New Wine Information Blog

03/12/09 - Ice Wine-

2009-03-12T03:04:00.001-07:00

Today's Ice Wine Article

Wine Tasting In Derbyshire - Gear Up Your Team Building Attitude With Your Corporate Colleagues

Wine-tasting in Derbyshire is a fascinating adventure that evokes team-building attitude amongst the corporate people. Wine, the life savior drink for the people of Derbyshire, offers a unique opportunity to people to laugh hilariously, enjoy together and know one another better. This adventure truly promises a time when people can test their team building spirit, time management skill and efficiency to work as a complete group.

Set in the serene ambience of Derbyshire surroundings, the wine tasting provides a unique opportunity to see two different expressions of same noble grapes and classic blends. As the wines are served at tandem to the guests, you will be amazed to taste the similarities and dissimilarities between the two types of wines. The wine-tasting corporate event planning is accompanied by an animated wine tutorial, which manifests a fast paced detailed introduction of different types of wines.

Chillisauce is a corporate event management operator that organizes tours as well as conducts corporate events. Full of various activities, this tour operator truly offers a relaxing and wonderful time to the corporate people who can discover each other away from the hectic monotonous schedule. This specific activity of wine-tasting session generally takes place for duration of 1? - 2 hours but can be extended as per the request of the guests.

Wine tasting episode in Derbyshire

Wine tasting episode conducted by the famous operators Chillisauce is a truly magnificent experience for wine lovers. Not only does it promise exciting time ahead but also arouses interests of teetotalers to enjoy the famous wines.

Wine tasting corporate event in Derbyshire promises:

-- To build team spirit amongst all

-- Increase efficiency of individual people

-- Increase time management skill of the group

-- Freshens corporate people to deal with new challenges

You can be your own wine judge as you participate in tasting experience and find out the kind of wine you like and then start your game with that particular wine.
Following are the rounds in wine-tasting game in Derbyshire:

-- The taste revelation - it involves a crash course of animated tutorial where people are taught with the art of tasting wine blindly.

-- The taste bud review - the game then moves onto taste bud review questionnaire that decides the likes, dislikes and knowledge of each guest regarding the wines.

-- The taste map - here guests taste and score wines depending on their personal preferences. They have to use the Wine Adventure color charts and Nez du Vin aroma kits to decide about their own wine tasting notes.

-- The taste profile - this is the best part as you are judged and given a profile that will state your wine-tasting aftermaths. You can use it next time when you go to buy wines.

Participate with Chillisauce to have a lifetime wine-tasting experience in Derbyshire.

About the Author

None

Another short Ice Wine review

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Ice Wine Items For Viewing

Metrokane 6-Piece Deluxe Wine Tool Kit

When it comes to wine, working with the right tools adds to the overall experience. This deluxe kit helps you master the art of bottle service, so you can impress your guests and get the most out of your wine. In addition to the velvet corkscrew that will open a bottle with a simple twist-and-pull motion, you'll receive a bevy of other helpful tools to take the stress out of wine, leaving nothing but satisfaction. Five-year warranty.
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Metrokane Rabbit 6-Piece Wine-Tool Kit, Black

Reproduce flawless openings with multiple tools. The ultimate all-in-one wine corkscrew set for all your wine service needs. You get everything you need for wine bottle opening and service in this convenient and affordable Rabbit Corkscrew set from Metrokane. The 6-piece corkscrew kit includes the world-famous Rabbit Corkscrew, foil cutter, drip-stop drip ring, worm, wine/champagne sealer, and wax remover. The Rabbit Corkscrew was redesigned with an all new precision metal gear mechanism for even smoother and more reliable wine bottle opening. This corkscrew is synthetic cork friendly.

Customer Review: How to use the Metrokane Rabbit

From a design standpoint, this is a very good product. But the documentation is pathetic, and was clearly never tested with new / real users. There is no explanation of how it's supposed to work. That understanding is very helpful: with it, you'll never have trouble, and will marvel at the clever design. Let's get started.

Have a bottle of wine handy on which you've already used the supplied (and very good) little foil cutter to remove the foil over the cork.

Take the unit in your hand and look at the movable parts. The overhead lever that swings outward / downward and then is reversed / brought back over the top - moves the spiral corkscrew up and down. To see this, operate the overhead lever with one hand while holding the clamping "side handles" with the other. When you move the overhead handle the corkscrew rotates.

Why is the corkscrew turning? Because it's forced to do that as it goes through a "guide" (the metal collar with gray plastic center). The gray plastic piece has an internal spiral track that forces the corkscrew to rotate as it passes through.

Here's the critical point: as long as the guide mechanism is locked in place and can't move up or down, the guide forces the corkscrew to rotate when going through.

What if this guide were locked in place on the `down-stroke,' but could move vertically on the `up-stroke'? Then the guide would force the corkscrew to rotate on the way down (so the corkscrew would penetrate the cork), but the guide would stay attached to (and _not_ rotate) the corkscrew on the way up - thus pulling the cork.

When the unit is operated correctly this is exactly what happens. But how?

Look more closely: Before using the Rabbit's `side-handles' to hold the wine bottle neck, the guide is locked in place by two protruding spring-loaded latches and can't move vertically. Try it: it won't budge. (You can actually see these small latches projecting over the top of the guide and keeping it from moving - by looking in the area above and to the far rear of the guide, near the smooth rod.)

On the other hand, when the clamping handles are squeezed onto the neck of a bottle, these latches above the guide _retract_, releasing their hold on the guide so it can move upward.

Do this now: Take your bottle of wine and, with the overhead lever rotated to its fully outward / downward position, place the guide directly over the cork and grip the neck of the bottle _firmly_ with the clamping side handles.

Look at the latches described above: they have retracted, and no longer restrain the guide from moving upward. This has no effect during the down-stroke / cork penetration phase, since the guide is already as low as it can go. Because the guide can't move, it forces the corkscrew to rotate when you operate the overhead lever - thus penetrating the cork. Perform this down-stroke.

Now watch what happens when the overhead lever is pulled back to withdraw the cork (while you at the same time continue to grip the bottle neck firmly with the side levers). Because the guide can now move vertically with the corkscrew, it imposes no rotation on the corkscrew. The corkscrew stays inside the cork as the overhead lever is moved outward / downward, and the cork is extracted. Do it. You now have the cork out of the bottle, suspended above the bottle neck, and are still gripping the side handles around the bottle neck.

Release your hold on the side handles and move the Rabbit away from the bottle. The cork is still attached to the corkscrew. Re-grip the side handles with one hand and once again operate the overhead lever, bringing it all the way back to its fully closed position again (as if you were on the original down-stroke into the cork).

As you get to the very end of the stroke, you will feel resistance and will hear a click: the latches have snapped back into place over the top of the guide, locking it in place. The guide is once again `captured' - and cannot move vertically. The cork is still attached to the corkscrew.

Finally, move the overhead lever back yet again to its fully open position (as if pulling the cork from the bottle). This time the latches _don't_ retract (because you're not using the side handles to grip the bottle neck) - so the latches again keep the guide from moving, and this forces the corkscrew to rotate `in reverse' as it passes upward through the guide. The corkscrew backs out of the cork and the cork drops off. It takes all of a few seconds once you get the hang of it.

Understanding the operating principles should help. None of this is well explained (or, indeed, explained at all) in the almost non-existent documentation.

Steve Ferris

Customer Review: Cannot do any better for the price

The price quality for this wine opening kit is very hard to beat..makes a nice gift for those people doing it the old-fashioned way...
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White Wine
Wine Food
Tags: Wine Label

2009 - Wine Stores-

2009-03-11T07:47:00.001-07:00

A Wine Stores Artilce for Your Viewing

How to Choose a Wine Rack to Fit Your Style and Budget

Cultivating an appreciation of wine is a growing trend in the US. Shops
specializing in wine are appearing throughout the country, not just in the
traditional vineyard regions of California, Oregon, and Virginia. People
who may not have grown up around wine are now drawn not only to sampling but
also to collecting it. Tasting parties and special wine pairing events are
a common theme in restaurants and in the home. With this comes an increase
in interest in home storage. While proper storage can help wines become
even more exquisite, improper storage can lead to ruined wine.

A freestanding, temperature controlled wine rack is ideal, but much more
expensive than a simple wooden or metal wine rack. However, it is not
necessary to spend several thousand dollars to enjoy wine in your home. If
you can find a dark, cool, slightly humid location in your house, you will be
able to then select a simple rack that will keep your wine for years to
come. The ideal location will be 50-60 degrees, with constant 60-70
percent humidity.

Wine Rack Kits

One way to cut down on cost is to build your own wine rack. For
first-time enthusiasts, it is probably best to stick to a wine rack kit.
There are many considerations when designing a wine rack, and starting from a
kit will keep the wine in the rack where it should be - the last thing you want
is the whole thing to come crashing to the floor due to a miscalculation.

There are many commercially available wooden racks that offer snap-together
assembly, requiring nothing more than a hammer. These inexpensive kits are
usually made of redwood or pine, and can be bought for under $35.

The most important thing to keep in mind when building your own wine rack is
to consider the strength of the rack. A bottle of wine weighs
approximately 3 pounds, so the weight adds up quickly. Make sure not only
the rack but the floor itself can handle the weight, keeping in mind the weight
of the rack.

If the kit is wooden, make sure the wood has been dried properly (no more
than 14% moisture), and that the cross sections are no less than 3/8" (1/2" is
better).

Also, make sure the wine is stored horizontally so that the wine stays in
contact with the cork. A dry cork signifies that the wine has been
damaged.

Wine Rack Capacity

How much wine do you need?

While having 1500 bottles of wine on hand sounds exciting, most people have
neither the space nor the wallet to support such a venture. If you would
like to have something for everyday, a 15-30 capacity rack should meet your
needs. That way, you can have 2 bottles of sparkling wine, 3 bottles of
red (merlot or cabernet), 3 bottles of white (chardonnay, pinot grigio, or white
zinfandel), one bottle each of red and white cooking wine, and still have room
for a few special bottles that you plan to let age for years. Also keep a
nice red ready for company, and a reisling or shiraz for a spicy meal.
Have one bottle of white wine on hand in the refrigerator (it will only last in
there for a week), and you'll be ready for any gathering. A 30-bottle
capacity rack is enough for a wine-tasting, an extended gathering, or for
someone who likes to try a different wine every day.

Also, keep in mind that most wine rack manufacturers list the total bottle
capacity. This may be different from racked wine capacity, as total
capacity may have bottles stacked directly on top of each other. While
this will not damage the wine, it is not as aesthetically pleasing and may be
inconvenient when getting the wine out of the rack.

Styles of Wine Racks: Location is Key

Wine racks come in many styles. Racks can be freestanding cabinets,
counter top, or wall mounted.

When choosing a style, keep the following in mind:

<UL>
<LI>How much space do you actually have? </LI>
<LI>Do you want the wine rack to be visible, or would you rather have a large,
hidden wine rack that does not necessarily match your home's decor? </LI>
<LI>Where can you put the wine rack?</LI></UL>

The most important part of your choice is the location. If you choose a
rack that is not freestanding, make sure it is protected from vibrations.
It is not a good idea to put the wine rack next to the sink where the disposal
will rattle it. Never place the rack on the top of the refrigerator, as it
gets very warm. Also, keep the rack away from a window, as the temperature
may vary too much, and UV light will damage the wine.

If you can not find a wine rack to fit in that perfect location and you are
not confident of making your own, consider having a custom wine rack created
just for you. While this option is more expensive than an off-the-rack
version, it is still much less than the freestanding units, and can keep your
wine for years to come.

Wine Rack Material

Wine racks come in a variety of materials, from wood to metal to glass.
Whether you choose one made of mahogany or steel depends on a variety of
factors, include cost, weight, and appearance.

Wooden Wine Racks

The most common type of wine rack is the wooden wine rack. It is
generally easier to assemble and relatively light. Common woods are pine,
cedar, spruce, oak, and redwood. Another less common wood is
mahogany. Mahogany is a high quality wood and is used in both moderate and
expensive racks.

Metal Wine Racks

Metal wine racks are becoming increasingly popular, especially those made of
steel. They are very B and last longer than wooden racks with less
care. They can be painted to match any home. They can also be formed
into a wider variety of shapes while maintaining their strength.

Choosing a wine rack should be an enjoyable process. Consider it an
investment for all the wines you will try today as well as those you will keep
for a special occasion down the road.

About the Author

Jason Connors is a successful writer and wine connoisseur providing valuable tips and advice on wine cellar design, wine making, and wine basics. http://www.about-wine.net

Thoughts about Wine Stores

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Wine Stores Items For Viewing

British Columbia Wine Trails

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WINE TEARDROP STEM 6.5 OZ, CS 3/DZ, 08-0357 LIBBEY GLASS, INC. GLASSWARE

H6 3/8 T2 3/8 B2 5/8 - CS 3DZ
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Top 100 Baby Purees: 100 Quick and Easy Meals for a Healthy and Happy Baby

Babies grow more rapidly in their first year than at any other time in their lives, so how you feed your newborn will be one of the most important decisions you make for your new baby.

Making your own baby food is not only more economical than buying commercial brands, it also assures that your child consumes only the freshest, top-quality ingredients. British television personality and children's nutrition expert Annabel Karmel's essential collection of best-ever purees grants new parents their wish: one hundred quick and easy recipes that will make for a healthy and happy baby. From first tastes and weaning, right through to meals for older babies, all the recipes are suitable for children aged six months and older. And with all these fruit and vegetable favorites, and innovative fish, meat, and chicken purees, the dishes are so tasty you will want to eat them yourself!

In addition to easy and delicious recipes, Top 100 Baby Purees also includes information on:

Weaning your baby and transitioning to solid foods
Food allergies
Time-saving food preparation tips
Freezing and reheating your homemade baby food
Tricks on finding the hidden nutrition in everyday foods

Featuring a preface by Dr. Michel Cohen, New York pediatrician and author of The New Basics: A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parent

Customer Review: Great recipes, beautiful book

I love this book. The recipes are simple, delicious and age-appropriate. I've even served the leftovers to the adults in the family with just a little added salt. The layout and photos are beautiful and inspiring.

I also recommend the Williams-Sonoma baby cookbook, which answered some questions I had about why it's okay to cook with dairy for babies are too young to drink cow's milk (because you are only using a little bit and because milk is more indigestible than other forms of dairy, like yogurt or cheese).

Customer Review: Perfect Cookbook!!!!

This book is so wonderful! I have used it to make all of my baby's first purees! I wouldn't have known what to do without it, it has been a lifesaver! It is so easy to follow, anyone can do it! You won't be disappointed with this book!
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Acetorium Barolo Wine Vinegar - 8.5oz. Bottle

Joseph carefully selects Barolo DOCG wine to make this elegant, nebbiolo-based vinegar a delight for game or meats, with cheeses, and for marinades. Acetorium vinegars are hand-crafted by esteemed winemaker Joseph Reiterer of Alto Adige and German master vinegar maker Robert Bauer. Instead of using flavor infusions they judiciously select the basic ingredients for each vinegar and then vinify them before beginning the vinegarization process. In other words, all Acetorium vinegars are made from fine wines. The vinegars are precision-aged in stainless steel tanks or wooden barrels.
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Godiva Chocolate Tower

Rich Godiva chocolate fills these sparkling boxes. Dark chocolate hazelnut almond biscotti, milk chocolate covered raisins and almonds, sweet and savory dark chocolate cashews, milk chocolate macadamia nut biscotti and dark chocolate pretzels fill three boxes. If that doesn't satisfy their chocolate craving, the fourth box is reserved for two different hot cocoa mixes: Godiva's luxuriously rich dark and milk chocolate hot cocoa mixes. Gift Size: 5" x 4" x 10" - Item 562

Customer Review: Great gift

I got this as a gift and I have to say its very nice, if you read the dimentions when I stand all of the boxes up together as in the picture its 11" high, the largest box is on the bottom and its 3 1/2" high and 5" wide. Its cute and it makes for a great med priced gift. The chocolate is dark chocolate and they are in plastic bags in each box. Its fun to open and fun to recieve. I definately recommend.
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News about Wine Stores

Giant wine bottle hanging on a wall

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:43:38 -0700
On a frosty December morning in Denver, Argonaut Wine & Liquor re-opened in grandiose fashion. An iconic sign for an equally iconic liquor store came to life. A project two years in the making was electrified before an enthusiastic crowd of loyal customers and community leaders that included John Hickenlooper, Denver’s mayor.

State Smiling Lessons

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:54:40 -0700
Most retail outfits catch on to the “be courteous to your customers” thing pretty early on. But most retail outlets don’t have a government-enforced monopoly on what they sell. So in Pennsylvania, where all liquor and wine must be sold in state-run stores… The state’s Liquor Control Board is spending more than $173,000 to try to make workers friendlier and more well-mannered at the nearly 650 stores it operates. The board says it wants to make sure clerks are saying “hello,” “thank you” and

Recession Busting - Food, Drinks, Haircuts, in San Francisco

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:39:24 -0700
My week started with Googling "Recession Buster Coupon San Francisco", and ended with some of the best food, wine, parties, clubs, and even a great haircut. It's not just Google, check Google Maps, and check store front windows. It's a small thing, but it seems to be picking up business (at least downtown and in the Marina). Support locals!

Overpaid PA State Liquor Store Employees Need Training On Courtesy

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:35:01 -0700
OK, riddle me this, Pennsylvanians: Your state runs the liquor stores in a monopoly and offers generous pay, pension, and benefits to the store clerks (link). What benefit does the taxpayer derive from this when these well-paid clerks need training (and from my experience, it IS needed) on courtesy to customers? (link)Next time you get a “Hello,” “Thank you” or “Come again” at your neighborhood wine store, just remember: you paid for it!Not just the wine (or spirits) but the etiquette.Liquor-st

Iron in a Vegan Diet

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:39:00 -0700
Many ask if I am anaemic as I do not eat red meat....I am not! You do not have to eat red meat , or any animal product for that matter, to get your daily iron requirement. There are many vegetable sources, for instance dark green leafy vegetables and dried beans contain more iron per calorie/kilojoule than meat. Iron is required in the formation of red blood cells. Lack of iron leads to anaemia which even in a mild form can cause headaches, fatigue, dizzy spells and brittle nails. If not treate

2007 Burgundy: Tasting the Frederick Wildman and Sons Portfolio

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 22:43:53 -0700
The average wine drinker doesn't think much about distributors and importers. And why should she? There's not much need to interact with the folks behind the scenes who are responsible for getting wine into stores and restaurants where the public gets a chance to try them. Despite a general lack of familiarity with this whole tier of the wine industry, it should come as no surprise to most wine drinkers that there are a lot of different kinds of wine distribution companies. Just as there a

Rose Wine
Tags: Wine Charm | Wine Chateau

Tuesday March 03, 2009 - Australian Shiraz

2009-03-03T14:43:00.001-08:00

A Australian Shiraz Artilce for Your Viewing

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Campania Region

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Campania region of southern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you'll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour.

Campania is the shin of the Italian boot. It is located in the southwestern Italy on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its total population is about 5.8 million, making it the second most heavily populated region of Italy.

Campania's best-known city is its administrative center, Naples, once glorified by the phrase "See Naples and Die," which referred to its beauty and not its high crime rate. Other well-known cities include Sorrento, a playground of the jet set, and Pompeii, destroyed by Mount Vesuvius about two thousand years ago.

Campania devotes about 100,000 acres to grapevines; it ranks 9th among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is about 52 million gallons, also giving it a 9th place. About 64% of the wine production is red or ros? (a bit of ros?), leaving 36% for white. The region produces 17 DOC wines and one DOCG wine, Taurasi, one of the two DOCG wines produced in southern Italy. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine. The G in DOCG stands for Garantita, but there is in fact no guarantee that such wines are truly superior. Only 2.8% of Campania wine carries the DOC designation. Campania is home to almost three dozen major and secondary grape varieties, with a few more white varieties than red ones.

Campania is not a major producer of international white grape varieties. Common Italian white varieties include Falanghina, Fiano, Greco, and Coda di Volpe.

Campania is not a major producer of international red grape varieties.The best known Italian red variety is Aglianico, best expressed in the DOCG wine, Taurasi, and Piedirosso.

Before we reviewing the Campania wine and cheese that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region.
Start with Scialatielli alle Vongole, Herbed Pasta with Clams, Garlic, and Cherry Tomatoes.
Then try Branzino all 'Acqua Pazz', Sea Bass in 'Crazy Water'.
And for dessert, indulge yourself with Coviglie al Caff?, Coffeee Custard and Ladyfingers.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY While we have communicated with well over a thousand Italian wine producers and merchants to help prepare these articles, our policy is clear. All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Mastoberardino Radici 'Fiano di Avellino' DOCG 12.0 % alcohol about $20

When you see a green band on an Italian white wine bottle, you have a DOCG wine, Italy's top of the line classification.

Mastoberardino is the largest and best known producer in southern Italy. Fiano di Avellino is an indigenous white grape variety. They came together in an excellent wine.

The wine had a beautiful straw color. I found it to be delicate yet complex and elegant, not the least bit thin. At the first pairing it held up to spicy barbequed chicken and barbequed eggplant slices. Among the many flavors, it was spicy and smoky.

The next pairing was with whole wheat pasta and chicken meat balls in a peppery tomato sauce. Here the wine took on a floral character.

I would have loved to taste this wine with the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana (Water-Buffalo Mozzarella cheese) described in my article "I Love Italian Wine and Cheese - The Latium Region" but it is not sold in my city. I had to settle for Pecorino Sardo, a nutty cheese made in Sardinia, an island almost directly west of Campagnia. In the presence of the cheese the wine became almost unctuous.

I really feel that this wine deserved its top of the line designation. The best white wines often come from cold climates such as Germany and northern France. Who would have thought that such a fine white wine could come from sun-baked southern Italy? The neighboring woods and eighteen hundred foot elevation of Avellino are certainly an essential part of the final product, well worth the $20, which is more than I usually spend on a wine bottle.

About the Author

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His wine website is www.theworldwidewine.com . You can reach him at ital@mail.theworldwidewine.com.

A synopsis on Australian Shiraz.

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Campania Region

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Campania region of southern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you'll have...

Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Australian Shiraz Products we recommend

The FTD Morning Stars Arrangement - Standard

A brilliant display of white flowers to send your condolences. White lilies, white gladiolus and white lisianthus are accented with stock, snapdragons and more in a ceramic urn. Appropriate to send to a home or to a funeral. S4-3588S

Price: 189.99 USD

News about Australian Shiraz

The Box

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 15:39:32 -0800
A couple of months ago the whiskey collection here at Whiskey Bros HQ outgrew the very small confines of my liquor cabinet. My house is quite small and my liquor cabinet matches and the trouble required to get a bottle out for a taste-night was getting extreme. So I came up with a solution -- The Box.It's a simple box now, just a record box tha

Home Security Monitoring story in Wall Street Journal

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:53:18 -0800
This Wall Street Journal article looks at wireless home security monitoring and remote monitoring solutions that are gaining traction in the marketplace. It mentions how wireless sensors are used for real-time notification, not just for motion alerts but also profiles one Alarm.com customer with a sensor on his liquor cabinet.

OpenID Foundation scores top-shelf board members

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:14:35 -0800
If the OpenID Foundation were a liquor cabinet, it just got stocked with some Grey Goose, Rhum Clement, and Gran Patron. Representatives from Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, IBM, and VeriSign have become its first corporate board members to join....

CabinetLiquidators.com Has Launched A New Online Kitchen Design Application

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:01 -0800

Just a little bit of booze helps the nightly news go down

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 14:04:14 -0800
Ever wondered how the news get reported? Look no farther than your liquor cabinet.

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Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:01 -0800

Bronco Wine
Wine Taste
Wine Pairing | Wine Photography

March 2009 - Franklin Refrigerator

2009-03-03T14:37:00.001-08:00

Today's Franklin Refrigerator Article

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Piedmont Region

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Piedmont region of northern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you'll have fun on the fact-filled wine education tour.

Piedmont is located in the northwest of Italy. It borders on France and Switzerland and is surrounded on three sides by the Alps. The name Piedmont means the foot of the mountain. Piedmont is one of the most industrialized regions of Italy. It is considered the best organized region of Italy for wine tourism. Its population is about 4.4 million.

Piedmont was originally settled by the Celts. It was conquered by Hannibal and reconquered by the Ancient Romans. Piedmont was ruled by the French Savoy family for almost five hundred years. It was a center in the fight to unify Italy. Victor Emmanuel II, the king of Piedmont and Sardinia, became the first king of modern Italy in 1861.

Agriculturally Piedmont has it all. For example, meats include beef, kid, lamb, rabbit, and veal. Game includes hare, partridge, pheasant, and venison. Donkey meat stew is a local specialty. Another specialty is grissini, breadsticks that are a yard long. The region makes nine protected varieties of cheese. About the only food that seems to be a bit short is fresh fish, with the exception of trout.

Piedmont's capital and largest city is Turin, a city of nine hundred thousand that is the capital of the Italian automobile industry and the site of the 2006 Winter Olympics. This city was the first capital of united Italy (from 1861 to 1865) and remains to this day the world capital of vermouth.

Piedmont devotes over one hundred forty thousand acres to grapevines, it ranks 6th among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is about ninety million gallons, also giving it a 6th place. About 70% of the wine production is red or ros? (only a bit of ros?), leaving 30% for white. The region produces 44 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine and 7 DOCG wines. The G in DOCG stands for Garantita, but there is in fact no guarantee that such wines are truly superior Almost 56% of Piedmont wine carries the DOC or DOCG designation. Piedmont is home to four dozen major and secondary grape varieties, somewhat more red than white varieties.

Widely grown international white grape varieties include Muscat (in particular Moscato Bianco) and Chardonnay. The best known strictly Italian white varieties are Arneis, Cortese, and Erbaluce.

International red grape varieties are not important in Piedmont. It is the center for Nebbiolo, felt by many to be Italy's noblest red variety, the base of Italy's world famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Other Italian red varieties include Barbera, Brachetto, and Dolcetto, some of which are grown elsewhere.

Before reviewing the Piedmont wine and cheese that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region.
Start with Cipollata Rossa Monferrina, Spicy Robiola Cheese and Scallion Spread.
For the second course try Tasca Ripiena, Veal Stuffed with Salami and Scallions. For dessert indulge yourself with Budino Freddo Gianduja, Decadent Hazelnut-Chocolate Pudding.

