Is wine appropriate?

[Tweetie_bird]

I want to thank a personal friend/recommender for his recommendation to medical school and want to do more than the usual flowers. So I asked his secretary what he liked. My specific words were, "I want to be a bit more creative than the usual flowers. Does he like Wine? Chocolates?"

To that she responded that, "Wine is an excellent choice and that he would really appreciate it since he is not expecting anything back." Now, I just spoke to my fiance about this and he says it's inappropriate to give somebody wine in a professional setting. I will have to carry it to this person's office and hand it to him or his secretary. I feel like it would be okay to give him the wine especially with a card that thanks him for his efforts. It only makes me look creative! Plus his secretary told me it would be okay. But I don't know what's right anymore. What's your take on this?

Please don't make fun of me. 🙁

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[poloace]

i think that as long as you don't walk in wearing a thong requesting that he drink it on the spot, its just fine, and thoughtful.

peter

 

[tedstriker]

Hey Tweetie, wine's a great idea. It's a classy way to go, and not at all inappropriate (my PI gives everyone in the group a nice bottle of wine with a card every year as a thank you for working for him).

Just make sure it's not an El Cheapo variety (or if it's cheap, don't buy the typical chea ones 😉

 

[paean]

Entirely appropriate, as long as you put it in a "wine gift bag" type of thing, so that when you and later he are walking around with it, no one can see what it is (other that guessing at the shape).

Glad to hear you got such a great recommendation.

 

[Tweetie_bird]

thanks for the awesome input guys.

peter, as for the thong song deal....now that's a scary thought.

What's a "wine gift bag??" I am not much of a drinker so i don't know much about wines either. I figured I could just buy a nice gift bag (the kind you get in a supermarket) and put the bottle in it. Also, I'll have the wine person at the supermarket pick the wine out. Is that tacky? What do you say?

For my own info, what are some good wines?? I don't mind spending like 25-30 bucks on a good wine.....probably at a Safeway or something. Any suggestions? How do you pick a good wine?

Please hook me up, y'all!

 

[mountainlander]

I would definitely go with something red, probably Merlot since that is easier on the tongue than some of the dryer things, esp since you don't know much about his taste in wine. Merlot is a good safe bet. You might try Fransiscan Oakville Estates Merlot. Widely available, in your price range, and drinks much more exspensively than one would expect. (Personal favorite at the moment). Wine definitely shows class, and good taste, if you get a good vintage and winery.....

If you are spending 25-30, you would be hard pressed to go wrong. Stuff from the Napa Valley is always a safe bet, as is anything French in that price range. Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask the wine people questions--they love that if you are in a decent store.

 

[lll505]

Australian Shiraz is nice (or we call it Syrah here)...Cabernet may be too heavy and Chianti too light - I'd go with a Merlot, Shiraz, or a good red zinfandel (not the rose kind)

I wine bag is usually sometype of cloth, velvet, etc. that is a decorative type gift bag to cover the wine. Go to a wine shop if you are spending in the 25-30 dollar range and they'll help you out.

 

[lola]

i think wine is appropriate, but then i grew up in an area with a lot of wine/vineyards. your best bet would probably be to go to a wine store and ask someone who works there. quality varies from year to year, and they should be up on those kinds of things. i second the merlot thing, although i'm no wine connoisseur. you could also check out a magazine like wine spectator which rates wines.

wine gift bags are just like regular gift bags except a wine bottle fits inside perfectly. if you go to a wine store they should have some.

 

[republicandr]

I don't know guys, I have to agree with Tweetie_bird's fiance. I think wine is inappropriate. A thank you letter usually is enough. If this is a personal friend more than it is a recommender, then that is a different story. But, I think in this case the person was described as writing a recommendation to medical schools, and this situation should be kept professional.

I guess I am just old fashioned.🙂

 

[14931]

i think its better to be safe than sorry, if there is an issue of whether it is appropriate or not, then i dont think its worth risking it,

but like replubicandr, i am also very oldfashioned!🙂

 

[souljah1]

It is a case by case basis. If you feel that you are close with this person and feel that they would appreciate wine as a thank you, then it is appropriate and professional. There is nothing unprofessional about giving someone a gift that they would appreciate and recognize as a true display of gratitude.

 

[14931]

maybe u could buy something for his/her office or something more professional,

just my two cents!

