Give a wedding gift with a twist

Give the newlyweds a head start on their personal wine cellar with a membership to a wine-of-the-month club.

"It's the gift that keeps on giving," says Megan Howard, editor-in-chief at Gifts.com, a gift recommendation and advice Web site offering 1,500 wedding-gift options. "You can give a three- to 12-month membership."

Prices range from $108 to $408. You also can opt for the Wine of the Season Club (for about $150), where a new wine is delivered four times a year.

Another wine option, Howard says, is going to a local wine shop and asking the store experts which wine would ideally mature in 10 years. Then, gift that wine and wish the couple a "long and lasting marriage," she says.

Also, personalized champagne flutes are always a lovely gift, Howard says.



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Getting it honest

Self-proclaimed "Mr. Do It Yourself," who bought a vineyard after discovering a love for wine shortly before marrying his wife more than 10 years ago, said his goal upon retirement is to learn to make a great bottle of red wine. But in addition to that, he’s spent time honing a variety of skills through the years. Tippin was a commercial pilot at 17, and is a multi-engine instrument aviator, a skilled helicopter rated pilot and a certified aircraft mechanic. He’s a welder, truck driver and heavy equipment operator. An avid hunter, Tippin enjoys spending time with his children, teaching them how to hunt, fish and enjoy the outdoors. A firearms store he owned for 10 years was converted into his management offices and recording studio in 2005. Growing up, Tippin said he didn’t know what he wanted to do.



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Restaurant: Kensington’s

If you want a fine red wine (Kensington's wine cellar won awards from Wine Spectator magazine), a great steak and a decadent chocolate dessert, you can find them at Kensington's.

Chong-Jimenez, a native Californian who worked at two famous West Coast spas before coming to Norwich, was a guest on Connecticut Public Radio's Food Schmooze program with Faith Middleton and has been praised by Connecticut Magazine's restaurant critic, Elise Maclay. What better re-commendations in the Nutmeg State?

For additional information or to make online reservations, visit www.thespaatnorwichinn.com or call 860-425-3630.

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Roberto Cavalli is proud to announce the opening of the world's

The bar offers high quality selection of beverages including the prestigious Cavalli Selection red wine with the uniquely-designed bottles. Guest can also sample Cavalli-signed chocolates, have a coffee or sip cognac within the lounge area. Parallel to the restaurant is a lounge bar that offers a chic and trendy environment for those wanting to try some exotic light food such as sushi and caviar. In this area, music plays until the early hours of the morning and guests can dance to hypnotic rhythms mixed by the best international DJs. A suspended platform will host the DJ and the dancers, as well as other entertainment and shows. Cavalli Club Dubai is designed with luxurious and exceptional materials. The floors are done in shiny black quartz with crystal dust that reflects lights and shapes throughout the space.


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Farm tour offers fresh produce, family activities

The 14 sites run a gamut of agricultural activity from winemaking at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard near Dickerson to the Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville that rescues abused and abandoned farm animals. Four sites – Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary, Evergreen Farm: Equine Therapy Associates in Poolesville, Camp Olympia in Rockville and Red Wiggler Community Farm in Germantown — are only open on Saturday. Some events may be delayed or canceled if it rains.

Butler’s Orchard in Germantown is one of several sites where people can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants and other farm products. Scheduled events listed at the sites include hayrides, pony rides, musical performances and craft demonstrations.

Evergreen Farm is a riding center that serves children and adults with mental and physical disabilities and also offers programs for those without disabilities.



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