When you go to a dinner party make sure you do not arrive empty-handed, here are some gift ideas for the host. Host gifts are hardly obligatory, but during the holidays, wrapping up a wine bottle or two should not be a burden.

That said, finding the right wine requires the same due diligence that finding any other gift requires. Before you go, ask yourself a few questions about the kind of wine the host really enjoys: red or white, New World or Old World, traditional varietal wine or something more edgy. It all matters.

Never feel you have to spend a fortune. It’s all about choosing a wine that demonstrates you did a bit of work.

Most important, the gift is for the host. Don’t expect the host to open the wine you just gave her; in fact, you should insist she put it away to enjoy on a future occasion.

A host who suspects the wine he’s receiving is particularly meaningful to the gift-giver may consider tagging the bottle with that information and, in the future, share that bottle with the gift-giver.

The most important piece of advice is: Don’t wait until the last minute.

Sparkling wine is the ultimate host gift, because it’s something we seldom buy for ourselves. It’s both festive and celebratory and, best of all, everyone should have a bottle of bubbly in the house. To make your bottles sparkle, dress them festively in clear or coloured cellophane–perfect to see the bottle–and tie with ribbons.

Quirky off-the-beaten-path wines are perfect for the curious wine-loving host. The Austrian gruner veltliner fits this type, as does the aromatic torrontes from Argentina, petite sirah, mourvedre and more.

For the host who likes wine and food, an affordable, balanced red wine that works with a variety of menu items is a great choice.

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Kumkani Brand News

The Kumkani Infiniti MCC- Sparkling wine is a great wine to give your host.

If you want to give an interesting yet superb red I will suggest the Kumkani Shiraz Viognier 2006. Rich, medium to full bodied wine. Black summer fruit in combination with floral undertones from Viognier. Complex, yet soft tannin structure with multi layered palate and beautiful finish.

The wine: