Struggling to find the best gift for the wine lover in your life? If you're uncertain of their taste in wine, fret not, and reach for these no-fail accessories that are sure to please anyone who takes wine seriously.
A few of these items or listings include excerpts that have also appeared in the Wall Street Journal as part of Walker's personal recommendations.
Quality Stemware
Roberto Conterno Sensory Glass
This is second to none. Best wine glass on the market. Versatile and unusual in bulb shape, balance, and weight, it stems from legendary Barolo producer Giacomo Conterno and German glassmaker Zwiesel Kristallglas. Impactful particularly for Nebbiolo and Burgundy, but I’ve found them quite enjoyable for almost everything, especially aged Champagne. Order online from Vins Rare and Rare Wine Co.
GRASSL Champagne Glass
These mouth-blown crystal glasses see a rigorous manufacturing operation that involves five artisan craftsmen throughout the glassmaking process. The result is glassware that gives you just enough volume at its widest point so that the aromatics are on full display. They're ideal for younger Champagne because they capture that style’s youthful intensity and tension. The glasses are also available in sets of 12 and 24.
GRASSL Mineralité Wine Glass
For older Champagnes, it’s a slightly deeper cup and wider bulb that best services the qualities you get from an older bottle. The handblown glass and narrow opening help to focus the more concentrated flavors of older Champagne. This thin-lipped, artful wine glass is a showpiece, and certainly a luxury item. A delicate wine requires a delicate touch.
Wine Bags & Accessories
Leather Double Wine Bottle Carrier
David King & Co. Deluxe Double Wine Bottle Carrier
This stylish leather bag is an attractive accessory you won’t mind bringing along to any BYO wine event. The bag can fit up to two bottles and has room for ice packs and a wine key. Bottles are separated by lightly insulated paneling, and the bag is structured enough to allow bottles to stand upright so you won’t have to worry about disturbing very old or sediment-prone treasures. The carrier is an attractive accessory you won’t mind bringing along, like a sleek and design-forward briefcase, except for your favorite bottles.
A tote bag that doubles as a bespoke gift
Tirrinia Single Wine Gift Tote Bag
Padded, insulated and elegant for bringing along to any short-haul situation. Available in 12 colors, the flat-bottomed bag allows the bottle to stand upright when you put it down, a notable feature for those toting around older or pricier bottles that may be prone to bottle-shock, a dampening of the wine’s flavor caused by jostling. It’s an affordable option that makes for great gifting of a special bottle.
A coveted wine tool
The Durand
The Durand® removes old and fragile corks whole and undamaged. It’s just the thing for the old, crumbly corks of aged wines: it combines two types of cork puller into one device.
Gourmet Foods
Unrivaled Dry Aged Steaks
Flannery Beef
If you're a fan of well-aged wine, chances are you're a fan of dry aged beef. We are fortunate to call California's leading dry aged steak specialist Flannery Beef close friends. Dry aged and marbled to perfection, these are incredible cuts of beef that match seamlessly with great red wines. They're also available in sleek gift boxes, ready to share.
DYI Charcuterie & Cheese Board
Lady & Larder
Not everyone is able to whip up a salumi and cheese plate that's as gorgeous as it is delicious as the talented sisters at Lady & Larder. Luckily, you can replicate their expertise wherever you live. This DIY Cheese & Cured Meat Board includes a guide for putting together the cheese and cured meat board of your dreams, complete with wood serving board and freshly cut olive branches for garnish.