Vacu Vin 3-Piece Wine Saver Pump and Stopper

This reusable vacuum wine storage set ideal for all wine lovers. It keeps open wine fresh for two weeks, and correct usage puts an end to the oxidation process. The set includes 1 sturdy plastic pump and 2 high-quality rubber stoppers. Hand washable; one-year warranty.

At Vacu Vin 3-Piece Wine Saver Pump and Stopper Gift Pack

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Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator - Aerated Wine Tastes Better

The Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator mixes the proper amount of air in the right amount of time for a perfect glass of wine with enhanced flavor. Easily and conveniently enhances flavor, bouquet, and finish of any wine. Made of acrylic; no-drip stand and travel pouch included so you can even take it on a picnic.

At Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator

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USB Wine Cork - Cheap Fun Wine Data on the Go

The Cork USB Memory looks exactly like a wine cork but conceals a whopping 2 gigabytes of memory under its realistic shell. Built using the USB 2.0 standard, this flash memory stick will cost you 4,750 yen ($52) here. We love the styling, but we also love the feel of cork anyways - so this one's a winner.

Via DVICE at Wine Cork USB Memory Stick

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Procrastinators Rejoice! Last Minute Wine Deals to Keep the Jingle in Your Pocket

If you're just starting your holiday shopping--or maybe just thinking about starting--you can still find great deals on great gifts. My Wines Direct is offering 4 Santa's Blowout deals and I don't think you'll find wines this good at prices this low anywhere. AND they ship for free!

Santa's Blowout Dozen - Mixed
Take advantage of the last Blowout Mixed Dozen of the season. All new wines, all delicious and all at an incredible savings! Save an amazing $61 on this premium selection of red and white wines: 8 Reds and 4 Whites for only $99! Plus, save even more with everyday $0 Shipping. Get 4 bottles each of a juicy Malbec, a tasty Syrah and a luscious Chardonnay. Check the shipping rules to make sure you get your wine in time. Price $99

Santa's Blowout Dozen - Mixed includes:
Las Tizas Malbec 2008 (4 bottles)
Marmesa Syrah 2006 (4 bottles)
Salamander Chardonnay 2008 (4 bottles)

Best of the Blowouts - Mixed Six
Best of the Blowouts: save $12 on this great selection of red and white wines! This pack includes 2 bottles each of lightly oaked Chardonnay, a zesty and inviting Zinfandel and a balanced and smooth Merlot. Get six excellent wines for only $69 and as always, enjoy $0 Shipping right to your door. Price $69

Best of the Blowouts - Mixed Six includes:
Snowy River Merlot 2008 (2 bottles)
Marmesa Chardonnay 2005 (2 bottles)
Crawford Canyon Zinfandel 2007 (2 bottles)

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Cheap Fun Wines' Holiday Gift Guide 2009

Under $15
Perfect for buying in bulk (think stocking stuffers, neighborhood service folks, etc) or the truly budget conscious:

The Wine Trials 20105 from the Latest Vintages (Fearless Critic)

The World's Bestselling Guide to Inexpensive Wines, with the 150 Winning Wines Under $15 from the Latest Vintages. 6,000 glasses of evidence that will change the way you buy wine: Hide the label...and the truth comes out. Acclaimed Fearless Critic Robin Goldstein has gone around the country serving 6,000 glasses of wine from brown paper bags to experts and everyday wine drinkers around America. Here, in print for the first time, are the shocking results, including full-page reviews of the wines that beat $50 to $150 bottles in the blind tastings.

Wine Thermometer
Take the guesswork out of serving your wine at the perfect temperature. Simply slide the stainless steel wine thermometer cuff onto the center of the bottle and the temperature appears on the thermal band. A guide for suggested serving temperature for the majority of wines is printed right on the cuff for easy reference - from sparkling wine's 38 all the way to cabernet's suggested 70 degrees.

The Wine Deck: 50 Ways to Choose, Serve, and Enjoy Great Wines
Are you curious about wine, but can't tell the difference between a Pinot Noir and a Sangiovese? A Chenin Blanc and a Chardonnay? These cards describe over 40 wine varietals, including information on: Taste, Origin, Reputation, Food pairings, Key wine terms, Chilling and storing, Cooking with wine, Entertaining with wine.

Hero Bags Two Bottle Bag
Designed to carry two wine bottles safely and without clinking. A Hero Bags exclusive design. Ideal tote to bring wine to a party, give as a gift or just carry bottles safely home from the store. Glass bottles are separated by a middle seam and stand upright in individual pockets. Fits wine, champagne and spirit bottles. Hero Bags 'Two Bottle Bag' is a unique tote manufactured in the USA out of 10oz natural cotton canvas with a dark gray silkscreen bottle sketch and the words, 'Made in USA.' 12.75" width X 14" tall.

