Easter is a holiday that not everyone celebrates – nor in the same ways. Traditions are a bit more fluid somehow here in the United States. Maybe your family prefers a delicious Easter brunch after a morning visit to church and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kiddies. Maybe you do your own thing with your family in the morning, then visit with friends in the afternoon over a mid-afternoon dinner of baked ham or a leg of lamb. But one thing is certain: such a lack of specific tradition can cause some level of Easter week “panic.” Of course, there’s no need to stress when a little advice is at the ready. Pop over to Wicked Local today to get some ideas for your celebration!

Will wine have a place at your Easter table this year? What will you uncork?

Whether you subscribe to the Valentine’s Day marketing machine or are just anxious for flowers to start popping up this spring, these February picks are sure to set your heart a’flutt’ah! But beware! Their versatility makes them great year round. Each of these is sure to transform your impression of what sparkling wines (and pink ones at that) are ALL about!

Pop over to Wicked Local to see what I’m so excited about…

Which wine get credit as your first “Ah-Ha” rose moment?

Chances are you’ve been tasting a bit of bubbly if you’ve been attending holiday wine tasting events or other parties around town. Sparkling wine comes in several different packages, but there are three main ones: Cava, Prosecco and Champagne – with domestic sparkling wines made in the style of French Champagne. There is literally something for every occasion!

Pop on over to Wicked Local to get the inside scoop on all things bubbles – and then enjoy your holiday festivities. We’ll see you after the New Year!

Some people hate holiday shopping. I, for one, love it. It’s not the shopping part per se I like so much. It is the coming up with creative ideas to touch the hearts of the people in your life that’s fun. I like giving more than receiving (though that has some perks, too).

For those on a lower budget or who prefer the nod of something clever to something pricey, think about this idea (care of the New York Times) for the wine lover in your life.

For those on a much higher budget or those who prefer to give to charity, there are always holiday wine auctions. You too could be the lucky owner of something like a Doris Duke collectable: 1921 Ch. d’Yquem! For spirits lovers, there always unique finds like the 1788 Tour D’Argent Cognac. (LOL)

Better yet, for those on planet earth who like to be 100% absolutely convinced they’ve found THE perfect wine gift (or bottle to celebrate the New Year), don’t forget about Saturday’s 2nd Annual “Boisterous About Bubbles” Sparkling Wine Tasting at Ball Square Fine Wines in Somerville. Rumor has it not one, not two, not three, BUT FOUR tables will be uncorking several bottles of bubbly to delight you. Truly. If you don’t know what Growers Champagne is (and why it is SO darn delicious) or are a little fuzzy on the finer points of sparkling wines from around the world, you MUST attend this soiree. This is a 1-of-a-Kind opportunity I give to you, reader. Tasting is believing. Don’t miss out!

In all seriousness, which wine gift ideas are you toying with this holiday season?

With the Thanksgiving festivities behind us (tear!), it’s that time of year when you can’t help but look just a few weeks forward to the end-of-year holidays. Myriad reasons abound to thank those in your life and so, in a great tradition of holiday ‘spirit,’ we begin to think of ways to do so. Of course, buying a bottle or two of wine is often something many of us consider… but it can also be a tricky route to go! What will be sure to WoW your recipient?

Over the years, I’ve figured out a few ‘rules of thumb’ to keep the anxiety at bay and the good juice flowing! Head on over to Wicked Local today to get a few quick tips to wine shop with ease this holiday season.

Who on your list will be getting a bottle of wine this year? Which strategy will you use to tackle the challenge?