidays seem to inspire romance, and many an engagement has been announced at the Thanksgiving table or beside the Christmas tree. To continue the celebration, offer a special gift to the happy couple: a bottle of Chateau Reserve North Carolina Blanc de Blancs. This is our finest sparkling wine, handcrafted from Chardonnay grapes grown on the estate, and features fine, tiny bubbles as it bursts forth with tropical and citrus flavors. It’s that time of year when we draw names out of a hat and select secret gifts for our co-workers or group members. Instead of the usual fruitcakes or holiday tchotchkes, give them a welcome gift of Biltmore Wine—that’s one “Secret Santa” offering they won’t pass along at their next gift exchange! If you’re not sure of their taste, we suggest our Century White wine. Flavorful and food-friendly, this wine pairs easily with many dishes, and the beautifully-etched bottle featuring an image of Biltmore House means no giftwrap is needed.

You know who they are—that special someone who makes you want to uncork the good stuff, just for them—and it’s easy when you fill a flute with our pretty-in-pink Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir sparkling wine. Careful aging produces crisp bubbles, and the inviting coral hue from Pinot Noir grapes, plus the flavors of cherries and strawberries, make this bubbly irresistible. It’s surprisingly good with turkey, making it a perfect gift for your Thanksgiving host—just keep some on hand to share with while rooting for your teams and savoring leftover turkey sandwiches! For those who love sweeter wines that pair well with desserts, our Biltmore Estate Limited Release Chenin Blanc makes a delectable gift that goes perfectly with many favorite seasonal flavors. Balanced and fruit-forward with a lingering sweet finish accented by floral aromas and citrus flavors, it is a delightful addition to the dessert buffet. As a bonus, it’s a surprise hit with Asian cuisine, so keep your own bottle handy to enjoy with an order of Thai take-out after all that turkey and dressing.

For the foodies on your list, take note of our Vanderbilt Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Fruit grown in this cool California climate results in a complex, expressive wine with an elegant, almost delicate mouth-feel. Strawberry, raspberry, vanilla, and well-integrated oak aromas give way to supple fruit flavors. Pair with a wide range of flavors such as chicken, mushroom dishes, salmon—even the traditional holiday turkey. You were planning a quiet evening at home, but friends just texted an invitation to join them at a holiday pot-luck. Lucky for you, there’s a bottle of Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc in your wine rack, and it’s a great choice for any gathering. Crisp and refreshing with bright citrus aromas, fresh peach flavors, and an elegant finish, this delicious white wine is friendly with a wide range of flavors from crab, lobster, and scallops to goat cheese and salads. Everyone will be glad you came (and that you brought such a great wine)! Find all our fine wines online.