Find the perfect wine gift set, vintage for oenophiles

Whether it’s a special bottle for a holiday dinner or a pandemic-appropriate tasting experience, Bay Area wineries provide a bevy of options for gift givers. Here are 10 options that showcase the region’s dazzling diversity of varietals and vintners.

*Sister acts*

Sonoma wine scion Jill Benziger leads private, virtual tastings for the holidays for $149, including shipping of three bottles from either Benziger Family Winery (renowned for green farming practices) or Imagery Estate Winery in Glen Ellen. Sample Imagery’s 2018 White Burgundy, 2018 Noir Nouveau and 2017 Barbera, crafted by sister Jamie Benziger, or Benziger winemaker Lisa Amaroli’s 2018 West Rows Chardonnay, 2017 Bella Luna Pinot Noir and 2016 Three Blocks Cabernet Sauvignon. To book a 45-minute session, email events@

benziger.com or call 707-935-3010.

Based in Oakland, the McBride Sisters Collection is said to be the largest Black-owned wine company in the country, with affordable, aromatic wines reflecting the New Zealand heritage of Andréa McBride John and the Monterey ties of half-sister Robin McBride. Their Black Girl Magic Collection’s newly released New Zealand Sparkling Brut ($25) can add sparkle to brunch or dinner, while a digital gift card ($25, $50 or $100) should suit any taste.

*Napa groundbreakers*

Heralded for its Zinfandel, Brown Estate Vineyards is also a Black-owned family business. Company president Deneen Brown, winegrower David Brown and winemaking director Coral Brown grew up growing grapes in eastern Napa before starting their own Napa winery in 1996. New releases of 2018 vintages include a Howell Mountain or El Dorado Zinfandel...