All of us know the joy of finding “a perfect gift” for someone dear. It is unique, something the recipient will appreciate (and use), it will capture that special feeling: I thought of you in particular, knowing that it what would make you smile and remind you of my affection for you.

In our family, we grew up with a “Gift Box”. My Mom would put special and unique treasures in her gift box (sometimes the recipient hadn’t been determined yet!). It was a way of being prepared and still hit the bull's eye with a gift selection.

My cousin Mary was the all-time master of the Gift Box. On her travels with her husband Jim, she’d turn down a quiet street in one city or another, happen into a shop that caught her eye and spy something special for someone in particular or simply an addition to the Gift Box for later sharing with some lucky friend or family member.
I treat my wine cellar a bit like a Gift Box: I squirrel away certain wines that mean something special to me, to share with another wine lover, usually after a little more added aging. A few days ago I pulled a dozen vintages perfect for gifts this Holiday Season.
It is amazing how simple white tissue paper and a whimsical ribbon can dress up a bottle of wine. I always feel prepared with these gifts at the ready, especially when I mistakenly forgot a special friend and I am running late!
When unwrapped, voila! A thoughtful, well-chosen bottle becomes a memorable gift. And wine is an “exponential” gift because it will most likely be shared with others, the giver’s generosity retold, sure to be used and enjoyed, adding to the special community that happens at a dinner table.
Wise patrons snap up an extra case when new Hafner vintages are released and add it to their cellar (AKA their Gift Box) for gift giving in the months and years ahead. They get to share “their secret winery”, expose friends to a little-known winery, where vintages are made by people the gift giver knows, and on top of all this, stocking up at release time ensures terrific value with case purchases.