by Cinottis Bakery | Dec 7, 2025 | Bakery, Holiday Events, Italian Market
Italian Holiday Gift Baskets: A Little Something for Everyone
This year’s holiday gift baskets are overflowing with authentic imports from Italy. They’ve been carefully chosen, beautifully arranged, and ready to spread joy.
Whether you’re shopping for the entertainer, the espresso-lover, or the one who insists they “don’t need anything” (but still expects something fabulous), these artisanal sets are your ticket to gifting glory.
Pallini Limoncello Celebration Basket
This gift set is perfect for the entertainer with a wild streak, the cocktail connoisseur, or anyone who loves a beautifully bright Italian liqueur moment.
The gift set includes:
- Pallini Limoncello (imported from Italy, iconic and wonderfully crisp)
- Spellbound Prosecco for sparkling cheer
- Pallini’s Cocktail Ingredient Booklet — mix, shake, and sip like an Italian bartender
- An exquisite Pallini-brand shot glass
- Pallini sunglasses (because the future is bright, baby!)
Dolce & Gabbana Holiday Gift Set
Fashion meets flavor in this luxurious, show-stopping holiday collection. The kind of gift that gets placed front-and-center under the tree because it looks that good. It’s the perfect gift for the trendsetter, the foodie, or the one who swoons over anything stylishly Italian. It’s elegance, indulgence, and authenticity tied with a bow.
This beautiful gift set includes:
- Dolce & Gabbana Panettone in a collectible decorative tin
- A bottle of DonnaFugata Rosé — the D&G edition
- Dolce & Gabbana Italian Pasta by DiMartino
Italian Coffee Lover’s Gift Set
If the holiday season had an aroma, this would be it. Bold, cozy, and ready to perk up even the sleepiest winter morning. Our Italian Coffee Lover’s Gift Set is perfect for coffee devotees, biscotti dunkers, or anyone who believes caffeine and Christmas cheer go hand-in-hand.
This set includes:
- Jar of Kimbo Italian Ground Coffee (rich, aromatic, and imported)
- Cinotti’s Biscotti — handmade with our five generations of love
- A festive coffee cup ready for mornings by the tree
Italian Antipasto Gift Set
A feast of bold flavors and rustic charm. This is the perfect hostess gift or for charcuterie board champion, the home entertainer, or anyone who loves a savory bite while the holiday music plays.
The Italian Antipasto set includes:
- Artichokes in Italian olive oil
- Farmer’s-Style Antipasto
- Hot Chili Peppers
- Green Cerignola Olives
- Fette Dorate Wheat Rusks
- Festive toothpick holder
Italian Breakfast Indulgence Gift Set
If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, this set makes it the most irresistible. A sweet, nutty, creamy explosion of Italian spreads that practically beg to be slathered generously. It’s perfect for Holiday brunch lovers, toast enthusiasts, and the sweet-toothed souls who deserve a moment of morning joy.
The Breakfast Set includes:
- Pistachio Spread
- Italian IGP Chocolate Butter
- Almond/Pistachio Nougat Butter
- Hazelnut Butter
- Festive holiday spreader
Italian Pasta & Olive Oil Set
The heart and soul of an Italian kitchen. Simple, elegant, and bursting with tradition. This set is ideal for anyone who appreciates high-quality pantry staples or loves cooking with quality ingredients.
The set includes:
- Dolce & Gabbana Italian Pasta
- A glass bottle of premium Italian Olive Oil
Why Our Gift Baskets Are Special
Except for a few handcrafted touches from our bakery like our biscotti, Italian cookies, festive mugs, spreaders, and toothpick holders, every item in these sets is imported directly from Italy.
We choose products made by artisans who honor the same traditions our bakery has cherished for five generations. Every basket is assembled with love, wrapped with holiday cheer, and ready to delight.
If you add a bottle of Italian wine or a box of our homemade cookies to go with your gift, you can be sure each item has had the same care taken into its ingredients.
Ready for your Holiday Gift Basket?
These baskets are available for the holiday season while supplies last. Treat your loved ones (or yourself—we won’t judge!) to something unforgettable, flavorful, and beautifully Italian.
by Cinottis Bakery | Dec 2, 2025 | Holiday Events, Italian Market
Holiday Wine Guide 2025: Best Italian Wines for Gifting & Hosting
Our December Wine Showcase
We’re celebrating December with a lineup of remarkable Italian (and Italian-inspired) wines. Each has been chosen for its personality, charm, and ability to turn an ordinary evening into something special.
Whether you’re brand-new to wine or the family sommelier, you’ll find something to love. Each bottle below includes easy, delicious pairings, event ideas, and even gift suggestions because nothing says “I adore you” like a thoughtfully chosen wine.
