I was thinking that maybe, possibly, I could stretch it and get one more post out of Thanksgiving. But after writing on my own blog (flockandvine) last night about what wines we drank for the feast, the thought wasn’t as appealing. Wow, I just felt a draft from everyone’s sigh of relief.

This is now the season of the ongoing cocktail/social event. Everyone seems to have a full calendar. And everyone seems to be throwing a party. It’s like the Duracell Bunny (does a trademark belong here?), it just keeps going. Most people, when invited, feel obligated to bring a bottle of wine; dubbed the “host bottle”.

I have helped customers with these such gifts on numerous occasions, this time of year brings it on tenfold. Some come in and are in dire straits (not the band, just the usual anxiety that they will pick the wrong bottle). I think I can give some tips on the subject that won’t send you into a frenzy.

If you know absolutely nothing about the people that are welcoming you into their home, play it safe. Here are some tips:

• Go with a recognizable name and the big noble grapes. I mean the ones that just about anyone can name. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot; this will allow the social barrier to be gently cracked with minimal explanation. You’re not going to make the host feel uncomfortable by handing them a niche or cult status bottle.

• Hit regions that are also in the trend; Australia, California, Argentina. Stay away from places that seem too exotic.

• Think about the cost of the bottle as well, you don’t want it to be too cheap (especially if you are playing it really safe and bringing a bottle that is on every grocery shelf in America). It would be fairly embarrassing if your host was shopping shortly after the party and stumbled upon the bottle you brought for $3.99 (unless of course it was stellar and you showed them a true gem! Then you’re the hero). You also don’t want to spend a fortune, it just makes people uncomfortable; be reasonable.

• Another area that is safe is local wines. This is one thing that I have found that all Mainers have in common: the insatiable passion for supporting their own. I’ve mentioned Blacksmith’s Winery in a previous post, but there are others that have equally good bottles. Cellar Door, Bartlett’s , Savage Oaks, Winterport Winery.

• There is a great website called mainewines.com that I just discovered. They even list the retail shops where you can purchase the wines.

If you are very friendly with the host and know them well, then you can have a field day, and I would also assume this wouldn’t send you into a frenzy!

Jen Flock is a Certified Sommelier, Cook, MF&L columnist and blogger, mother, and is always thirsty.