Wine holds a special place in many people’s hearts because of the experience it can provide when the right combination of morsel and merlot or sauce and Chardonnay and heaven crosses the palate.

Washington, located on approximately the same latitude (46ºN) as some of the great French wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, has become a hot spot for wines. Ninety-nine wineries and counting have established a proven label. And the Peninsula area shares in the bounty. Bainbridge Island Vineyard and winery is Kitsap County’s most established.

At the pother end of the spectrum is Ross Bischoff of the Home community on the Key Peninsula who offers a very limited selection of wine. He calls himself a dabbler but is a bona fide expert in most agricultural endeavors. Last year he gained competition from the Trillium Creek Winery in nearby Lakebay. The winery has yet to see their first vintage but its coming.

Around the Puget Sound and particularly on the Key Peninsula, the shellfish and wine combination is a natural. The former is abundant and the later is slowly becoming established in an area more known for its cider and Prohibition-era rum running.

With the wine industry’s tremendous price range, full bottles can be good gifts to make the holidays even merrier. After all red, white and bottle-green are Christmas colors.

Two stores in Gig Harbor specialize in wine. Water to Wine opened almost two years ago on Harborview Drive with a focus on expensive and collection wines as an investment. The Keeping Room/Candles and Wine has grown its stock of wines over the last 10 years. One of its unique offerings is Marilyn Merlot. Every year the label releases a new vintage on Marilyn Monroe’s birthday (June 1) completed by a label adorned with the American sex symbol. Bottles start at $10.50, and that includes the 2002 Norma Jeane vintage.

Grape Expectations on Byron Street in Silverdale is another store with appellation aspirations.

The accessories surrounding the wine industry can be compared to the fuss around computer peripherals and add-ons. One instant impact hit can be a photograph. Wine Press magazine Photographer Jackie Johnston offers classic and reasonably priced photos of Washington Wine country at www.jackiejohnston.com/store.asp.

Another gift idea that any wine lover is sure to appreciate and value comes from the Windsor Wines Winery. They will create a personalized label with a special message from you to the recipient, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir available. For more information go to www.windsorvineyards.com.

Lastly, vineyards almost always offer tasting tours. The Bainbridge Vineyard and Winery is no exception. It holds free tours Wed through Sun. from noon to 5 p.m. For more information call (206) 842-9463.

Of course, if we’re talking higher-priced items, you can always book a flight to the Bremerton Winery — located in Adelaide, Australia.

(Temple A. Stark is a free-lance writer living in Port Orchard. Reach him at writer@templestark.com).