Wine Reviewed
Sur? Rosso Barbera d'Asti Villa Giada 2004 Andrea-Faccio Viticoltore (Winemaker) DOC 13.5% alcohol about $10.90 plus tax

Unlike the other wines in this series, I purchased this bottle while on vacation in Seattle, Washington. Frankly I thought that I was drinking the cousin of a $40 bottle of wine. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it were the equal of some $40 bottles. While three other Italian grape red varieties are authorized to a maximum of 15% in the Barbera d'Asti DOC, this particular wine is 100% Barbera.

I found the wine very powerful, perhaps too strong for pasta. Its tastes included tobacco, leather, cherry, and black cherry. An Italian wine site states: "An imposing wine that is always rather severe but richly and exquisitely perfumed and with a flavor that couples strength with finesse." I agree except that I didn't find it severe. I also drank it with a marinated, barbecued rib steak. The wine cut through the steak's grease. Once again the flavors came out well.

Gran Padano is a classic Parmesan-type cheese made for a millennium in northern Italy including the Piedmont region. It is a cylindrical, cooked, semi-fat cheese which matures slowly. It has a grainy consistency and may be sliced or grated. Its taste is fragrant and delicate. I tried this wine with grated Gran Padano cheese on toast with a somewhat spicy Moroccan tomato and pimento based dip.The combination was excellent; I felt that both the wine and cheese flavors were accentuated. The term mouth-filling came to mind.

About the Author

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His wine website is www.theworldwidewine.com . You can reach him at ital@mail.theworldwidewine.com.

Another short Franklin Refrigerator review

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Piedmont Region

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Piedmont region of northern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you'll have...

Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Franklin Refrigerator Products we recommend

The FTD Loved Ones Arrangement - Premium

This elegant bouquet is a lovely arrangement of color and texture in a glass vase. S36-3105P

Price: 179.99 USD

News about Franklin Refrigerator

Roseburg's Abacela '06 tempranillo has originality in spades (The Oregonian)

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:16:27 -0800
MATT KRAMER ON WINE: With originality a key, Abacela's excellent '06 tempranillo succeeds "If we want things to remain the same, everything will have to change." This famous (fictional) utterance was prophetically declared by Tancredi, the jaunty nephew of the...

Highlights from the Boutique Wine Collection 2009 National Portfolio Tasting

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:05:00 -0800
Yesterday, I spent a relaxing afternoon tasting through some of the current lineup coming into the US courtesy of importer Bryce McNamee’s Boutique Wine Collection. Boutique held their 2009 National Portfolio Tasting over the course of the weekend in Center City Philadelphia. Unlike their tasting at the Moore College of Art last fall , this weekend’s event focused solely on the wines in Boutique’s direct book. While the core of that book remains based on Bryce’s work in Spain and South Afric

The great wine debate (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 09:32:49 -0800
What happens when Finger Lakes Rieslings go head-to-head with the vaunted Rieslings of Germany?

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February 22, 2009 - Wine Tours

2009-02-22T17:51:00.001-08:00

A Wine Tours Artilce for Your Viewing

Growing Apples for Great Wine

There are countless varieties of apples in general cultivation in this country and all have their likes and dislikes - yet all the all-round varieties seem to do well almost anywhere.

Like all fruits they like to be treated well and will reward those who remember this. I am concerned with growing apples and other fruits such as plums for wine-making; therefore there seems little point in covering the growing of these fruits in the espalier fashion or as cordons. Apart from the fact that the average home-grower will not want this type of tree, he will want as much fruit as he can get from as little space as he can allow. No one will dispute the quality of fruits grown as cordons, but they are expensive to start with and cannot hope to compete with the bush tree when a lot of fruit is the aim of the grower.

The bush tree is the most suitable for the small garden where the owner wants as much fruit as he can get from a small space and for a minimum of labor.

Deep digging is essential, for it must be remembered that trees, once planted, will remain perhaps the lifetime of the owner.

The roots of apples go a great deal deeper than is generally imagined and provided the right variety for the type of soil is planted, the trees will settle down and fruit well. Unless your garden is in what we call a frost hole - a natural depression in the lie of the land that catches the spring frosts harder than elsewhere and then catches the first rays of the morning sun - you can grow apples without fear of the frosts depriving you of your crops.

Bush apples are usually planted ten to twelve feet apart and are put in before Christmas. Early February is the latest that I would leave this job.

Prepare the soil well in advance and allow it to settle before planting. Six months in advance is not too early to get the first digging done if the soil has never before been broken.

When planting, take out holes a good bit larger than are required to accommodate all the roots without cramping. The depth of the hole will depend on the depth the young tree had been planted before it was delivered to you and this will be clearly marked on the young trunk.

Any roots damaged in transit should be cut off cleanly with a sharp knife.

It is best to drive a stake firmly into the middle of the hole and to tie the tree to this while planting. Spread out the roots, shovel sifted soil over them and firm each layer by treading. Rattle the tree occasionally so that the soil is shaken down between the roots. Plant firmly; insecure planting is the most frequent cause of deaths among young trees. When firmly planted, untie the tree from the stake and bind the trunk with felt or some other material and bind this part to the stake. This will prevent chafing of the bark.

For general purposes it is best not to prune a young tree during the first season after planting, but pruning thereafter is of the greatest importance. Not only does it keep the tree in shape but it prevents overcrowding and ensures regular and heavy fruiting.

In the case of bush apples, each leading shoot - that is the growing tip of each main branch - is cut back by about six inches. The young growths growing off this main branch are laterals; these must not be allowed to become branches otherwise the tree will become overcrowded. These laterals are pruned back to leave four or five buds.

The following precautions should be taken against pests and diseases. Spray during winter with a tar-distillate wash. Spray with a nicotine wash in spring, when the buds begin to open and again a week after the petals have fallen. Fix grease bands to the trunks.

About the Author

Brian Cook is a freelance writer whose articles on gardening and home wine making have appeared in print and on many websites. You can find more of these at: Homemade Wine

Thoughts about Wine Tours

Growing Apples for Great Wine

There are countless varieties of apples in general cultivation in this country and all have their likes and dislikes - yet all the all-round varieties...

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Wine Tours Products we recommend

The FTD Classic Rose Bouquet

Our most popular rose bouquet. 2 dozen sumptuous roses with greens in a glass vase. Available in red, pink, yellow, white or peach. Prices may vary in some locations. D6-2978

Price: 189.99 USD

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2009 - Morrell Wine

2009-02-22T16:35:00.001-08:00

Today's Morrell Wine Article

Selecting wine cellar racks and planning wine cellar designs

Selecting wine cellar racks and planning wine cellar designs

Wine storage racks are the cornerstone of just about any cellar, whether for your house, restaurant, retail store, or vacation property. Intended for both protecting and showcasing your collection in style, they are an important furnishing that you wouldn't dare overlook. They have to be strong enough to safely hold the combined weight of your precious bottles, and be pleasing to the eye. Wall wine racks need to be secured in place with the appropriate fasteners to ensure the entire thing doesn't come crashing down once loaded up. Likewise, wine glass racks hold equally valuable items and showcase your stemware in style. Some types may be combined with wine storage racks, which are ideal when space is limited and you have a smaller inventory to deal with.

You may already have a clear idea of what you are searching for when shopping for wine storage racks. If you aren't so certain, it may be helpful for you to first identify the primary purpose you wish to achieve. Do you seek pure utility, or is a certain style that blends in or compliments your existing d?cor more important? Would wall wine racks be more suitable? Perhaps you are looking for wine glass racks to conserve room in your bar or kitchen. Chances are good you can find the perfect mix and won't have to compromise to fulfill your needs and desires. Unlike the limited selection your local merchants may carry, the wide variety of online retailers combined with full manufacturer product lines, are sure to accomplish your goals and turn your vision into reality.

An important aspect of wine cellar designs, one must take into consideration both the wine cellar racks and other items such as the primary wine cellar equipment. It may be beneficial to determine what your needs are, before even getting into budgeting or space restraints. Are you looking for something that is purely a utility room to safely stock your inventory, or do have grand plans for an extravagant - yet well planned and fully functional - and luxurious cellar that will proudly showcase your prized collection prominently on custom built wine cellar racks. Whichever you choose, it pays to do you research and explore the many options available to you.

Some people may caution you not to rush out and purchase all your wine cellar equipment until after your basic plan has come together. However, thought should be put into some of these key items as large items like refrigeration, bottling and dispensing units, and other accessories may in fact consume large areas of space. Good wine cellar designs should incorporate all aspects of the final vision, and assist in producing a functional and appealing room that you can get maximum enjoyment from. Simply filling a room with some expensive wine cellar racks and putting bottles on them won't wow your guests or magically increase the resale value of a property. Taking the time to seek out quality furnishings and find attractive prices that meet your budget will pay off in the long run once your vision comes to fruition.

Super savings for residential and commercial applications can easily be found online. If you want wall wine racks that are custom built, or would prefer a modular system that can be changed as your collection grows, I encourage you to explore the wide range of styles, materials, and designs showcased online by some of the leading manufacturers of wine glass racks.

About the Author

Michael Boyce is a regular contributor to www.wine-cellar-racks.com, a consumer's resource to wine-related products and services.

Short Review on Morrell Wine

Selecting wine cellar racks and planning wine cellar designs

Selecting wine cellar racks and planning wine cellar designs
Wine storage racks are the cornerstone of just about any cellar, whether for your house, ...

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Morrell Wine Products we recommend

The FTD Cascading Glory Bouquet - Deluxe

Heather stems burst forth to frame this bouquet of roses, snapdragons, alstroemeria and more. C5-3089D

Price: 76.99 USD

Headlines on Morrell Wine

Montesquieu Wine: A Wine Brokerage

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:24:53 -0700
Montesquieu winery is a fabulous wine negociant. They carefully select all of their wine varietals so that they offer their clients the finest wines possible.

Mendoza's Malbecs On The Rise

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 08:29:14 -0700
Friday's Wall Street Journal featured an article on Argentina's Malbec wines and their explosion on the international market. The reviewers did a blind tasting of 60 Malbecs and had glowing reviews for the varietal. Notable favorites were:

We have not left any stone unturned in compiling this article on About Wine

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 15:03:32 -0700
Tempranillo is the premium red wine grape variety from the Rioja region in Spain. It is now challenging Sangiovese as the up and coming star of the red varietal wine scene in Australia.

Forbes list of the most Exotic types of Weed

Thu, 03 May 2007 08:38:15 -0700
This article must be a new low (cough), high for Forbes... "Serious cannabis consumers often exhibit the kind of connoisseurship typical of wine lovers." Slideshow includes price per gram and characteristics of the different varietals.

Forbes List Top 10 Most Exotic Brands Of Weed

Wed, 02 May 2007 11:32:48 -0700
Serious cannabis consumers often exhibit the kind of connoisseurship typical of wine lovers. The exotic varietals on the following slides are all hard to come by, and some pricey.

If You Can't Get To The Award-Winning Wine… LoveWashingtonWine.com Brings The Wine To You

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:00:01 -0700

Wine – 2004 De Bortoli Petit Verdot

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 19:24:53 -0700
With tax time and the impending Vancouver Wine Festival, I find value wines an important thing to fall back on. This is one of my favorites as it is different grape varietals that we don’t see too often around here.It has the classic dark purple black color of many Aussie wines and a really great floral, blueberry nose. It almost has a blu...]

Wine Stoppers
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February 09, 2009 - Wine Appreciation

2009-02-08T22:55:00.001-08:00

Another Great Wine Appreciation Article

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Veneto Region

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Veneto region of northern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you?ll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour.

Veneto is located in northeastern Italy on the Gulf of Venice. The region is mountainous with all kinds of water; rivers, lakes, lagoons, and of course, canals. In its heyday, during the Renaissance (Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries), the Venetian Republic ruled a large part of northern Italy, and was a major player in the world of commerce and culture. Veneto?s present population is about 4.5 million.

Veneto?s capital, Venice, is one of the world?s top tourist destinations, claiming 60 million visitors a year. Its attractions are too numerous to list here. Venice?s neighbor, Padua, is the oldest city in northern Italy. Padua was the home of the famous astronomer Gallileo Gallilei. The metropolitan region encompassing these two cities has over 1.6 million people. Another city of interest is Verona with its numerous Roman and medieval monuments.

Agricultural products include cattle, corn, wheat, sugar beets, and of course grapes. With all the water you can be sure that fish and seafood abound. Rice is more important than pasta, and lovers of sweets will not be disappointed. Industries include textiles, silk, shipbuilding, and sugar refining, but the major industry remains tourism.

Veneto devotes almost 250 thousand acres to grapevines, it ranks 3rd among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is almost 180 million gallons, also giving it a 3rd place. About 45% of the wine production is red or ros?, leaving 55% for white. The region produces 24 DOC wines and 3 DOCG wines, Recioto di Soave, Soave Superiore, and Bardolino Superiore. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine. The G in DOCG stands for Garantita, but there is in fact no guarantee that such wines are truly superior. Almost 30% of Venetian wine carries the DOC or DOCG designation. Veneto is home to about four dozen major and secondary grape varieties, approximately half white and half red.

Widely grown international white grape varieties include Trebbiano, Chardonnay, and Pinot Bianco, known as Pinot Blanc outside of Italy. The best-known strictly Italian white varieties are Garganega and Prosecco.

Widely grown international red grape varieties include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The best-known strictly Italian red varieties are Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara.

Before we reviewing the Veneto wine and cheese that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wine when touring this beautiful region.

Start with Pasta e Fasioli; Pasta and Bean Soup.

Then try Risotto de Scampi; Scampi Risotto.

For dessert indulge yourself with Torta de Paparele; Lemon Tagliatelle Cake.

Wine Reviewed

Corte Gardoni Bianco di Custoza DOC 2004 12.5% alcohol about $8

I?ll start with the marketing materials. ?Floral notes mixed with sweet red Delicious apple and Bosc pear aromatics form the inviting and lifted nose. The flavors are quite different with citrus and green apples coming to the fore. It is light to medium-bodied, providing a tangy finish that would pair well with grilled, firm (tuna or sword) fish.? And now for my thoughts.

This wine was first paired to a commercial chicken pot pie with a bit of chili-lime hot sauce. I tasted some apple. It was quite weak at first, but did pick up some strength from sip to sip.

The next meal was more in line with the marketing suggestions, namely grilled salmon filet with oven-baked potato patties and French fries. While there was some apple taste, essentially the wine didn?t add anything to the meal. However, it went well with dessert, thin biscuits containing almonds and pistachios.

My next trial included chicken legs in a soy and onion sauce with rice and green beans. The wine was not unpleasant but was light and fleeting.

Montasio cheese is a specialty of the Veneto region. It is made from cow?s milk and can have a sharp flavor when it ages. I was happy when the wine was able to handle this strong cheese. It didn?t do as well with an Asiago cheese, also from the Veneto area.

Final verdict, I won?t be buying this wine again, even at its relatively low price.

A synopsis on Wine Appreciation.

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Veneto Region

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Veneto region of northern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you?ll have f...

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Wine Appreciation Products we recommend

Gevrey Chambertin ' -Les Murots

Another great red Burgundy under the Louis Affre of the firm Dufouleur, Pere et Fils in Nuits St. Georges. This Gevrey is from a single-vineyard, "Les Murots", and has the character, body, and intensity of a good Premier Cru. Ripe raspberry fruit mingled with earthy aromas and saddle leather. If you really want good Pinot noir, you have to turn to Burgundy ... this shows you why. MUR98 MUR98

Price: 59.99 USD

Headlines on Wine Appreciation

Appreciation: Akron-born garage rocker Lux Interior was the king of trash-culture (The Cleveland Plain Dealer)

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:46:55 -0800
The Cramps, with Lux Interior far left, in 2003.The trash-culture King is dead. Long live the trash. Lux Interior, singer in legendary trash-rock band the Cramps and a Stow native, passed away late Wednesday in Glendale, Calif., from a...

In the name of the arts Wine and Unwind lecture (Columbia Star)

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:35:04 -0800
The SC Symphony League "First Chair Gourmet Events" started the New Year with "Hold all the Cards," hosted by Meredith McKee on January 12. A gourmet brunch was served followed by a card game of "Hand & Foot." "Bridge at Woodcreek Farms" was held January 29. It was a fun day with lots of bridge playing, followed by door prizes and then we were served a delicious lunch.

A Wine Lover’s Guide to Paris

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:30:24 -0800
It is almost impossible to enjoy Paris fully without a glass of wine. Paris apartments with a view and relaxing walks along the Seine may set the scene for your trip, but experiencing the French gastronomy, the cheeses, the wine, is what will heighten your senses and appreciation for Parisian culture.

Wine & The Single Man

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:28:22 -0800
I've been drinking wine for nearly as long as I've been pining after, dating, kissing, marrying, divorcing, wooing, heartbroken by, cheated on by, lied to by, adoring, and loving women. And here I am today, at 45 years of age, divorced, single, and still drinking wine. What you should glean from this is that I'm probably not the right guy from whom to take advise on women. However, I might just be the guy to take advice on how to incorporate wine into the Single Man's life. There are in fact

Let’s line up for breakfast at Meridian Café

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:06:11 -0800
LEO’s Eats with LouisvilleHotBytes.com (Meridian Café, Maido, Les Relais, Dem Bones) Louisville has always been a breakfast-loving town, it seems, and citizens of Derby City have always had our morning favorites.From Canary Cottage back in our grandparents’ time to the Baby Boomers’ favorite, Lynn’s Paradise Café, and on to such modern attractions as the lovably urban Toast on Market and Wild Eggs (which just opened a second shop in Westport Village), we’re accustomed to queuing up and waiting,

WineAnthology.com will ship these wines for free every day!

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:11:51 -0800
Our customers are important to us. To show our appreciation, we have selected a list of great wines that we have not only reduced in price between 25% and 49%, but will ship by the case to your doorstep for FREE EVERY DAY! You can purchase and ship a case of Pacifico Sur Reserve Pino Noir '07 for only $121.08! Lynch Napa Dan Cabernet '03 -$302.88

Who’s Who in Wine Law (North Bay Business Journal)

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 03:03:17 -0800
The more than two dozen attorneys chosen for the Business Journal’s first Who’s Who in Wine Law represent a range of specialization and a deep appreciation of wine making, often extending to their own vineyards and vintages.

Tasting Notes
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Kosher Wine

02/06/09 - Rice Wine

2009-02-06T16:21:00.001-08:00

Another Great Rice Wine Article

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Trentino-Alto Adige Region

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you?ll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour.

Trentino-Alto Adige is located in the center of Italy?s northern border. It touches both Switzerland and Austria. Among its tourist attractions are the Dolomite mountains, called ?the most beautiful work of architecture even seen? by the famous architect Le Corbusier, glacier lakes, and Alpine forests. In fact the region is composed of two parts, Trentino in the south and Alto Adige in the north. Alto Adige belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire for centuries, where it was known as S?dtirol. Like many other parts of Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige was often invaded. Unlike most other parts of Italy, this area is officially bilingual; a sizable portion of its population about 925 thousand is German speaking.

Trentino-Alto Adige has plentiful forests, and the hillsides are covered with fruit trees. This is Italy?s major apple-producing region. Only about 15% of the land can be cultivated. Agricultural products include corn, wheat, oats, barley, and rye. In addition to beef and dairy cattle, mining and manufacturing are prevalent.

Trento is the administrative center of Trentino and Bolzano is the administrative center of Alto Adige. Both are tourist towns. Trentino was the site of the Council of Trent lasting almost twenty years in the middle of the 16th Century with a major impact on the Catholic Church. Both these cities, and many others in the region, have numerous churches and secular sites of interest to tourists.

Trentino-Alto Adige devotes about thirty thousand acres to grapevines, it ranks 16th among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is about 25 million gallons, giving it a 14th place. About 55% of the wine production is red or ros?, leaving 45% for white. The region produces 8 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine. A whopping 79.1% of Trentino-Alto Adige wine carries the DOC designation, by far the highest percentage in Italy. Trentino-Alto Adige is home to almost four dozen major and secondary grape varieties, about half white and half red.

Widely grown international white grape varieties include Gew?rtztraminer, Pinot Bianco, often called Pinot Blanc outside of Italy, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, often called Pinot Gris outside of Italy, Sylvaner, and M?ller-Thurgau. In fact, some say Gew?rtztraminer originated in the Alto-Adige town of Termeno, known as Tramin in German. Italian white varieties include Nosiola, and Moscato Giallo, Trentino-Alto Adige?s version of the international Moscato (Muscat) grape.

Widely grown international red grape varieties include Pinot Nero, called Pinot Noir outside of Italy, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The best known strictly Italian red varieties are Schiava, Lagrein, Teroldego, and Marzemino.

Before reviewing the Trentino-Alto Adige wine and cheese that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region.
Start with Ravioli della Val Pusteria, Rye Pasta with Spinach and Caraway Seeds. Then try Gulasch de Manzo, Beef, Potato, Onion, and Paprika Stew.
For dessert indulge yourself with Krapfen Tirolesi, Fried Pastry with Marmalade and Powdered Sugar. Did you notice that these specialties seem as Austrian as Italian?

Wine Reviewed

Concilio Pinot Nero Reserva 2002 12.5% alcohol about $15
I?ll start by quoting the marketing materials: ?Pretty aromas of strawberry, pepper and earth lead to flavors that are soft and velvety. Good varietal characteristics demonstrated here in ths light-to-medium bodied, long finishing wine. Match to a grilled salmon or tuna.

And now for my thoughts. This wine has a cherry and tobacco nose and is mildly acidic. It tastes of tobacco. The wine is round, mouth-filling and somewhat robust. It is a bit older than most of the wines in this series, and frankly, it shows. Like many Pinot Noirs, it tasted of earth.

Once in a while I follow the producer?s suggestions. I felt this Pinot Noir was an excellent accompaniment to a grilled Atlantic salmon with steamed asparagus. The fish brought out the wine?s fruit flavors, and the wine did a great job of cutting the fish?s fattiness. I still remember the first time that I drank a Pinot Noir (Oregon, I believe) with salmon at the suggestion of a excellent fish restaurant. It?s a great combination when both the fish and the wine are high quality. I ended this meal with almond milk chocolate, washed down with a bit of wine. This latter combination is not classical, but the result was more than satisfactory.

My next tasting included beef stew and potatoes, zucchini and onions in a tomato sauce, and a commercially prepared moderately spicy ?Turkish? salad based on red pepper, tomato, and onion. The wine was round, mouth-filling, a bit complex. The dominant taste was tobacco. But I was disappointed, the wine was short.

Asiago is a cheese whose characteristics differ widely depending on where it is made, and its aging. I happen to love a local Asiago that my neighborhood supermarket carries once in a while. It is relatively sharp. I am told that Wisconsin Asiago cheese typically has butterscotch undertones. The imported Asiago tasted with this wine was nutty and pleasantly acidic, but frankly not as good as the local version. The cheese brought out the earthy characteristics of the Pinot Noir. Interestingly enough, the wine immediately changed its flavor and became more acidic in the presence of a commercially prepared roasted butternut squash dip.

In a close call, my initial reaction was not to purchase this wine again. Then I changed my mind, I would purchase it again, but be quite careful in pairing the wine. There is a simple solution, serve it with a grilled, preferably Atlantic, salmon.

Rice Wine and More

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Trentino-Alto Adige Region

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that ...

Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Featured Rice Wine Items

California Cabernet " Happy Anniversary" Engraved

A gift out of the ordinary ... Happa Anniversary engraved and hand painted with its special message! This Cabernet Sauvignon from California is a unique gift! ENGA ENGA

Price: 57.99 USD

Rice Wine in the news

Entertainment (The West Australian)

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:26:47 -0800
They may be small but they punch above their weight. With the traditional WA backyard shrinking and the desire for healthy natural edible plants, dwarf fruit trees are the next big thing in gardening.

Dwarf fruit trees prove a big hit (The West Australian)

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:21:56 -0800
They may be small but they punch above their weight. With the traditional WA backyard shrinking and the desire for healthy natural edible plants, dwarf fruit trees are the next big thing in gardenin

Keep Denison Beautiful gateway project continues (The Herald Democrat)

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:55:27 -0800
DENISON -- Building and lot improvements along South Armstrong Avenue continue as Keep Denison Beautiful moves into the third phase of its Gateway Project.

Every Day You Play - Pablo Neruda

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 20:04:00 -0800
Every day you play with the light of the universe. Subtle visitor, you arrive in the flower and the water. You are more than this white head that I hold tightly as a cluster of fruit, every day, between my hands. You are like nobody since I love you. Let me spread you out among yellow garlands. Who writes your name in letters of smoke among the stars of the south? Oh let me remember you as you were before you existed. Suddenly the wind howls and bangs at my shut window. The sky is a ne

New stand is apple of the eye of health conscious (The Arizona Republic)

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:58:42 -0800
Hot dog stands step aside. A Valley businessman has begun offering a healthier option for downtown Phoenix workers on the go: fresh fruits.

Wine Grape
Wine Makers | Wine Making

02/05/09 - Dessert Wine

2009-02-05T00:53:00.001-08:00

Dessert Wine For Your Reading Pleasure

A Quick Guide to White Wines

The color and characteristic of a wine is derived from the grapes used. In this article, we take a quick look at white wines commonly enjoyed by wine enthusiasts.

A Quick Guide to White Wines

When discussing white or red wines, it is always important to remember that much of the discussion falls into a bit of a fuzzy area. Why? Well, white wines are rarely white for the first thing. Second, many a winery actually mixes wines of all varieties together to produce a desired flavor and aroma. Thus, the "white" wine you are drinking may not be entirely white. Having said that, there is little reason to avoid discussing what are traditionally known as white wines.

The dominant grape in the white wines is undisputedly the Chardonnay. It is a rare day you can find any wine drinker who has not sipped more than a few Chardonnay whites. The wine is incredibly popular for a number of reasons. First, there is a lot of it because the vine can be grown practically anywhere and is! Second, the wine is known for an "oak" flavor, which is extremely popular with wine drinkers. Third, the wine is very flexible and can be produced with a wide variety of fruit aromas and flavors. Chardonnay white wines traditionally have been very dry and full bodied. With the wide range of wineries producing vintages, however, a wide variety of flavors and bodies are on the market.

Sauvignon Blanc should either be next or dead last on our list of whites. This is a take it or leave it grape. The taste is sharp and dry. This is a not a wine where you will find fruity mixes and such. It is a classic, traditional white that people either love or hate. Personally, I love it and it goes number two since I am writing this article!

Riesling white wines are next on our list. This is a German wine that is excellent if you buy from a German winery. You can find French and American wineries producing it, but it simply isn't the same. This is a light wine often described as "refreshing" although I must admit I have never understood that term. The Riesling whites take a beating by wine gurus, but you can find this dry, light white to be just the trick. It is markedly different than the Chardonnay, so give it a try.