Rosa Dolce & Gabbana by Donnafugata
A vibrant Sicilian rosé that tastes as stylish as it looks. Expect bright strawberry, pomegranate, and a whisper of Mediterranean herbs. Crisp, graceful, and so easy to sip that even a beginner feels fancy.
It pairs well with bruschetta, shrimp skewers, or a bright berry salad. And is perfect for a glamorous girls’ night or holiday brunch. Need a gift? Send this to a stylish friend who has a matching outfit for every mood.
Scarpetta Cabernet Franc – Friuli Venezia Giulia
Earthy, juicy, and smooth, this Cabernet Franc brings gentle notes of red berries, pepper, and soft herbs. It’s elegant without trying too hard. Think of it as your new “I didn’t know Cab Franc could taste like this!” wine. Scarpetta pairs well with roast chicken, grilled vegetables, or mushroom risotto and is perfect for a cozy game night or a wintery fireside dinner. Need a gift idea? Send this to the budding wine lover ready to expand their palate.
Monte Rossa Franciacorta Satèn
Franciacorta’s velvety cousin to Champagne. Satèn is known for its softer, creamier bubbles, and this bottle delivers with almond, white peach, and a delicate mineral finish. A festive showstopper that even wine experts applaud. Franciacorta pairs well with blinis, oysters, baked brie, or truffle popcorn and is designed for holiday toasts, New Year’s celebrations, and elegant soirées. It’s the perfect gift for the Champagne lover who thinks they’ve tasted it all.
Kurtatsch Pinot Grigio
A crisp Alpine beauty. Clean pear, lemon zest, and a minerally snap make this Pinot Grigio a refreshing classic. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner, refined enough for your most discerning guests. Pinot Grigio pairs well with Caesar salad, sushi, lemon chicken, or veggie platters. It’s great for office gatherings, gift exchanges, and casual dinners. It’s a great gift for the “easy drinker” who loves crisp, refreshing whites.
Toscana Vermentino “Massovivo”
Bright, coastal, and refreshingly aromatic. Think citrus blossoms, green apple, and a breezy salt-kissed finish. A lively Tuscan white that feels like sunshine in a glass. Massovio pairs well with seafood pasta, grilled shrimp, or Mediterranean appetizers. It makes for easy seafood nights, sunny afternoons, or holiday lunches and is the perfect gift for beach goers celebrating Christmas in the sun!
Umani Ronchi Verdicchio
A crisp, elegant Italian white from the Marche region, known for its bright citrus, green apple, and gentle almond finish. Light yet sophisticated, this Verdicchio offers refreshing acidity balanced with a soft, rounded texture that’s easy enough for a newcomer to adore but layered enough to satisfy a seasoned wine lover. Verdicchio is a wonderful addition to herb-roasted chicken, seafood risotto, grilled vegetables, fresh mozzarella, or classic antipasto. Bring this to a cheerful holiday lunch, seafood-focused gatherings, or any event where you want a fresh, lively white. Need a gift for the white-wine explorer who loves discovering refreshing, underrated Italian gems? This is your bottle!
Borgo Scopeto Borgonero
A bold Tuscan red with dark cherry, cocoa, and spice layered beautifully together. Structured yet silky. This is the kind of bottle that makes you sigh happily by the second sip. Scopeto pairs well with short ribs, lasagna, steak tips, or chocolate-dusted desserts. Bring this wine to holiday dinners or red-wine-focused tastings or give it to the red-wine loyalist who loves bold Tuscan flavors.
Floramundi Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG
Sicily’s only DOCG wine! Juicy cherry, raspberry, and subtle floral notes dance with soft tannins. It’s lively, friendly, and wonderfully food-friendly. Floramundi pairs well with roast turkey, glazed ham, charcuterie, or stuffed peppers. Bring it to festive family meals or Friendsgiving repeats. It’s the perfect hostess gift or anyone who enjoys a versatile table wine.
Kurtatsch Sonntaler Schiava Grigia
A light, silky red from the Dolomites with fresh red fruit, almond, and a touch of rose. This is the wine you pour when you want something easy but undeniably special. Our Kurtatsch pairs well with roast pork, charcuterie, smoked trout, or soft cheeses and is perfect for afternoon tastings or laid-back gatherings. Bring this to a friend who prefers elegant, low-tannin reds.
Costiglioni Chianti
Classic Chianti, the way your nonna would approve. Bright cherry, rustic earthiness, and that signature Sangiovese tang. Warm, comforting, and timeless. Chianti pairs well with pizza, spaghetti & meatballs, roast chicken, and aged cheeses. It’s a wonderful weeknight dinner companion or for holiday pasta parties. Send this to your friend who loves classics.
Tommasi Valpolicella Ripasso
The beloved “baby Amarone.” Rich black cherry and plum meet gentle spice and velvety texture from the Ripasso technique. Ripasso pairs well with beef stew, roasted duck, aged gouda, or mushroom dishes and is a crowd-pleaser for cozy evenings. Give this to the friend who wants “Amarone flavor” without the Amarone price.
