Gizmos, Gadgets and Wine….

I was traveling quite a bit this fall, which means the boxes have been piling up in my apartment. I still have a lot to go through, but I’ve sifted through some and I thought I would pass along some great finds so you can add them to your holiday shopping list.

Tugo

It’s one of those simple little things that makes a world of difference to a traveler. The Tugo is easy and lightweight. It attaches to your luggage and acts as a cup holder. No more trying to balance your drink and your luggage (and ultimately spilling it all over your clothes). Buy one before your next trip.

Showoffs
When I was first approached with the idea of designer bags that meet the TSA Ziploc requirement, I thought it was a bit much, but since receiving them I have to change my opinion. Showoff’s are more like buying cosmetic bags than a Ziploc – cosmetic bags that are clear enough and the right side to go through security.

For $15, you get three colorful and sturdy quart size bags, three refillable bottles and three gallon bags (with the same design) to carry them in when you leave security.

S’Well

I stated at the S’Well for a while, trying to figure out what made it different from any other thermos or water bottle. The wine bottle type shape did catch me, and it does its job at keeping hot things hot and cold things cold, but it took a bit of research to find the real uniqueness in this bottle that would make me trust my water… or wine… or vodka… in it.

There’s nothing breakable inside like a thermos that you have to worry about. It’s all good old-fashioned stainless steel. It helps keep the outside of the bottle from ever feeling too cold or hot. The bottles available in 17 ($35) and 20 ounce ($45). Ten percent of all sales go to the WaterAid Organization.

WINE

Light by Beaujolais

If you are looking for some inexpensive, easy drinking red wines, I have two you should check out. They are part of a Light by Beaujolais line and that’s just what they are. Both are 100% Gamay. The 2009 Clos de la Roilette Fleurie is a bit dry and nutty, with just a bit of dark fruit on the palate. You’ll get more of a Christmas fruitcake out of the 2009 Domaine de la Voute des Crozes Cote-de-Brouilly, with cherries, nutmeg and a touch of cinnamon. The wines sell for around $20.

Freixenet Cordon Rosado

Sparkling wine is definitely becoming more popular, as is rose, so it’s always interesting to see something that combines the two trends. Freixenet Cordon Rosado is a Cava is made from two Spanish grapes, Trepat and Garnacha It is aged for just over a year.  It’s much drier than you would normally expect from a rose, but it goes down rather smooth and has just a bit of berry in there. For only $12, this is a great aperitif for your holiday dining.