 

[LJoo83]

i think wine would be appropriate-it seems as though many wine conossuiers/lovesr/likers are professionals-so more than likely he/she probably wouldn't mind a bottle of wine as a thank you gift. but if it's a matter of appropriateness within the clinic/office, then maybe have it shipped in a nondescript box to the office and/or to his home? or maybe it can be part of a gift arrangement in a wicker basket with various european cheeses, fine nuts, etc. i think the gift basket will add a more elegant touch than a stark bottle of wine-but then this is my personal opinion.

 

[Zoobaby]

If the guy likes wine, the gift is TOTALLY appropriate, and he will love it. Why are people so worried about concealing what the gift is, anyway? Gift wrap or a bag is fine, but why this motivation for secrecy? We're not living in the 20's, wine is legal.

Wine people love to get wine as gifts.

 

[Sweet Tea]

i think wine is entirely appropriate, especially b/c his secretary recommended it. just put it in a nice wine bag with a note. personally, i'm a fan of austrailan shiraz, but get some help from the folks at the wine store. my mom gives wine as professional gifts all the time. i think it's a nicer gesture than something generic like a paperweight or a gift certificate.

 

[DW]

How about malt liquor? I gave my boss, a Harvard educated 55 year old doctor, a case of "8 ball" (Olde English 800 for those not in the know) 40 ounce beverages. Do you think that was a good gift for her? Should I have provided the brown paper bags too?

 

[Zoobaby]

Originally posted by DW
How about malt liquor? I gave my boss, a Harvard educated 55 year old doctor, a case of "8 ball" (Olde English 800 for those not in the know) 40 ounce beverages. Do you think that was a good gift for her? Should I have provided the brown paper bags too?

I think St. Ides would be more appropriate. She did go to HARVARD for God's sake...

 

[Iain]

I do not see anything inappropriate about wine as a gift, especially when his secretary enthused over the idea. IMHO Wine makes great gifts in situations like this, it is a little thank you that will not embarrass the recipient like some gifts in similar price ranges will.

I would go to the wine shop and ask for assistance, different people like different wines. They will be able to assist you with a nice wine, that most people like in your price range.

 

[Ma!]

Tweetie, this is not worth the anguish! Get him the wine. Its an appropriate gift, you can get a really nice label at a liquor store and a little bag to go with.

Or...

Wait until you get your first acceptance (and you will, my friend) and get him a bottle of champagne and tie the top with a bunch of curly ribbons with a nice note telling him that you are sure his letter was part of what got you accepted.

 

[Mutterkuchen]

Baked goods are always appropriate. It is personal, says thank you, but you do not have to worry about appropriateness. I would just make him some cookies.

It's a lot cheaper than wine, too.

 

[ShortStuff]

TWEETIE I SENT YOU A PERSONAL MESSAGE!!!

 

[jot]

if you want to be really classy - i suggest a franzia boxed wine. excellante!

 

[DW]

Originally posted by jot
if you want to be really classy - i suggest a franzia boxed wine. excellante!

yeah, go with this one. 18 bucks for 5 liters of the finest supermarket merlot......its a party waiting to happen

 

[Mutterkuchen]

With that classic rectangular shape, it will look great wrapped!

Originally posted by DW


yeah, go with this one. 18 bucks for 5 liters of the finest supermarket merlot......its a party waiting to happen

 

[jtheater]

First off, yes wine is completely appropriate for almost any gift situation to an adult (unless you know they specifically don't drink it or are Mormon). Wine is served at almost any professional event, even in medicine.

I think this sentiment about wine not being appropriate or being "risky" is just a reflection of a faction of the country that sees alcohol as bad. In fact, a glass or two of red wine a day is probably good for you! I believe that laws and rules that prohibit use of alcohol until the arbitrary age of 21 only add to the drinking problem in this country. We all see it as this "bad" thing to do late at night and therefore we often overdo it. The age limit also doesn't allow for parents and other adults to teach their children how to appropriately drink. Instead that is left to peers who are often only a few years older.

I know that I am going off on this, but as physicians we will be seeing a bunch of patients who abuse alcohol. Although people do it for different reasons, we should start thinking about the roots of such behavior and effective solutions/interventions. This is both a on a one-on-one level with patients and policy levels. My school had a great policy--drink if you want, it is your choice... just don't hurt yourself or others. I think it normalized drinking instead of turned it into this big taboo that everyone had to do just to prove they could do it.

As you can see I am completely bored at work. Ignore me. Ciao!

 

[Zoobaby]

Originally posted by jtheater
First off, yes wine is completely appropriate for almost any gift situation to an adult (unless you know they specifically don't drink it or are Mormon). Wine is served at almost any professional event, even in medicine.