There are a variety of other white grapes that are used to produce interesting vintages, but we are going to skip them to discuss a less-known grape that is up and coming. The Viognier grape is found in the Rhone Valley in France and is used to produce a flavorful, dry white that is excellent. It is typically a medium body wine with low acidity and often has a fruity aroma to it. It is a personal favorite that I suggest you try.

When it comes to white wines, there is no disputing Chardonnay is the king of the vine. Still, you should make an effort to move beyond the king to discover the interesting other vintages available.

About the Author

Xavier Moldini is with WineriesforYou.com - a directory of wineries.

Dessert Wine and More

A Quick Guide to White Wines

The color and characteristic of a wine is derived from the grapes used. In this article, we take a quick look at white wines commonly enjoyed by wine ...

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Dessert Wine Items For Viewing

Abbaye de Lerins - VDP d'Alpes Cuvee St Honorat

The Monks of the Abbaye de Lerins began producing wine with their arrival on this small Mediterranean island in 400 A.D. While many wars over the century devastated the island, wine has always been produced here (except during a brief Muslim occupation). The Monks, besides their daily duties to God are quite and enterprising group, marketing everything from wine and beer to cd's of their chants, candles, incense, posters and essential oils. The Cuvee St Honorat is the island's dry red wine, made entirely from Syrah. Complex black fruit aromas are dominant on the nose with a hint of Asian spice and wood from a year spent in small oak barrels. Opulent and rich without being heavy, this French wine has a tender and long lasting finish that makes one believe that these vineyards are under the protection of God. Elegant wine gift! ADL02 ADL02

Price: 72.99 USD

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The Best French Christmas Recipes

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:49:10 -0800
Provence, France features not only fields of lavender and at least 7 locally-produced wines, but also centuries-old Christmas cuisine traditions that connect to the Easter Season of the Catholic Church as well. A seven-course meal with 13 desserts afterward is one of these traditions...

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Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:55:46 -0800
Just a calorie chart for the holiday wine drinkers who may be giving up dessert in an attempt to save a pound or two.

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Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:04:18 -0800
Depending on style and alcohol level, certain sweet wines can be enjoyed on their own or with contrasting food elements. Watch this week’s ClassicWines TV episode as Brian gives you the inside scoop regarding dessert wines.

World's Greatest Lasagne

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:09:20 -0800
Lasagne is a very versatile dish and is wonderful served with bread, a favourite salad, and a side vegetable such as broccoli or zucchini slices. For dessert try Spumoni ice cream or a light Tiramisu. A nice wine chose with this recipe would be Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.

USB Port is neither USB nor Port, just amazing

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:19:42 -0700
With the word "Port" now restricted to use by Portuguese wine makers and kin, California-based Peltier Station was forced to come up with this bit of inspirational naming for its dessert wine: USB. Look closely and you'll see that the binary tree actually translates to "Peltier Station" with roots sinking deep into the universally recognized ...

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Wine Attributes

02/02/09 - Drinking Wine

2009-02-02T00:49:00.001-08:00

A Drinking Wine Artilce for Your Viewing

A Guide to Popular Wine Racks

Popular Wine Racks

Wine collecting and drinking is a hugely growing trend. In bygone years, wine appreciation used to be exclusively a man's hobby, but nowadays, women are actually overtaking men when it comes to an interest in all things wine.

Wine racks are popular because wine isn't just about the experience of imbibing the drink.

Wine bottles themselves are elegant and beautiful to look at, and the right wine rack can really add to the visual appreciation of your wine bottles as they await their opening day, whether in a cellar -- or on display in your kitchen or living room.

Wine racks come in all shapes and sizes, and are constructed of different material. In short, it simply comes down to what your preferences are.

There are elegant metal wine racks, whether custom or not, wooden ones -- and even sub variations of wood, such as pine, or cedar -- or you can purchase racks that are built to be placed in wine cellars if you are a more serious collector.

A classy looking wine rack, in short, will add a great deal of sophistication and pleasure to your wine drinking experience, not only for you and your family, but for your guests as well....who will undoubtedly conclude that you are a person with good tastes when they see the work of art that holds your wine.

Regardless if you're a serious collector of wine or just someone who enjoys the occassional bottle, you'll find a wine rack that appeals to you artistically, pragmatically, and financially.

Some hold just a few bottles while some hold many. Some are very inexpensive while some larger ones can be much pricier. Some were obviously made first and foremost for artistic flair, while others will suit more conservative personalities.

Wine racks can be placed prominently for display -- some small ones can be put right on your kitchen table -- or in your pantry. Larger ones can be stored in your wine cellar if you plan to start a long term collection.

The choice of what kind of wine rack you choose will depend upon not only such factors as your personal preferences, but the space you have available.

In summary, knowing your needs and desires will help you decide which kind of wine rack is right for you.

About the Author

Discover the most interested wine racks we've found -- that will fit any budget or tastes -- by visiting our resource: http://www.wine-racks-selection-guide.com

Another short Drinking Wine review

A Guide to Popular Wine Racks

Popular Wine Racks
Wine collecting and drinking is a hugely growing trend. In bygone years, wine appreciation used to be exclusively a man's hobby, bu...

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Measure Liquor Bottle Pourer - Red

Used by professional bartenders these pourers makes concocting drinks a breeze. Reduces spillage and allows for precise pours. Ideal for home bars. Sold in individual units.

Price: 4.95 USD

Headlines on Drinking Wine

Fresh as a Baby's...

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 17:30:00 -0800
The last time I had a "real" ride on any of my horses was one and a half months ago when I rode Bombay over at my neighbor's large ranch. That day she commented that I didn't spend much time in the saddle. I just didn't have the energy to continue riding, because, little did I know at the time, I had caught a virus and was coming down with the world's longest cold. I did ride at home in the round pen a couple of times, but that's hardly a "real" ride. So, today I took Bombay over to my neighb

25 Ways to tell you're grown up...

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 14:56:28 -0800
1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can't smoke any of them. 2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question. 3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.. 4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed. 5. You hear your favorite song in an elevator. 6. You watch the Weather Channel. 7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of "hook up" and "break up." 8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14. 9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up."

In The Papers - Saturday January 31st

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 14:36:42 -0800
Here’s a round-up of the food & drink articles in Toronto’s papers today… Toronto Star: Corey Mintz pays tribute to his recently departed grandmother by ensuring that the food served at her wake is better than the mediocre catered stuff. Gord Stimmell recommends five bottles from today's Vintages release. Mark Bittman whips up some simple and tasty pan-fried chicken. Mike Funson reveals that Mississauga's Foodpath food bank has been handing out food that's well past the best-before date.

Saturday January 31st - The First Rule of Pudding Club

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 12:07:00 -0800
You know that I am a glass half empty kind of girl. You know this.I will attempt however, to start with some of the positive things about our brief foray with freedom.We managed about twelve hours without any children around. By this I mean any at all, not just not ours. There were no children of any description in our immediate environs during the whole of our sojourn.The hotel, rather than being an hour and a half away, and then add a lot for travelling through the Cotswolds in Friday night

The City: Whitney Who?

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 10:44:30 -0800
Tonight on The City: Allie doesn't know whether or not to trust Adam when Cat confronts her about what happened, Olivia and Nevan are bitches, and Whitney's barely in the episode long enough for me to hate what's on her head. What's that smell? You guys, I'm so sorry, I seriously thought The City was on hiatus, but it's not. And I'm sad. But you know what's even sadder? The Shitty was just renewed for a second season! Ugh, thanks a lot, Satan! This is the look on my face right now.

Fine Wine
Fruit Baskets
Wine Terminology

January - Wine Developers

2009-01-25T12:37:00.001-08:00

A Wine Developers Artilce for Your Viewing

Ruster Ausbruch: the Exquisite Dessert Wine from Austria

Ruster Ausbruch is a rare, specialty sweet dessert wine which hails from Austria. First, let's look at the name itself: Ruster is pronounced "rooster", like the bird, and it simply means that the wine comes from the town of Rust (pronounced roost), which is in the Burgenland region of Austria. Ausbruch is pronounced ahs-brook, and comes from the German word Ausbrechen, which means to "break out." There are a number of dessert wines from different countries called Ausbruch, and it refers to the method used to select the grapes during harvest: grapes which have been affected by botrytis cinerea (also known as noble rot) are "broken out" of the bunch to be used, leaving the clean, un-affected grapes behind. When you come across a sweet wine labeled "Noble," it is this precious mold they are talking about.

The quality of these wines depends upon how meticulously this selection process it is done. The simplest way involves taking two buckets and making one pass at the vines, roughly separating the merely ripe grapes from those affected by noble rot.

The more labor intensive way involves going through the vineyard day after day, sometimes as much as a dozen times, and only picking the most perfectly noble-rotted grapes with each pass and leaving the rest on the vine until they, too, reach rotted perfection. With this method, even the most experienced picker will collect only about enough grapes to produce 20 liters of wine with each pass. In fact, winemaker Michael Wenzel of the Wenzel Winery tells of a year when it took a team of 7 harvesters working full-time for 10 days to pick enough grapes for a mere 300 liters of this precious wine.

Production then goes something like this: maceration generally takes between a half to 2 days, depending upon the quality of the nobly rotted grapes. Next comes a gentle run through the press. The must is then left to ferment until it reaches around 12% alcohol, which takes approximately four months. The wines are then aged in wooden casks or oak barrels, the length of time and type of barrel used depending upon the style of the vintner

Precious few Ruster Ausbruch wines are currently imported to the United States, and they can be difficult to locate at your local wine shop. Two outstanding producers to look for are the Feiler-Artinger winery, which just celebrated its 100-year anniversary, and the Wenzel winery, whose family have been making wine in Rust since 1647. Both can be found online at the Austrian specialty wine shop Winemonger, which offers at least 6 different varieties of Ruster Ausbruch dessert wine at last count. Two other good resources for locating these wines are wine-searcher.com and winezap.com.

Last year, Wine Enthusiast magazine named the 2001 Wenzel SAZ Ruster Ausbruch wine to it's "Top 100 Wines in the World" list, a wine which vintner Michael Wenzel describes this way: "This is the flagship of our Ruster Ausbruch wines. "Saz" stands for the historically important lage [vineyard area] on our property. The idea was to create a Ruster Ausbruch from grapes that have been the traditional combination used for hundreds of years: 60% Furmint, 40% In the glass it is a beautiful sparkly yellow. The nose is immensely fruity, with notes of apricot and citrus fruits. An explosion of fruits. On the palate you are overwhelmed by the finesse of the acid that carries the wine and builds the backbone for long cellaring potential. The 2001 Saz was aged for 18 months in new wood barrels."

What is the cellar potential for a Ruster Ausbruch? Vintner Kurt Feiler, from the Feiler-Artinger winery, describes their passage into maturity this way: "The Ruster Ausbruch has a cellaring potential of up to 50, 60 years. It shows well in the first 2 years, then closes down in year 3 for about a year, and then opens back up with fruit and more complexity on the palate; more rounded and integrated. It will hold at this perfect taste for another 15 years and then slows development as it moves into its ripening period. The sweet impression of the sugar reduces during this final period, developing a more crispy, slightly drier finish. For our Ruster Ausbruch blends every grape is picked single varietal, at different times, and then after fermentation they are blended. This also helps us to control the final feeling."

One might be tempted to serve such a sweet dessert wine alongside the dessert course, but both Michael Wenzel and Kurt Feiler recommend different route: pair these wines with something savory, such as a blue-veined cheese or some prepared foie gras. If you do elect to serve it with dessert, they would recommend keeping it simple and not-too-sweet, such as a white cake or ripe fruits. Or better yet, serve a glass of Ruster as the entire dessert course. This is one dessert wine that can certainly stand alone, and deserves to do so.

These rare and exquisite wines are a must for the dessert wine connoisseur, and a knockout for the sweet wine novice.

About the Author

Emily Schindler is a wine importer based in Los Angeles. To read more of her wine writing, or to find the wines she imports, go to http://www.winemonger.com

Another short Wine Developers review

Ruster Ausbruch: the Exquisite Dessert Wine from Austria

Ruster Ausbruch is a rare, specialty sweet dessert wine which hails from Austria. First, let's look at the name itself: Ruster is pronounced "rooster"...

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Ch La Lagune Haut-Medoc 3rd Cru Classee

"Elegant and fresh with a minty, berry character. Medium-bodied and delicious to drink now.--" -Wine Spectator - Rating: 89 "Will the fruit outlast the tannin? This firm, austere, tannic wine exhibits spicy, vanilla-tinged oak and ripe fruit, a good attack, and a medium-bodied, elegant personality. Approaching full maturity, it will keep for another 10-15 years." Bottles have Damaged Labels- OWC (Subject to availability) LLN85 LLN85

Price: 145.99 USD

Wine Developers in the news

You won't meet prince charming at happy hour

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:50:03 -0700
Quirky online dating tips - In between working 60 hours a week, feeding your cat and getting your hoo ha waxed, it seems there is never enough time to date. You’ve had no luck meeting prince charming at happy hour and the wine section at your local grocery store has produced no leads. What’s a girl to do? Try online dating.

Wine Bars Grow Up and Squeeze In

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:55:18 -0700
Wine bars have been proliferating throughout New York, offering wines by the glass and simple bites with homespun charms.

Festivals on the German Wine Route

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:53:32 -0700
The German Wine Route in the Palatinate wine region is known for its charming wine villages, wine festivals (Weinfeste), castles and Roman fortresses.The Wurstmarkt (Sausage Festival) in Bad Duerkheim in September and the German Wine Harvesting Festival in Neustadt, where the German Wine Queen is crowned, are visited by hundreds of thousands.

Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Quartage 2006

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:09:03 -0700
The Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Quartage is always an elegant style of cabernet for the Barossa Valley and I suspect there s a fair bit of high-altitude fruit in it. the dark-berry flavours are explosive and the wine combines elegance with power. Oak plays a secondary, supportive role and the fruit has brightness and great charm.

The Verandah Cafe Singapore

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:35:56 -0800
Inspired by the atmosphere of the European cafés that we visited during our flying days, we decided to create The Verandah Café @ Asian Civilisations Museum - a place that exudes a quiet charm and relaxing ambience, a place that our customers can indulge in food, drinks, wine, art and music all under one roof.

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The B&B offers a refreshing mix and taste of old Southern charm and modern Wine Country hospitality, with a personal touch a far cry from the checkin-checkout hotel chains and resort monstrosities that dot the landscape.

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2009 - Sparkling Wines

2009-01-22T04:45:00.001-08:00

Another Great Sparkling Wines Article

Great Coffee Is Like Fine Wine

To the true coffee connoisseur, the beans, roast and resulting aromas and flavors are not unlike fine wine. Rich, rewarding and full of flavor, good brews are meant to be savored, enjoyed and taken in.

To drink too fast or too slow without enjoying the bouquet and the richness of flavor would be a breach of etiquette. To this type of coffee drinker, a coffee bean isn't ready for the grinder until it's been roasted to its absolute perfection. Whether a subtle light roast or a robust dark, the expertise of the roaster at flavoring the bean is crucial for a good cup of coffee.

But, for the rest of the world, coffee is coffee. Despite this, people know the brands, the flavors and the mixes they like. Whether it's X name brand from the can or Y type of beans, freshly roasted and ground, the type and style of coffee people like has become highly personalized.

With literally hundreds of choices of brands, flavors, roasts and additives, it's no wonder coffee has become a very personalized venture. Served warm, hot and even iced with a milkshake twist, there's a coffee to match just about every type of taste.

Some of the most popular coffees on the market today include:

* Regular American light roast. This subtle flavored creation is the mainstay of most American drinkers. Less bold than its European counterparts, the key to this flavor is a quick roasting time.
* Dark. Whether medium or full-dark in roasting, these varieties are stronger and bolder than the American blends. They are kept in the roaster longer to ensure a richer flavor is released from the beans. Espresso dark, however, is kept in the longest right to the point of burn.
* Iced. This confection can be full flavored coffee or mixed with ice cream, cream, sugar and more. A treat touted by restaurants ranging from fast-food joints to coffeehouses and beyond, iced coffee is a big sensation on the market now.
* Flavored coffee. Infused with the aromas of other flavors right after the roasting phases, these beans take on an array of flavors. They can include fruit flavors, nuts, chocolate, vanilla and more. The sky's almost the limit here when it comes to choices.

Whether you like a plain old cup of coffee with a little bit of cream or straight up dark roast black with no sugar, if you're a coffee lover, there's little doubt you like it your way. Coffee drinkers are found the world over and this "club" is responsible for making the bean the world's second largest commodity.

About the Author

Paul Duxbury writes extensively on Coffee. You can read more of his articles at Gourmet Coffee

Short Review on Sparkling Wines

Great Coffee Is Like Fine Wine

To the true coffee connoisseur, the beans, roast and resulting aromas and flavors are not unlike fine wine. Rich, rewarding and full of flavor, good b...

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Wine Enthusiast Magazine Wine Buying Guide Book 2005

Introducing our all-new 2005 Wine Enthusiast Magazine Wine Buying Guide Book. This great new pocket-sized volume contains over 4 000 wine ratings from the most recent issues of Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Each entry includes the wine’s 100-point scale rating the full review and suggested retail price. It’s perfect for taking with you when you shop dine or travel. And of course you’ll find this handy guide to be a perfect addition to your home wine library so order yours today. Soft cover. 492 pages. Measures 81⁄2'H x 5'W.

Price: 19.95 USD

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Champagne bottle sizes 2

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 13:46:17 -0800
Here is a handy size chart for bottles of Wine and Champagne.

Make Time for Romance this Valentine's Day Weekend at Marriott and Renaissance Hotels Worldwide

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:00:01 -0800
Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) January 8, 2009 -- Table for two? Valentine's Day falls on Saturday this year - a perfect excuse for a http://www.marriott.com/specials/default.mi romantic weekend getaway...

2009: The Year in Preview/By Mike Ball

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:39:37 -0800
So now the champagne bottles are in the recycling bin, most of the confetti is in the trash bag and we have bid a fond farewell to the year gone by as it swirled festively down the old toilet. That means that it’s time once again for my annual Year In Preview edition.

Cristal champagne

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 04:25:22 -0800
Cristal champagneHere is what you guys should know about Cristal champagne.Cristal is the brand name of a well-known champagne produced by Louis Roederer. Cristal is easily recognized by its flat-bottomed clear, “crystal” bottle, anti-UV cellophane wrapper, and gold label. A typical price in the United States is $350 or more1] for a bottle.

Australian Wine
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Monday - Wine Refrigerators

2009-01-19T17:12:00.001-08:00

Today's Wine Refrigerators Article

A Glimpse at Popular Wine Makers

For centuries now, vintners and great wine makers have been tirelessly fermenting grapes, other fruits and flowers to produce the wine that is served at feasts, parties and dinner tables. Cultivating an appreciation of wine is a growing trend in the US. Shops specializing in wine are appearing throughout the country, not just in the traditional vineyard regions of California, Oregon, and Virginia. People who may not have grown up around wine are now drawn not only to sampling but also to collecting it. Tasting parties and special wine pairing events are a common theme in restaurants and in the home. With this comes an increase in interest in home storage. While proper storage can help wines become even more exquisite, improper storage can lead to ruined wine.

There are thousands of varieties or types of wine to choose from. White, sparkling, red or rose wine are just some of the ?colors? that you can choose from.

Wine making is a very lucrative venture because there is a worldwide market. France, Italy, Australia, Spain, Chile and the United States have their share of the worldwide market and are the leading countries which export and produce wine.

Meanwhile, South Africa, Argentina, Portugal and Germany aren't far behind.

California is the state which boasts the most of wine producers in the US. Vineyards are mostly found in Sonoma Valley, Monterey, Paso Robles, Santa Ynez and Napa Valley.

Here are just some of the popular wine makers in the country:

1. Greenvale Vineyards & Winery

This vineyard is located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. They produce red and white wines located from grapes which are locally grown. Chardonnays and Cabernets are produced from the fertile soils of Greenvale Vineyards.

2. The Mount Pleasant Winery

Located north of St. Louis in Augusta, the Mount Pleasant Vineyards and Winery produces the best wine out of quality grapes. With Chambourcin grapes, a Nouveau-like wine is aged and fermented. Chambourcin is a type of red grape grown mostly in states located on the East.

3. Domaine Drouhin

Located in the Red Hills of the Dundee in Oregon, this vineyard claims a sense of history since it is owned by the Drouhin family. Their wine has received worldwide recognition due to class and quality. The Pinot Noir wines that they produce have the distinct flavors of berries and vanilla for an exquisite taste.

Learn the art of Wine Tasting

4. Savannah Chanelle Vineyards

Located in the mountains of Santa Cruz in California, the Savannah Chanelle vineyards produce Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is mostly produced in the vast vineyards of Savannah Chanelle and are on the top of the list when it comes to this type of wine.

5. Chappellet Winery

California, being the wine-producing state in the US, includes the Napa Valley region.

This is where the Chappellet Winery is located and they produce Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This winery produces wines which undergo as little processing as possible.

6. Sanford Winery

This vineyard is located in Buellton, California in the Santa Ynez valley. They make Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

When deciding which wine to serve your family, consider the bottles produced by such popluar wine makers and you can't go wrong.

Art of Wine Tasting.

Wine Tasting for beginners

Wine Refrigerators and More

A Glimpse at Popular Wine Makers

For centuries now, vintners and great wine makers have been tirelessly fermenting grapes, other fruits and flowers to produce the wine that is served ...

Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

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Concerto Wine Saver System Extra Stoppers (Set of 2)

Extra stoppers for Vacu-Vin 'Concerto'. Sets of 2.

Price: 5.99 USD

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MERLOVE An indie film and lavish wine tasting

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:17:08 -0800
Haskell's Fine Wine & Spirits and Sacre Bleu Wine presents the Minneapolis premier of the documentary film MERLOVE, Thursday, February 19th at the Ritz Theater Minneapolis.Tickets for the evening are only $20 per person and available exclusively at the Ritz Theater box office or online at http://www.communitytix.com/cgi-bin/order2

Choosing a Good Wine

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:02:42 -0800
A good wine is one that has aged well and you can taste the smooth flavors that are present in the wine. With the many different wines that are available you should be able to find one that will appeal to your taste. You will be able to see the various good white wines and the red wines that are available. Before you decide to buy any of these wine

Cooking with...Semen? A semen cookbook.

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:34:35 -0800
Semen is not only nutritious, but it also has a wonderful texture and amazing cooking properties. Like fine wine and cheeses, the taste of semen is complex and dynamic.

HOW TO THROW A WINE TASTING PARTY

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:31:04 -0800
This article is all about throwing a wine tasting party. Everything from choosing a theme to deciding what types of foods to serve with what types of wines.

Embodi Gives the Nutrients of Red Wine Without the Alcohol

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:21:52 -0800
I wonder how good it actually tastes though

I want to taste this wine anyone tried these whites.

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:15:40 -0800
Looking for information on Vin du Jura white wines. Sounds like a very different taste, love or hate. Anyone tasted these. Thanks Suzylah

Local Kitchen & Wine Merchant Tasting

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:00:12 -0800
Nirvino kicked off it's first monthly wine event at Local Kitchen and Wine Merchant on April 4th, 2008

Temecula Wineries
Wine Linux | Wine Liquor

Friday 01/16/09 - Wine Tours

2009-01-16T07:13:00.001-08:00

A Wine Tours Artilce for Your Viewing

Wine Cork Recycling

When a person thinks of cork, they may think of a variety of things. Some people may think of the material used for bulletin boards, while some may think of material used for coasters. Others, thoroughly confused, may simply think of cork as the other white meat. Chances are, however, when most people think of cork, they think of wine. Part of each others' lives, the two are nearly inseparable, especially without a wine opener.

What is Cork?

It would be easy to define a cork with a simple, unrefined answer. We could say that cork is a lightweight, inert substance providing blockage of liquids and leave it at that. But, because cork is an elemental part of wine, it is bestowed with certain elegance and sophistication. For this reason, wine cork deserves a more grandiose introduction: Cork hails from the bark of the Cork Oak tree, Quercus Suber. Produced extensively in Portugal, cork enjoys being fire resistant, providing insulation, and the company of fine alcohol.

Since cork is very elastic and impermeable, it makes a great bottle stopper; for cork, just like for many of us, wine was destiny. Its adaptability, additionally, makes it an easy material to compress without change to the original shape. It was these qualities that intrigued Dom Perignon, a French Benedictine monk, to use cork in a bottle of champagne, thus influencing the world of wine from that moment on.

How Do Wine Corks Affect the Environment?

Wine corks are environmentally friendly, like a material that is always willing to lend a helping hand or an encouraging word to the ecosystem. This makes wine corks stand out from other forms of packaging, forms that often hinder their surroundings rather than help them.

Wine corks are biodegradable, natural, and renewable. They also don't go to waste, with each aspect of a wine cork having the potential to become something else. Even cork dust can be used for fuel and cork residue can be used to make other cork products.

Cork forests, where cork oak trees reside, are important to the balance of the ecosystems with several species, including endangered species, calling these forests home.

What is Wine Cork Recycling?

Many places, such as Europe and Australia, have programs set up for wine cork recycling. Dropping wine corks off in designated areas, the wine corks are granulated and turned into products such as pin boards, tile, engine gaskets, hockey balls, safety mats, and boat decks. Recently, wine cork has even been used in rocket technology.

Because wine cork is one of the easier materials to recycle, there seems little reason to not recycle it. However, the US does not routinely engage in wine cork recycling, leaving some environmentalists to wonder why.

This wonderment, not limited to individuals, has been adopted by a few US based companies. One of these companies, Yemm and Hart, a firm specializing in the recycling of products, is conducting an experiment asking for wine corks that they can recycle. Theorizing that cork is a valuable resource that should not go to waste, Yemm and Hart plan to begin manufacturing tack boards, coasters, plaques, and floor tiles all made from wine cork.

What Are Creative Ways to Recycle Wine Cork?

If the concept of wine cork recycling catches on, recycling wine cork in the US may someday be as simple as recycling newspapers or soda cans. In the meantime, however, those who live in America can recycle their wine corks through a few creative means.

While some people have donated wine corks to children's museums, for use in displays and dioramas, others have made wreaths and decorative pieces out of old wine corks. Some people wire together wine corks and make hot pads while others suggest gluing sliced wine corks to the bottom of vases and knickknacks, as a means to keep these items from scratching tables and shelves. People have even found old wine corks useful as door stops, knife scrubbers, and pin cushions.

Just as wine should never go to waste, neither should wine corks. A highly useable material, there are several ways wine corks can be recycled, even if it's not routinely done on a national level. With all the kinds of packaging that can destroy the Earth, cork is an exception. A special material, cork is able to protect wine and the world by putting a stop to wastefulness.

