Five Star Gift Ideas

If your friend has a passion for wine pairing and aspires to become a sommelier, there are several meaningful and personal gift ideas that you can consider. These gifts will not only enhance their knowledge and skills but also show that you support and appreciate their interest in the world of wine.

1. Wine Education Course: Help your friend take their wine knowledge to the next level by enrolling them in a wine education course. These courses provide in-depth knowledge about different types of wines, regions, pairing techniques, and more. They can choose from online courses or attend local wine schools to expand their expertise.

2. Wine Tasting Kit: A wine tasting kit can be an excellent gift for your friend to practice and refine their palate. Look for a kit that includes aroma vials or aroma wheels to help them identify various scents and flavors. It can also include blind tasting covers to challenge their ability to identify wines without seeing the labels.

3. Wine Books: There are numerous books available that delve into the intricacies of wine pairing and sommelier expertise. Consider gifting your friend an informative and inspiring book by renowned sommeliers or wine experts. Some popular options include "The World Atlas of Wine" by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson, "The Sommelier's Atlas of Taste" by Rajat Parr, or wine pairing guides like "What to Drink with What You Eat" by Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page.

4. Wine Accessories: Help your friend elevate their wine tasting experience with stylish and functional wine-related accessories. Consider gifting them a decanter to enhance the flavor and aroma of the wines they enjoy. A set of quality wine glasses or a wine aerator can also be great additions to their collection. Additionally, a wine bottle opener or a wine thermometer can be useful tools for their wine adventures.

5. Wine Tasting Experiences: Treat your friend to a unique and unforgettable wine tasting experience. Look for local wine tours, vineyard visits, or wine tasting events where they can try different wines and gain exposure to new flavors and techniques. This gift will provide them with firsthand experiences and networking opportunities within the wine industry.

6. Personalized Wine Journal: A personalized wine journal can be a thoughtful and practical gift for your friend to record their wine tasting notes and experiences. You can customize the journal with their name or initials and include sections for tasting notes, food pairing suggestions, and wine recommendations. This will not only help them preserve their memories but also serve as a valuable reference tool for their sommelier journey.

Remember, the best gifts are those that reflect the recipient's interests and passions. By selecting a meaningful and personal gift related to wine pairing and sommelier aspirations, you are sure to bring joy to your friend's heart this Christmas.

Or you can get her/him a star map with an important date you share.

Elaine Bornemeier says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“These are fabulous. They are gifts, so excited for my daughters to receive them for Christmas! Thank you!”