Tommasi Le Fornaci Lugana
A beautifully smooth, lake-cooled white with peach, citrus, and a soft mineral finish. Balanced, elegant, and wonderfully refreshing. Lugana pairs well with grilled white fish, risotto, pesto dishes, or charcuterie boards. It’s perfect for holiday lunches, office parties, or seafood feasts out on the boat. Give this to white-wine fans with a taste for refined, gentle elegance.
Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella
A majestic, full-bodied red made from partially dried grapes. Expect deep cherry, chocolate, fig, and warm spice. Amarone pairs well with prime rib, braised beef, aged cheeses, or dark chocolate desserts. It’s ideal for Christmas Eve feasts or celebratory winter dinners and makes a wonderful gift for the collector, the connoisseur, or that very special person. Amarone is powerful but refined. A true icon of Italian winemaking.
Argiano Solengo Rosso Toscano
A bold “Super Tuscan” masterpiece blending international grapes with Tuscan soul. Dark berries, tobacco, and polished tannins create an unforgettable, luxurious red. This wine pairs well with lamb chops, steak, truffle dishes, or rich pastas and is great for a fancy dinner party or milestone celebration. Send this to the friend who loves big, bold reds with pedigree.
Spellbound Prosecco
Bubbly, fruity, and endlessly fun. With notes of pear and white flowers, this Prosecco makes every moment feel like a celebration. Prosecco makes great mimosas and pairs well with aperitifs, fruit tarts, salty snacks, or brunch dishes. Lighten your holiday parties, brunch buffets, or make mimosas with flair. Send this to your life-of-the-party friend who sparkles year-round.
Pieropan Soave
A historic benchmark of Soave. Crisp, floral, and subtly nutty with citrus and mineral elegance. A beautiful introduction to this underrated Italian white. Pieropan pairs well with linguine with clams, chicken piccata, or caprese salad and makes a wonderful addition to light holiday lunches or gift-wrapping marathons. Share this with the white-wine explorer who loves discovering hidden gems.
Argiano Brunello di Montalcino
A regal, full-bodied Brunello with layers of cherry, leather, cedar, and spice. Long aging gives it depth and grace. This is one for savoring slowly. Brunello pairs well with osso buco, aged parmigiano, roasted lamb, or wild mushroom dishes. Bring this to Christmas dinner or a refined winter tasting experience. Brunello is a serious gift for the serious wine enthusiast in your life.
Renato Ratti Barolo “Marcenasco”
A classic, dignified Barolo showing rose, tar, cherry, and delicate spice. Powerful structure meets silky finesse. Nebbiolo at its finest. Barolo pairs well with rich truffle dishes, braised meats, porcini risotto, or hard cheeses. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a sophisticated dinner or New Year’s Eve pre-party tasting. Gift this to any Nebbiolo lover, or to the one you want to convert.
Maison Rare Champagne
Our only non-Italian wine! This true French Champagne is fresh, lively bubbles with orchard fruit, brioche, and a clean mineral core. Equal parts festive and refined. Champagne pairs well with caviar, fried chicken (yes, really!), and creamy cheeses. It’s perfect for toasting all of December’s joys, toasting achievements, anniversaries, and New Year’s Eve. This is the gift for anyone who deserves a splash of luxury.
Le Volte dell’Ornellaia
A smooth, approachable Tuscan blend from one of Italy’s most prestigious estates. Ripe red fruit, soft tannins, and a polished finish make it a joy for beginners and connoisseurs alike. Onellaia pairs best with grilled meats, tomato-based pasta, burgers, or roasted veggies and is a great companion at family dinners, casual gatherings, or weekday celebrations. Send this to the friend who loves great wine.
Celebrate the Season the Italian Way
As we wrap up this special December showcase, we invite you to slow down, savor good company, and raise a glass worthy of the season. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast, hunting for the perfect holiday gift, or simply looking to treat yourself after a long day, our curated wine collection brings together the very best of Italian craftsmanship and holiday cheer. Each bottle has a story, a personality, and a place at your table.
Pick up a bottle (or two) for your friends, family, or yourself this holiday season.
All Cinotti’s Italian Market Wines can be found at our Beach Location: 1523 Penman Road Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
by Cinottis Bakery | Nov 9, 2025 | Bakery, Holiday Events, Italian Market
How to Pair Italian Wines with Your Thanksgiving Feast
At Cinotti’s Bakery & Italian Market, we love blending the best of both worlds: timeless Italian tradition and heartwarming American celebration. This Thanksgiving, we invite you to elevate your feast with the perfect Italian wine pairings for our complete Thanksgiving Dinner meals, featuring your choice of tender Turkey or savory Ham, paired with all the comforting classics like Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Mac-n-Cheese, and stuffing made with love, right here in our kitchen.
