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Wine Gifting Tips from Team Morgan
Everyone loves a great bottle of wine. It’s one of the few gifts that’s sure to please just about anyone — provided you get it right! If you want to impress your friends and family with a unique, thoughtful gift that they’ll love and treasure, then follow our expert gifting advice below.
Early arrival
If you're gifting for a holiday or celebration, order your wines early to get around any "just-in-case" situations (like a shipping delay). Save yourself the trip to the store by stashing some extra bottles for a last minute hostess gift, impromptu secret Santa exchange, or to round out a gift basket. Worst case scenario? You'll get to enjoy any left after the holidays!
Pick the perfect bottle
The perfect bottle of wine is one that suits your recipient’s palate and personality, and there is nothing wrong with snagging their preferred varietal. However, it's also fun to challenge their palate by buying them something new!
If your recipient favors red wines, a bottle of Pinot Noir will always be a classy choice. But a Rhone-style red blend (like our Cotes du Crow's) is another fun option that can be surprisingly versatile and easy to pair with food.
If they love white wines: Our Double L Chardonnay is well loved for its balanced oaked character, but if you're looking to gift something alternative, why not venture a kabinett-style Riesling from the same organically-farmed vineyard?
Keep it chill
If you're planning on contributing wine to a holiday dinner, make sure that you chill the whites in the fridge and the reds in the cellar ahead of time. That way the bottles are ready to be served right away.
The holiday season means we are cozying up and cranking our central heating to "toasty", but make sure your wine gifts are kept in a cool, dark place until they're ready to open. Under the tree would be perfect, but next to a roaring fire is not.
Presentation is everything
Get classy with your gift wrapping. A purpose-made box with dividers and padding will not only look great, it'll also keeping your bottles safe during transit.
It's not just about the wine: Make it personal with a handwritten card, and make it practical by including a corkscrew. This way they won't have to search for one when it comes time to open their gift. But don't worry, we have you covered: Our holiday gift packs include both!
Go big
Nothing says "celebration" like a king size bottle! Equivalent to two standard bottles of wine, make your next gathering memorable by uncorking a Morgan magnum. Larger bottles age wine slowly and gracefully, not to mention they are inherently festive and make a fantastic centerpiece at the holiday table.
We hope these tips help you find the perfect gift for your wine-loving friends. Don't forget: If you're looking for the perfect holiday gifts, check out our holiday gift guide.
Oct 31, 2023 at 12:49 PM
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48 Hours on the Monterey Peninsula
Monterey County is home to sweeping coastal scenery, locally grown wine, fine dining, vibrant downtown areas, plenty of outdoor recreation, and so much more! With our forty years of experience on the Peninsula, we are ready to help you explore like a local with some of our favorite places to eat, drink, and play!
Day 1
Eat:
Woody's at the Airport
Just steps from your arrival at the Monterey Regional Airport, this restaurant is owned by the award-winning and locally celebrated chef Tim Wood. Look no further, this is a top-flight meal.
Tip: The sand-dabs are a must-order, and our Highland Chardonnay is a perfect pairing.
Drink:
Taste Morgan
Every good vacation starts with a tasting at Taste Morgan! This is the only place to taste our most limited releases, and on Sundays, perfectly aged wines straight from our library.
Tip: Book a reservation ahead of time and save on a seasonal cheese plate pairing.
Stay:
Mission Ranch
Owned and restored by Clint Eastwood, the Inn is a quaint and charming retreat a short distance from downtown Carmel.
Tip: You might spot the Hollywood actor and former Carmel Mayor at the bar drinking a glass of our Twelve Clones Pinot Noir, rumored to be his favorite local wine.
Day Two
Play:
Elkhorn Slough
Embark on a kayak tour through the state's largest salt marsh, with guaranteed sightings of playful sea otters and other rare plants and animals.
Tip: Plan your journey into the slough to coincide with the daily tides - it's much easier paddling with the current than against it!
Eat:
Phil's Fish Market
This local's favorite boasts some of the freshest seafood in the county, straight out of nearby Moss Landing harbor.
Tip: The line moves quickly and there's always plenty of picnic seating available. Check their live webcam for the weather before you go.
Shop:
Star Market
On your way home, stop by historic Star Market in Salinas to stock up on an expansive selection of local foods, fresh produce, and premium cuts from their in-house butcher shop.
Tip: Ask for Victor in the wine aisle. He gets some of the best wine deals in Monterey County!
We hope our tips and recommendations will help you to create a truly unforgettable trip along the California coastline. We'd love to hear about your favorites too! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, and join in by tagging us @morganwinery.
Aug 11, 2022 at 5:00 PM
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