By Pacific Coast Business Times Staff Friday, December 19th, 2008

Every holiday shopping list includes at least one person for whom it is nearly impossible to find the right gift.

You could buy them a bottle of wine, but let’s be honest — it usually isn’t the most unique gift in the world unless you’ve made it yourself. And I say this as your wine columnist.

But never fear! The tri-county region is full of locally produced and original wine-related products that make fabulous holiday gifts. Rather than leaving the research to you, I’ve crafted a list — and yes, I checked it twice — of a few last-minute presents for your friends and family.

A subscription to “Touring & Tasting”: This nationally distributed magazine is based in Santa Barbara, but covers wines and the people who make them from around the world. Because it only comes out twice a year, each edition is hefty and filled with incredible photography and features.

Plus, by subscribing or being a club member, you get the scoop on Touring & Tasting’s bonuses to the Santa Barbara community, such as the deeply discounted wine sale it sponsored in November when proceeds went to local nonprofits.

Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving.

At just $11 per year, it’s probably even less expensive than any bottle you would otherwise wrap up for a friend.

Wine Wipes: This is a gift that you’ll probably want to pair up with something else, perhaps a nice bottle of red wine, or include as a stocking stuffer. Wine Wipes are the invention of Oceano resident Kimberly Walker, who got tired of lip and teeth stains from drinking pinot noir. She came up with “wine wipes,” disposable wipes with a “gentle orange blossom flavor” that really do instantly erase any trace of your drinking habits.

Wine Wipes are available online at www.winewipes.com or at various locations around the Tri-Counties, including SLO Wine Storage in San Luis Obispo and various tasting rooms around the region.

To view this column and all other full stories and offerings in the Business Times, see this week’s print version or SUBSCRIBE for $49.99 today.