Okay, so it’s late in the fourth quarter, times running out and you still have some gifts to buy…no problem. Fortunately for you, your friends and family are wine lovers and that’s where ABC Fine Wine & Spirits comes in to save the day. We have many great last minute ideas for you and the people to help you make these critical, last-minute gift giving decisions. A wonderful wine gift idea is a pair of tickets to one the best wine tastings you’ll find this side of the Atlantic. On Wednesday, January 15, from 7-10 p.m. at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort is the second annual Bordeaux Grande Tasting. This incredible event brings the finest Bordeaux châteaux to Orlando, FL, for an amazing evening of world class wines, delicious food and a chance to discuss these unique wines with those who know them best. In attendance will be more than 30 owners and managers of some of the top estates in Bordeaux such as: Château Clinet from Pomerol, Château Leoville-Barton from St. Julien, Château Lynch-Bages from Pauillac, Château Angelus from St. Emilion and many, many more. Just click here for all the information…tickets will be going fast, so you may want to get tickets for yourself while you’re there!!

Another good choice for your wine aficionados is always a great bottle of wine…no worries, we gotcha covered. Just in is a beautiful wine from Sonoma County, the Block 533 Reserve from Chalk Hill ($21.99). This is our first Block Series wine from the Chalk Hill AVA in Sonoma, and it is a home run. A massive, full-bodied Cabernet that oozes with ripe, rich dark fruits and a balanced structure, carries its mouthful of cassis, ripe black cherry and spice all the way through the forever finish. This will bring a smile to the face of any the fine wine lovers on your Christmas gift list.

And while you are at your local ABC, it might be a good idea to pick up a few bottles of your favorite sparkling wine like an Italian Prosecco from Collalto, a fine Champagne from Moutard, Charles Mignon or Haton and a great value in Spanish Cava, Dominio de la Peseta at just $10.99…you always want to have a bottle or two of bubbly in your fridge, especially during the holidays.

So to you and all your friends and family, I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Until next time, cheers!

Ken Amendola, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Wine Supervisor

Follow him on Twitter @abcwinekena