Photo by Marni on Flickr.

Wine is perhaps my favorite thing to give as a gift.  Holiday gifts to colleagues, presents for the host or hostess of a dinner party, house warming presents or a token to celebrate one of life’s surprises or successes, wine has a place in almost all situations where a gift if necessary.

I often find myself culling through the racks of bottles in my cellar trying to decide which wine would best fit the occasion and recipient.  For intimate friends, a bottle that tells the story of a road trip, a memorable meal, or a visit to Sonoma County.  For colleagues, the bottle they might like best and for family, the wine closest to your heart.

Lately, I’ve been giving the 2010 Gunfighter Eberle Zinfandel.  The wine has received many accolades over the last several months, from Gold Medals at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair and Houston Wine Competition to a best of class award from the San Francisco Chronicle.  It is a dark purple wine that almost jumps from the glass in a fruity explosion.  I’ve enjoyed it with Korean style flatbread pizza, smoked pork shoulder, and beef ribs finished on the grill with a spicy dry rub.  The beauty of gifting this bottle is sharing a glass with friends.