I think this sentiment about wine not being appropriate or being "risky" is just a reflection of a faction of the country that sees alcohol as bad. In fact, a glass or two of red wine a day is probably good for you! I believe that laws and rules that prohibit use of alcohol until the arbitrary age of 21 only add to the drinking problem in this country. We all see it as this "bad" thing to do late at night and therefore we often overdo it. The age limit also doesn't allow for parents and other adults to teach their children how to appropriately drink. Instead that is left to peers who are often only a few years older.

I know that I am going off on this, but as physicians we will be seeing a bunch of patients who abuse alcohol. Although people do it for different reasons, we should start thinking about the roots of such behavior and effective solutions/interventions. This is both a on a one-on-one level with patients and policy levels. My school had a great policy--drink if you want, it is your choice... just don't hurt yourself or others. I think it normalized drinking instead of turned it into this big taboo that everyone had to do just to prove they could do it.

As you can see I am completely bored at work. Ignore me. Ciao!

 

[Tweetie_bird]

wow,
What I love about SDN is the variety of opinions I can get just overnight. You guys never fail me!! Thank you. 🙂

So, I called the secretary again just to see if the recommender would be around in his office. And in conversation, I just kinda asked her, "so is wine really appropriate as a gift in a professional setting?" (LOL, I tried to make it sound as unrehearsed as possible). To that she replied, "oh huney, he luuuuuuuuves wine." THANK GOD!! So Australian Shiraz it is.

Thanks all!! You are all truly wonderful. 🙂

 

[Megalofyia]

You don't need to spend as much money as you think on the wine. A friend of mine buys wine for a country club near me and he says many of the best wines cost under 10-15 dollars. I got a wine called Goats Do Roam for two of the people who wrote letters for me. It's from South Africa. I asked the friend of an other person what she liked so I knew she liked white wine and that's what I got her.
You can ask who ever orders the wine for the store you go to what they suggest. That has worked really well for me in the past.

 

[lola]

goats do roam?

that's actually the boy wonder's favorite wine!

 

[Random Access]

Originally posted by DW
How about malt liquor? I gave my boss, a Harvard educated 55 year old doctor, a case of "8 ball" (Olde English 800 for those not in the know) 40 ounce beverages. Do you think that was a good gift for her? Should I have provided the brown paper bags too?

You should have provided brown paper bags, you cad. 🙂

OE was the appropriate choice, but Magnum is acceptable as well in this situation.


And Tweetie? Good choice on the Australian Shiraz 😉

 

[Tweetie_bird]

so an update guys--

I went to a place and got some "Rosemount Estates Shiraz." And it only cost me 11 bucks! They told me it's the best bottle they had of a Shiraz. Hope I did well. 😀

Thanks for all your help!!
kisses,
Tweetie

 

[lola]

rosemount shiraz is pretty good wine for the price. good job tweetie 🙂

 

[tBw]

Originally posted by lola
goats do roam?

that's actually the boy wonder's favorite wine!

what!? now I'm being made fun of in threads I haven't even posted in!! oh well, at least no one else knows what the hell you're talking about lola (not that thats anything new 😉 )

 

[johnstoner]

whats a good wine to spend money on? and how much should the wine cost?

 

[Lancer_VII]

johnstoner, PM me if you want some ideas. I've been collecting wine for 2.5 years now and have 3 cellars of 190 bottles. Most recently released - 2001 Marquis Philips Shiraz ($12-$15) is one of the best QPR (quality price ratio) I've seen in a long while. Rated highly by Parker from the Wine Advocate (93 points). Absolutely fabulous wine for its price.

 

[tryingagain]

As a medical implant business owner I highly recommend that you DO give the wine as a gift. I know that some of you consider wine as an "alcoholic" drink, and indeed, it is. But not the way that a doctor looks at it. Many physicians like the finer things in life, such as wine. Chances are he will probably uncork it at dinner with his wife or with friends. He's not going to guzzle it down like many of us would as undergrads.

I think the wine is a great, classy gift. I recommend a nice Kenwood red wine. Kenwoods are nice napa wines that are reasonably priced. I attended a Kenwood wine tasting last month and was very impressed.

 

[Random Access]

Originally posted by johnstoner
whats a good wine to spend money on? and how much should the wine cost?

I bought a book on decent wines that range from $7-15-ish. It's called "The Everything Wine Book," and focuses on affordable wines, while still covering higher priced wines. Great book for beginners.