The holidays are fast approaching and this year especially, after so many months apart, promises to be a memorable one. Embrace the renewed joy of coming together (finally!) and bring something to the table that will start a new tradition. For inspiration on ways to elevate your festivities, look to Italy. From seasonal dishes to gifts to wine, Italy’s passion for the most cherished time of year is on full display. This holiday guide highlights beautiful wines to enhance your celebrations, as well as gift ideas for your loved ones. Buone Feste (happy holidays)!
La Gioiosa, Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene DOCG Extra Dry
The stunning sparkling wine has intense fruit aromas with clear hints of ripe golden apple, plus elegant floral notes reminiscent of acacia flowers. Festive bubbles dance on the tongue in this bright and fresh wine. This crowd-pleasing, vegan-friendly sparkler is perfect for the friend who loves to host parties.
Alessi Cheese Grater
High-design brand Alessi created a cheese grater that’s as beautiful as it is functional. Made from steel and wood, the size allows for grating large amounts of cheese at once. For the person who loves cooking for large parties, this grater will be a welcome addition to their kitchen arsenal.
Villa Sparina, Gavi del Comune di Gavi DOCG
The golden yellow color perfectly matches the intense ripe fruit dried pineapple and peach aromas; with some aging, tropical fruits and nuanced herbs appear. Round in texture with a medium body, the wine lingers in the mouth with its long finish. Gift this wine to someone who has good aesthetic sense : the unique bottle shape was inspired by an old terracotta vase that the Moccagatta family discovered in the ancient cellar. Named Wine Enthusiast’s ‘European Winery of the Year 2021’, Villa Sparina is creating its own legacy as well.
Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking, Marcella Hazan
Essentials of Italian Cooking is a culinary bible for anyone looking to master the art of Italian cooking, bringing together Marcella Hazan’s most beloved books, The Classic Italian Cook Book and More Classic Italian Cooking, in a single volume. Recipes and information are designed to speak to both novices and accomplished chefs alike.
Fattoria Le Pupille, Saffredi Maremma Toscana IGT
Elisabetta Geppetti’s iconic wine shows off a deep, ruby red color that hints at the intense aromas and flavors in this Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot-Petit Verdot blend. The profile travels from red fruits, red currant, and blackberries to spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and chocolate. Geppetti, who oversees the winery with her daughter, Clara Gentili, credits her father-in-law “Fredi” as her mentor and great inspiration. His namesake label Saffredi has become an iconic Super Tuscan and recently celebrated three decades of top scores and reviews. Gift this wine to that fearless trailblazer in your life.
Electric Blue Omega All-In-One Automatic Wine Opener/Preserver and Dispenser/Aerator 6-Piece Set
Ideal for the perfectionist in your life, this device optimizes every step of the wine-drinking process, from cutting foil to uncorking the bottle to aerating and dispensing wine to preserving whatever’s left in the bottle (if such a thing was to occur, that is). The components of this 6-piece set tuck neatly into the charging base so everything remains organized.
Ridolfi, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
The concentrated Sangiovese doles out succulent wild cherry, ripe raspberry, white pepper, and cinnamon notes, all of which are blanketed by smooth, round tannins. Classic and inviting, and a wine that speaks to its terroir, this vegan-friendly wine is ideal for your friend who has Tuscany at the top of the travel list for their next vacation.
Bugatti 3-Piece “Gym” Flatware
Whimsical yet sleek, these three kitchen utensils—bottle opener, pizza cutter, and peeler—add charm to everyday kitchen tasks. From the studio of Bugatti, the Italian company known for its functional yet stylish designs, this trio will bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Cordero di Montezemolo, Monfalletto Barolo DOCG
Intense garnet in color, the nose shows perfectly blended floral and spice notes. Tobacco, cherries, cocoa, and fresh raspberries also come into play in this distinctive Barolo. The palate is rich, full-bodied, and elegant. Perfect for your friend who got into organic gardening during the pandemic: all of the estate’s vineyards are certified organic.
Zenology Wine Glasses Complete Collection (Set of 6)
Great wine deserves great glasses, and this collection of stemware highlights all the nuances and aromas. Three different shapes — a universal, the Pinot Noir glass, and the Cabernet Sauvignon glass—work across a range of wine styles. If there’s a person in your life with rambunctious pets (or children), this is the gift for them.
I Greppi, Greppicaia Bolgheri Superiore DOC
This vegan-friendly, Bordeaux-inspired blend from the Tuscan coast is a rich and decadent wine, redolent of incense, dark berries, and black tea. It’s full-bodied, with layers of fruit and a backbone of juicy and textured tannins. Gift this to the friend who can’t wait to show off their new decanter.
Marcato Pasta Drying Rack
Made in Italy from steel and polycarbonate, the drying rack is sturdy, durable, and contains 16 rods that fan out for quick drying access and compact storage. Dry out your spaghetti, fettuccine, tagliatelle, and more on this handy rack. Gift this to the friend who loves working with dough.
Wine Imported by Ethica Wines
Last Updated: May 8, 2023
