TUSCAN VERSATILITY: The popular Ruffino arrives in a wooden box that may be repurposed as a chic lantern. Credit: Ruffino Modus Luminaria

Now that Thanksgiving is upon us and the season of gift-giving looms large, here are some ideas for the foodies in your life.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanzaa, Festivus or merely the winter solstice, these selections are sure to surprise in ways that a gift card can’t manage.

Ruffino Modus Luminaria

The well-known Tuscan wine comes for the holidays in a stylish gift box (created by innovative Milan design school POLI.design) that morphs into a chic limited-edition decorative lantern. The wine is a rich expression of Tuscany, blending 50 percent sangiovese (the grape of Chianti) with equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and Merlot for smoothness. The resulting blend is drinkable now, or may be cellared for a least a decade. It’s a soft, modern wine that brings a full-bodied presence of red berry flavors and spice with silky tannins and touches of vanilla on a lingering finish. Try it with traditional pasta Bolognese, osso bucco or a great steak.

The wine is packaged in a varnished sapphire-colored wood box encased in a brushed gold metal sleeve depicting the art and craftsmanship of elaborate Florentine designs. Placing the sleeve over a candle turns it into a stylish lantern, casting a festive glow. It’s a gift that will become a family tradition long after the wine is gone. ($89 at reservebar.com)

Private Label Wine

Drink More Wine: Give wine, get thanks Credit: Rob Allen Photography

If you’re feeling generous and want to give a gift that keeps on giving, PRP Wine offers the opportunity to create a case with your own private label. You’ll get to choose text and a photo, if you wish. It’s a wonderful way to commemorate special occasions or to reward clients. They offer wines for every palate, from French Chardonnay to Chilean blends of the grapes that made Bordeaux famous. They’ll send a local wine consultant to your house or business for you to taste a variety of wines, so that you may choose one that fits the palate of your intended recipient. I’ve done 187-milliliter splits of sparkling wine for my daughter’s wedding, and sent off-dry bottlings to a brother with a sweet tooth (and an aversion to the dry reds that send me into paroxysms of pleasure).

So if you’ve got a special event coming up in your circle or need a personalized gift by the case, consider this choice. Call Jason Lima, branch manager at 813-621-1911 x2038. This takes some time, so act now if you’re interested. ($150-$400 per case, including taxes and delivery)

At the recent craft fair in Dunedin, I ran into two food-and-drink-related vendors whose wares caught my eye. Since my space is limited, please see all the details on their respective websites. They’ll both be on Corey Avenue in St. Pete on Saturday, Dec. 6, to Sunday, Dec. 7.

Redneck Steak: Premium Oak Wood-Smoked Beef Jerky

The moonshine version developed on my palate just like a fine wine. ($10 at rednecksteak.com, 727-638-2324)