Get a Grip Wine Grip Set
These rubber grips snugly fit onto any wine glass and are designed to comfortably accommodate your hand. Plus they come in a set of four colors, bright green, electric blue, tomato red and juicy fuchsia, which will also help people remember which glass is theirs. Set of 4.

Architec Air Dry Wine Glass Drying System
Dry stemware crystal clear with the Architec air dry glass drying system. Glasses hang from soft fingers above the counter for optimum drainage and air circulation. Holds four stemware glasses, any size, any shape. Glasses dry streak and spot free. Breaks down for storage.

CIRCULAR WINE CORK TRIVET
Circular wine-cork trivet converts wine corks from special bottles into a functional conversation piece. After enjoying wine continue the fun by screwing each cork onto the sturdy eight-pronged metal frame. Serves as a unique decorative piece for the table, ready to hold hot dishes at any meal. Metal, 6 1/2 x 1/2"

Under $30
Not extravagant and certainly not cheap, you can find a sleigh full of fun wine toys at this middle-of-the-road price point.

Nuance Wine Finer
In just 30 seconds you can decant a whole bottle of red wine while pouring it into the glasses. The elegant pourer filters out all sediments, pieces of cork and tartar, while a rushing sound of bubbles gives evidence of the efficient oxidizing process. The drip catcher ensures that not a drop is spilled instead the wine runs back into the bottle. A small close-fitting lid keeps any leftover wine fresh for later use. A beautiful, simple and multifunctional pourer, that completely means you never have to apologize that the wine was not uncorked before the guests arrived.

Barn Simple Press Wine Note Cards
Located in the beautiful Napa Valley, Barn Simple Press was started in 2007 as a small printing company designing fine stationery. Inspiration for the initial line of cards was taken from the vineyards that are found throughout the valley. All of the wine-related
letterpress cards are printed on 300gm cotton Somerset paper using a 1900's Heidelberg press. California artist Catherine Doyle Sullivan created the 10 illustrations.

Don't Break the Bottle - Wine Caddy Edition
This elegant, functional and enigmatic puzzle is sure to be a conversation starter at your next dinner party or wine tasting. Slide the bottle into the metal caddy's cradle, lock the puzzle device and use it as your centerpiece. Guests will love trying to solve this delicious puzzle, and once they do, use the caddy as your wine server. Includes: one metal wine caddy, one bottle cap coil, one locking device and instructions.

Winerd Wine Trivia and Blind Tasting Board Game Winerd is the perfect way to turn your passion for wine into laughter with friends. Creator Tamara Leigh Murphy paired fun wine trivia questions with an innovative spin on blind tasting to create a wine trivia board game that is a HUGE hit and has been featured on the Today Show and on the Wine Spectator Gift Guide.

Under $60
Okay, we're getting a little more special--translation: a little more expensive, but not yet excessive... A few unique and thoughtful, as well as useful, gifts in this category.

World Atlas of Wine
World-renowned authors Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson once again combine their unrivalled talents to enhance this masterpiece of wine knowledge. There are 48 extra pages, including 17 new color illustrations, 20 new maps, and double page spreads and full-page photos in the atlas section for maximum visual impact. New World coverage has been extended for Australia and South America; some New World regions even have their own entries for the first time, including Rutherford, Oakville, and Stag's Leap; Mendoza; Limestone Coast ; Central Otago and Martinborough; and Constantia. And Old World coverage has grown too, with the addition of Toro, the Peleponnese, and Georgia. It's a truly incomparable book, and an essential addition to every wine lover's or professional's library.

Casual Cookout Video/Recipe/Wine Set
Looking for new ideas for a casual cookout or a unique gift? Watch the Grilling and Sipping video included to learn how to make/apply our exclusive Argentinean-inspired rub to spice up your steak and which Argentinean Malbec we've hand selected to tango with it! You'll also find unique ways to grill shrimp and fruit and more. Add a flare to your cookout with these wines that are a perfect dance partner with each recipe. Includes Tamari Malbec, Two Hands Wines Brilliant Disguise, Olvena Chardonnay, and Grilling & Wine Pairing Recipe Booklet & DVD.

Wine Barrel Stave Server
The perfect complement to a wine and cheese party, this handsome serving tray is handmade from a retired French Oak or American Oak wine barrel stave.
Features the original bung hole (used to empty or fill the cask) and includes a metal stand. Handmade in Texas. Each is one-of-a-kind and will vary.

