For a bigger splurge, a club membership could treat them for up to a year and give discounts on other purchases. Rules and prices vary by wine club, but most suggest finding one that’s flexible. Some even let members choose their own wines.
Of course, knowing a person’s preferences makes the selection easier. Otherwise, sellers are happy to guide buyers toward “safe” or “middle-of-the-road” selections that appeal to most palates, such as a zinfandel that isn’t too spicy or a smooth syrah or merlot.
Pinot noir, a grape difficult to grow in most regions, can also showcase one of the Central Coast’s specialties.
For single people, half-size bottles are popular, said Gretchen Gonyer, the owner of Crushed Grape in San Luis Obispo. She offers a Santa’s Six Pack with half a dozen wines from different local producers plus chocolate in a reusable holder for $75.
Most wine shops will create custom gift bags, baskets or bundles that combine bottles with gourmet oils, salts or other items for as little as $20.
But not all can mail gifts outside California. Each state has different and often complicated rules about shipping alcohol. Depending on their licensing, some shops require buyers to be on-site at the time of purchase.
Nonalcoholic gifts can be shipped anywhere, though, and can please even the most picky. Shops provide decanters, stemware, aerators, decorative stoppers, wine glass charms and even decorative cages for those who save corks.
For the more whimsical, Morro Bay Wine Seller owner Chris Battles has mugs and T-shirts with slogans such as “Pinot Envy — Get Over It.”Colorful freezer bags keep wine chilled on the way to a holiday party or restaurant, Fredrickson said. They have become a popular hostess gift among his customers.