Jennifer Jordan is the senior editor at http://www.savoreachglass.com. With a vast knowledge of wine etiquette, she writes articles on everything from how to hold a glass of wine to how to hold your hair back after too many glasses. Ultimately, she writes her articles with the intention that readers will remember wine is fun and each glass of anything fun should always be savored.

A Short Wine Tours Summary

Wine Cork Recycling

When a person thinks of cork, they may think of a variety of things. Some people may think of the material used for bulletin boards, while some may th...

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Wine Tours Items For Viewing

Chrome Wing Style Corkscrew

The classic chrome wing spiral corkscrew makes opening wine bottles a breeze.

Price: 4.99 USD

Wine Tours in the news

The Wine Aficionado Gift Basket

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:19:59 -0800
This is a generous gift of four wines: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot & Cabernet all from the West Coast famed wine regions; & an assortment of gourmet foods. Packaged in a handsome quilted suede tote with leather trim, it is sure to impress. Take a tour of the West Coast's famed winegrowing regions with this generous gift featuring four noteworthy

Characteristics Of Pinot Noir Grapes And Wines

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:10:00 -0800
It can’t be denied that wine is one of the most important and the most popular drinks in the world. In fact, it has become an important part of our society.

Waiting for Jesus to Turn the Water into Wine

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:54:55 -0800
Some of the 1,500 ml bottles of 2007 D'Aquino Pinot Grigio delle Venezie are nothing but water. It was a human error basically, it wasn't a tampering issue at all, the problem was at the bottling plant where the bottles are flushed out with water. "I guess someone was waiting for Jesus to turn it into wine," the VP of Quality Assurance joked.

Ymmy Wine Salami from Volpi Foods.

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:33:55 -0800
A friend just sent me some fabulous wine salami's from Volpi Foods. One is made with Chianti and the other with Pinot Grigio. Here's an article from their web site about it. It's cute, they call it Volpizazzi.

Despite Economy, Oregon Wine Benefit !Salud! Raises Over $735,000

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:01 -0800

Online Wine Sales Deliver a Personalized Experience, Shifting Industry Trends

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:01 -0800

Chumeia Vineyards Souper Wine Friday

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:08:04 -0800
Take the chill off Winter with our complimentary soup and wine pairings. On Friday, January 9th, taste our featured Cream of Mushroom soup and Pinot Noir Argentina 2005 pairing from noon to 5pm. Deli case stocked with assorted cheese and salami for picnicking and picnic grounds available.Visit www.chumeiavineyards.com

California Wineries
Wine Industry
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January - Ice Wine

2009-01-13T00:51:00.001-08:00

Today's Ice Wine Article

Tasting Wine The Next Time You Go Out

Tasting techniques and the relationship between smell and taste.

Why swish? While it was originally thought that certain regions on the tongue detected specific flavors, we now know this is not true.

The front and back of the tongue contain the taste buds and rather than specializing in a particular taste sensation, all taste buds are capable of detecting sweet, sour, bitter and salty flavors, although there may be some slight differences in sensitivity. So that you get the most out of your taste buds, when wine tasting, swish the wine around your mouth, which will allow all of your taste buds (and your sense of smell) to participate in the detection of the finer flavors of the wine.

Smell and Taste

Have you ever tried desperately to detect flavor from a food or beverage when you had a terrible cold? You probably tasted very little, if anything at all. Research indicates that 70 to 75% of what we taste is actually due to our sense of smell. Specialized "aroma" nerves in the nose are necessary to identify tastes more subtle than sweet, sour, bitter and salty. Smell and taste go hand-in-hand when wine tasting . . . without your sense of smell you would be unable to detect the delicate flavors of chocolate, herbs or smoke in your wine.

Wine Tasting Techniques

Wine tasting is not just like art, it is an art. While wine tasting can be subjective in nature, wine connoisseurs follow some general "guidelines" when judging a wine. It's very easy to learn the techniques of wine tasting, and if you already enjoy wine, learning the nuances will simultaneously increase the pleasure you derive from tasting.

The three steps in wine tasting are: Look, Smell, and Taste.

Look

You can tell much about a wine simply by studying its appearance. The wine should be poured into a clear glass and held in front of a white background (a tablecloth or piece of paper will serve nicely) so that you can examine the color.

The color of wine varies tremendously, even within the same type of wine. For example, white wines are not actually white; they range from green to yellow to brown. More color in a white wine usually indicates more flavor and age, although a brown wine may have gone bad. Where as time improves many red wines, it ruins most white wines. Red wines are not just red; they range from a pale red to a deep brown red, usually becoming lighter in color as they age.

Rim color

You can guess the age of a red wine by observing its "rim." Tilt the glass slightly and look at the edge of the wine. A purple tint may indicate youth while orange to brown indicates maturity.

Swirling

Swirling the wine serves many purposes, but visually it allows you to observe the body of the wine. "Good legs" may indicate a thicker body and a higher alcohol content and/or sweetness level.

Smell

Swirl your wine. This releases molecules in the wine allowing you to smell the aroma, also called the bouquet or nose. The two main techniques that wine tasters use are:

1.) Take a quick whiff and formulate an initial impression, then take a second deeper whiff or

2.) Take only one deep whiff.

Either way, after you smell the wine, sit back and contemplate the aroma. Don't try to "taste" the wine yet, concentrate only on what you smell.

It may be difficult to describe in words when you're a novice, but after trying many wines you ill notice similarities and differences. Sometimes a certain smell will be very strong with underlying hints of other smells. Take your time. By labeling an aroma you will probably remember it better. You may even want to keep a notebook of your impressions of wines, and save the labels; next time you see the wine you won't have to purchase it to know if you like it . . . or you don't!

Taste

The most important quality of a wine is its balance between sweetness and acidity. To get the full taste of a wine follow the following three steps:

1. Initial taste (or first impression): This is where the wine awakens your senses (your taste buds respond to sensations).

2. Taste: Slosh the wine around and draw in some air (even if you do look funny in front of your dinner guests). Examine the body and texture of the wine. Is it light or rich? Smooth or harsh?

3. Aftertaste: The taste that remains in your mouth after you have swallowed the wine. How long did the taste last? Was it pleasant?

After tasting the wine, take a moment to value its overall flavor and balance. Is the taste appropriate for that type of wine? If the wine is very dry, is it supposed to be?

Some serious wine connoisseurs assign a point score to a wine to determine its quality. While this method can be useful, it is in no way necessary to determine a quality wine. The more different wines you try, and the more attention you pay to each wine, the better you will become at ascertaining and describing each wine's characteristics.

About the Author:

Gerald Crawford: born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa and the United Kingdom. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: gerald@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za

A synopsis on Ice Wine.

Tasting Wine The Next Time You Go Out

Tasting techniques and the relationship between smell and taste.Why swish? While it was originally thought that certain regions on the tongue detected...

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Recommended Ice Wine Items

The FTD Touching Thoughts Arrangement - Premium

Bright yellows and oranges burst forth in this uplifting vased bouquet of roses, mums, and carnations. C21-3122P

Price: 76.99 USD

Current Ice Wine News

Favorite spots on the Web (Billings Gazette)

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:56:11 -0800
The Web put the world at our fingers, but it left some of us a bit befuddled by the multitude of nooks and crannies to explore. So many spots, so little time to surf. ...

Stain Rx - Stain Remover for red wine, food, blood, iodine

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:19:25 -0800
Stain Rx is the Ultimate Stain Remover for Red Wine, Food, Blood, Iodine, Grass, Fruit Stains and more.

Ultimate Stain Remover - Stain Rx - Red Wine, Food, Blood

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:16:35 -0800
Stain Rx is the Ultimate Stain Remover for Red Wine, Food, Blood, Iodine, Grass, Fruit Stains and more. Stain Rx does not contain any harsh oxidizing agents such as peroxide or chlorine bleach, which may adversely affect fabric.

Forced cybernation (The Durango Telegraph)

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:05:07 -0800
2009-01-08

Wine Bottle
Chianti Wine
Jordan Wine

January - Kosher Wine

2009-01-10T12:00:00.001-08:00

A Kosher Wine Artilce for Your Viewing

La Rioja - Spain's Wine Capital

Descending from the foothills of the Sierra del Moncayo in North East Spain is La Rioja - Spain's smallest region. It is an area renowned for its natural beauty and, of course, for its wines. Flanked by mountains to its north and south - and with the River Ebro running through it - La Rioja benefits from a unique microclimate. The land here is protected from cold winds and low temperatures, making it a very special place in which to grow vines. Indeed, the first thing you notice on entering the region is the uninterrupted view of vineyards that seem to spread across the rolling countryside.

Three distinct wine-growing areas exist in La Rioja. In the far east, and stretching across the regional border into Navarra, is Rioja Baja. This is the hottest and driest part of the region. The soils are also very fertile, making it a prime location in which to grow the Garnacha grape.

Coming westwards we find the Rioja Alavesa region. Here the climate is moderated by cooler breezes that descend from the mountains. The soils in Rioja Alavesa are of the calcareous clay variety and lend themselves well to producing the finest of La Rioja's red wines from the Tempranillo grape.

Rioja Alta is the third wine-growing area in La Rioja. The climate here is much cooler and wetter owing to its height and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The soil composition in Rioja Alta is similar to that of Rioja Baja. It is the climate though that has the biggest impact on wines from this area.

Visiting La Rioja Wineries

As you might very well imagine, La Rioja is packed full of wineries to visit. Logrono and Haro should top the list, but don't ignore the more rural areas. Visitors can expect a warm welcome at whichever winery is chosen.

Getting to La Rioja

Bilbao on the North Spanish coast is the nearest international airport to La Rioja. From there the region can be reached within a couple of hours. Closer in there are small domestic airports. Vitoria and Zaragoza are both served by the international airports at Madrid and Barcelona. Car hire can be booked in advance for pick up at any of these airports by visiting www.your-carhire.com

About the Author

Seb Jay is a freelance writer specializing in the origination of web content for http://www.your-carhire.com

Short Review on Kosher Wine

La Rioja - Spain's Wine Capital

Descending from the foothills of the Sierra del Moncayo in North East Spain is La Rioja - Spain's smallest region. It is an area renowned for its natu...

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Kosher Wine Products we recommend

The FTD Solemn Offering Arrangement - Deluxe

A traditional sympathy arrangement in white. This elegant arrangement features white calla lilies and white spider chrysanthemums accented with Bells of Ireland, white snapdragons, and white carnations. Appropriate to send to a home or to a funeral S3-3490D

Price: 164.99 USD

Kosher Wine in the news

Exclusive Corporate Wine Tasting Events London UK

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 02:24:04 -0700
Our wine tasting events are completely bespoke, from providing sommeliers’ service, to organizing the full wine tasting event with the provision of wines, wine expert speakers, materials, and food.

Mouthwash or hogwash?

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:06:58 -0700
Waking up with the unpleasant hum of dog breath is far from uncommon. Experts seem pretty unanimous in their view that a mouthwash alone is not the answer...mouthwash abuse is increasingly common among alcoholics - not only does it contain as much as 27 per cent alcohol, compared with about 12 per cent for a typical bottle of wine

Red Wines 101

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:05:31 -0700
If you don’t know much about red wines, learning these wines and knowing what foods to pair it up with is a good step in the right direction. You’ll be an expert in no time.

Atomic Boffins Spot Fake Wines

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:28:38 -0700
A rare wine merchant has joined forces with nuclear scientists to develop a 21st-century tool for unmasking counterfeit vintage wines.The technique developed by French scientists for a British wine expert consists of zapping bottles with beams of charged ions generated by a particle accelerator.

Anyone can be a wine expert — just ask Keith Wallace.

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:49:44 -0700
Picking the perfect vintage can be a frustrating venture — the employees at PLCB stores are often unhelpful; labels on the bottles can be harder to decode than the exemptions for Philadelphia's smoking ban; and experimenting with different wines gets expensive.

Wine Kits
Linux Users
Wine Tasting,Uk | Wine Terminology

Wednesday January 07, 2009 - Napa Wine

2009-01-07T17:52:00.001-08:00

Today's Napa Wine Article

Choosing a Wine Gift Basket

Choosing a Wine Gift Basket

by: Peter

During the holiday season, most of us are in a frantic search for presents for loved ones and friends. Next time, instead of the usual hassle of selecting a gift which will suit him or her, try sending a wine gift basket instead. Wine gift basketsare a perfect present for both men and women and suit every occasion e.g. Birthdays, Weddings etc. The information below will help you select an appropriate wine gift for that special occasion.

Who will be receiving the wine gift basket?

Men will prefer a bottle of wine, which they can open and drink immediately or store in their own wine cabinet (The smile when he or she unwraps the present to discover a 1990 Bordeaux is priceless) whereas women are usually more delighted with a wine accessory e.g. Corkscrew, Crystal Wine glasses or a decanter. Below are the four basic questions you need to ask yourself before you shop for a wine gift.

What is the occasion?

Different wine gift baskets are suitable for various occasions. Wine gift baskets are a favorite for parties. The numerous items within will allow everyone to enjoy the gift and enjoy the wine with delicious tidbits as well. Wine merchants also have wine gift baskets for special occasions such as Valentine's Day, Christmas etc.

What is your budget?

Most nifty wine gift baskets can be had for $25-$50 although fine wines will be more expensive. Wine gifts often include cheese and chocolates (a favorite with children). Just remember it is the thought that counts!

What is their knowledge of Wine?

If the wine gift is for a beginning wine enthusiast, then a well-written book on enjoying wine will be an excellent gift whereas an expert wine enthusiast might enjoy having a stopper for the half empty bottle of wine. Try to find a wine gadget that he does not already own, most people will be touched by the thoughtfulness of your gift. The wine gadget will also remind him/her of your friendship each time he enjoys a bottle of fine wine.

About The Author

Peter is an wine enthusiast who has created his own website which offers information on Wine Cabinets and fine wine.

url@fine-wine-guide.com

Thoughts about Napa Wine

Choosing a Wine Gift Basket

Choosing a Wine Gift Basket by: PeterDuring the holiday season, most of us are in a frantic search for presents for loved ones and friends. Next ...

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Featured Napa Wine Items

The FTD New Morning Bouquet - Standard

This striking white arrangement features an assortment of elegant flowers. White calla lilies, white roses, white freesia, and more are artfully arranged in a unique glass vase. Limited availability. C15-3447S

Price: 136.99 USD

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Decanting Napa Valley Offers New Resource For Upscale Wine Country Traveler And Connoisseur

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:01 -0700

Visit 17 Napa Valley Wine Tasting Rooms - on Foot - on the Napa WineWalk

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:01 -0700

Napa Valley Wine Tour and California Wine Tour Perfect Excursion for California Tourists

Thu, 04 Nov 2004 00:00:01 -0800

Wine Country Travel Professionals Offer the Only Wine Country Tour by Wine Country Insiders.

Thu, 02 Sep 2004 00:00:01 -0700

Wine Caddy
Wine Varietal
Red Wines | Renault Winery

January - Vintage Wine

2009-01-04T00:38:00.001-08:00

Today's Vintage Wine Article

Exquisite History of Wines

To make a white wine, once grapes are brought to the winery they are de-stemmed and crushed before anything else is done. A machine is used to split the grapes to remove stems and stalks from each bunch because they contain astringent tannins, which might be acceptable for red wines, but are rare in whites. To stop the fermentation process from starting and turning the grapes brown and oxidizing a chemical called Sulphur Dioxide is added to the grapes. For those with allergies to Sulphur Dioxide, ???sulphur-free??? wine is produced as well, however the lifespan on this wine is much shorter and needs to be consumed quickly.

Wine has been called the elixir of happiness ??? and not without good reason. It is hard to imagine any party or celebration without any representative from the vine. This is probably why people have always assumed that wine was born right next to man.

But how did wine really originate? Who came up with the idea of fermenting fruits with the purpose of making the alcoholic beverages?

Records of the use of wine go back all the way to ancient Egypt in 2500 BC. But it is not implausible that wine was used earlier than that. Evidence seems to point to the Ancient Middle Eastern civilizations as the originators of wine.

Early man probably stumbled upon the wonders that fermentation did to fruits (especially grapes with its high sugar content). Archaeological excavations have unearthed ancient wineries and fermenting pools. This is a testament to the popularity and early knowledge about wines.

Learn the art of Wine Tasting

Wine, for that matter, has been used for a startling variety of purposes. In the early days, aside from being the choice beverage for celebrations, wine was also used symbolically in religious sacraments, and during taking vows. There is even evidence that wine was used as medicine for frail countenances, and as an antiseptic for wounds. That is why wine has maintained an importance beyond that of making one drunk.

The popularity of wine spread from the Old World and its cultures to the newly found lands annexed by their empires. From here the cultivation of grapes needed for winemaking spread to the lands of South America and Australia.

The enology, or the study of wine making, of different cultures has made for a dizzying variety of wine. The main types of wine are Table Wines, Sparkling Wines, and Fortified Wines.

Table Wines are pressed grape juice that is allowed to ferment naturally ??? with or without a little addition of sugar and yeast to aid the fermentation. These wines can be sweet or dry, depending on the vinification (or fermentation style), and they typically have a low alcohol content of 7 to 15 percent.

Fortified Wines have additional alcohol content in them and are have typically 14 to 23 percent alcohol in them.

Sparkling Wine was first discovered in the 18th century by a monk named Dom Pierre Perignon. Sparkling Wine is wine witch has a bubbly texture to it lent by the carbon dioxide that forms within it during the fermentation. Technically, it is a doubly fermented wine, with the second fermentation happening in the bottle itself. Extra yeast and sugar is added to the wine to produce carbon dioxide that builds up until the wine is uncorked.

Art of Wine Tasting.

Learn the art of Wine Tasting

Another short Vintage Wine review

Exquisite History of Wines

To make a white wine, once grapes are brought to the winery they are de-stemmed and crushed before anything else is done. A machine is used to split t...

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Vintage Wine Products we recommend

The FTD Festival of Color Bouquet - Standard

This vibrant bouquet is filled with colorful blooms including orange lilies, red gerber daisies, purple lisianthus, yellow alstroemeria and more. The perfect way to send some cheer any day of the year. C2-6030S

Price: 55.99 USD

Current Vintage Wine News

LITERARY GUIDE (San Francisco Chronicle)

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:29:07 -0800
TODAY Carol O'Connell Talks about "Bone by Bone." 3 p.m. "M" Is for Mystery and More, 86 E. Third Ave., San Mateo. (650) 401-8077. Richard Rodriguez The author of "Brown" discusses what the next year holds in store for the president-elect and the nation. 9:30...

All signs lead to Sonoma wine country (Toronto Sun)

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:26:21 -0800
California Wine Country gets a bad rap. People assume you have to drop big money here -- and oh, you can -- but you don't have to. Not in winter. America's premier viticulture region has earned its reputation among the world's best, but the concept of "Wine Country style" -- particularly in Napa -- has been so thoroughly hyped on television cooking shows, in glossy magazine spreads and in ...

Dining guide (The Delaware Business Ledger)

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:14:24 -0800
The Delaware Business Ledger is Newark Deleware's leading provider of business news and is Newark's leading newspaper.

Travel books to plan your trips for 2009 (Bradenton Herald)

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 21:11:23 -0800
Looking for some inspiration to plan your trips for the new year? Here are some books to guide you. And if you can’t afford to take the trip of your dreams in this economy, any one of these publications will give you the right to proclaim yourself an expert armchair traveler.

Marvel Luxury 45 Bottle Full Overlay Wine Refrigerator

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 19:14:05 -0800
Features: -Stores up to 45 bottles, including magnums -Black cabinet, full overlay solid door -Must supply frame and door pull since door comes unfinished and needs to be completed (see Specs sheet) -Inclined display rack showcases 4 wine bottles with additional storage for 3 bottles behind -Door swing is reversible and requires only 90? opening for full shelf extension -Exclusive MicroSentry refrigeration monitor has visual/audible alarm -Alarm alerts the temperature above or below set poin

A cup of tea (and rice wine) secures Chinese bride for dashing Tory (Daily Mail)

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:48:46 -0800
A Tory MP tipped as a future party leader is to wed his Chinese girlfriend after he flew to China for New Year and asked her father’s permission to marry her.

Petaluma Tavern Owner Investigated Over Teen's Death (KTVU 2 San Francisco)

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 12:02:12 -0800
PETALUMA, Calif. -- Authorities are investigating whether a wine country tavern owner is responsible for the death of an 18-year-old struck outside his establishment.

Wine Cellars
Calories Foods
Wine Cellar | Wine Cellars

01/01/09 - Cheap Wines

2008-12-31T22:51:00.001-08:00

Cheap Wines For Your Reading Pleasure

Wine Clubs

Wine clubs are fun and convenient way for wine lovers to experience wine at its fullest. You can give a wine club membership as a present to a loved one or enjoy the benefits of it on your own.

Every month, wine club members receive two hand-selected bottles of premium wines with accompanying notes from wine experts. They also get recipes and suggested food pairings.

Your wine club membership delivered to your work address, even to your relatives or neighbors, wherever is more convenient. Remember that only an adult over 21 years old can sign for the package. State laws and the availability of carrier services determine who will deliver your wines.

For many, the cost of shipping the wine is more compared to the cost of just buying wines at a local store. However, keep in mind that once the cost for shipping is factored in, the price might end up the same if you had purchased the wine at the local store instead.

Recent surveys reveal that members are quite satisfied with their wine clubs because of their impeccable wine selection and additional information about the wines. They are also happy with being able to taste different kinds of wine from different countries without having to track down the selections at various stores.

There are different kinds of membership in wine clubs. There is the membership wherein you will receive member benefits and will be billed on a monthly basis. You can cancel your membership anytime. In this form, prices of wines do not include shipping costs. There is also the prepaid membership in 3, 6 or 12-month subscriptions. Memberships may vary per wine club. If you are interested in joining a wine club, you can shop around for the best clubs available today and enjoy a monthly wine adventure.

Wine Clubs provides detailed information on Wine Clubs, Wine Of The Month Clubs, California Wine Clubs, Wine Making Clubs and more. Wine Clubs is affiliated with Wine Tasting Tours.

Short Review on Cheap Wines

Wine Clubs

Wine clubs are fun and convenient way for wine lovers to experience wine at its fullest. You can give a wine club membership as a present to a loved o...

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Cheap Wines Items For Viewing

The FTD Blushing Beauty Basket - Deluxe

Blushing peach roses and pink larkspur, with more pink, yellow, and white blossoms, are sweetly nestled in a handled basket. This pretty basket will send unabashed wishes of good cheer. C8-3023D

Price: 51.99 USD

Cheap Wines in the news

Surprise your New Year's Eve host with sparkling wines (Chicago Tribune)

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 09:58:45 -0800
Problem: Can you recommend a decent bottle of cheap Champagne I can bring to a New Year's Eve party without being embarrassed?

Is cheap wine worth going to the West End

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 09:08:44 -0800
Raise your hand if you’ve been to the far West End lately? Sheesh. That place is a mad house. I’m afraid it is drifting into Northern Virginia territory. I went there Friday after work to check out the new Trader Joe’s. It was a nice place, but the cost of getting there is pretty high.

The Excitement Starts at Cheap Holidays Ibiza

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:52:04 -0800
The Excitement Starts at Cheap Holidays Ibiza Off the streets, people are partying. By the beach, people are enjoying water sports activities and or just passing a luxurious time lounging by the shore. Exclusive beach-front hotels and fine restaurants, all of these perfectly describe the vacation sea… Renting A Motor Home To Travel New Zealand Whether you crave a holiday full of outdoor adventure or a relaxing vacation sampling gourmet cuisine and award winning wines, New Zealand has someth

Wine bargains

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 21:40:48 -0800
Offers affordable wine deals, cheap wine, and premium wine from various countries. Includes an online inventory.

Hukilau Lanai

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:30:36 -0800
Vegas-sized meal prices at Hawaii's resorts can usually make it difficult to see the state on the cheap. But one resort restaurant that packs a foodie punch without emptying your wallet is Hukilau Lanai at the Kauai Coast Resort. The six-year-old restaurant, which focuses on green, sustainable cuisine from local farms and fisheries, offers an array of high-end-sounding dishes that mostly don't break the $20 mark. The fresh seafood offerings depend on what locals catch any given day but usu

Brewsday: Trafalgar Citrus Mead

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:00:08 -0800
It may have been noted in these pages before that, when it comes down to it and all is said and done, I’m a nerd. It’s what comes of a high school life spent with my nose in Dungeons & Dragons books, playing hours of Tetris to the point where I’d see it when I closed my eyes to sleep, and a whole lot of time spent in comic book stores. How I ever got Tina’s attention, I have no idea — but hey, Christmas is a time for observing miracles, right? And if a guy who knows the Rocket Robin Hood

Wine Recipe
Wine Enthusiast
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December - Wine Expert

2008-12-29T20:54:00.001-08:00

Another Great Wine Expert Article

I Love Italian Wine and Food - Launching a Series

Let?s start with a few statistics. Italy constantly fights with France for the title of the world?s biggest wine producer. Italy ranks number 3 in per capita wine consumption. As in many other European countries, Italians are drinking less wine, but better wine. Italy exports about 10% of its wine production to the United States. It is home to almost one million registered vineyards, and more than one thousand grape varieties, the majority of which are found nowhere else on earth.

Italy is the king of microclimates: 40% of its territory is mountainous and another 40% is hilly. Such territory can often be ideal for vineyards, even if of little value for other agricultural products. The country is surrounded by five bodies of water; the Ligurian Sea in the northwest, the Tyrrhenian Seas in the southwest, the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea in the south, and the Adriatic Sea in the east. All these geographical factors mean that vineyards a few kilometers apart may yield vastly different wines.

Did you know that Italy is divided into twenty regions? Each and every one produces wine, its own distinctive style or usually styles of wine that accompany its regional food specialties. Almost all regions produce wine for export to North America. Of course some regions are doing better than others, but in many cases regions that were once known for their bland, and perhaps baked wines, have turned the corner and are now making some excellent wines. Because the public is not yet generally aware of these wine-making regions, there are still bargains to be had. Keep posted, I?ll be making specific recommendations.

Italy can be divided into three major sections: Northern Italy, sharing a border with four European countries (France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia), Central Italy, and the South, traditionally the poorest part of Italy.

Northern Italy is composed of eight regions: The Aosta Valley, Piedmont (whose capital is Turin), Lombardy (whose capital is Milan), Trentino-Alto Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, The Veneto (whose capital is Venice), Emilia-Romagna, and Liguria (whose capital is Genoa). Because wines from the first and last of these regions are quite difficult to find in North America, we are planning articles on only six of these regions.