And last, but definitely not least, the gift that fits all budgets and all wine personalities? A wine tasting--or tasting package--from the NEWLY LAUNCHED, Cheap Fun Wine Tastings. CFWT offers online tastings via Skype starting at $25. Tasting themes include How to taste - Wine 101, Old World Classics, New World Winners, and more. Book a tasting for your holiday fete, your next neighborhood wine & cheese shindig or your soup-to-nuts wine dinner. We'll help you with all of the pairings and with each tasting you'll receive comprehensive notes on your chosen theme.

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Cyber Monday - The Reader's Digest Version

All you really want to know is where to get the best wine, the best deals on wine and the coolest wine gifts, right? Well, we're here to weed though the Cyber Monday email mess for you... and to give you our our two-cents as to the best deals of the day.

MyWinesDirect.com
One of my favorites for overall wine quality and price points. They have a limited inventory that is constantly changing, but it is all good and mostly in our $20 or under/bottle price range. You'll notice they offer the most choices today... not just your basic CyberMonday shipping offers:

Save 15% off Gift Baskets! Use Coupon Code: MWGBCM09

CyberMonday Blowout Dozen - All Red pack: 12 Red Wines for $99! Regularly priced at $180, you save $80. With our everyday $0 Shipping, this amazing value cannot be beat.

CyberMonday Blowout- Mixed: 4 Reds, 2 Whites for $69, plus $0 Shipping

CyberMonday Blowout - Whites: 6 Whites for $69, plus $0 Shipping

Wine.com

Today only 1 cent shipping on $49 or more. Enter code cybermon in cart.

Uncorked.com
This is a great site that offers an interesting deal of the day, assistance with wine selection based on your personal tastes and some really cool gift ideas.
FREE SHIPPING on all orders today

Wine Enthusiast
If you're looking for a wine accessory, chances are you'll find it at Wine Enthusiast. I've picked a few of my favorites that are on sale today, but do yourself a favor and check out the rest of the list. From bottle stoppers and t-shirts, to glasses and wine refrigerators, there is bound to be something for someone on your list... and at a hefty discount until 11:59 (ET) tonight.

33% off Nuance Wine Finer

50% off Weekend Wine Bag

37% off Wine Essence Kit

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Wine Tasting Coming Soon at CheapFunWineTastings.com

That's right - it's coming soon and you'll be able to join us for wine tastings...how cool will that be?

Stay tuned...

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Swanky Serving Solution - Wine Chilling Carafe

This isn't really swanky enough for Swanky Wine Friday, but I thought I'd sneak it in as a practical indulgence...we are in a recession after all so anything non-essential can be qualified as a luxury (wines under a certain price point are essential--for your health and general well being of course).

Anyway, this is a great way to chill and serve whites. You don't have to run back and forth to the fridge with a sweaty bottle, or deal with a drippy ice bucket. If you like to entertain and are never quite comfortable with your messy options for presenting whites, this may be the solution. The lead free crystal carafe holds 26 ounces of wine and it conveniently, and attractively, masks the super cheapo whites we all tend to serve at summer parties.
$39.95 on Amazon. Check it out:
Wine Enthusiast Chilling Carafe with Ice Sleeve

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Swanky Salvaged Chandelier

For those who like to spend a little green to feel a little green... Pottery Barn debuted a chandelier in their Autumn catalog that is made from wrought iron and (purportedly) repurposed green glass wine bottles. Very striking, yet pretty simple design... I might have to recruit the clever Mr. CheapFunWines to attempt a DIY version using our mountains of empties. But I wonder if our CFL bulbs will ruin the look?

$399 via Pottery Barn catalog/internet only

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Svelte Summer Sipper - Biokult Gruner Veltliner 2008

It is hotter than Hades out there, and what better way to cool your palate than with a fun, fresh white. If you are unfamiliar with gruner veltliner, don't let the tongue-twister name intimidate you. This Austrian wine is similar in style and body to a sauvignon blanc, and similarly makes a super summer quaffer.

The Biokult gruner, which is made from organically grown grapes, is the pride and product of an innovative austrian family that practices biodynamic farming. So innovative in fact, that the wines are fermented in egg-shaped tanks! I don't know what that means for the wines, but I can tell you that this gruner is full of zing and pep. At first it reminded me of a vinho verde--very light and green and ever so slightly effervescent. But unlike the simple white from Portugal, this is subtly layered with soft fruit, fresh herbs and bright citrusy acidity.

