As the holidays are approaching, we’ve already begun to have friends and relatives ask, “What do you want for Christmas?”

Christian: Most people realize that David and I are a tad bit into wine. So, annually we end up with a barrage of wine-related gifts—most of which have never come out of the box. As a result we have decided to share our ideas of the gifts wine aficionados will be thrilled to receive this holiday season.

David: Well done, Christian, you’ve managed to put our Christmas wish list in print! But you are so right, I can’t count how many wine tasting notebooks and tasting-wheel cards are sitting on my shelves.

C: So much for the tasting book I got you for your birthday. And I guess I should thank you for the handy-dandy electric cork screw.

D: My advice is start simple. All wine geeks need glassware, especially if they drink as much as Christian, and conversely break as many glasses. The best on the market are Riedel, but a wonderful alternative is Spiegelau. The Bordeaux style is the most practical and versatile. So, begin by finding out what the person’s favorite wine is. There is always a glass designed specifically for that style.

C: I agree, keep it simple. Every wino needs a good cork screw. There are so many types of cork screws out there. I am not a fan of the big contraptions, or the battery-operated gismos. A classy, top-of-the-line wine key that everyone would be thrilled to have is Laguiole. This legendary French knife maker truly stands out as the best. Look for a bee on the handle, a logo that is a sign of quality (www.wineenthusiast.com).

D: Great call on the Laguioles. I’ve had my same one for nearly five years. Another item I always find useful is a decanter. Perfect for having friends over for blind tastings or opening that special bottle that just needs a little air. Plus they look great on a shelf or in a china cabinet.

 C: What about a gift for the scholastic wine guy? I can’t say I do much reading, but when Wine Spectator or Wine Advocate comes out, I read them cover to cover. These two publications are a wine geek’s bible. So a subscription to these magazines would always be useful (www.winespectator.com or www.erobertparker.com).

D: Now that we’ve got glasses and openers, what about some juice? Nearly every winery has a wine club that ships monthly or quarterly. Most have varying price or style ranges, as well. Give someone the gift that lasts all year. I’m partial to Santa Barbara, and personally receive shipments from a couple of fun wineries there: Babcock and Andrew Murray. I always get excited when that box arrives. Check out the wineries’ websites for appropriate links (www.babcockwinery.com or www.andrewmurrayvineyards.com). If you have a specific bottle in mind and can’t find it, go to www.winesearcher.com, a great online search engine for cult wines or back vintages.

 C: Good wine is always a welcome gift! Now there’s another item I often enjoy receiving, but it can get a little risky. Wine-related clothing is a staple in my wardrobe. However, please avoid the tie with grapes, the Hawaiian shirt with a map of Burgundy or the Chardonnay Boxer shorts. Stay classic with a simple golf shirt or sweatshirt with a winery’s crest on it or a baseball cap with a subtle logo. These can easily be found in tasting rooms or on most wineries’ websites.

D: So we’ve got the gifts and gadgets taken care of, what are you drinking this December?

C: Bubbles! The holidays for me are about celebrating! Champagne and sparkling wines are a party in a bottle. Two of my favorites: Try Gruet New Mexico Sparkling Wine, great “budget bubbles” ($15) or, for a splurge, try Boizel Rose from Champagne, France ($50).

D: The holidays always seem to blend with rich foods and cold weather. Thus, I’m drinking the classic wines from the world’s most famous region, Bordeaux. You can easily spend a small fortune on some of these bottles, but finding the deal that still excites your palate is a real treat. Try Chateau Deyrem Valentin, from Margaux—2003 is the current vintage. Luscious dark fruits of plum and blackberry counteract the traditional earthly gravel and smoky flavors brought forth by the region’s terroir—the distinctive soil, topography, and mircoclimate .

Happy Holidays and Cheers!

Christian and David Asam manage the 650-label wine cellar and wine list of the Bavarian Inn, Shepherdstown.