How to Make a Wine Basket

Create a theme, such as wine picnic, Napa Valley visit or Italian wine basket.

A wine basket may make the perfect gift for a wine lover. Making a wine basket yourself will save you money and show your creativity. Make a wine basket for a birthday, engagement, wedding, Valentine's Day, Christmas, thank you or just because. Wines make an easy theme to work around so get creative with the basket. A wine basket will make a great gift for someone who has everything.

Things You'll Need

• Basket, picnic hamper or beer pail
• Wine
• Straw or picnic tablecloth
• Wine accessories
• Gourmet food
• Scissors
• Ribbon

Instructions

Wine basket

1. Pick a wine for the basket. Make note of any wines that the person receiving the gift may like. Remember any vineyards or grapes that the person likes. If you are unsure of the recipient's taste in wine, consider filling the basket with accessories. Go to your favorite wine shop and ask the clerk for help choosing a wine.

2. 

   Picnic baskets make great vessels for a wine gift basket.

   Select a basket large enough to fit the items. Find a picnic hamper or a large beer pail. The metallic appearance will give the basket a modern look. Place the items in the basket, from largest to smallest.

3. Fill the basket with straw to cushion the gifts. Use a picnic tablecloth as another option to line the basket. Pick a set of wine glasses. Include a wine opener. Find a book on wine and put that in the basket. Add a couple of trinkets, such as wine glass charms or a decorative wine cork. Make your own wine glass charms with fishing wire and beads.

4. Consider adding cheese or some other food to pair with the wine for a complete basket. Wine goes hand in hand with gourmet food. Buy a hard cheese and crackers. You can also include other foods that pair well with wine, such as hard salami, olive tapenade, chocolate or dried fruit.

5. Create a specific theme for the wine basket. Pick a red Chianti wine for an Italian theme. Add an Italian cheese, bottle of olive oil and loaf of crispy Italian bread. A French country side theme can be completed with a bottle of French Chardonnay, brie, truffle oil and Dijon mustard. Pick a California white or red wine and local cheeses for a Napa Valley-themed basket.

Tips & Warnings

• Finish the basket with a colorful bow. Tie a bow around the basket and you're finished.

• Find wine books at a used bookstore.

• Include perishable items only if you will be giving the basket away immediately after assembling.

• According to state law, alcohol can be served to individuals who are 21 years of age or older.

References

• Mamas Health: How to make a wine basket
• I love India: Wine Gift Basket