My family have been giving me a hard time recently for not giving them a wish list for Christmas 2017.
With this in mind and tongue firmly in teeth, I thought I would produce this, my first Christmas Gift List for Wine Enthusiasts.
In no particular order, here are a few ideas:
Bath-time fun with the Umbra Aquala Bathtub Caddy. This bamboo bathtub caddy is the ultimate accessory for your bath (I am told) and features a book and a wine glass holder – very civilized! A snip at $46.92 plus shipping.
The Discovery WineStation is an automated, temperature controlled, four-bottle wine dispensing and preservation system for the home. You choose the right wine and just the right amount – a taste, a half glass or a full glass – with the touch of a finger. 
The WineStation maintains the freshness of your wine for up to 60 days using argon gas.
I have seen these or similar devises used in Maison des Vins around the region: it really does work. The web site I saw suggests you ask for a quote – never a good sign – but I gather they cost around $5000.
The are companies around the world making furniture out of old barrels, recycled corks and of course, bottles. While some are very chunky and look like I made them, there are also some delightful pieces out there.
I rather like the Champagne cork side table and other assorted tables and stools pictured here and have even found a UK source: www.notonthehighstreet.com 
Barrel staves seem to be widely used in furnature making and I was able to try one of my favourites and the Chateau de Miniere in Ingrandes de Touraine recently.
Delightfully comfortable, it also featured that all-important wine glass holder.
They had a barrel stave hammock hung between two ancient trees in the park, which I really must have a swing on at some stage.
Wine luggage is essential for when you go on a Loire Valley Wine Tour and decide you would like to take a dozen bottles back on the plane with you. 
In this case we can leap to the rescue with the Lazenne Wine Check, an example of which I normally keep in the back of the car in case someone needs one.
This specialized wine travel carrying case works in combination with polystyrene inserts allowing you to bring up to 15 bottles of delicious, local goodness (wine, champagne, cider, beer, whiskey, olive oil) home!
It’s reusable, easy to handle (rolling wheels, carrying straps) and airline / FAA approved; cost around €120.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Loire Valley Wine Tour 