Books 

It’s often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Nowhere is this more aptly demonstrated than in the new book Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine by local authors Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack. This book conveys information about wine varieties through a series of compelling infographics, much like the duo’s award-winning website. It’s already a New York Times bestseller and a perfect gift for wine lovers new and old. 

Wine Glasses

Nothing improves the experience of wine tasting more than drinking from quality glasses. What makes a good glass? Look for something that is tulip shaped to help concentrate aromas and flavors. Companies like Riedel make a living selling separate glasses for each variety, but if you’re looking for a good all-purpose glass, go with something from the Schott Zwiesel Forte Series. These glasses are elegant looking and are break resistant. 

On the top end, you can’t do better than Zalto wine glasses. They are gorgeous looking and feather-light, so light an empty glass seems like it might float away - another reason to always keep your glass full. Each glass ($60) is hand-blown and made from a single piece of glass. McCarthy and Schiering can supply these glasses locally. 

Wine 

If you’re looking for a bottle of wine to give to someone—or just to give to yourself for being nice this year—go with the 2013 Result of a Crush Christmas Cuvée ($30, Esquin Wine and Spirits, Pete’s Wine Shop, Pike and Western, Leschi Market, Ken’s Market Queen Anne). Result of a Crush gets much of its fruit from The Rocks District in the Walla Walla Valley. Wines from this area are known for their earthy, savory qualities and often cost north of $50. This one costs about half that, is high quality, and has a Christmas tree on the label. What more could you want? 

Happy holidays!