Wine gift baskets have become more popular in recent years. Wine itself is a classy gift. A wine basket can be an elegant way to express congratulations, gratitude, or just friendship. Both men and women appreciate the gift of wine, however, women usually appreciate the accessories included in the basket more than the actual wine itself. Wine baskets can be given for any occasion. However, the most popular occasions are birthdays, anniversaries and weddings.

When choosing a wine gift basket, the most important factor is choosing the perfect type of wine. Mainly two types of wine is found, depending upon the types of grapes used. Red grapes and black grapes produce red wines. Popular varieties of red wines include Merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and Grenache. Merlot has a slight chocolaty flavor while Grenache hints of raspberries.

The other type of wine is white wine. Obviously white wines will be made from white grapes. Chardonnays are the most preferred white wines. They appear to be fruity on the palet with varying degrees of vanilla.

While choosing the wine, you should keep in mind the occasion for which the gift is being purchased. Many wine gift basket retailers have certain wines that fit certain occasions, such as Valentines, Christmas or New Years. Also, for who you buy wine for should play a factor in making the wine choice. When you buy wine for a person knowledgeable in wine, you would want to find wine that are more rare or unusual. However, for a beginner, almost any wine choice could do.

The second factor in creating or choosing a wine gift basket is the accessories that will be included. Accessories can range from food to literature. Food choices should be made carefully. Certain foods can enhance the flavor of wines while other foods can cloud the palette so that the wine can not be fully enjoyed. Some foods that are commonly included in gift baskets are toasted sesame crackers, chocolates, cheese spreads, cashews, apples, oranges and Spanish olives. Many people opt for a wine and cheese gift basket.  However, the selection of these will depend upon the type of wine chosen.

Besides food the most obvious accessory added to wine gift baskets are wine glasses. Wine connoisseurs are almost as picky about the glass in which their wine will be served as they are about the wine. Several different types of wine glasses exist. The choice of wine determines which type of glass will be used. Red wines get served in a glass with a large bowl, while white wines get served in small bowled glasses. Champagne glasses are fluted. The number of glasses included will be determined by the occasion for which the basket is given.

It is not unusual for other items to be included in wine gift baskets. These other items can be determined by the occasion and the recipient. For example, a beginning enthusiast may enjoy some good literature on choosing a wine. Alternatively, a basket given for an anniversary may include some spa products so that it has a more romantic feel.