Central Italy is composed of six regions: Tuscany (whose capital is Florence), Umbria, The Marches, Abruzzi, Molise, and Latium (whose capital is Rome). We are planning at least one article on each of these regions.

Southern Italy is composed of six regions: Apulia, Campania (whose capital is Naples), Basilicata, Calabria, and the islands of Sicily (whose capital is Palermo) and Sardinia. We are planning at least one article on each of these regions.

Each article will discuss the region and its distinctiveness. We?ll talk about the wines and the foods that characterize the region. We?ll taste at least one wine as we are preparing the articles, and sometimes refer to memorable wines that we have tasted months or years previously. When possible, we?ll taste the wine with an imported Italian cheese that typifies the region.

Now back to the subject of Italian wines.

Wine Classification.
Italy has legally defined four wine classifications that presumably help the consumer make a selection when faced dozens of unfamiliar choices. In 1963 Italy devised the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (Denomination of Controlled Origin) wine legislation largely modeled on the French legislation. The goal of the DOC system was to classify and regulate wine production in given geographical areas and help these areas develop their own specific identity. Don?t get confused, in addition to designating the Italian wine classification system, DOC also designates the third classification level within this system.

While most wine producing countries have instituted official wine classifications, arguably the Italian system is the most controversial, some would say the most abused, and the most ignored by the wine producers themselves. Look for these classifications on the wine label. But be warned, a higher classification does not always mean a better wine.

VdT stands for Vino da Tavola, translated as table wine. These wines may be made from any grape, or mixture of grapes, anywhere within Italy. Usually table wines are pretty ordinary, and in Italy they are often served directly from the barrel. And yet on occasion VdT wines are excellent and priced accordingly. Why should these lowest-rated wines be better than their supposedly fancier competitors? Some innovative producers didn?t want to be told by government officials how to make wine (see DOC below). In essence they said, ?We?ll do it our way and let the market decide.? The classic examples of outstanding VdT wines are Super-Tuscans, often going for $50 or more a bottle.

IGT stands for Indicazione Geografica Tipica, which may be translated as Typical Geographic Indication, in other words a wine that typifies its specific location. This classification was created in 1992 to provide a level of wine above table wine, and below DOC, described next. The IGT classification defines the wine?s geography but not its composition or production method. Once again, don?t jump to conclusions about the wine?s quality. I clearly remember drinking an exceptional IGT served at a public Italian wine dinner. It was a Rosso di Toscana IGT Croce di Bibbiano ?Santo Chiodo? Super Tuscan that unfortunately is unavailable in my area. It costs more than most DOC and DOCG wines (see below) and in my opinion, this wine is worth it.

DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin. Each and every region has at least one DOC wine, for example, the Apulia region has 25 DOCs while its neighbor Bascilicata has only one. A given DOC defines the permissible grape or grape varieties as well as numerous details about the grape growing and wine making process. The first DOC wine dates back to 1966. About one fifth of Italian wine is classified DOC or better. Perhaps you can guess from this statistic that a DOC on the label is no guarantee of quality.

DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Guarantita, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin. Please realize that this letter G on the label is no guarantee of quality. For example, the first red wine to achieve DOCG status (in 1980), the Tuscan Brunello di Montalcino is quite highly regarded. In contrast, the first white wine to achieve DOCG status (in 1987 after considerable debate) the Albana di Romagna from the neighboring region of Emilia-Romagna is not highly regarded at all. I have never tasted this particular wine, but the best comment I have ever read it is that this wine is pleasantly fruity. In my opinion, such weak praise hardly justifies its top-of-the-line official status. Perhaps what is required is a DOCGG classification (I?ll let you do the translation.)

About the Author
Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His wine website is http://www.theworldwidewine.com. You can reach him at ital@http://www.theworldwidewine.com.

A synopsis on Wine Expert.

I Love Italian Wine and Food - Launching a Series

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December 2008 - Spanish Wine

2008-12-26T13:43:00.001-08:00

The Best Articles on Spanish Wine

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Emilia-Romagna Region

Emilia-Romagna stretches from the Ligurian border in northeastern Italy to the Adriatic Sea. As the name indicates, historically it was composed of two regions, Emilia and Romagna. It may be the only region of Italy named for a road, one constructed by the Ancient Romans almost 2200 years ago. It is one of the most prosperous regions of Italy with strong agricultural, industrial, and tourist economic activity. Its total population is about 3.9 million.

Emilia-Romagna produces a very wide variety of pasta, fruits and vegetables, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cheese, and fresh and cured meats. Two of its biggest stars are a cheese, Parmigiano Regianno, and a ham, Prosciutto di Parma. Parmesan cheese as it's known in English, was mentioned by the famous Italian author of the Fourteenth Century, Giovanni Boccaccio. We review it below. Parma ham, as it's known in English, is an uncooked ham that is dry cured for at least ten months. Usually it is served in very thin slices, often as appetizer with melon.

Bologna whose population is about 375,000 is the administrative center of Emilia-Romagna. It is the home of the first university in the Western World, founded in the 11th Century. Bologna is also considered the capital of Italian gastronomy, in spite of its unfortunate association with a low-quality sandwich meat. Another city of interest is Rimini, a resort center on the Adriatic Sea with a population of 135 thousand.

Emilia-Romagna devotes about 178,000 acres to grapevines, it ranks 5th among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is about 125 million gallons, giving it a 4th place. About 57% of the wine production is red, leaving 43% for white. The region produces 18 DOC wines. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin, presumably a high-quality wine and 1 DOCG white wine, Albana di Romagna. The G in DOCG stands for Garantita, but there is in fact no guarantee that such wines are truly superior. In fact, while this wine was the first white wine to be accorded the DOCG designation in Italy (1987), many feel that Albana di Romagna does not deserve such an award. (I have never tasted this wine, and from the reviews that I've read, I'm in no hurry to taste it.) About 21% of Emilia-Romagna wine carries the DOC or DOCG designation. Emilia-Romagna is home to more than four dozen major and secondary grape varieties, a few more red than white.

Widely grown international white grape varieties include Malvasia and Trebbiano. The best known strictly Italian white varieties are Albana (source of the DOCG wine) and Pignoletto.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the only widely grown international red grape variety. The best known strictly Italian red variety is Bonarda. The Italian red varieties Barbera and Sangiovese are found elsewhere, including California.

Before we reviewing the Emilia-Romagna wine and cheese that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region.
Start with Gelato di Parmigiano, Parmigiano "Ice Cream", which includes heavy cream and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, suggested as an appetizer.
A more traditional dish is Scaloppine di Vitello alla Bolognese, Veal Scaloppine all Bolognese, which also includes Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, as well as other local specialties Prosciutto di Parma and balsamic vinegar.
For dessert (as if the ice cream wasn't a dessert) try Torta Bonissima, a Honey and Nut Pie.

Wine Reviewed
Donini Lamberti Trebbiano-Chardonnay IGT 2005 12% alcohol about $8 (liter)

Everybody has prejudices. I approached this bottle with several of them. It seems to me that a liter of wine is usually too big, accentuating quantity at the expense of quality. Given the economics of the wine industry, I am usually reticent to purchase a bottle for $8, which would be $6 for a regular-sized bottle. And finally while Emilia-Romagna is often known for its red wines, it is not particularly known for its white wines, with an unfortunate exception, the DOCG wine Albana di Romagna, discussed above. And now to the actual wine.

The first time that I drank this wine I found that its taste was one of green apples, dominating everything else but still light on flavor if not unpleasant. It didn't really accompany the food, a breaded chicken cutlet in sweet and sour sauce with potatoes cooked in chicken fat. As the wine aged a bit, (it takes a long time to finish a liter if you don't care to drink very much at a time) it got better instead of worse. I have read that 3.5 million bottles of this type wine are produced yearly. I understand that it is popular in fish restaurants along the Adriatic Sea. I'd love to find out for sure. Final verdict, not bad for the price.

Parmigiano-Reggiano is a cooked, unpressed semi-fat hard cheese made from raw cow's milk. It is encased in a thin, yellow rind. This cheese is finely grained and very flaky. Its taste is delicate and fragrant, and frankly wasted with a wine of this quality.

About the Author

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His wine website is www.theworldwidewine.com . You can reach him at ital@mail.theworldwidewine.com.

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I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Emilia-Romagna Region

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Nebbiolo d'Alba

The Piedmont is one of the worlds most well known wine regions. The Dezani Family founded Cantino Perlino in Asti. Luigi Bersano selects the best grapes to produce the wonderful Sandiliano Wines. Only the best wines are selected for the Sandiliano bottling. You will find this dry red Nebbiolo d'Alba has all the attributes to qualify in our "Series of Great Wines from Italy." Perfect gift to buy online! IRNAS701 IRNAS701

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Monday - Jordan Wine

2008-12-21T21:11:00.001-08:00

Today's Jordan Wine Article

If You Are A Wine Connoisseur You Have To Visit Napa Valley

California is a state that simply must be visited at least once in a lifetime. Whether you choose to travel alone or as a family, California is full of things to see and do. If you're a newly wed, planning a honeymoon, or just a romantic at heart, California is calling you. If you're looking for movie stars, go to Hollywood or Beverly Hills. If you're looking for a relaxing vacation, beautiful scenery and some sweet spirits, then wind your way around to Wine Country. Recreational places like the wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma are waiting for you.

Napa Valley and Sonoma County in Northern California is only an hour's drive from San Francisco. Otherwise known as Wine Country, Napa Valley and Sonoma County are popular among newlyweds, honeymooners, wine enthusiasts, gourmets and other hopeless romantics who wish to enjoy all the good things in life. There are so many exquisite places to stay and visit in California's Wine Country, the choices are overwhelming, but well worth your time.

Napa Valley, which actually consists of six towns, including: St. Helena, Oakville, Calistoga, Rutherford, Yountville and Napa. Each of these towns feature their own first class wineries, spas, resorts, hotels and restaurants, not to mention the breath taking scenery of the Wine Country itself. The experience of the California Wine Country will rejuvenate your being and will create wonderful memories to last a lifetime.

Sonoma County is the birthplace of the California wine industry. Sonoma Valley is 17 miles long and sits between two glorious mountain ranges, where numerous wineries host tasting events and tours on a daily basis. The Plaza is encircled with boutiques, adobe structures and restaurants in Sonoma's town square. For over a century, the hot springs have drawn thousands of health conscious guests to the area and even today, is host to a number of world class spas and resorts.

Some of the smaller, family owned wineries will give tours by appointment only. It would be best to call and set up the appointment well in advance of your visit to Wine Country, so you are sure to get in. This can be a very rewarding experience, because this will give to time to have a one on one conversation with the wine makers themselves without being caught up in a group of tourists. Many of the large and small family owned wineries make themselves available for outdoor weddings and other special occasions for additional costs. Most only offer wine tasting, tours of their wineries, and host other special events.

If you are planning to visit California's Wine Country, try to make your visit in the middle of the week, because the weekends are often over crowded and that can make traveling and sightseeing fairly difficult and thus less enjoyable. During the week, there is less traffic to deal with and some of the hotels can have lower rates. It's always best to call ahead to the hotels to make sure there is room available for you when you arrive. If you decide to use Silverado Trail as your driving route, you will encounter less traffic and have a more scenic route to enjoy. The scenery is one of the best parts of visiting Wine Country, so stop and smell the roses as often as possible.

If you are looking for a picnic area with a great view, try visiting Rutherford Hill Winery's picnic area. If you choose to use a picnic area belonging to a specific winery, you may choose to buy a bottle of wine from them as a courtesy, for you to enjoy with your picnic meal. A delicious addition to your picnic basket would be a selection of fruits, cheeses and baked goods from the Sunshine Market in St. Helena. You can also pick up your plates, napkins and utensils for your picnic while you're there.

Gordon's on Yountville is famous for their tasty coffee, which is a delicious addition to breakfast. For a scrumptious lunch or dinner, try eating at the French Laundry. There is a wide variety of fine restaurants in Wine Country from which to pick and choose, even if you don't have a reservation, you have a good chance at getting in.

About the Author

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. For fine wines and accessories go to http://www.oldworldvineyard.com

Thoughts about Jordan Wine

If You Are A Wine Connoisseur You Have To Visit Napa Valley

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Dunn Vineyards

"The formidable 2001 Californian Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain boasts an inky/purple color to the rim, and smells like blackberry liquer intermixed with acacia flowers. With extraordinary intensity, power, richness, and purity, it looks to be one of the greatest efforts made by Randy Dunn. Since none of the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons (first released in 1979) are close to full maturity, this 2001 dry red wine will probably need 8-10 years of cellaring; it should last for 3-4 decades. An interesting point of trivia is that Randy Dunn's production of approximately 4,000 cases of Napa and Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon per year has not changed since the winery's inception ... somewhat refreshing in view of the American cultural tendency to think that "bigger is better". RP - 96 (Subject to Availability) DUHCM01 DUHCM01

Price: 357.99 USD

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Friday December 19, 2008 - Hanna Wine

2008-12-19T07:31:00.001-08:00

Hanna Wine For Your Reading Pleasure

The next Shiraz, varietal wines for Australia

Shiraz is the dominant red winegrape variety in Australia. It is the key component of Grange, the flagship Australian wine label. At the other end of the scale it makes up the bulk of the cheap and cheerful red wines in the everyday bottled brands such as Jacobs Creek, Oxford Landing and yellowtail.

Shiraz is the dominant red winegrape variety in Australia. It is the key component of Grange, the flagship Australian wine label. At the other end of the scale it makes up the bulk of the cheap and cheerful red wines in the everyday bottled brands such as Jacobs Creek, Oxford Landing and yellowtail.

But Shiraz has not always held such a hold over the market. Until the mid nineties Cabernet Sauvignon was regarded as the superior variety and this was reflected in the prices paid at the cellar door. But the demand for exports has been mainly for Australian Shiraz and Cabernet has lost ground in the battle for consumer preference in Australia as well.

Shiraz's reign at the top of the tree really started in the middle of the 1950s when it replaced Grenache as the most popular red winegrape variety. In those days a much larger proportion of the wine market was devoted to fortified wine, what we used to call Port.

Looking into the future the role of Shiraz seems unassailable, but there are a few challengers on the horizon. The wine consumer is a fickle creature and fashions can change fairly quickly.

Merlot is the third most popular red winegrape variety in Australia. Much of the production goes into blends with Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting its major role in Bordeaux. There are quite a few varietal merlots also produced. There are two reasons for thinking that Merlot won't displace Shiraz as our major tipple. Firstly there are viticultural problems relating to poor clones and it performs poorly in cooler regions. Secondly at the consumer end the wine often lacks a distinctive varietal character. There seems to be no consensus among winemakers about what a good merlot should be like. Meanwhile consumers think of Merlot as meaning mellow. It is hard to find any passion, for or against, this variety.

Another contender is Grenache. This variety is widely planted in South Australia, particularly in the Barossa and McLaren Vale regions. In the 1980s it was subject to government sponsored vine pull schemes in the belief that its days were over. Its star is on the rise again both as a varietal and as the key to blends with Shiraz and Morvedre. Notwithstanding this recent return to favour, Grenache will not seriously challenge Shiraz because of its need for a relatively warm climate.

Sangiovese is a variety with a large and growing fan club. There are now over a hundred winemakers using this variety. One factor which has held the variety back in the past has been clonal variation, this has been overcome by careful selection by vine nurseries. Over the past few years a significant number of producers have been able to show just what the variety is capable of. The wines show plum and cherry flavours and to my mind these flavours as well as the Italian wine textures will mean that the bandwagon for this variety will keep rolling for quite a while. The number of winemakers and consumers in Australia with an Italian background continues to provide plenty of champions for the variety.

Spain's answer to Sangiovese is Tempranillo. It is growing in popularity in many Australian wine regions. To a large extent the jury is still as many of the plantings are still quite new. Among the champions of the variety are James Halliday and Mark Walpole of Brown Brothers. Tempranillo matures a little earlier than Shiraz or Sangiovese so it can be grown in slightly cooler regions, Indeed Manton Creek Vineyard in the Mornington Peninsula is one of the more highly regarded producers.

The Durif variety is regarded as a warm climate variety, indeed it seemed as though Rutherglen held a monopoly on the variety. But in fact is relatively early ripening, as demonstrated by John Vale at Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula. The outstanding feature of Durif is the high level of tannins, but if these can be mastered then

There are a few other varieties attracting attention which will figure in the mix over the next decade or so. Petit verdot is becoming much more popular in the warmer areas. It was pioneered in Australia by Pirramirra in McLaren Vale but it is now grown extensively in the Murray Darling and Riverina.

Barbera and Nebbiolo are the two other Italian varieties which are highly regarded in Australia. Lagrein is a little known Italian variety, in fact it is from the North East of Italy. It is an early ripening variety and as such can be grown in the cooler climates. Cobaw Ridge in the Macedon Ranges region has a wonderful Lagrein.

So what is the verdict? Which red winegrape variety will be the next Shiraz? It seems to be a contest between Sangiovese and Tempranillo, with both camps having some firm adherents. My money at this stage goes with Sangiovese, it has the runs on the board.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darby Higgs is an expert on varietal wines made from less common grape varieties. He is founder and editor of vinodiversity, an information resource. See http://www.vinodiversity.com

A Short Hanna Wine Summary

The next Shiraz, varietal wines for Australia

Shiraz is the dominant red winegrape variety in Australia. It is the key component of Grange, the flagship Australian wine label. At the other end of ...

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Birthday Party Basket Deluxe

This is a perfect birthday gift for the festive party goer. Indulge your friend or family member with fantastic goodies. This large basket includes Double Chocolate Truffles, Birthday Jelly Beans, Keylime Cookie, Raspberry Cookie, Jazzy Pralines, and Hard Candies. All are in accompaniment of our truly excellent bottle of German Cabernet Sauvignon, aged to semi-fruity perfection. A Birthday Mug and petite balloon adds to the cajolement of this exquisite birthday basket. BPB04 BPB04D

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2008 - Napa Valley

2008-12-16T05:46:00.000-08:00

Another Great Napa Valley Article

I Love Italian Wine and Food - Aosta Valley Region, Piedmont Wine

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Aosta Valley region of northern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you?ll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour.

The Aosta Valley is a tiny corner of of northwestern Italy bordering on France and Switzerland. This valley is surrounded by high mountains, including Europe?s highest peak, Mount Blanc. This was arguably the last region of Italy to be populated, because it was covered with ice until relatively recently. Over time it was occupied by Celts, Romans, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Lombards, and Franks. It is bilingual, Italian and French. The Aosta Valley is by far the smallest region of Italy with a population of only 120 thousand.

Agricultural is not particularly important, with the exception of cattle raising. There is substantial forestry and some industry, in particular hydroelectric power. The region is one of the wealthiest in Italy, with a highly developed tourist sector.

This region has no single capital. The largest city is Aosta, with a population of about 35 thousand. It was a Roman garrison over two thousand years ago, and is the best example of Roman city planning in Italy. Among the Aosta Valley?s tourist attractions are the remains of a Roman amphitheater said to hold 20,000 spectators. Other tourist attractions include medieval fortresses and churches, the Matterhorn, and Mount Blanc.

The Aosta Valley devotes only fifteen hundred acres to grapevines, and ranks 20th among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is about six hundred thousand gallons, also giving it a 20th place. About 90% of the wine production is red or ros? (only a bit of ros?), leaving about 10% for white. The region produces a single DOC wine, that is divided into 23 categories. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin. Almost 23% of this region?s wine carries the DOC. The Aosta Valley is home to almost three dozen major and secondary grape varieties, with somewhat more red than white varieties.

Chardonnay is the most important international white grape variety in the Aosta Valley. Muscat and Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris) are also grown. Local white varieties include Blanc de Morgeux and Petite Arvine, also grown in Switzerland.

International red grape varieties grown in the Aosta Valley include Gamay, Grenache, Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), and Syrah. Local red varieties include Picotendro (called Nebbiolo in neighboring Piedmont and arguably Italy?s finest red grape), Petit Rouge, and Fumin. In the unfortunate absence of any Aosta Valley wines, I am reviewing a DOCG Nebbiolo-based wine from neighboring Piedmont. If I am ever in the Aosta Valley, I promise to drink and review a few local wines.

Before reviewing the Aosta Valley-style wine and Italian cheese that I was lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region.
Start with Jambon de Bosses; Uncooked Ham.
As the second course try Carr? D?Agnello Gratinato Alle Erbe; Grilled Loin of Lamb in a Pastry and Herb Crust.
For dessert indulge yourself with Crema alla Panna; Pannacotta from the Aosta Valley (a sort of cr?me caramel without eggs.)

Wine Reviewed
Travaglina Gattinara DOCG 13.5% alcohol about $28

As stated above, little if any wine from the Aosta Valley region is available in North America. We had to settle for a Piedmont wine produced only a few miles away from the Aosta Valley. For some reason I can?t get out of my mind the 1905 George M. Cohan Broadway title tune (Only) Forty-five Minutes from Broadway, think of the changes it brings. Given that this is a DOCG wine made with Italy?s best red grape, I really don?t feel that I made a sacrifice. It is perhaps a fitting way to treat the last of Italy?s regions.

Let?s start with the marketing materials. ?The winery has other jewels in its crown, as the fabulous base Gattinara 2001 so eloquently proves in the best version we can remember. A pure, austere nose expresses the Gattinara territory, with licorice and crushed roses from the Nebbiolo grape and elegant streaks of eucalyptus, menthol, and even acacia blossoms. The long lingering palate is lively and tangy, slightly held back by assertive tannins.?

Let?s talk a bit about the bottle. As a DOCG red wine, there is a lavender ribbon at the top of the bottle. The bottle itself has a unique curve that fits in the palm of the hand. It was designed by a glassmaker for the 1952 vintage, and proved so popular that the producer has been using it ever since. The grapes are grown on steep slopes at 900-1300 feet in iron-rich soil with traces of Calcium and Magnesium Carbonate. The wine is aged a year in French oak barriques, 18 months in Slovenian oak casks, and then for six months in the bottle. It has been called an affordable Barolo, (one of Italy?s finest red wines that starts at about twice its price). Wine Spectator Magazine has listed a previous vintage as one of the year?s 100 best wines.

My first pairing was with a cheeseless meat lasagna. Frankly the wine was wasted on this meal. It was mouth-filling, long, and powerful, but yet delicate. I felt that the wine was great on its own. A few ounces kept my mouth satisfied for a very long time.

The next pairing was more suitable, grilled rib steak in my spicy, homemade barbeque sauce that included ketchup, sweet and sour mustard, fresh garlic, and black pepper. The meal also included potato patties, and caponata, an Italian-style eggplant and tomato salad. This marriage was made in heaven. The wine was mouthfilling and powerful. A little bit went a very long way.

The final meal was with slow-cooked, boneless beef ribs and potatoes. Once again, the wine was very powerful, tasting of leather and dark fruit. It is easily the most powerful wine of the series, and probably one of the most powerful wines that I have ever tasted. However, I did not find the tannins assertive; they blended perfectly with the fruit and other flavors.

It might have been best to try this wine with a Piedmont cheese such as Gran Padano or Gorgonzola, or with an Aosta Valley cheese such as Fontina. I had none of the above, so I settled for the ends of my Italian cheeses, coincidentally at more or less the end of this series. The Gattinara took on a pleasant acidic character to deal with a Montasio cheese from the Veneto area that was past its prime. It also went well with a Sicilian Isola. I liked it the best with an Asiago, also from the Veneto region. But once again the wine was somewhat wasted on these cheeses.

Final verdict. I don?t think that this wine should be cellared wine for a dozen years, but I would love to find out. If I had the money, I?d buy a case, drink a bottle a year, and then decide what to do. Not going to happen. This wonderful wine will have to go into my once a year category. I?m already looking forward to savoring and comparing the 2002 vintage with this wonderful 2001.

Napa Valley and More

I Love Italian Wine and Food - Aosta Valley Region, Piedmont Wine

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Aosta Valley region of northern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you?ll ...

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Featured Napa Valley Items

Decanter Cleaning Balls

Clean your decanters with these ingenuous stainless steel balls. All you do is add water and gently swirl. The high-grade steel pellets smoothly roll over and gobble up stains and deposits. Even hard to reach places will sparkle. Rinse and re-use over and over again.

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Experience The Wine Tours Of Napa Valley

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:18:30 -0700
The next time you want to break away from the ordinary, treat your friends, visitors, or even your family to an extraordinary Wine Tasting Tour. Experience not only the worlds most sought after wine, but the magnificent tapestry of the Napa Valley countryside.

Bradbury tailors Al Gore's global warming speech to Oregon

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:41:01 -0700
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Five Tips for Visiting California's Top Wine Region

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:27:45 -0700
Great tips for visiting Napa Valley: California's top wine region. How to not get too drunk, the best way to go from vineyard to vineyard, and more!

Wine Supplies
Wine Cassis

December - Wine Society

2008-12-13T00:35:00.001-08:00

Today's Wine Society Article

Father of the California Wine Industry

Father of California Wine Industry

?Hungarian nobleman leaves indelible mark?

Agoston Haraszthy made an impression wherever he went. After serving as a member of the Royal Hungarian Guards of Francis I, Emperor of Austria-Hungary in 1830, he was forced to flee Europe for fear of being branded a revolutionist.
In 1842, he returned to Hungary and convinced his father to liquidate their considerable holdings so the entire family could immigrate to America. When they arrived in Sauk City, Wisconsin, they were among the best-capitalized immigrants of the 19th century.
Along with his other entrepreneurial investments, Haraszthy began agricultural experiments and achieved considerable success in sheep raising and growing hops.
Even with his considerable success, he was still disappointed at not being able to establish the high quality vineyards of his native Hungary. The tug of the western frontier pulled at the Haraszthy family, and they headed, by wagon train, to California in 1848.
Agoston was the wagon master of the train, which included about sixty immigrants. Without serious incident, the wagon train arrived at Warner Hot Springs, in San Diego County.
Colonel Jonathan Warner, a former militiaman who established Warner Hot Springs in 1844, apprised Haraszthy about the agriculture and the politics in the San Diego area. A scant 650 people, mainly vaqueros, Yankee sailors who had jumped ship, and a few Mormon soldiers from the Mormon Battalion populated San Diego.

