The most obvious wine gift is, of course, wine. But picking a gift bottle can be tricky, especially if you're not sure of the recipient's likes and dislikes. If someones likes big, heavy Zins, you probably don't want to give them a bottle of Merlot. They might very well enjoy it, but... then again, they might not. The San Fransisco Chronicle offers some tips to follow when gifting (and receiving) wine.

The articles states that if you're bringing a bottle, don't expect the host or hostess to open and serve the bottle that evening. And if you are the host or hostess, you are under no obligation to do so unless you specifically asked the person to bring wine.

The article also offered a useful buying tip:

Holiday get-togethers aren't necessarily the time to be experimental - especially if you don't know the wine tastes of your hosts and guests, says the wine consultant.

"Stick with classic American varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir or Chardonnay," he says. But steer clear of mass-produced wines, Desmet-Bacon warns, saying it's akin to bringing a bouquet of flowers you bought at a gas station.

"It just doesn't look like you put any thought into it," he says, adding that a wine store clerk can help you make an appropriate choice. "There are wines you can get for less than $10 that are more special."

So put back that bottle of Yellow Tail and don't be shy about asking for advice.

Finally, I often tell my customers who are having trouble picking a wine gift that if they really aren't sure, a nice vodka is always a welcome gift, too. Even if the recipient is not a vodka drinker, chances are they keep it in the house for guests. Either way, don't get too stressed about giving wine as a gift. As long as you put some thought into it, the person you are giving the wine to will be thrilled and appreciative.