Add this gruner veltliner to your arsenal of crisp summer whites, but resist the urge to drink it with a straw... you'll miss out on the vibrant and jaw-tingling aromas. I paired it with my bathing suit and floaties because as I mentioned, it is quite hot. But it would pair beautifully with simple grilled shrimp or a mesclun greens salad with grilled beets and herb crusted goat cheese. Find it at Whole Foods for $11.99

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Buehler Vineyards Russian River Chardonnay 2008

Varietal: Chardonnay
Region: Russian River Valley (Sonoma), California
Price: $15

It is no easy task finding good California chardonnay at this price point. And as I am willing to try just about anything, I often find myself looking, forlorn, into a glass of too flabby, too fruity, too fake-oaky swill. And consequently, you won't find too many chardonnay - particularly California chardonnay - reviews here. What keeps me going, what compels me to keep on looking, is that every now end then, I am ever-so-pleasantly surprised. Every now and then, I find one that I like AND that I can afford.

The Buehler Russian River chardonnay delivers on all counts. It is a lovely, golden, medium bodied beauty with up-front peach and orange blossom fruit. The fruit mellows into warm toastiness, which rolls into dreamy-creamy, and somewhere in there I get a little twist of lime peel. Full malolactic fermentation and sur lie aging provide the creamy richness. But thankfully there is enough acidity and a clean minerality that help provide balance and make the Buehler somewhat Burgundian.

An all around winner and certainly an elegant choice for the money... You can find it online here or at Buehler Vineyards.

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Mapema Sauvignon Blanc 2008

VARIETAL: Sauvignon Blanc
REGION: Mendoza, Argentina
PRICE: $11
I recently hosted a tasting and featured this lovely Argentine SB for purely personal reasons. I love it... and I'll find any excuse to share the love. I think it might even convert some white haters. If you're not a fan of sauvignon blancs in particular, I'm going to surmise that you might be a little off-put by the grassy, sometimes bitter bite that is common among so many good SBs. I can assure you that this one is quite different.

Though, true to form, it is is crisp with a fine acidic finish, the lead-in is all finely woven, ripe summer fruit. Melon and stone fruit add wonderful richness and aromatics, while a hint of golden apple and lime peel contribute a soft freshness that is clean, but not at all bitter.

This should be your go-to white this summer... great on its own, but fantastic as an aperitif... or fine with fish... super with salads... you get the picture.

Find it at your local Cost Plus Word Market or online from a number of retailers, but plan to add another few $$.

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Telmo Rodriguez Basa Rueda 2007

VARIETAL: 85% Verdejo 10% Viura 5% Sauvignon Blanc
REGION: Rueda, Spain
PRICE: $12

Sometimes good wines, like friends, come and go. But if you're lucky you can find a few that stand the test of time. The Basa is one wine that has always been there for me. we were first acquainted about 8 years ago, and since then, the Basa has been consistently on my tried-and-true list -- though I only recently learned it is a product of sustainable viticulture practices. And though the ratio of the blend may vary from year to year, the Basa is always lip-smackingly delicious. Bright and wonderfully fresh, this light white is bursting with bosc pear, golden apple and grapefruit blossom. Not to fear, it isn't all soft fruit and floral aromas. You get a punch of zesty citrus and a clean mineral finish. Perfect for summer, but why wait?

Basa Rueda 2007

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Great Green Gift - Wine Bottle Plant Nannies

This might be the perfect gift for me... if I ever dared to purchase a houseplant again. I can't say that I have a black thumb because I've never really put forth the required effort to keep a plant alive. There is a reason I live in the desert... and my yard is filled with desert plants. Anyhoo, this nifty little terra cotta spike--along with your empty merlot bottle from last night's dinner--will keep your precious houseplants happy as long as you periodically remember to refill the bottle. Check it out:

Wine Bottle Plant Nanny Stakes
The Plant Nanny is a specially-engineered ceramic stake that waters your plant easily and beneficially. Inserted into moist soil near the root base, the Nanny will release water as the soil begins to dry, so it won't under-water or over-water your plants. A recycled wine bottle serves as the water reservoir and adds a decorative flair to the plant. The water level can be seen through the glass so that you know when it is time to refill the bottle. Each set of four is attractively label-wrapped for gift-giving. $45.95 for 3 packs of 4 stakes (via Amazon)

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Drink, Reuse, Recycle. Repeat...

The number of empty wine bottles we produce in my small household is obscene. So I am constantly looking for new ways to reuse our bottles, corks and other vinous waste. In honor of Earth Day, I'll be spending the next week sharing some cool ideas and products that will make use of our tasting trash... And I suppose I'll sample a few organic and biodynamically farmed wines. Feel free to chime in if you find a good one too.

Photo of the Earth taken from Apollo 17 from Wikipedia

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