It's "that" time of year...

“Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.” 
― Ernest Hemingway

Why say it yourself when you can get Hemingway to say it for you?  If you're like most people in the UK, you're probably running yourself ragged right now, wondering what to buy your friends and relations for Christmas, cursing yourself for not getting organised sooner, and perhaps even wondering why you bother since you can't recall the last time you set foot in a church.
Fear not, Purple Teeth is here with a range of wine and alcohol related gift ideas to keep everyone happy...

“The worst gift I was given is when I got out of rehab that Christmas; a bottle of wine. It was delicious.” 
― Craig Ferguson

Do remember that not everyone will appreciate a bottle of wine hastily selected from the supermarket.  But with a bit of care and attention, the supermarket can still be your friend.  Even so, it's not quite too late to provide gifts with just a little bit more thought for the drinker on your gift list.

For the serious wine drinker, lifetime membership of The Wine Society is a great gift (£40).  And there's a tempting offer right now where all new memberships before 31st December get £20 towards their first case - so it's almost two gifts for the price of one..  Or perhaps even one you want to buy for yourself?  Why join?  You can't buy Wine Society wines anywhere else, and as it's a non-profit making cooperative, you'll find they have great deals on offer.  Wines can be ordered in any multiple, and delivery is free on orders over £75 or of 12 bottles or more.  It's usually delivered in around 4 working days, and so far, we've never felt a wine wasn't good value for money.  They also have over 200 wines under £7.50 so you can rest assured that it's not just pricey wines on offer.  If you're not sure whether your friend is already a member, they've checked for me in the past...

For the sparkler, there's always Champagne.  Sometimes it's nice to be less than predictable, and now's your chance to impress with English Sparkling Wine.  (Yes, they really do need to come up with a better name for it!)  Nyetimber Classic Cuvee is currently on offer for £23.99 at Waitrose and £22.99 from Majestic.  Made from the same grape varieties as Champagne, this wine has been rated by many critics, and even royalty, as one of the world's best sparkling wines.  It's won the Best WorldWide Sparking Wine and the International Wine and Spirits Competition three times.  Different vintages are around so double check what you're getting.  It's worth noting that Waitrose Wine are offering £20 off any case worth £120 or more until midnight on 12th December.  If you're splashing out for the season, then take advantage by buying your Nyetimber using this offer.

“He knew that Hop-Frog was not fond of wine; for it excited the poor cripple almost to madness; and madness is no comfortable feeling.” 
― Edgar Allan Poe, Complete Stories and Poems

Heaven forbid that you have to buy a gift at the last minute for someone who doesn't drink wine. Sadly, though, there are some who have yet to be converted to the joy of wine and prefer to drink their alcohol in the form of distillates.
For the serious boozer, I've got a couple of suggestions.  Chase English Potato Vodka has been voted the best in the world, beating the Russians and Polish at their own game.  From the producers of Tyrells potato crisps, this smooth brew is available in a number of formats including Union Jack presentation boxes, and at a number of prices.  Just under £30 via Amazon.co.uk and currently on offer at Waitrose for £26 without the fancy packaging. 

I cannot vouch for these, but an Orange Marmalade version is also available, and there's Herefordshire Apple Gin which is served in Heston Blumenthal's establishments. There's a recommendation for you. There's also a Seville Orange version. The Gins a little bit more expensive at around £35.
And just in case my Scottish readership is becoming concerned at the over-promotion of English produce, my supermarket pick for Malt Whisky is Glenmorangie's Nectar D'Or.  I'm fairly sure there is a heavy discount on this at Sainsbury's right now though I'm not sure if it is the 12 or 15 year old.  What makes this special (and appropriate for wine loving gift givers) is that it's extra matured in Sauternes casks, giving it a rounded sweetness.  Your whisky drinking friends will love you for this, or others in the range matured in port (Quinta Ruban) or sherry (La Santa) casks. 

“There are thousands of wines that can take over our minds. Don't think all ecstasies are the same!” 
― Rumi

Finally, for the fusspot, that person who has more expensive wine taste than you can support, or who seems very particular about what they like, there's a great selection of wine glasses and other wine related gifts available for direct shipping from Wineware.  Orders placed by midnight on Thursday 20th December are guaranteed for delivery in time for Christmas, so if you're a little late, then some Riedel glassware, a Vinturi aerator, or perhaps a generous Laguiole corkscrew might save the day.  
Whatever you're buying and drinking this Christmas, cheers!