Personal Wine – Fine Gift Idea for Father’s Day

By Audrey van Petegem, Contributing Editor

I realize I may be getting ahead of myself worrying about Father’s Day (June 21), since Mother’s Day just past, but I tend to do this when I’m looking to buy a meaningful gift for father of my children. I know that I’m not the only one who thinks “what do you get for the man who does not seem to need anything!” Being married to him for 23 (blissful) years and having his three children makes me think I know him pretty well, but when it comes to buying him something, for any occasion, I still panic!!  He is truly the hardest person to buy for. One thing I do know about him is that he loves great wine. So I was thrilled to discover PersonalWine.com.  I loved the idea of personalizing a bottle of wine, just for Father’s Day.

Their selection of wines is impressive; from high end to moderately priced.  They carry a wide variety of reds, whites, blush and sparkling wine from the US, as well as a selection from Italy, Chile, Spain, Australia and France. I liked that all their wines have great descriptions with suggested meal pairings, so that although I am not a Wine Spectator reader, I know that I’m making an “educated” selection. Someone has done their homework and I get to take advantage of it!  Some wines have their points rated with dates of maturity.

A single bottle can be purchased, but they also have great packages and mini bottles.  Oh, and monthly specials too. I chose a 2 bottle package – a red and a white wine. The selection of personalized labels is extensive. After choosing my label design, I was able to upload photos of our 3 children.  It was so easy. I can now chill and I look forward to him opening his gift for Father’s Day. From which I will undoubtedly partake in as well. Ahem.

After sending in my order I had to call to find out more about this company, knowing that I would want to write about the service for The Succulent Wife. I spoke to Alex Andrawes, CEO and founder of www.personalwine.com. He told me that his company is going into its 10th year of business. He explained that they are the only ones that have both an online retail store (www.wines.com) and a wine customization store (www.personalwine.com). This gives them great buying power, which translates to great prices on great wines for the rest of us. Alex travels to and, has a personal relationship with all the vineyards that they buy from, so they KNOW what they are selling. I want that job!

Of course, they offer wines for weddings, family reunions and corporate gifts, but they also have a variety of great wine club that ships your wine right to your door on monthly basis or every 3 or 6 months, depending on which wine club option you choose.  Several of the Wine Clubs also offer percentage royalties paid to charitable organizations by www.personalwine.com.  I love shopping at companies with a conscience. I already know what to get my husband for Christmas. Relief.

Alex would like to offer to all our succulent readers a 20% discount on all orders for Father’s Day or any other occasion that you may have coming up.  Just enter the coupon code 538WNU.  Offer expires June 22nd.  You can go wine shopping here. (note: Due to restrictions in sending alcohol there are states that prohibit the delivery of wine to your door and all deliveries must be signed for)

Also, STAY TUNED for a PersonalWine extra fab giveaway to be announced next week. You may want to subscribe via email to make sure that you get notified.