The holidays are upon us, and it is time to start thinking of gifts for family and friends. Don't forget hostess gifts when attending events at someone's home. Purchasing local products helps to support our community. Small businesses are so generous supporting school auctions, sports teams, and nonprofits so shopping locally is a great way to show your support.
Dahlman Cellars is in the Stadium District in Tacoma. The Dahlmans are making some seriously good wine due to great partnerships with some stellar Eastern Washington vineyards. A bottle of wine is a perfect hostess gift during the holidays and so much more thoughtful when it is local. The 2019 Red Bench is a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This stellar wine will delight the receiver. Another option is the Stadium Red Blend, and a percentage of the profits goes to support Stadium High School. This is a win; a great gift idea that also supports the school.
DAHLMAN CELLARS TASTING ROOM, open 4 to 8 p.m., Thurs; 3 to 8 p.m., Fri; 1 to 8 p.m., Sat; closed Sun-Wed; 113 N Tacoma Ave., Tacoma, 425.780.7792, https://dahlmancellars.com/.
Johnson Candy Company is an iconic Tacoma family-owned business in the Hilltop District. Founded in 1925, the company is still run by the original family. The candy is all lovingly handmade, and that care really shows in a delicious product that is freshly made. It makes a great hostess gift as well as general gift giving. One can order online, but for the best options go into the store and curate a box with your own choices.
JOHNSON CANDY COMPANY, open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon- Fri; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat; 924 MLK Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.272.8504, https://www.johnsoncandyco.com/.
The Heritage Distilling Company is arguably one of the most creative distilleries in the Pacific Northwest. From the unique offerings such as Cocoa Bomb, a chocolate bourbon, to their annual Advent Calendar you are sure to find something for the adults on your list. The company offers a variety of cocktail kits to perfect your favorite at home. For the Old-Fashioned lover on your list purchase the Smoked Cocktail Set. This five-piece set will elevate an Old-fashioned to the next level infused with smokey flavor. They also offer cocktails in a jar which is a perfect stocking stuffer.
HERITAGE DISTILLING COMPANY, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun-Wed; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thurs-Sat; 3118 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, 253.514.8120, https://heritagedistilling.com.
Random notes: Consider gift cards from local businesses as gifts. Spoil someone with a spa gift certificate. Experiences are always a great gift. Escape Hour Gig Harbor offers gift certificates and a passport program. Escape Rooms are a fun family activity, and it is such a unique gift. For your favorite foodie, a restaurant gift certificate is a great option. Try Cuerno Bravo Steakhouse and Cantina, considered the best steak in Tacoma by this writer and you've probably haven't heard of it.
So, this holiday season think local. The businesses in the article also ship their products.