The simplest way is a gift card in an amount that covers the kit they would choose: $70 covers an On the House kit, $80 an Island Mist kit, $100 a Classic kit and $195 a Classic kit made in the shop. Island Wine Experts sells e-gift cards for its online shop in any amount from $10 to $500, sent by email, and paper gift certificates in the shop at 238 University Ave.
What does each gift card amount cover?
The table rounds each kit's listed price up to a gift card amount. The made-in-the-shop rows add the $81.50 fee plus HST, $93.73 in all. Checkout shows the final total, including any tax.
| Gift card | Covers the listed price of | Ready to bottle in |
|---|---|---|
| $70 | An On the House kit, $69 | about 4 weeks |
| $80 | An Island Mist kit, $79 | about 4 weeks |
| $100 | A Classic kit, $99 | about 4 weeks |
| $140 | A Reserve kit, $138 | about 6 weeks |
| $180 | A Private Reserve kit, $180 | 6 to 8 weeks |
| $195 | A Classic kit made in the shop, $192.73 | about 4 weeks |
| $235 | A Reserve kit made in the shop, $231.73 | about 6 weeks |
| $275 | A Private Reserve kit made in the shop, $273.73 | 6 to 8 weeks |
Is a gift card or a wine kit the better gift?
A gift card lets the person choose the wine and decide whether to make it at home or have the shop make it. A specific kit suits someone whose taste you already know. Kits ordered online are picked up at the shop, so the giver collects the box and wraps it.
How long does a wine making gift take to become wine?
One to two months to make, depending on the kit, and ideally another month in the bottle before drinking. A Classic kit started in early January is bottled about four weeks later, in early February, and ready to open by early March.
Someone who has never made wine may prefer to have the shop make it. Just for the final stage: bring your bottles in for bottling.
What goes well with a wine making gift?
The shop's Local Corner carries wine gifts from local makers to wrap alongside a kit or gift card. Its fabric bottle bags, embroidered tea towels, and knitted and crocheted bottle covers are each one of a kind and sold only in the shop.
For someone who is not sure what to make, the Find your wine quiz on the Island Wine Experts website suggests kits from a few questions about what they like to drink.
Choose a gift card amount and it is sent by email, or pick up a paper gift certificate at 238 University Ave, Charlottetown, Tuesday to Friday 10:00 to 4:00 and Saturday 9:00 to 1:00.
Related guides: Classic, Reserve or Private Reserve: Which Winexpert Kit Should You Choose? and How Long Does a Wine Kit Take to Make?.