Haraszthy?s family now included his wife, six children, his father and stepmother, and Thomas W. Sutherland, former U.S. Attorney for Wisconsin Territory, who was now Haraszthy?s stepbrother.
The Polish immigrant purchased a plot of land adjacent to San Luis Rey Mission, and, with his sons, Attila and Arpad, first planted a large fruit orchard. He later bought 160 acres more in Mission Valley and planted peach and cherry trees sent to him from New York State.
Haraszthy never ceased his investment activity as well as his interest in community politics. With Don Juan Bandini, Haraszthy set up the first regularly scheduled omnibus transit system and established a livery stable. He established a very profitable butcher shop.
With other real estate speculators, he helped establish the subdivision of Middletown. Haraszthy Street existed there until the early 1960s when it was wiped from the map by the construction of Interstate 5.

When San Diego County was chartered in 1850, Haraszthy was elected the first City Marshall, while his father, Charles, was elected Magistrate and Land Commissioner. His stepbrother, Tom Sutherland, became San Diego?s first City Attorney.
In 1851, he was elected to the State Assembly and resigned his other offices. While in the legislature, then meeting in Vallejo, Haraszthy succeeded in getting funding for the expansion of San Diego Harbor and the county?s first public hospital.
He was the first legislator to introduce legislation to divide California into two states; North and South. Because of powerful political interest in Northern California, that bill died.
All the while, Haraszthy continued searching for land more suitable for agriculture than San Diego?s subtropical desert land offered. Early in 1852, he purchased 210 acres near San Francisco?s Mission Dolores. He moved the entire family there at the end of the Assembly Session.
Haraszthy?s noteworthy accomplishments didn?t stop. He introduced the ?Zinfandel? red wine grape and the ?Muscat of Alexandria? raisin grape to California.
He invented an efficient gold refining process, and was founding partner in the Eureka Gold and Silver Refining Company. The firm became one of the major contract refiners for the San Francisco Mint.

Because of his reputation for fairness and honesty, Haraszthy was appointed Assayer of the Mint in 1855.
He developed the first large, high-quality grape vineyard at Crystal Springs in San Mateo County. At this new ranch, Haraszthy designed and laid out a nursery and horticultural garden, which he named Los Flores.
With his son?s help, he planted fruit trees and shrubs imported from the east. At about this same time, he received a shipment of six choice rooted vines and 160 cuttings from Hungary.
In the shipment were two small bundles. One was the Muscat of Alexandria and the other was said to be the famous mystery grape, the Zinfandel. Today the Zinfandel is the most widely planted wine grape in California.
In 1857, while visiting General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo at the General?s Lachrima Montis estate, Haraszthy was introduced to the Sonoma Valley. This valley especially appealed to him because its weather, topography and soil were so similar to his Hungarian homeland?s high quality vineyards.
In Sonoma, he established the Szeptaj Estate (Buena Vista). That Buena Vista Winery is today a state park and historical site.

In 1861, He was appointed to a California commission to improve agricultural methods and to collect vines and fruit tree stocks in Europe. During a European tour with his son, Arpad, he purchased, with his own money, 100,000 grapevines representing 1,400 varieties, along with small selected lots of planting stock for olives, almonds, pomegranates, oranges, lemons and chestnuts.
When he returned, Harper & Brothers, of New York, published Haraszthy?s report, ?Grape Culture, Wines and Wine Making upon Agriculture and Horticulture. It remained the winemaking classic authority in the English language until well into the 20th century.
The Haraszthy family planted vineyards for European immigrant friends and wine growers, including Charles Krug, Emile Dreser and Jacob Grundlach.
In 1863, Agoston?s sons Attila and Arpad Haraszthy were married in a double ceremony to the twin daughters of General Vallejo.
Later, after one of his wine cellars containing vintages of two years was destroyed by fire, Haraszthy traveled to Nicaragua where he bought a sugar plantation. There, he wife contacted yellow fever and died.
Agoston Haraszthy died July 6, 1869, near his estate, Hacienda San Antonio, at Corinto, Nicaragua, while trying to cross a crocodile infested rive.. His family believed that he fell into a river while attempting to cross and was dragged away by an alligator. His body was never found.

(Alton Pryor has been a writer for magazines, newspapers, and wire services. He worked for United Press International in their Sacramento Bureau, handling both printed press as well as radio news. He traveled the state as a field editor for California Farmer Magazine for 27 years. He is now the author of 10 books, primarily on California and western history. His books can be seen at www.stagecoachpublishing.com. Readers can email him at stagecoach@surewest.net.)

A synopsis on Wine Society.

Father of the California Wine Industry

Father of California Wine Industry?Hungarian nobleman leaves indelible mark?Agoston Haraszthy made an impression wherever he went. After serving as a...

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Wine Society Products we recommend

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A researcher in Europe has shed new light on the parentage of the viognier grapevine and concluded that DNA testing could result in some new ideas for blending grape varieties. Dr Jose Vouillamoz, working at in institute in Trentino, Italy, has shown that viognier and syrah are related, which may explain why they work so well together in blends.

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100 Bottles of Wine on the Wall | Articles | Wine Enthusiast Magazine

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Very cool! Join the Wine Century Club and get bragging rights! Try 100 different grape varieties (i.d. Chardonnay, Pinot, Sauvignon Blanc, etc. etc.). Great for wine enthusiasts!

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Bordeaux Blend is a blended red wine produces with two or more traditional Bordeaux wine grape varieties that are authorized for use in the red wines of the Bordeaux region of France.

Pinot Noir
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December 10, 2008 - Fine Wines

2008-12-10T17:30:00.001-08:00

A Fine Wines Artilce for Your Viewing

Savoring Small Winery Tasting Experiences In The Napa Valley

Most Napa Valley visitors have heard of Robert Mondavi wines, Sutter Home and Beringer. You can buy and enjoy their wines in most U.S. grocery stores and wine shops.

But, most visitors have never heard of Elk Horn Peak, Hagafen, Miller, Madrigal or Stelzner (to name just a few...).

There's more than 350 wineries in the 38 mile long Napa Valley and only a few dozen are widely known. That doesn't mean they are the best. Sure, they make good wine, but so do many of the really small wineries.

Small and boutique wineries are real "hands on" operations. They are fun, friendly and have tons of character.

Some, like Elk Horn Peak are really laid back and built into an old barn. Ken makes an outstanding Pinot Noir.

Others, like Cosentino, have a tasting room right on Highway 29. If you like Zinfandel, their's is terrific.

The magic of small wineries and vineyards is the character and individuality they provide the Napa Valley visitor.

One company, Vintners Collective, was formed to be a collective of wines from wine makers who all scored 90+ in Wine Spectator, but were too small to have their own tasting room. So, in one place, you can sample an incredible collection of fantastic wines by wine makers dedicated to the art of fine wine.

Small wineries and vineyards can give you a level of customer service and attention you may not receive at larger wineries. And, small wineries can't afford to have an attitude either. Their friendly attitude is genuine and fun. Goosecross and Stelzner are great examples of this. And their are tons more, too.

Often small and boutique wines are priced reasonably and provide a great value for the incredible quality you receive. The value of a wine isn't the price, it is what tastes good to you. Inexpensive wines can be just as good or better than expensive wines. I remember doing a blind tasting of Chardonnays a few years ago and out of 6 wines the most expensive wine came in last place when scored by the entire group.

Some of these small wineries, like Bouchaine and V. Sattui, have picnic tables and can even offer food, appetizers and nibbles to go with a bottle of their fine wine (food and wine at additional cost).

While many of these small and boutique wineries will sell you wine through the Internet, you don't have an easy way to find out which ones you like the best...unless you go their.

So, the next time you visit the Napa Valley to taste wines, try small wineries and vineyards. They'll make the experience an enjoyable and memorable one. And you can have wines shipped to your home or business to share with family and friends.

About the Author

Article by Steve Sands. If you're planning a tour of Napa Valley wine country, pick up
Steve's guide at: http://bestnapavalleywinetours.com/

Thoughts about Fine Wines

Savoring Small Winery Tasting Experiences In The Napa Valley

Most Napa Valley visitors have heard of Robert Mondavi wines, Sutter Home and Beringer. You can buy and enjoy their wines in most U.S. grocery stores ...

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Wine (Merlot QBA Trocken), Cheese & Crackers

Assortment of cheese spreads are Camembert, Brie, Port Salut, Cheese Wedges are Tuscany, Kumin, and Edel Swiss, Cracker selections include Wheat Crackers, Waters Crackers, and Parmesan Cheese Focaccia Bits. Also included, Smokey Beef Sausage, Dark Chocolate Mint Delights. Wine selections are German Cabernet Sauvignon, Madre Tierra Chardonnay, Merlot QBA Trocken, Wehlener Mosel Riesling Auslese, or add one or more of our excellent wine selections to this basket for a wine tasting affair. WCC01 WCC01-Merlot

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Skybar Mechanical Wine Dispenser the rich’s private cabinet

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Sunday - Fruit Wine

2008-12-07T15:21:00.001-08:00

A Featured Fruit Wine Article

Wine Tastings - The Mystery Revealed

Have you have ever wondered why people at wine tastings go through a form of ritual of tilting their glass, swirling the wine around the bowl, sniffing the wine and apparently gargling with the wine before eventually spitting it out? If you have, then this whole process is not really such a mystery and quite simply represents the five steps that are necessary to assess quality of a wine.

Let's look at each of these five steps to see just how simple the process really is.

Testing the color and clarity of a wine. In the case of red wines the glass should be tilted and then viewed against a white background. If you look at the edge, or lip, of the wine against the glass and see a dark color that runs clear to the edge then this indicates a very young wine. A slightly lighter color that tends to hold to the center of the glass with a wide clear lip is indicative of an older wine.

For white wines the clarity is assessed by looking straight down into the wine. The greater the clarity, the more the wine will appear to sparkle, rather like diamonds.

Testing the body of a wine. Swirl the wine vigorously around the glass and then observe the wine on the bowl of the glass once the glass is held still. In some cases the wine will appear to adhere to the bowl of glass while in other cases there will be little if any sign of the wine on the bowl at all. The more a wine adheres to the sides of the glass, the greater its body.

Testing the aroma of a wine. Swirl the wine in your glass to release its vapours and then sniff deeply. Assessing the resultant smell is something of an art that takes time to perfect but, in general, a young red wine will smell heavily of berries and will sometimes also smell sightly of mint, spice, liquorice, or chocolate. As a red wine ages it will smell more of raisons or prunes and, finally, when it is past its best, it will take on the aroma of vinegar. White wines follow a similar pattern.

Testing a wine's sweetness, acidity and tannin. Take a small amount of wine into your mouth and start by rolling it around on your tongue. Then, hold the wine in the center of the tongue and gargle by slowly sucking in air to vaporize the wine and release its flavor.

A sweet wine will cause a tingling at the tip of the tongue, while an acid wine will produce a sensation of pins and needles on the sides of the tongue. A wine that is high in tannin will create a feeling of dryness throughout the mouth.

Young red wines tend to contain a lot of tannin which acts as a natural preservative and is the reason why most red wines can be stored for much longer than white wines.

Testing the concentration and aftertaste of a wine. The finest red wines have a deep fruit concentration which is experienced just before you swallow. For this reason you should always swallow a little of the wine at wine tastings. The best wines will display a lingering, pleasant finish.

As with many things in life wine tastings can appear to be something of a mysterious ritual art but, behind all the show, is a quite simple process that most of us can master along with the so-called connoisseurs.

About the Author

For more information about wine tastings, as well as details of wine accessories, please visit GreatWineTastings.com today.

A Short Fruit Wine Summary

Wine Tastings - The Mystery Revealed

Have you have ever wondered why people at wine tastings go through a form of ritual of tilting their glass, swirling the wine around the bowl, sniffin...

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I was at a wine tasting event and Totally Organic Beverages had a booth there. I hadn't heard of them until last night and I am so glad that I have now. These are the best vodka coolers I have ever tasted (they taste like fruit juice) and they are certified by the USDA Organic and OPAM and made in Canada.

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Dan Aykroyd Cabernet Shiraz 2006 $16.95 LCBORuby Garnet Colour (Color) Notes: Red Fruit, Smoked Meat, touch of spices, oregano, and thyme.Pair: Gourmet Pizza, Stew, Grilled Veggies, or just sitting in front of the fire enjoying a glass of wine!

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Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:53:17 -0700
Pruno, a prison wine created from fruit, sugar and ketchup, is such a vile and despicable beast in the California state penal system that prisoners can't eat fresh fruit at lunch.

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Did you know that you could buy food online? I was amazed when I discovered this fact. There are hundreds of different food websites on the internet, all of which offer great deals and promotions. So no matter what you are in the mood for, you can find it online. You can choose from steaks, lobsters, fruit, wine, chocolates, cakes, coffee, and much

Renault Winery
Wine Products

December 2008 - Wine Appraisal

2008-12-04T19:17:00.001-08:00

Another Great Wine Appraisal Article

Wine Accessories - The things you need.

What is soup without a spoon? What is pen without paper? What is wine without accessories? If you said "incomplete" then you are correct.

Let's start with the basics. In order to enjoy wine properly you need a wine glass (also known as stemware). And not just any wine glass, the shape of the wine glass and the material it is made of makes a big difference. According to the IneTours website, wine glasses with large, broad bowls are used for bold red wines with bigger bouquets and and narrower wine glasses are used for lighter white wines. If champagne is your beverage of choice then stick to a tall, slender glass. Why does all this matter? Well, the shape of the glass helps concentrate the aroma of the wine and the material of the wine glass helps aerate the wine. Whatever glass you choose make sure it has a stem so that you don't get fingerprints on the bowl of the glass.

Once you choose your wine glass make sure you don't fill it up to the top! Halfway full will be just fine. After you are done with your serving, wash your glass. Some experts say using hot water is enough, and some recommend using detergent. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you hold the glass up to the light to ensure that it is truly clean. That seems basic but wine often leaves a fine coat of scum in glasses.

The next thing is pretty basic. You want to enjoy your wine right? Well you have to be able to open it. Invest in a good wine opener. There are several styles to choose from. There is the lever-style, twist-style, waiter-style, pump-style, rogar uncorking machines and wing corkscrews. Each style of wine opener has its benefits. You can expect to spend from $18 for a basic style to $200 for a more advanced machine.

Next you might want to consider a wine decanter. Decanting wine is an excellent way to improve the taste. What's decanting? Well, when wine ages it accumulates sediment. The sediment is not only ugly, but it tastes bad too. This occurs most often with red wine. When you decant, you aerate the wine thus improving the taste. Also, decanters make great centerpieces for tables. Depending on your budget, a decanter will run you anywhere from $20 to in excess of $500.

If you are a heavy wine drinker you may want a wine cooler. No, I am not talking about the $5 flavored wine you buy at the gas station. Wine coolers are best for white or sparkling wines. Whether you are looking for a small wine cooler for the kitchen or a full sized wine cellar there is a cooler for you. You can expect to spend $200 for a table top wine cooler to $900 for a 100 bottle cooler.

Now you have your checklist. Choose a wine glass based on the type of drink you are having and make sure you thoroughly clean it. Next make sure you have the proper tool to open your wine bottle. If you are drinking older wine, consider investing in a decanter. And if wine is your regular drink of choice, think about a wine cooler. Once you get everything situated, enjoy!

About the Author

Jerry Powell is the Owner of a Popular site Know as
Gourmet911.com. As you can see from our name,
we are here in the business to help you learn more
about different kinds of Gourmet Food and Wines,
from all around the world. http://www.gourmet911.com

Thoughts about Wine Appraisal

Wine Accessories - The things you need.

What is soup without a spoon? What is pen without paper? What is wine without accessories? If you said "incomplete" then you are correct.

Let's star...

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Wine Appraisal Products we recommend

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News about Wine Appraisal

Penfolds chardonnay wins export award (The West Australian)

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:46:35 -0800
A Penfolds chardonnay has been named Australia's top export wine. The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation said on Thursday the 2005 Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay had won the George Mackey Memorial Trophy, presented since 1990 to the best wine shipped overseas.

Penfolds chardonnay wins export award (AAP via Yahoo!7 News)

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:37:32 -0800
A Penfolds chardonnay has been named Australia's top export wine.

Food & Wine Calendar (Miami Herald)

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:07:21 -0800
THURSDAY Food New & Views: Favorite kitchen gadgets to give as gifts is the topic by host Linda Gassenheimer on Joseph Cooper's Topical Currents. Fred Tasker gives his wine gadget suggestions; 1:30-2 p.m. on WLRN (91.3 FM). Call with comments and questions during the show at 800-743-9576.

Penfolds wins top export wine prize again (The West Australian)

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:04:03 -0800
A Penfolds chardonnay has been named Australia’s top export wine. The Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation said on Thursday the 2005 Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay had won the George Mackey Memorial

Thursday, 12/4

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:30:00 -0800
Sun 4:25NYT 3:34LAT tbaCS tbaBarry Silk's New York Times crossword has a low enough word count (72) to cut it as a themeless puzzle, but it's got a theme: The last two Across answers are CLEAR / THE, and there are four theme entries that begin with words that can follow "clear the."A Bridge authority] is a DECK OFFICER. Does this have to do with ships? The spin-off phrase is "clear the deck."Medicated candy] is a THROAT LOZENGE. 'Tis the season to "clear the throat" and to use those lozenges.

Media Release: Keller Estate Winery Names New Winemaker

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:14:42 -0800
Petaluma, CA, December 03, 2008 –(PR.COM)– Sonoma Coast-based winery Keller Estate is proud to welcome Ross Cobb, who will become the new Keller Estate winemaker on December 1st, 2008. A graduate of the University of California at Santa Cruz, Ross Cobb has been making wines since 1989 and is a self-confessed Pinot Noir fanatic. Keller Estate produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Pinot Gris from their estate property in The Petaluma Gap area. The diversity of the vineyard both in soil prof

Great Guest Chefs Liven Up the Athenaeum

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:27:00 -0800
As a Caltech grad student, I've been paying $8/month (reduced grad-student rate) to be a member of The Athenaeum, Caltech's private club. While I dined there somewhat frequently in my first year - for easter buffet, dinner, quick lunches, etc - I haven't gone in quite some time recently. I decided to go to the Guest Chefs Night featuring 5 chefs, 4 of whom are guest chefs from the LA/Pasadena area and beyond. I invited LA&OC Foodie and his friends to enjoy this night with me and keep me company!

Burgundy Wine
Grape Varieties

December 01, 2008 - Wine Cassis

2008-12-01T02:40:00.001-08:00

Wine Cassis For Your Reading Pleasure

What Wine Goes With What Food?

We've all heard the rules: red wine with meat, white with fish or fowl. But just as with all rules, this one was made to be broken. There's a growing recognition that there's both more and less to choosing how to pair foods and wine.

The most important factor, of course, is to choose a wine you enjoy. Spumante with Chinese take-out may make the so-called experts shudder, but if that combination works for you, that's all that matters. After all, you're the one eating the meal. However, personal tastes aside, there are some guidelines and suggestions for combining wines and foods that can enhance your enjoyment of each.

Start by thinking of wine as a condiment. You're choosing one that will interact with the foods, just the way a spice does. In fact, wine does affect the taste of food, similar to the effect of spices. Wine contains acids, tannins and sugars, all of which work with the food to create different tastes. Your goal is to find the proper combination that will allow you to enjoy the flavors and characteristics of both the food and the wine.

Wines, like food, can taste sweet, tart or bitter. Food can also be salty (not a property of wine, but salty foods affect its flavor). It's that sweet/tart/acidic interaction that determines the way different food/wine combinations will affect each other.

Sweet Foods

Foods that are somewhat sweet, such as a honey-mustard glaze on chicken will make the wine taste drier (less sweet) than it really is. A slightly sweet wine such as a White Zinfandel or Riesling could work well.

Acidic Foods

Choose wines that are higher in acid when serving acidic foods. Try pairing salad with a balsamic vinaigrette or a lemony-kissed fish dish with a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Bitter Foods

When serving food with a bitter twist-say, bitter greens in a salad-enjoy it more with a fruity, full-flavored wine such as Merlot or Chardonnay. If you're grilling a steak, try a wine such as red Zinfandel or Shiraz. The tannins in these wines can sometimes give them a slightly bitter taste, but the fat in the meat can tone down this tendency.

In addition to the basic tastes, consider pairing foods and wines that have the same feel to them - light with light and full with hearty. A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon could overwhelm a light fish, and the taste of a delicate white Zinfandel would be lost when accompanying beef stew.

And what about sparkling wines? Only those produced in the Champagne region of France may be called Champagne, but all sparkling wines, no matter their name, are suited to festive occasions. They make an excellent start or finish to any meal.

At times, pairing opposite foods and wines can be surprisingly effective. Hot and spicy foods such as fiery curries or Chinese hot pot can work well with sweet dessert wines. The contrast in flavors can create new nuances in taste and act to cleanse the palate.

A fun way to pair wines and food is to match them by their geographic source. Doesn't it make sense that a French wine would be the best accompaniment for coq au vin?

And for those times when you aren't serving a full meal, don't forget the natural pairings of wine and cheese. There's a reason these two are so often combined. Wine and cheese complement each other exquisitely. Mild to sharp cheeses work well with red wines, as do soft cheeses such as Camembert or Brie. Dry whites are excellent with goat cheese. Sweet wines call for a more intense cheese.

But no matter what combination of food and wine you choose, remember that the most important ingredients for a memorable occasion are the friends and loved ones you invite to share the experience with you.

About the Author

Morgan Slater demonstrates a detailed knowledge of wine industries through his writing for Ecef. Find more articles by Morgan Slater at ECEF

A Short Wine Cassis Summary

What Wine Goes With What Food?

We've all heard the rules: red wine with meat, white with fish or fowl. But just as with all rules, this one was made to be broken. There's a growing ...

Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Recommended Wine Cassis Items

The FTD Greater Glory Arrangement - Premium

An artistic display of garden blooms to convey your warm wishes. This arrangement in a planter includes yellow roses, yellow chrysanthemums, pink gladiolus, heather and more. Appropriate to send to a home or to a funeral. S5-3496P

Price: 145.99 USD

News about Wine Cassis

How to Make Beaded Wine Glass Charms

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 08:32:50 -0800
A great gift for friends and family for the holiday season!

Pairing wine with people / Buying for a math geek?

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 06:44:51 -0800
How to make an educated guess on buying wine gifts for the folks in your life.

How to Make Wine Glass Coasters

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:56:37 -0800
Fun idea and quick for last minute hostess gifts this holiday season. Wine glass baubles beware, your day in the sun might be over.

Wine and Cheese Gift Baskets Make Great House Warming Gifts

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:14:47 -0800
Are you going to a house warming party? A great gift to bring would be a wine and cheese gift basket. The host or hostess may open and use it at that party or save it for an intimate dinner.

Personalized Wine...A great gift for the holidays!

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:49:11 -0800
Personalized Wine is a great gift for any occassion but since the holidays are here now is the time to check out this unique collection of Personalized Wine Gift ideas.

Wine Gifts from Everything But Flowers: Australian Gift Retailer Launches Wine Gifts Product Range

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:01 -0800
Sydney, NSW (PRWEB) November 25, 2008 -- Everything But Flowers has recently launched their exclusive range of wine gift baskets, gift wrapped wine and wine hampers to compliment their large range of...

A Holiday Gift Basket with Salsa

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:10:36 -0800
There are many occasions over the holidays where we are invited to a gathering where we either want to bring something to contribute to the evening or as a hostess gift. Everyone brings wine it seems, and after years of being one of those couples we found a great quick easy recipe for salsa that has always been a hit.

K&L Wines
Wine Terminology
Wine Bottle

November 28, 2008 - Home Wine

2008-11-28T02:38:00.001-08:00

Home Wine For Your Reading Pleasure

4 Main Reasons That Started the Wine Rage

When people think of grapes, the first thing that comes to their mind is wine. This is because wines are generally made from grapes. That is why most people think of wine as grape wines.

However, there are wines that are made from rice, herbs, barley, and honey. Whatever material they are made from, wines are processed through fermentation.

Consequently, wines have definitely gained so much popularity throughout the ages. Since its inception, wines have continuously garnered the attention and interest of people from every part of the globe.

There are many reasons why wines have become so popular throughout the ages. Many factors have affected the popularity of wine. Some say that wine is popular because of its health benefits. Other people say that wine simply taste good. Whatever available reasons these people wish to convey, wine is, indeed, popular. For people who wish to know why wine has become so popular, here are some definite reasons why:

1. Lack of alternative

In history, wine had started to gain their popularity when there was no available potable water in the early years of Europe. That is why during those times, wine was considered as part of the daily diet of the Europeans.

2. Historical progress

Many people just love wine. From the ancient history of Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, wine has continuously dominated the world because people learned and realized the benefits and goodness of drinking wine.

Among the three, the Romans are the greatest wine lovers. That is why they instigated the development of wine in other countries, particularly in Spain, Britain, and France. It was when the colonization had started that the popularity of wine was passed on from one country to another.

3. Christianity

Because of its popular part in the "Christian Eucharist," the popularity of wine has continuously grown. More and more manufacturers created wine in order to supply the growing demands of the church as Christianity continued to proliferate around the globe.
Learn the art of Wine Tasting

4. Sign of "opulence"

Since the history of wine transgressed from the ancient Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians, wine has always been a symbol of opulence, wealth, and luxury. This is because early wine drinkers were prominent people.

Indeed, the popularity of wine can never be underrated. It has successfully gained its popularity at the right age and at the right pace. Just as it gradually tastes good with age, the popularity of wine continues to increase as time passes.

Wine making is an easy, cost-efficient way to stock up on your favorite vintages. Although the wine-making process is fairly simple, it's important to follow the steps carefully to ensure you don't miss any elements. These steps will be crucial to the success of your batch.

About the Author

Join Wine Tasting Party.

Home Wine and More

4 Main Reasons That Started the Wine Rage

When people think of grapes, the first thing that comes to their mind is wine. This is because wines are generally made from grapes. That is why most ...

Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Featured Home Wine Items

The FTD Eternal Remembrance Arrangement - Standard

This generous basket of red and white blooms reminds family and friends of the beauty of life. Appropriate to send to the funeral home... Approx. 30H x 42W S25-3144S

Price: 114.99 USD

Home Wine in the news

A great recipe for hot spiced wine.

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 14:09:13 -0800
This is a great recipe for Gluhwein, a German hot-spiced wine.

The best hot mulled wine recipe

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 08:55:49 -0800
fantastic recipe to make hot mulled wine (german gluhwein / gluvine)

Más Wine Company Keg - First Release

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:15:07 -0800
At a reception tonight, the most delicious red wine was tapped from a 3.85-gallon German-engineered, stainless steel *KEG*. Launched three and a half weeks ago, initial distribution is limited to Northern California, so I'm posting about Más Wine Company's 2004 Tuscan-style red, VINO, on this board.

