Festive wine gifts that keep on giving

I was thrilled to learn that Chanucah, my second favourite Jewish holiday, coincides this year with my favourite American holiday. The second candle will be lit on November 28 which is Thanksgiving.
Latkes and turkey, anyone?

If you are of the presents-at-Chanucah persuasion, and if you are moderately serious about wine, I would like to share my standard advice about buying presents for wine lovers.
The Wine Society (01438 741177, www.thewinesociety.com) is a wine “club” owned by its members, who pay a one-off fee of £40 to join. Once there, they get access to the one of the best lists in the country.

And it is not at all the exclusive preserve of wealth and privilege. I order from them regularly on behalf of my wife’s aunt, who is on a limited budget and doesn’t like to spend much more than £6 a bottle. There is plenty of choice.

One of her regulars, The Society’s Côtes de Gascogne, shows just how well they do at lower price levels. This 100 per cent Colombard, from the estimable Domaine du Tariquet, makes a wonderful (and low-alcohol) house white, £5.95. You can climb the price ladder all the way to the stars at the Wine Society, but prices remain keen throughout.