The Gift of Natural Goodies
1 
2
1. Cheers!
It was love at first sip when we tasted J Brut Rosé NV from J Vineyards and Winery. Winemaker George Bursick has come up with a real winner (59 percent Pinot Noir, 41 percent Chardonnay) in the sparkling wine category. The pretty pink hue has a delicate aroma of strawberry and apples, and the flavor of cherries and citrus. A fresh and elegant choice for the pickiest of palates! J Winery is dedicated to sustainable winemaking and green practices. $30, www.jwine.com
2. Oregon Pears & Cheese Basket
A must for cheese lovers: Harry & David’s Taste of the Valley basket featuring Royal Riviera pears grown from its own Oregon orchards, Danish Havarti, and Rogue Creamery Blue Cheese sitting in a single piece of sustainably grown bamboo that collapses to become a trivet. $54.95, www.harryanddavid.com
3 
4
3. Super Chocolate Kit
Chocolate tastes even better when you make it yourself. Give cocoa lovers an excuse to spend time in the kitchen with Navitas Naturals’ Organic Super-food Chocolate kit packed with antioxidant, vitamin, and essential mineral-rich ingredients. $9.99, www.navitasnaturals.com
4. Southern Gourmet Nibbles
No plans to visit Southwestern Virginia for the farm fresh food from Chef John B. Shields and Pastry Chef Karen Urie Shields at Town House? No worries! Ply them with gourmet edibles from Karen’s retail collection instead: coffee from Dark Hollow micro-roasters in Sugar Grove ($9.50 a pound), sweet Carolina whole-wheat griddle cake mix ($21 for two-pound bag), or Rising Seeds Granola with sunflower seeds, sorghum syrup, and whole oats from Anson Mills in South Carolina ($14 a pound). $9.50 to $21, www.townhouseva.com
5 
6
5. Wurtz Riesling
German winemaker Dirk Würst bottles his wine with a sense of humor, but he takes his winemaking very seriously and is devoted to organic practices. The Würtz Riesling Trocken 2008 wine in a box is top shelf, and at $23 (equivalent of 4 bottles) a great value for party throwers. If you are happier bringing a bottle, go for the 2008 Wurtz Riesling Potate. $13, www.astorwines.com
6. Organic Citrus from Uncle Matt’s
Although we love giving (and receiving) decadent boxes of chocolate during the holiday season, the truth is, we don’t really need all that sugar, organic or not! This holiday season, give the gift of hand-picked Florida-grown citrus, guaranteed fresh; no sweetness spared in this healthy alternative. Prices start at $29.99. www.organicgiftfruit.com
7 
8
7. Montes Cabernet
The Montes wines are not certified organic but coming from Chile, a viticultural paradise, they are as close to organic as you can get. The twentieth anniversary edition of this 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, is a nice bottle to share with friends. $16, www.monteswines.com
8. A Spirited Duo
Did you know that distilled spirits are the most highly regulated commodities in the U.S.? There are only ten states that allow the mailing of distilled spirits from online sites. You can find out all about this and more from the makers of the highly praised and sought after Organic Nation Vodka ($30) and Organic Nation Gin ($33). Both are certified organic by Oregon Tilth, as well as Silver Medal winners (San Francisco World Spirits Competition). www.organicnationspirits.com
Read on for more fabulous green-giving ideas!
No related posts.
Tina Mazzotta is Organic Spa Magazine's Editorial Assistant.