Petite Syrah
Grape Varieties
Wine Supplies

November - Wine Appreciation

2008-11-25T19:55:00.001-08:00

The Best Articles on Wine Appreciation

Wine Tasting Fundraiser

Looking for tips on organizing a wine-tasting fundraiser? Here are some ideas on organizing your fundraising event in order to maximize your proceeds.

Obviously, a wine-tasting event needs wine experts, so begin by seeking suitable merchant partnerships based not only on expertise, but also access to the best wines. After all, you have to be able to provide numerous bottles of expensive wine and there's no sense in paying anything near retail price.

Partner with a wine merchant or distributor who can not only help with supplying wine and expert advice, but can also help sell advance tickets to your event.

Organization Tips
Getting plenty of advance publicity is a must. Take the time to put together a press release and get the word out to local media outlets such as tv and radio stations.

Be sure to offer tickets through not only your organization, but also through participating merchants and other groups who support your cause.

It never hurts to have another nonprofit group plugging your fundraising event to their supporters as well. Strike an agreement to do the same thing for their fundraiser.

You will need a suitable place for your wine tasting fundraiser such as a reception hall or scenic outdoor setting. Arrange tables in a layout to suit the space and leave plenty of room for access to each table.

Experts can describe each tasting while wearing a lapel microphone and visiting each table. Use volunteers to bring a bottle of each vintage to all the tables prior to their discussion and have them handle the pouring.

To add a festive flair, consider providing live music with a string quartet or jazz group.

Profit Tips
There are many additional ways to raise funds at your wine tasting. One is to conduct both silent auctions and live auctions for rare wines and wine-related merchandise.

Run your silent auctions from an easy to reach spot such as the check-in table and always do a last call for bids. With live auctions of expensive wines, consider using a professional auctioneer in order to maximize bid prices.

Talk to your merchant partners about ways where both of you can profit such as offering gift certificates to their stores or special case buys on recommended wines.

Look for tie-ins with other merchants who offer related products such as wine glasses, gourmet food items, or travel trips to wine country.

For really large events, provide valet parking services and raise a few extra dollars.

Additional Event Fundraising
Auctions are an additional way to maximize revenue at your wine tasting event. You can offer bottles of fine wines via silent auction or conduct a live auction.

Raffle tickets are another great way to raise additional funds. They are a great way to offering an inexpensive chance at winning an expensive prize. Sometimes, you can even raise more money buy raffling off an item than by auctioning it to the highest bidder.

With a good-sized crowd, raffle off multiple items. You can use the approach where one fairly pricey ticket gives you a shot at multiple prizes. With a high-priced single raffle ticket being sold, you draw from the same pool for multiple winners.

Another approach is to keep the ticket price low and encourage people to buy multiple tickets. This way, the chance that an individual ticket will win is much lower, but people will often spend a greater amount on the lower-priced tickets.

And of course, a raffle allows you to sell tickets to people who can't make the event but would still like to participate in the fun.

Closing Tips
For a successful wine tasting, be sure to allow yourself enough lead time to successfully publicize and organize your fundraiser event. Get the maximum possible turnout by making tickets available at a discount for advance purchases and at a higher price at the door.

If your location is not well-known, be sure to provide directions on flyers wherever tickets are sold. Print a contact number on the tickets for any last-minute questions.

Do everything you can to make the night memorable. Decorate your location appropriately, provide live music and dancing, use a dedicated announcer, and serve plenty of unusual wines to compare.

Using a local media personality as a host is another great way to ensure a large turnout. It's best to route such requests through the program director of their employer.

Good luck with your wine tasting fundraiser!

About the Author

Kimberly Reynolds writes about fundraising and ideas on having a wine tasting fundraiser event on her website. Find hundreds of fundraising ideas on her website.

Short Review on Wine Appreciation

Wine Tasting Fundraiser

Looking for tips on organizing a wine-tasting fundraiser? Here are some ideas on organizing your fundraising event in order to maximize your proceeds....

Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Wine Appreciation Items For Viewing

The FTD Bit of Sunshine Bouquet - Premium

Vivid yellows and pinks are featured in this pretty bouquet. Yellow and pink roses are encircled by pink freesia, yellow yarrow, yellow carnations and more. Tightly arranged in a glass vase, this bouquet is a sunny way to make their day. B19-3471P

Price: 82.99 USD

Wine Appreciation in the news

LG XD1 Stylish Portable Hard Drives

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:29:11 -0700
LG Electronics launches its 2.5-inch portable hard disk drive called XD1 in Korea market. Coming in Red Wine and Black Pearl colors, the XD1 features a stylish design with sunrise gradation. Equipped with a SATA II interface, it is available either USB 2.0 type or USB + e-SATA combo type.

A Wine Lover's Guide to Exploring Craft Beer

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:51:02 -0700
Discussion of what beers to have your wine loving friends try based on what types of wine they enjoy.

Wine Tasting Tips, Types and Tours

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:10:39 -0700
Everything you want to know about wine tasting, wine tasting parties, wine tasting kits, wine tasting tours, Napa Valley Wine Tasting Tours, Sonoma Wine Tasting Tours, Wine Cheese Tasting Parties, Wine and Food Pairings, How To Chill Wine, Types Of Wine Tastings

Learn How To Host Your Own Wine Tasting Party

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:32:45 -0700
If you've ever considered hosting a wine tasting party, but didn't know where to start, this site has lots of useful information. Helps you determine what type of wine tasting party you'd like to host, how much wine to buy, where to purchase home wine tasting kits, wine and cheese pairings, and a whole itemized list of everything you need.

Slight Variations Of Poker To Optimize Wining

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 02:35:15 -0700
There are many types of poker that has been played and is being played. Some are played widely, while some are disappearing from the scene of the poker world because many perfectionist pokerists do not authorize those card games a poker. Regardless of the number, any poker variant has its own interesting element.

Chianti Region
Storing Wine

Saturday November 22, 2008 - Quality Wine

2008-11-22T19:56:00.001-08:00

A Quality Wine Artilce for Your Viewing

Wine Making Tips from Andre: Fruit Wines and Fruit Winemaking ?Part 1 of 2

Once again we have advent of the summer season in Western New York and Ontario and while some home winemakers limit their endeavors to the grape, others, including myself, anxiously await the arrival of the fresh fruit. Once dismissed out of hand by some as inferior and often quaintly referred to as ?country? wines, fruit wines are enjoying a surge in popularity never seen before, embraced by amateur and professional vintners alike.

And why shouldn?t they? Our region has the good fortune to possess a burgeoning agribusiness in fruit other than grapes and, as many fruit farmers have discovered (as indicated by the surge in farm winery licenses), wine returns a much more appealing margin than fruit alone. For those who are still on the fence about the virtues of fruit wine, may I suggest that you take a day to tour some of the local wine trails and try them.

For me, a family outing to the local fruit farms, especially a ?U-Pick,? was always gleefully anticipated as a summertime ritual. The delicious baked goods and the jellies and jams made from the fruit could be enjoyed into the cold winter months. That is, of course, if they lasted that long.

We still make and love all these things, but taking the extra time and expense to produce wine from the strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, and other fruits adds another dimension that will challenge and hone your skills. This is because, unlike grapes (especially those varieties which one may regularly vint year after year), fruits, berries, and other feedstock used to make these wines have less predictable characteristics in their pH, acid, and sugar. Therefore, careful testing and attention to making the proper adjustments is important to producing a good fruit wine.

There is an abundance of websites that have good basic fruit wine recipes, and even recipes to make wine from vegetables and herbs. Simply plug ?fruit wine recipes? into a search engine.

Now for another reason why home winemakers should have a second look at fruit wines. Today, people are more health-conscious than ever. Almost every day for the past decade, starting with ?The French Paradox,? we?ve been bombarded with one clinical study after another that touts the health benefits of drinking red wine in moderation.

Well, surprise! The same health-promoting compounds found in Pinot Noir are found abundantly in fruits and berries. The polyphenol pigments that impart color to the fruit are known collectively as anthocyanins, a family of powerful antioxidants. The compound found in Pinot Noir called resveratrol is produced in greater amounts in this varietal as an antifungal because the skin of the grape is thin and susceptible to splitting. Resveratrol has been studied for its ability to block cell inflammation and oxidative stress related to arthritis and other degenerative diseases, as well as cancer treatment and prevention. *

Blackberries, mulberries, and especially blueberries are rich in powerful antioxidants like resveratrol. Blueberries also contain phytosterol and pterostilbene, which have recently been shown to be useful in lowering bad (LDL) cholesterol, preventing heart disease, and protecting the body against certain cancers.

None of these beneficial compounds are lost in the winemaking process, so why not raise a glass of fruit wine and drink to your health?

*Joseph, J.A., Shukitt-Hale B., Denisova, N.A. Bielinski D., Martin, A., McEwen, J.J., and Bickford, P.C. "Reversal of Age-Related Declines in the Neuronal Signal Transduction, Cognitive, and Motor Behavioral Deficits with Blueberry, Spinach, or Strawberry Dietary Supplementation," Journal of Neuroscience, September 15, 1999, Vol. 19, No. 18. pp. 8114-8121.]

Winemaking Tips from Ande Pazik of www.bubbleflo.com

E-mail Contact: dkceo@bubbleflo.com

Author: Andre Pazik of www.bubbleflo.com

Thoughts about Quality Wine

Wine Making Tips from Andre: Fruit Wines and Fruit Winemaking ?Part 1 of 2

Once again we have advent of the summer season in Western New York and Ontario and while some home winemakers limit their endeavors to the grape, othe...

Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Featured Quality Wine Items

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

"... That being said, Mondavi's 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is an exquisite wine, as well as a Cabernet that may turn out to be one of the wines of the vintage. The deep opaque purple color, and tightly wound nose and flavors still reveal enough profound aromas and flavors to mark this as one of Mondavi's most sensational efforts. The nose possesses a Margaux/Mouton-like cassis, lead pencil, floral aroma, backed up by copious quantities of blackcurrant fruit. In the mouth, my notes said, "great stuff." The wine is full-bodied, layered, multi-dimensional, and astonishingly well-balanced, with an inner-depth and core of exceptional richness and intensity. All of this has been accomplished without any notion of obtrusive weight, tannin, or alcohol. The finish lasts for 35+ seconds.Because of its luxurious quantity of fruit, this wine will be accesible young, thus much of it will be drunk long before it ever reaches full maturity. However, for those able to buy more than a bottle ot two, and who possesses the discipline to wait 10-15years, this wine should prove to be a formidable California Cabernet with a rare complexity, elegance, and richness. It should be at its best between 2002-2025..." RP - 98 (Subject to Availability) RMCR94 RMCR94

Price: 191.99 USD

Headlines on Quality Wine

France's Beaujolais Nouveau hits bars, wine shelves after smallest crop in 3 decades (Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune)

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:45:57 -0800
PARIS - The 2008 edition of Beaujolais Nouveau wine is here, and vintners hope it will lift spirits despite the financial crisis and a dismal crop.

As Economy Recedes, Argentine Wines Might Shine

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:20:37 -0800
As several nations have officially called it a recession, the recent downturn in the economy is changing how and what people buy. As people shift spending habits, some say with it's excellent price-to-quality ratio, Argentine wines could become more popular.

Hoboken YMCA Fundraiser "A Taste of Hoboken" Turns 21

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:44:50 -0800
The 21st Annual Taste of Hoboken went off last night without a hitch. There were over 30 restaurants and over 40 liquor, spirit, wine and beer vendors. The crowd was a bit lighter than last year (we are in a recession), but the room was still plenty full. This years event featured an expanded selection of quality wines from all over the world...>>

Wine Opener
Serving Wine
Wine Ratings

November 19, 2008 - Wine Cooler

2008-11-19T11:46:00.001-08:00

Wine Cooler For Your Reading Pleasure

5 Tips For Experiencing A Wine Festival

Almost every state in the country has a wine festival. It is a great way to sample the wines of the region and to become familiar with some of the great wineries that are right in your backyard.

If you decide to go to a wine festival, there are some things you can do to make the most out of the wine festival you are attending. Coming back from the festival with your favorite bottle of wine is always enjoyable, but to get even more benefit, you can follow these tips.

1. Decide beforehand if you will do wine tasting or not.

If you decide to taste the wine, you will need to make sure of at least 2 things: First, bring along a designated driver who will decide to go dry during the festival, or, if you do wine tasting, make sure you spit the wine out in one of the many buckets they have available.

Another thing you will need to decide, is which wines you would like to taste. Many wine festivals are arranged by types of wineries and the wines they serve. Most wineries will have their own booths which are easily indicated on the maps of the event that are given out at the wine festival.

2. Sample the foods at the food booths at the wine festial

One of the great pleasures of having wine is the combination of the food and wine together. Many of the food booths that are on display are great in combination with the wines that are in the tasting tour.

Be sure to ask the vendors at the food tables what wines that are currently in tasting go best with their foods. The vendors should have a list of the wineries and wines that are up for tasting, so they should be able to give you some additional insight with the food and wine combination.

Another benefit is that it will put food in your stomache, which will keep you from being tipsy early on in the wine festival.

3. Sample some of the wines from each of the different wine regions

Depending upon the size of the festival, the variety of wineries will dictate how many regions are introduced. At the Lafayette Wine Festival in Colorado, there were several different regions throughout the state represented. Colorado has some varied climates so there are a number of wines that should be tasted, to experience the variety of flavors that come from the Colorado wineries.

4. Keep track of your wine tastings on a score card

Most wine festivals will give you a card or sheet of paper to be able to keep track of your wine selections. As you taste the wine, keep track of the wine you tasted and how you liked the flavor. Get ideas from the wineries serving the wine about which foods would go best with the wines you really enjoyed, and write that down.

The more you take notes at the wine festival, the less you will have to think about after the festival. There is nothing more frustrating that trying to remember which wines you liked, and what foods they would go best with. After a full day of wine tasting, your brain cells probably won't function as well by the end of the day, so take notes as you go through the festival.

5. Have fun at the wine festival

Last but not least, as if I had to tell you... Have a lot of fun at the wine festival. Wine festivals are almost always a festive event where most people are having a great time. Experience the energy of people tasting wine, getting a bit tipsy, and just having a great time.

Meet and talk with the other wine festival attendees. You will usually find them quite friendly after an hour of wine tasting. The winery merchants are quite willing to talk to you about their wines, and the tours of their vinyards they offer. Make a full day of it and see if you can make a new friend or business associate.

Wine festivals can be a lot of fun and also a great learning experience for the wine enthusiast. Following some simple tips can give you a lot more out of the experience and will give you a great springboard to enjoy more wine festivals in your area or in another state entirely.

About the Author

Search one of the largest databases on the web for wineries in the United States. Find out when and where wine festivals are occurring and see products and services related to wine.
http://www.officialwinery.com
A http://drivetraffictomywebsite.com creation

Another short Wine Cooler review

5 Tips For Experiencing A Wine Festival

Copyright 2006 B Hopkins
Almost every state in the country has a wine festival. It is a great way to sample the wines of the region and to become fami...

Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Recommended Wine Cooler Items

Frankenwein Halbtrocken Windisch

Not too often do you see a wine from the Franken Region on Germany. The center of the region is the Baroque city of Wuerzburg. Most of the Franken wines are enjoyed locally, though some make it to the larger cities to the North. The wines are tradiotionally bottled in fat flagons called "Bocksbeutel", thus distinguishing itself from almost all other German wines. Our Halbtrocken (Medium Dry) Frankenwein is made from the Mueller-Thurgau grape. A wonderful white wine to enjoy with your family and friends. You can buy it online. GFWVW704 GFWVW704

Price: 21.95 USD

Wine Cooler in the news

New law may leave some seeing their glass half empty

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 22:30:19 -0700
A new state law that took effect Sunday limits the amount of wine someone can buy directly from a winery -- whether the winery is in Illinois, California or anywhere else -- to 12 cases a year. The limit had been two cases per person per year. That sounds like it makes it easier to buy more wine. And that's true. But, prohibits ...

Floating Solar Farm: A New Form Of Solar Technology !

Sat, 31 May 2008 03:30:47 -0700
In California was made the first floating solar farm, it contains about 1000 of solar panels. The farm has a great significance in the solar industry and certainly in the wine industry. All the energy that the winery needs annually is produced by the solar panels.

Napa Wineries Tap Solar Power Like It's Going Out of Style

Fri, 30 May 2008 09:52:27 -0700
Here’s another reason (as if one needs a reason!) to enjoy California wines: Napa Valley wineries are adopting solar power faster than any other business sector in the state.

Wine Vinter Legend Robert Mondavi Dies: 1913-2008

Mon, 19 May 2008 16:50:00 -0700
Robert Mondavi, the vintner who built his career and helped an iconic Northern California industry blossom by insisting that Napa Valley wines can compete with the best in the world, died in the Napa Valley. He was 94. Mondavi was a winemaking veteran in 1966, when he opened the winery that would help turn the Napa Valley into a world wine center.

Wine Ingredients
German Wine

November 2008 - Wine Expert

2008-11-15T21:51:00.000-08:00

A Wine Expert Artilce for Your Viewing

The Niagara region's Icewineries: wine tasting in a new light

Wine tours have long been popular in the realm of unique vacations; but for anyone who'd like to take the novelty of such a getaway to a whole new level, Canada's Niagara region - and its famous Icewineries - await.

One of the most intriguing aspects of a wine tour is learning the history behind a type of wine, a winery or a region that yields the wine - none of which are an exception when it comes to Icewines. The discovery of Icewine in 1794 was accidental when, out of necessity, winemakers in Germany pressed frozen grapes - the resulting juice of which was found to have an unusually high concentration of sugar. It wasn't until the mid 1800s, however, that the winery intentionally began to produce Icewine for distribution.

The production of Icewine did not extend to Canada until 1973, after which time the venture proved to be a huge success. Today, Canada - and particularly, Ontario's Niagara Peninsula region - is the largest producer of Icewine, a product that's often referred to as "liquid gold". That's because the juice from Icewine grapes composes about one-fifth the amount that would be extracted from unfrozen grapes. For instance, if the grapes of an unfrozen vine produced a bottle of wine, the grapes of a frozen vine would produce just one glass of Icewine.

The Icewine harvest begins in the winter months - typically, in December - once temperatures drop below -10 to -13 degrees Celsius and grapes have frozen on the vines. Natural freezing concentrates the sugars, acids and extracts, thus intensifying the flavors of the juice; then, as the frozen grapes are pressed, the highly concentrated, sweet juice is extracted. The natural water portion, however, remains in the grape skins as ice crystals. The juice is then fermented very slowly over the course of several months to produce Icewine. Typical grapes used for ice wine production include: Riesling Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc and the red grape Cabarnet Franc.

The Niagara region hosts an ice wine festival every January to celebrate the fruit of each year's harvest. Locals and tourists alike can indulge in ice bars, frozen art exhibits and tours through Niagara's famous wine routes - alongside, of course, a taste of some of the region's most exquisite Icewines.

If you're considering taking an Icewine tasting tour in the Niagara region this winter, rest assured that there are plenty of fantastic options for accommodation in Niagara Falls. The Doubletree Resort Lodge & Spa Fallsview, Niagara Falls, for example, features an award-winning VQA wine list, including Icewine by the glass or bottle at Buchanans Chophouse. So you can get started on the wine tasting before you even hit the festival or your tour!

By touring Niagara's Ice wineries, you'll learn about the unique processes involved in making Icewines, as well as have the opportunity to try some of the most exceptional wines in the world. So what are you waiting for? Take the novelty of a wine-tasting tour to a whole new level - experience the Niagara region's famous Icewines.

About the Author

Martin McAllister is an online freelance journalist. He lives in Scotland.

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The Niagara region's Icewineries: wine tasting in a new light

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Arbios Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Willam Arbios is a perfectionist. His vineyard is the highest in Sonoma county: a place where grass becomes stunted and oak trees take on a grayish palor. As he says: "Thin soil and scan water threaten the life of my grapes each year. These grapes give my wine the balance of character, finesse, and structure that's born from their constant struggle to live. I can never make much wine from here, but I can make the kind of wine that I have always dreamed of producing." Cherry, red-currant fruit with warmth of new French oak barrels. This Cabernet Sauvignon from California is a perfect gift to buy online! If you are a dry red wine lover, it is the right choice for you! ARB01 ARB97

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Thursday - Fresno Wine

2008-11-13T04:50:00.001-08:00

Another Great Fresno Wine Article

Organic Wine, A Reprieve for the Allergic

When I was a kid, I developed an allergy to peanut butter, something I loved to eat by the spoonful. While others ate it, mixing clumps with strawberry jam and putting it between two slices of bread, I stood by drooling; then, with a sense of defeat, I went to stick my head in my Easy Bake Oven. To me, there was nothing worse than being five years old and having a peanut allergy; it?s the equivalent to having a wine allergy when you?re over 21.

Lucky for me, I?m not allergic to wine. I?ve self-tested with hundreds of bottles and I can declare that I would definitely know by now. Definitely. But, many others aren?t that lucky; some people do have wine allergies, an allergy that hinders their ability to savor one of life?s greatest pleasures. This allergy leaves people with an empty wine glass, an empty wine cellar, and a unyielding impulse to look up to the sky and scream, ?Make me allergic to diary, make me allergic to cats, make me allergic to my siblings, but please don?t take away my Cabernet.?

While no one wants a wine allergy, those who have one are forced to take it seriously. This is particularly true for people allergic to sulfites, compounds often used as a means to preserve wine by helping it to avoid oxidation and spoilage. Unfortunately for those with sulfite allergies, sulfites are added to a vast majority of wines. Because of this, checking the label doesn?t just become a matter of hoping to find the best tasting wine, it also become a matter between being well and being ill.

When someone who is allergic to sulfites drinks wine containing this compound, they run the risk of experiencing an allergic reaction - an allergic reaction to wine makes a wine hang over look like a walk in the park. Some people may experience sneezing, or hives, while others may have difficulty breathing and need emergency medical attention. Sulfites can also cause anaphylaxis, the most severe of allergic reactions. During this kind of reaction, a person?s blood pressure dangerously drops and their bronchial tubes narrow, making it increasingly harder for them to breathe. If left untreated, this can lead to death in a matter of minutes. For these reasons, many people with sulfite allergies avoid wine altogether: not even the greatest wine in the world is worth compromising health.

However, luckily for those affected by sulfites, organic wine has come to the rescue, wearing a red cape and giving those allergic to regular wine a second chance.

Organic wine doesn?t necessarily mean ?sulfite free,? a tidbit of information extremely important to those sensitive to even the most minute levels of sulfites. In fact, wines are rarely sulfite-free; sulfites occur naturally in wine. However, conventional wines go above and beyond those naturally occurring, adding many more sulfites to their finished product. Organic wines, on the other hand, tend to believe that the naturally occurring sulfites are enough - they don?t want to compound the situation.

The true definition of organic wine depends on where the wine is produced. For wines produced in America, the National Organic Program, the federal agency overseeing the production of organic food, has mandated that any wine claiming to be ?organic? must not contain any added sulfites. Wines merely claiming to be made with ?organic grapes,? however, aren?t subject to these regulations. Along these lines, wines that are produced outside the US are governed under their own rules: these wines generally have added sulfites, but the amount is roughly a third of the amount found in conventional wine. Thus, for those with sulfite allergies, it?s important to read the label very carefully.

Drinking organic wine isn?t just limited to those with sulfite allergies - it?s not a secret club people are allowed into by submitting their medical records. Many people simply find organic wines better tasting, healthier, and good for the environment.

Organic wine is composed of grapes that are grown in an organic vineyard with organic farming techniques. Essentially this means that the grapes are grown in a manner void of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides and full of natural fertilizers. These vineyards also contain cover crops between their vines and work to attract beneficial insects, insects that will feed on harmful pests. Though no scientific evidence provides credence, there is speculation that drinking organic wine instead of conventional wine decreases the chance of a hang over. This has led many people down an organic path, a path paved with the healthiest of soil.

While not widely available, organic wine has recently begun to gain in popularity. Sommeliers are finally beginning to get the hint as bottles of organic Pinot Noir approach, tapping their fingers and impatiently saying, ?Ahem.? Still, organic wine remains harder to find than conventional wine - many restaurants do not serve it and some liquor stores have either no collection or one that is minimal. But, rest assured, there are places to find it, and soon they?ll be more..

Online is a great place to start, booming with shops that will ship organic wine to your house. Organic food stores - such as Whole Foods - have jumped on the band wagon as well, obviously needing a ride from drinking too much organic wine. There are also certain liquor stores that do carry a large selection of organic wines. To find one in your area, try calling around, doing an Internet search, or going to www.wine-searcher.com

It might take a little research, but you?ll be rewarded once you are cradling that organic wine in your hands, one end of the straw in the bottle the other end in your mouth. Then, it will all be worth it?naturally.

Jennifer Jordan is the senior editor at http://www.savoreachglass.com With a vast knowledge of wine etiquette, she writes articles on everything from how to hold a glass of wine to how to hold your hair back after too many glasses. Ultimately, she writes her articles with the intention that readers will remember wine is fun and each glass of anything fun should always be savored.

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Organic Wine, A Reprieve for the Allergic

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Tritan Diva Pinot Noir/Burgundy Wine Glasses (Set of 4)

Have a clumsy house guest…not to worry! Far stronger than ordinary crystal and technologically superior because they’re based on much rarer and more expensive titanium instead of lead Tritan has developed the perfectly shaped and crystal-clear goblets for each type of wine. Go ahead– put ‘em in the dishwasher. They will not dull nor cloud nor break easily as lead crystal is prone to do. This revolutionary new very thin lead-free crystal chimes when tapped belying its super-strength. Measures 9.8'H 28.25 oz.

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Italian craft beer . . . in one photo

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Given the sudden outbreak of tales about Italian beer (see below) and the reality I should save something interesting for a couple of print assignments I’m going to write a lot less here than I planned for Italian Beer Part II. Instead I’ll steal an idea from this wine blog, which reviews wines using a single picture instead of traditional tasting notes. The new wave of Italian beers can’t be represented by a single image, but I’m suggesting this is a start: The photo was taken at Pompeii.

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Western Australian food and beverage companies will take their produce to new international markets at three upcoming major food trade events. Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman has invited local companies to explore promotional opportunities available in India, Japan and the United States. “I’m inviting local food and beverage companies, including wine producers, to promote their wares ...]

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November - Wine Glasses

2008-11-10T00:50:00.001-08:00

Another Great Wine Glasses Article

What to Do with Leftover Wine

Leftover wine may bring about problems for many of you that leftover food doesn?t possess. While it?s easy to throw a vat of macaroni in a Tupperware bowl or wrap a piece of bread in a plastic baggie, the same can?t be said for wine. When it comes to saving wine, there is no place for foil or Saran wrap.

