The 12 Bottles of Christmas

The holiday season is in full-swing and that means it's time to bring friends and family together. Spirits rise during the holiday season; corks pop and glasses clink as toasts are made and gifts are exchanged. Need a stylish gift for the wine lover on your list? Giving the wonderful world of wine such as a sampler case of 12 wines from across the globe makes a palate-pleasing holiday gift. The idea is for these wines to average about $10 each so that with a case discount, the entire case will cost somewhere around $100.

From trendy to traditional here are my picks for the 12 Bottles of Christmas

1. Prosecco from Italy - This is one of the most popular wines around at the moment and a delicious inexpensive sparkler.
2. Malbec from Argentina - This spicy red continues to be the great South American success story of the past couple of years.
3. Oregon Pinot Noir - It's hard to go wrong with just about any Oregon Pinot Noir.
4. 2005 red Bordeaux from France - The miracle of 2005 Bordeaux is that you can pick up an exceptional bottle for $100's or a pretty good one for around $10 or $15.
5. Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - New Zealand is an up-and-coming wine-producing country best known for its juicy Sauvignon Blancs.
6. Australian Shiraz - Australia’s signature red-wine grape which is the same as Syrah.
7. Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile - Chile is an up-and-coming wine exporter best-known for value-priced Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
8. California Zinfandel - Red Zinfandel is an "American Classic". It was originally thought to be made of native Californian grapes but research has proven otherwise.
9. Nero d'Avola from Sicily - Unless you follow Italian wine, chances are that the grape variety Nero d'Avola is not familiar. This grape makes rich, easy to drink reds.
10. Rosé from Spain - The world is producing outstanding Rosé and for value bottles you can't beat Spain.
11. A Dessert Wine - Port is a festive choice with the best known coming from Portugal, home of sweet, rich, alcoholic versions.
12. One Local Wine - This is the most important wine of the case. Seek out the local wine scene and find a bottle to round out your mixed case.

Finally, don't feel you have to blow your budget to buy a lovely wine gift. There are plenty of delicious, under-$15 wines out there. I know, because I drink them!