What to Bring and What’s the Deal?

by Dan Perkins
(regular guest blogger and gold-medal wine tasting champion)

Every year it’s the same. People come to the house during the holidays and as they pass the threshold of the house I’m told, “We wanted to bring a wine but didn’t want to embarrass ourselves, you know... you being a wine connoisseur and all.” What they’re really trying to say is, “We wanted to bring our cheap wine because we think it’s just fine but we think you won’t like it being a wine snob and all!”

True... but bring a wine anyway.

All kidding aside (but those who know me know wine is not a laughing matter), bringing wine to a host can be an intimidating experience! So, here are a couple things to keep in mind.

First, don’t expect your wine to opened that night! This sometimes bothers guests who shell out a small fortune for a bottle they couldn’t afford to enjoy themselves during the year or when you pull out a bottle of wine you’ve saved for a special occasion. It is proper etiquette to bring a bottle but the purpose is to replace one (or several) the host is opening for your pleasure. Remember the host has planned the menu and hopefully paired the wine accordingly. So for you to demand that amazing Zinfandel you brought over be enjoyed with that delicate halibut with ginger glaze and tropical compote might be a bit too pushy and an invitation to never get another invitation. Finally on this point and I would think this goes without saying but I better not assume, when you say your goodnights... leave that bottle there. Just because your host didn’t open your favorite doesn’t mean you get to take it home.

Second, don’t feel the need to impress the host....

with a wine that is intended to impress! A good quality, relatively inexpensive wine is okay. If you do choose this option, just put in a little time and research and get a wine that has been wowing the critics and writers at a tiny price. It becomes a great conversation topic and you come off looking a lot savvier about wine than the other shlubs who brought that Opus One.

Third, don’t bring an unusual wine as a novelty. I have received wines made from garlic, pineapple and apple juice! I have also received wines from Texas, Israel and Mexico. None of which were truly consumable! Please, unique is one thing; such as an Icewine from Canada but bizarre; such as wines made with chili peppers is another. When in doubt, Napa Valley is a good default!

Fourth, labels don’t matter. More than once I’ve been handed a bottle of wine with this caveat, “I don’t know anything about the wine but the label looked cool.” Labels are wineries greatest marketing device. Consider the rows and rows of bottles on the supermarket shelves; what makes one stand out over another? Yep, the label. So think about it... if you got a mediocre wine but you want to charge premium prices, what are you gonna do? You guessed it. Get a cool label. When in doubt, ask!

(Next week I’ll write about how to find a good wine shop)

Finally, consider the occasion. Is it a small gathering of friends or a large holiday open house? Are you trying to give something nice to the boss or do you want to share an evening with a new acquaintance? Giving a nice bottle of wine can happen for as little as $15 or as much as $150. Don’t worry about whether it’s red or white; just make sure it’s not pink and sweet! All of these things will help you determine what to bring.  So don’t panic. Most folks aren’t snobs and most hosts don’t even expect you to bring a wine. Remember when you bring a wine, it is a gift. Which brings me to my last thought...

Those little cloth bags and fancy bags aren’t necessary! Just handing a bottle over when you walk in the door is just as impressive and the money saved might actually be money better spent getting a nicer wine...

Now you know I am a snob.

Cheers!

Comments

[Charles]

Great article, Dan, and very timely. I especially liked your comments on "taking the wine with you when you go home." I have had that happen many times. Looking forward to your next article.

[CHAD]

Well I guess I am really in the wrong for taking a bottle home, even when I didn't bring one!!! Just Kidding. Great Article!