The Perfect Pairings for Every Plate
For the Turkey Lovers:
A crisp, refreshing white like Kurtatsch Pinot Grigio or Tommasi Lugana Wine is the ideal companion to roasted turkey and buttery mashed potatoes. Their bright acidity cuts through the richness of gravy and stuffing, keeping your palate fresh for every bite.
For the Ham Enthusiasts:
If ham is on your plate, a fruit-forward red like Floramundi or Tommasi Ripasso strikes a perfect balance. Their smooth texture and notes of cherry and spice complement the sweet glaze of the ham beautifully.
For the Comfort Food Connoisseurs:
Our creamy mac-n-cheese and green bean casserole deserve a wine that can stand up to their richness. The Borgo Scopeto is a bold Tuscan blend that adds depth with hints of dark berries and oak, while Costiglioni Chianti brings a touch of rustic charm that pairs perfectly with all those buttery, baked flavors.
A Toast to the Start (and End) of the Day 
Kick off your Thanksgiving morning with a cheerful sparkle. Spellbound Prosecco makes the perfect base for festive mimosas while the turkey is in the oven! And for dessert? Try a glass of Rosa Dolce & Gabbana from Donnafugata. Its delicate sweetness pairs wonderfully with pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or one of our fresh-baked holiday desserts such as lobster tails or tiramisu.
Celebrate the Season, the Italian Way
From our family to yours, Cinotti’s is proud to bring five generations of baking and Italian heritage to your Thanksgiving table. Whether you’re picking up our full Thanksgiving meal or a few of your favorite sides, don’t forget the wine. After all, no feast is complete without a perfect Italian pour to bring everyone together.
We have a limited number of Thanksgiving dinners available each year so be sure to place your order soon! Don’t want the full meal? No problem. Any of our side dishes, rolls, pies, and desserts can be ordered a la carte. Just be sure to place your order ahead of time. We look forward to serving you and your family this holiday season!
Buon Ringraziamento! And cheers to good food, great company, and a touch of Italian elegance at your holiday table.
by Cinottis Bakery | Dec 12, 2023 | Bakery, Holiday Events
Christmas cookies play an important role in many family traditions this time of year. No matter if they play the main character on a Christmas party dessert table, or they sit on a kitchen counter while family come to visit, cookies are always a great item to have on hand. And since we offer a wide selection of cookies, you’re sure to find the perfect treat for any holiday event this season.
Iced Cutout Christmas Cookies
Our iced cutouts are our most popular cookie any time of year. Cookies are hand cut from our buttery sugar cookie dough and which we bake until golden. Then our amazingly skilled decorators turn these cookies into works of art. Using a fondant-type icing, we hand decorate each cookie. While this process allows us to add details and create the wonderful pieces you see in our store, it also means each cookie is never exactly the same. Some more popular shapes include polar bears, gingy boys, reindeer faces, frosty faces, and Santa faces. We also offer weekly themed cookies that are inspired by beloved characters. The firm icing on these Christmas cookies allows for them to be individually bagged (provided we have enough notice and the cookies are dry). Custom cookies and specialty shapes are available with ample notice.
Decorated Christmas Cookies
Our decorated cookies are made from our same, buttery sugar cookie dough and hand cut, but instead of the fondant-type icing used on our iced cutouts, decorated cookies are iced and decorated with our homemade buttercream icing. Sometimes people call them “puffy icing” cookies and are favored by anyone who loves our buttercream icing. Typical designs of our decorated Christmas cookies include: Santa face, Christmas tree, snowman, Rudolph, and Santa hats.
Sugar Cutout Christmas Cookies
Our sugar cutout cookies are made from our buttery sugar cookie dough. They are all hand-cut and then generously covered in various colored sugars. These cookies are great for classroom parties, quick office gifts, and stocking stuffers. Cutout cookie shapes include Christmas lights, trees, snowman, stockings, stars, and bells.
Fancy Christmas Cookies
Fancy cookies are available throughout the year; however, the fancy cookie case is BOOMING during the holiday season. These cookies are typically bite-size and are offered in an array of colors and flavors. These cookies are sold by the pound and make wonderful cookie trays and holiday gift boxes. Bachelor Buttons are among the most popular fancy cookies.
Gingerbread Man
What is Christmas without a gingerbread man? Our gingerbread men are made with our family honey boy gingerbread dough. Our gingerbread is a long process but our Gingerbread Men or Honey Boys, are available throughout the year. Gingerbread is hand cut from our scratch made dough and we place raisins as eyes and buttons.
Merry Christmas!
No matter what Christmas cookie you decide to bring home this year, we are thankful for your continued support of our family bakery. From our house to yours, we wish you all a merry Christmas.