According to the National Retail Federation, retail sales for the holiday season are expected to surpass $655 billion, representing a 3.6 percent increase over the prior year. Online sales, however, are expected to increase as much as 10 percent this year. Many people are shopping for unique gifts, and they are doing it from the comfort of their own home computer. Topping the list for many this year will be the gift of exclusive wines, because they make good gifts for varied types of people, including bosses, family members, friends and the hosts of holiday dinner parties. Knowing some wine gift giving etiquette can make a world of difference this holiday season.
“Wine can be a wonderful holiday gift for many people on your list, but it is important to know a little about the person you are giving it to, and it helps to know the wine well,” explains Nicole Motsek, executive director of the EOD Warrior Foundation. “For years, people have been proudly giving EOD Cellars wine as a gift, because it tastes great and it supports such a great mission.”
EOD Cellars Wine is a charity wine that is made possible through a partnership with Tackitt Family Vineyards and the EOD Warrior Foundation. Profits from the wine sales go directly to the EOD Warrior Foundation, which are used to help current and past EOD warriors and their families. EOD stands for Explosive Ordnance Disposal, the disarming and disposal of bombs. EOD technicians are highly-trained military members serving in the Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force who are responsible for disarming, rendering safe and disposing bombs. The EOD profession is one of the most dangerous occupations in the military.
Over Black Friday weekend, Tackitt Family Vineyards will be offering free shipping on all of their fantastic and award winning wines, including those with the EOD Cellars label, making it even easier to give the gift of wine this holiday season. Enter ‘EOD’ for the promo code in the coupon block to get free shipping.
For those giving wine gifts this year, it’s a good idea to keep a few etiquette tips in mind, including:
- If you are not familiar with specific taste preferences of those you are giving the wine to, it’s always best to stick with classic varieties. Giving someone a simple white or red wine is usually a safe bet.
- Don’t expect the host to serve it that night or right when you give it to them. They may have other plans in mind, and it is your gift to them. They can stash it away and serve it when, and to whom, they wish.
- It’s a good idea to stick a note on the bottle, letting them know you put some thought into the selection. If you are choosing an EOD Cellars Wine, for example, it’s a nice touch to write on there that you thought they would appreciate the selection and the mission.
- You may want to give something with the wine, with good options being to consider pairing it with a good chocolate, cheese, Spanish olives, dried fruits, or almonds. Another nice option is to pair it with a special hand painted wine glass or small wine pairing book for their collection.
- Wrapping it in a wine bag is optional, but if you choose not to use one, then it’s a nice touch to add the hand-written note and a ribbon or bow.
“Everyone loves the surprise of a nice bottle of wine during the holidays,” adds Motsek. “This holiday season, people will be gathering together and making memories. They can help make those memories even more special by opting for a wine that helps our nation’s EOD warriors who are in need.”
Tackitt Family Vineyards is a small, family-owned winery that is located in Paso Robles, California. They specialize in premium wines and offer several varietals for the EOD Cellars Wine. The line includes reds, whites, and gift boxed sets. Wines in the collection include The Keeper, Basic Blaster Red, Senior Blaster Red, Master Blaster Red, Willie Pete White, and Det Cord White.
The Tackitt Family Vineyards is run today by Leon Tackitt, a veteran who spent 28 years in the U.S. Navy in the EOD community. The wines can be purchased online at EOD Cellars Wines, where free shipping will be available from November 25, 2016–midnight on November 27, 2016, for Black Friday weekend shopping.
“This is a gift that you know people will love and you will feel good giving it to them,” says Tackitt. “We take pleasure in knowing we not only help create great holidays, but we are helping warriors who have given us so much.”
The EOD Warrior Foundation uses funds raised to help current and past warriors in need, as well as their families. They provide emergency financial relief, education assistance, hope and wellness grants, and EOD memorial care. They also maintain an EOD Memorial Wall, which is located at Eglin Air Force Base and is open to the public. To learn more about the EOD Warrior Foundation, or see their fundraising events calendar, visit their site at: www.eodwarriorfoundation.org. To learn more about the EOD Cellars Wine or to purchase online, visit the website at: tackittfamilyvineyards.com.