ladybug8
LIF Adult
Member since 3/07 2660 total posts
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Re: Wine Drinks Please Come In
I would definitely go to The Wine Guy in Smithtown (across from H20). They have excellent prices! I'm pretty sure that they carry Simi, Stag's Leap, and lots of Long Island wines. I usually grab a shopping cart and stock up on cases so that I save money. If you don't live nearby, I would play it safe and get a good cabernet savignon from Cali.
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Re: Wine Drinks Please Come In
If you are looking to spend $50, I would personally get 2-3 bottles versus one $50 bottle, especially if you don't know their preferences.
I think there are so many great bottles of wine that are available in the $10-20 price range. Unless they are true wine afficionados and you know what they enjoy, I wouldn't buy a super expensive bottle.
If you buy a few $10-20 bottles, maybe the wine/liquor store can package them in a gift basket for you. I know a lot will do that as a complimentary service or a nominal cost, and it would like nice if you are bringing it as a host/hostess gift, instead of bringing a bottle to be served at the party.
Have you considered sparkling wine? I love it -- and there are a lot of good proseccos and cavas that are a less expensive (and sometimes "easier drinking") alternative to champagne. I like to give sparkling wine as a gift during the holidays because they go great with hors d'ourves and desserts, can be used for brunches/lunches (make mimosas, bellinis, etc.), and they are festive. One prosecco that I like a lot (and my friends do, too) is Zardetto (I think usually around $12 a bottle). Also Martini & Rossi makes a nice prosecco (around $13-$14 a bottle).
Maybe get a red and a sparkling, or a red and a white? I would try to get the more popular, mainstream wines in each category. For reds, I think a shiraz or merlot is a safer choice than a big cabernet (lots of tannins) or a pinot noir (more of a serious wine drinker's wine). I like Rosemount Shiraz. I think Layer Cake makes a nice Shiraz, too.
For white, pinot grigiot is always a safe choice. I know a lot of people like the Santa Margherita, although some think it's not worth the price tag (I think it's around $20 a bottle now). I would stay away from California Chardonnays, which tend to be really oaky (and that's an acquired taste).
Hope this helps! As you can tell, I like my wine! 
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