This makes figuring out what to do with unused wine particularly challenging. And, it further perpetuates the idea that no wine should ever be left over. Just like we, as children, were taught to clean our plates before we could leave the table, as adults we must empty our bottles before we?ll be excused.

Nonetheless, there are still instances when leftover wine simply can?t be avoided, times when ? as a result of a party, a misjudgment of thirst, or a huge wine sale that could not be passed up ? wine must be kept another day. So, what do you do then? Well, move over whales, it?s time to save the wine.

Can I get an Ice Box?

We?ve all been in the familiar situation of a restaurant meal we couldn?t possibly finish. The portions of that fillet mignon were too large, too many drinks have been consumed, and we?ve just given our last antacid to the bus boy. At this point, there?s only one thing that can be done: a box must be requested. This concept, for those who can?t finish a bottle, also rings true for wine.

The ice box, for saving both red wine and white wine, is one of the first places to start. This may seem a bit opposite as red wine, by rule, is not typically served cold. However, after a bottle is open, keeping it in a cool, dry place may be the best chance of keeping it as fresh as possible. But, even with refrigeration, the remainder of the wine should still be consumed within three or four days; the longer it remains in the ice box, the more tasteless it will become, soon spitting nasty comments in the direction of the Arm and Hammer.

The freezer, not to be left out, also extends itself to our ?Save the Wine? campaign. While wine is not usually frozen, except by those of you who are rare cravers of a port-sicle, left over wine can be placed in the freezer, and then used as cooking wine.

Put a Rubber Cork In It

The freshness the original wine cork keeps inside the bottle can never be replaced. As soon as that wine cork was extracted, wine began to fall victim to the air that entered. However, a rubber wine cork can be placed in the bottle to preserve some freshness, and keep it from spoiling further.

When this rubber wine cork is coupled with a pump, a device that is used to take air out of the bottle, the wine may be even fresher than with the rubber wine cork alone. However, some wine experts assert that this is not a good way to preserve wine, believing the device is simply putting on airs about taking it out.

Invent Wine Tupperware

The day when the containers used to store week old ravioli and leftover fried chicken can also be used to store Merlot is a day that is good for all mankind. However, this day may not ever come. One of the problems with the Tupperware used to store foods and liquids is that it also stores great amounts of oxygen. When it comes to leftover wine, oxygen is the number one nemesis, its least favorite element in the entire table.

Still, the idea of Tupperware doesn?t have to be wasted on wine. Instead of using the plastic containers kept in your cupboard, purchase some smaller wine bottles. There are several wine stores that sell small wine bottles just for this purpose. These small bottles allow you to fill wine up to the top ? thus keeping air out ? and re-cork the bottle.

Get Gassy

For those of you who drink too much wine in one sitting, you?ve probably noticed that wine and gas can sometimes go together. However, when it comes to storing wine, a completely different gas is fortunately involved.

Private Preserve is a brand name of gas made with the intent of providing a blanket of freshness over your bottle of wine. The gasses in the Private Preserve are heavy, more so than air. This moves oxygen away from the wine, preventing the wine from spoiling. Because of its effectiveness, many restaurants and bars use it. With no components that alter the taste of wine, Private Preserve is subtle, safe, and environmentally friendly.

Buy Less, Drink More

Wine is easy to buy. It?s a drink we often love unconditionally. Even a red wine carpet stain or the world?s worst hang over isn?t enough to make us cut all ties; the vine, so very often, can not be severed. This is for one reason: wine is one of life?s greatest pleasures.

Because of this, it?s often easy to purchase large bottles when small ones are warranted. You may think you are doing the right thing, asking the stock boy to help you load a forty pound vat of wine into your cart, but you must keep in mind that wine is made from fruit, a food that spoils easily.

Instead of purchasing huge bottles of wine, try purchasing ones that you can actually finish in a single setting. This takes the entire problem of leftover wine out of the picture. This may seem more expensive, as often wine purchased in bulk is cheaper, but wasting wine or letting it spoil can get expensive too; it can certainly do a number on your bank account, not to mention your soul.

Leftover wine can be one of the hardest to deal with: it?s a high maintenance leftover. But, it?s not impossible to save extra wine in a manner that will keep it from spoiling. From refrigeration to a rubber cork, from using small bottles of wine to using specialized gas, there is sure to be a process that works for you. After finding which one is most efficient, you?ll be able to buy wine, drink wine, and keep some for later.... Just remember to soften the blow for the excess remaining by telling your leftover wine that just because it?s unused, doesn?t ever mean it?s unwanted.

A synopsis on Wine Glasses.

What to Do with Leftover Wine

Leftover wine may bring about problems for many of you that leftover food doesn?t possess. While it?s easy to throw a vat of macaroni in a Tupperware ...

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Display package for EuroCave Compact Wine Cellars. Displays 6 bottles upright at easy access in a roll-out drawer with a handsome glass front. Behind there's room for an additional 24 bottles stored horizontally on half depth shelves.

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Cupertino, CA, 95014 - For Sale By Owner

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:48:41 -0700
Beautiful Home featuring 3 Bedrooms & 2 1/2 Bath+ Office, with a Large Game room or additional bedroom, Finished Garage, walk-in wine closet, small shop, and storage shed. RV or Boat space on side yard. Bryant Central Heating/Air Conditioning. 6-Panel Solid Wood Doors Throughout. More info: http://www.fizber.com/5415610 Fizber ID – 5415610

Brix House Wine, LLC Makes History Selling Wine Via Broadcast Television

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:01 -0700
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Grocery store liquor sales pushed in N.J. (New Jersey)

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:42:47 -0700
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11/07/08 - Kosher Wine

2008-11-07T06:30:00.001-08:00

A Kosher Wine Artilce for Your Viewing

The Proper Servicing Of Wine

The Proper service of wine starts as soon as you bring it home. How you handle it, store it, open, and pour it is all a part of wine service protocol. Wine is only a result of a long and delicate journey that can take many years to perfect. So the next time your swinging and swaying your bottle of wine around like some toy, consider its journey, carry it carefully and of course give it a comfortable place to rest.

Storage

Wine should be stored on its? side in a cool place ideally at 55 degrees F. Storing wine in a place at a higher temperature will cause the wine to age at an increased rate.

Service Temperature

The temperature for which wine should be served at is also down to a science as certain characteristics can only be detected at certain temperatures. It is all too common to have white wine served at a temperature that is far too cool. Over chilling wine causes the wine to be ?tight? or too cold to properly experience it so do yourself a favor and follow these general guidelines and try to experience each wine the way it was meant to be experienced!

Wine Varietals - Ideal Service Temperature

Sparkling, Champagne - 45 degrees F/ 7 degrees C
Lighter bodied whites; Riesling, gew?rztraminer, sauv.blanc - 45 ? 50 F/ 7 ? 10 C
Med, full bodied whites; Viognier, Semillon, Chardonnay - 48 ? 50 F / 8 ? 10 C
Lighter reds; Gamay, sangiovese, pinot noir - 55 ? 60 F / 13 ? 16 C
Med, full reds; merlot, Bordeaux blends, cabernet sauv - 60 ? 65 F / 15 ? 18 C

The Opening

I suppose it might be hard to taste if you can?t open the bottle! It?s easy, but first you need the proper utensil. Don?t be fooled with all of these wine opening contraptions today that try to simplify an already simple procedure. Purchase what is called a 2-stage corkscrew; an indispensable tool for all waiters. Simply remove the foil on the bottle by using the knife of your corkscrew. Cut around the bottom of the lip of the bottle for clean and easy removal of the foil. Aim the point of the screw at the center of the cork and press down and start turning. Continue turning until only the last half of the final twist remains visible. At this point hook the 1st stage of the tool onto the lip of the bottle and use the handle as a lever to slowly lift the cork from the bottle. Once the handle is almost vertically extended, use the 2nd stage of the tool to fully remove the cork.

?Bruising?- Yanking the cork out of the bottle creates that all familiar POP! If proper etiquette is important to you, this ?POP? is actually an undesirable resonance referred to as bruising the wine. In order to prevent this from occurring, gently lift the cork out of the bottle while bending the cork to the side. This allows the air to escape up the side of the bottle neck helping to reduce the possibility of a POP!

If you happen to break the cork, do not panic! It happens easily, especially with older wines. Merely remove the broken portion of the cork from your corkscrew and start again. Except this time place the screw up against the inside of the bottle neck and insert the screw pushing against the side of the bottle and slowly into the broken cork. Hold the neck of the bottle firmly and when the corkscrew has penetrated the cork by a few turns, slowly pull the cork out!

Glassware

There are a million options available when considering glassware for wine, however in order for wine to truly shine; clear glass or crystal is the only way to go. It is important to see the wine you are about to enjoy, so don?t disguise it with a colored material.

The leading glassware manufacturers today have gotten this subject down to a science, successfully creating palate specific glassware to encourage the optimal tasting experience. Each wine varietal is best experienced when taken from a glass which allows the wine to breathe properly. Although swirling and decanting also aid in aeration, the glass used can also contribute to proper aeration as well. Reidel is the leader in this industry creating fabulously sexy glassware with only varietals in mind. This company creates a different glass for almost every libation!

The necessary glassware required for any home is a simple white wine glass which typically has a smaller circumference than a red wine glass which is quite a bit larger. A set of champagne flutes is highly recommended as well.

Your red or white glassware should accommodate approximately 10 ? 12oz. of wine, however a wine glass should never be filled higher than half way. The idea is to allow enough room for the wine to move when swirling. Your wine will not breathe well if the glass is filled higher than half way.

In summary, wine is a delicate substance that should always be treated with great care. Storing it carefully and showing it off in great glassware is really all that wine asks for!

About the Author:

Jennie Wills has been a hospitality expert for 10 years leading to the successful launch of www.thesexykitchen.com Discover how to turn your passion into a successful website. www.succeed-from-your-passion.com

Short Review on Kosher Wine

The Proper Servicing Of Wine

The Proper service of wine starts as soon as you bring it home. How you handle it, store it, open, and pour it is all a part of wine service protocol....

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Wine Club 3 Bottles for 9 Months Prefer Dry

Our elite Wine Club is a monthly wine adventure of International Wines from the four corners of the world. We search out delicious, great wines from the smaller, family owned wineries. Each selection comes with information about each wine that wine drinkers would like to know. Selections from Dry, Mixed, or Fruity. WG309D

Price: 443.95 USD

Kosher Wine in the news

Crispy Green's Line of Crispy Fruit Products Receive Kosher Certification

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:00:01 -0700
Fairfield, N.J. (PRWEB) September 25, 2007 -- Crispy Green Inc., the maker of Crispy Green® Crispy Fruit premium, freeze-dried fruit snacks, today announced that Crispy Green's production...

Israel SEO Internet Marketing Specializes In Kosher Wines

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 21:04:40 -0700
"My bottom line is simple," says Leyden. "Through powerful and effective Internet marketing and SEO (search engine optimization) we will gradually see more and more kosher wine from Israel entering restaurant menus from New York, Paris and Los Angles to Montreal, London and Tokyo.

Kosher Kilimanjaro: Religious Commitment Carries a College Student Up Africa's Highest Mountain

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:01 -0700
Boulder, CO (PRWEB) July 23, 2007 -- This August, Boulder travel company Adventures Within Reach will be hosting Brandeis University student Danny Glass on Mt. Kilimanjaro. This should seem routine,...

Konsyl Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is Only Kosher Certified Psyllium Manufacturer in United States

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:01 -0700
Easton, MD (PRWeb) March 31, 2007 -- Konsyl Pharmaceuticals, Inc. a leading producer of high quality, all natural fiber supplements for improving intestinal health, is proud to announce they are the...

Kosher Wine for Hanukkah

Tue, 12 Dec 2006 13:19:17 -0800
What is Kosher Wine? How do you pick it out? Learn everything you need to know about Kosher Wine for Hanukkah here.

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Tuesday 11/04/08 - Muscat Grape

2008-11-04T00:48:00.001-08:00

Muscat Grape For Your Reading Pleasure

Cheers! A Toast To Wine Clubs

Do the names Chardonnay, Merlot or Pinot Noir titillate your taste buds? Are you familiar with red, white, chilled rose, still and sparkly? Do you wish you could know more about these and get them delivered to your home? Then probably it is time that you apply for a membership to a wine club.

Wine clubs are the best things to happen to wine-lovers across the world after the invention of the corkscrew. Wine clubs are specialist interest clubs made up of members with a common interest - wine. It is a fun and convenient way for wine lovers of all kinds to experience the world of wine. Wine clubs also cater for those looking to either develop their knowledge of fine wines or those that want to enjoy sampling a range of wines from around the globe.

With the popularity of wine clubs increasing, wine clubs of different types have come up - from subscription wine clubs offering a variety of membership schemes to social, discount and free wine clubs. Subscription wine clubs are the most professional of all, with experts on board making available the best of wines to their members. Social wine clubs can be a closer affair formed of friends and family members who create a yearly fund to acquire wine for satisfying their taste buds. Discount wine clubs offer money saving benefits where you can have the best wines at a discounted price while free wine clubs send free samples and make you pay for only those that you want to keep.

Whatever the type of wine club, the foremost benefit offered is to make available to the members a variety of wines from across the globe. Wine clubs give you the opportunity to try wines that you may never otherwise get the chance to sample, which is a treat indeed for wine connoisseurs. Bottles are sent to members, along with tasting notes and matching food advice, on a monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly basis depending on the type of subscription opted for. Invitations to wine tasting sessions, special wine events, trips to wine-making regions are also some of the benefits you can enjoy. Before joining a wine club it is important to decide what benefits you want to derive from your club and whether the club offers those. And don't lose heart if there are no wine clubs in your area, you can apply for your chosen wine club online.

About the Author

Rory H. Hawkins writes about wine clubs and other interesting topics. For more information on joining a wine club visit us today.

Muscat Grape and More

Cheers! A Toast To Wine Clubs

Do the names Chardonnay, Merlot or Pinot Noir titillate your taste buds? Are you familiar with red, white, chilled rose, still and sparkly? Do you wis...

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Muscat Grape Items For Viewing

The FTD Sweetness and Light Bouquet - Deluxe

This sweet bouquet is a vision of pink, purple and white blooms. Flowers include purple iris, white freesia, pink tulips and more in a glass vase. C22-3433D

Price: 66.99 USD

Current Muscat Grape News

A Happy Fourth

Sat, 05 Jul 08 20:43:00 -0700
Midweek was sort of challenging around here, but moving on! Yesterday we went to Mystic Seaport for their Independence Day celebration. We don't usually visit such places on weekends, or during special events (ack, the crowds!) but we packed a picnic lunch, did our best, and told the kids we'd take a steamboat ride during the next visit, not on a weekend. (I love being a member.)The kids decorated Fourth of July hats.Vaughan decided to participate in the Children's Parade portion of the 1876 par

Quickie: Cosmopolitan Hunt / Annuarisu / Tukinowaguma

Sun, 22 Jun 08 16:41:42 -0700
At Haute Couture Sim a Cosmopolitan Hunt is going on, it will end on Monday, June 23th, at 8 am SLT! You have to search for “Cosmopolitan Glasses” inside the shops of the participating designers as Schadenfreude, Digit Darkes, Persona, caLLie cLine, Haute Style & Co, Fashions of RFyre, Reel Expressions, DeLa, SF Design, ZHAO Shoes and Bodyforming Silhouette. Here are my great finds Sweet Valentine pink, cute lingerie by SF Design, Innisfree 134, 48, 537 Cosmopolitan drink, earrings,

Opakapaka! Opakapaka!

Thu, 19 Jun 08 14:46:21 -0700
We may be speaking too soon; but, summer may be here or at least it felt like it last night! Nothing beats coming home and finding that it is warm enough to sit on the deck, enjoy a glass of wine and not have to pull on your cable knit sweater. No, we do not live in the North Pole, it is true we live in San Francisco; but, one may not realize that it is usually freezing cold most of the summer and this year it has seemed to last a lot longer than normal. When we do see the sun, we do not tal

cedar river flood

Fri, 13 Jun 08 14:10:47 -0700
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Non-Hangover Observations: Picnic des Chefs

Mon, 09 Jun 08 11:36:27 -0700
Click the image above to view the full photogallery. We popped over to Sunday's annual Club Culinaire Picnic des Chefs held in Griffith Park because the weather was perfect, and what could be better than a glass of rose and some French food in the park? Not much, really. Tickets were gratis for us, but even if we forked out the $50, it would've been worth it. Instead of having each restaurant set up a booth and serve food, booths were organized by region with several chefs manning each one. W

puerto rican

Sun, 08 Jun 08 12:54:21 -0700
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Austria Offers New Wine In The Old World

Thu, 08 May 08 08:13:09 -0700
Wine in Austria has been produced for over 2000 years - some of its vine species go back to 700 BC. But only now are Austrian wines making an impact on the international world - with standards comparable to Burgandy, Bordeaux and California and Australian wines. Read for more on wine in Austria like Rieslings and Grüner Veltliner.

Zinfandel Grape
Australian Shiraz
French Wines

Saturday - Wine Industry

2008-11-01T09:20:00.001-07:00

Another Great Wine Industry Article

The next Shiraz, varietal wines for Australia

Shiraz is the dominant red winegrape variety in Australia. It is the key component of Grange, the flagship Australian wine label. At the other end of the scale it makes up the bulk of the cheap and cheerful red wines in the everyday bottled brands such as Jacobs Creek, Oxford Landing and yellowtail.

Looking into the future the role of Shiraz seems unassailable, but there are a few challengers on the horizon. The wine consumer is a fickle creature and fashions can change fairly quickly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darby Higgs is an expert on varietal wines made from less common grape varieties. He is founder and editor of vinodiversity, an information resource. See http://www.vinodiversity.com

Short Review on Wine Industry

The next Shiraz, varietal wines for Australia

Shiraz is the dominant red winegrape variety in Australia. It is the key component of Grange, the flagship Australian wine label. At the other end of ...

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Recommended Wine Industry Items

The FTD Pink Lily Bouquet Standard

Lovely and fragrant Stargazer lilies are a wonderful way to celebrate a special day - or make an ordinary day special! Enhanced with sprays of delicate limonium, lilies are beautifully arranged in a clear glass vase. Approx. 16H x 13W. B1-3701S

Price: 36.99 USD

Current Wine Industry News

A Dozen Beaujolais Bargains

Fri, 31 Oct 08 10:34:09 -0700
Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé! A guide to which wines offer a good price and good drinking

Dining with the Stars of Michelin

Fri, 31 Oct 08 09:38:38 -0700
The Michelin Guide has been providing outstanding dining recommendations in Europe for over a century, and made its debut in the Bay area in 2006. The rating system uses stars, which are coveted by chefs worldwide. It is an honor to receive just one, and there are only six Michelin two-star restaurants in Northern California. In celebration of the 2009 Michelin Guide awards, three of these restaurants have joined efforts to extend a celebratory invitation to epicureans. For three nights and t

Shedding Tears for an Assclown

Fri, 31 Oct 08 08:19:58 -0700
Shedding Tears for an Assclown I recently spoke with a woman who had broken up with her boyfriend of a year a couple of months ago. He had been cheating on her for pretty much the majority of the relationship and she’d finally caught him out. When we caught up, she was still crying a lot and seemed really devastated which understandably you would be if you’d found out that your guy was a lowlife. What was interesting though was why she was crying. When I asked where her upset was rooted, I

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Wednesday October 29, 2008 - Chardonnay Wine

2008-10-29T04:20:00.001-07:00

A Chardonnay Wine Artilce for Your Viewing

A Glimpse at Popular Wine Makers

For centuries now, vintners and great wine makers have been tirelessly fermenting grapes, other fruits and flowers to produce the wine that is served at feasts, parties and dinner tables. Cultivating an appreciation of wine is a growing trend in the US. Shops specializing in wine are appearing throughout the country, not just in the traditional vineyard regions of California, Oregon, and Virginia. People who may not have grown up around wine are now drawn not only to sampling but also to collecting it. Tasting parties and special wine pairing events are a common theme in restaurants and in the home. With this comes an increase in interest in home storage. While proper storage can help wines become even more exquisite, improper storage can lead to ruined wine.

There are thousands of varieties or types of wine to choose from. White, sparkling, red or rose wine are just some of the ?colors? that you can choose from.

Wine making is a very lucrative venture because there is a worldwide market. France, Italy, Australia, Spain, Chile and the United States have their share of the worldwide market and are the leading countries which export and produce wine.

Meanwhile, South Africa, Argentina, Portugal and Germany aren't far behind.

California is the state which boasts the most of wine producers in the US. Vineyards are mostly found in Sonoma Valley, Monterey, Paso Robles, Santa Ynez and Napa Valley.

Here are just some of the popular wine makers in the country:

1. Greenvale Vineyards & Winery

This vineyard is located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. They produce red and white wines located from grapes which are locally grown. Chardonnays and Cabernets are produced from the fertile soils of Greenvale Vineyards.

2. The Mount Pleasant Winery

Located north of St. Louis in Augusta, the Mount Pleasant Vineyards and Winery produces the best wine out of quality grapes. With Chambourcin grapes, a Nouveau-like wine is aged and fermented. Chambourcin is a type of red grape grown mostly in states located on the East.

3. Domaine Drouhin

Located in the Red Hills of the Dundee in Oregon, this vineyard claims a sense of history since it is owned by the Drouhin family. Their wine has received worldwide recognition due to class and quality. The Pinot Noir wines that they produce have the distinct flavors of berries and vanilla for an exquisite taste.

Learn the art of Wine Tasting

4. Savannah Chanelle Vineyards

Located in the mountains of Santa Cruz in California, the Savannah Chanelle vineyards produce Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is mostly produced in the vast vineyards of Savannah Chanelle and are on the top of the list when it comes to this type of wine.

5. Chappellet Winery

California, being the wine-producing state in the US, includes the Napa Valley region.

This is where the Chappellet Winery is located and they produce Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This winery produces wines which undergo as little processing as possible.

6. Sanford Winery

This vineyard is located in Buellton, California in the Santa Ynez valley. They make Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

When deciding which wine to serve your family, consider the bottles produced by such popluar wine makers and you can't go wrong.

Art of Wine Tasting.

Wine Tasting for beginners

Chardonnay Wine and More

A Glimpse at Popular Wine Makers

For centuries now, vintners and great wine makers have been tirelessly fermenting grapes, other fruits and flowers to produce the wine that is served ...

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Chardonnay Wine Products we recommend

The FTD Graceful Tribute Arrangement - Premium

When searching for an appropriate bouquet for the home, this lily, rose, and gladiolus arrangement is an excellent choice. S35-3183P

Price: 119.99 USD

Current Chardonnay Wine News

Fake Restaurant Wins Award of Excellence

Wed, 20 Aug 08 17:37:05 -0700
He typed up a menu (”a fun amalgamation of somewhat bumbling nouvelle-Italian recipes”) and then put together a wine list, and submitted both to Wine Spectator–along with the $250 fee. The list was approved and given an Award of Excellence.

Box Wine: Good for the Environment

Mon, 18 Aug 08 08:57:27 -0700
The New York Times is reporting today that Italy's Agriculture Ministry has approved the use of its "Quality Assurance Stamp" on some boxed Italian wines. This is in response to a growing trend around the world of moving to boxed wines for environmental reasons.

I Love Italian Wine And Food - Reviewing The Reds

Fri, 15 Aug 08 02:39:06 -0700
I recently finished a wine tour of Italy’s twenty administrative regions, briefly describing each region prior to tasting a representative wine with food, and at least one imported Italian cheese.

Summer Wine
Winemaking

Sunday - Champagne Bottles

2008-10-25T21:52:00.001-07:00

Champagne Bottles For Your Reading Pleasure

California Wine Gift Baskets

Wine gift baskets are an ideal gift for the boss. They also make a romantic impression since wine today spells more than just the good times and friendship; it also spells healthy living. Wines are often contained in attractive, mostly handmade baskets.

Sending wine as a gift is not a complicated task, but it is still best to keep in mind the purpose of sending it. Red, white, and sparkling wines best serve specific occasions. You can also give them in assortment.

The California Wine gift basket, however, has its own character and has its large share of demand in the United States. People send California wines in baskets to please and to thank someone. However, should you choose to send wine baskets as a gift through a company that does this for you, it is only legal to do so in AK, CA, DC, HI, ID, IL, IA, LA, MO, NE, NV, NM, ND, OR, WA, WV and WY.

Wine gift basket sales and orders are most profitable are during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Valentine's Day. There are several companies who accept your order and offer a wide variety of basket designs and arrangements to choose from. You choose to include one or two bottles of either red wine, white wine, or both in the wine gift baskets. You can even choose to substitute private label wine in any basket. The prices depend on what you choose. Wine gift baskets may also contain special cheese and nuts. They are the usual companions in the baskets because they normally don't spoil during shipping or delivery.

A normal price for a wine gift basket with delivery will cost at around $65 to $100, and these services are already available online. There are many promotions and discount packages available there, too. Before sending wine-basket gifts, check out the information provided by the wine companies, free of charge.

California Wine provides detailed information on California Wine, California Wine Tours, California Wine Country, California Wine Gift Baskets and more. California Wine is affiliated with California Wine Clubs.

Champagne Bottles and More

California Wine Gift Baskets

Wine gift baskets are an ideal gift for the boss. They also make a romantic impression since wine today spells more than just the good times and frien...

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Champagne Bottles Products we recommend

The FTD Elegant Tribute Bouquet - Standard

This elegant bouquet lets family and friends know your thoughts are with them. Lilies and alstroemeria are mixed with greenery and delivered in a glass vase. S37-3120S

Price: 59.99 USD

News about Champagne Bottles

Wineware Offers Fantastic Delivery Free Savings This Autumn

Thu, 04 Sep 08 03:31:05 -0700
The company specialises in unique and exquisite wine racks, dinnerware, barware, decanting and serving accessories.

Storing and Caring for Wine

Sun, 31 Aug 08 23:05:25 -0700
To properly store wine, you'll need to meet several factors, such as humidity, temperature, lighting, the cleanliness of your storage area, the angle of the bottle while it is stored, and the vibration of the bottle on the rack.

firebox.com - The WineRack

Sat, 30 Aug 08 17:03:24 -0700
Hey girls - must improve your bust? Then do it with a stealth wine dispenser that you wear like a bra. As well as allowing you to secrete and sip drinks wherever you may roam, this boob-enhancing gizmo will increase your cup size by two full cups. Gulp!

Wine Lovers Gifts - Wine Accessories - Wine Racks

Tue, 26 Aug 08 10:39:53 -0700
A Great Wine Accessories and Gifts site. A large collection to choose from

Cellar Tags
K&L Wines
Order Wine | Oregon Wine

October 23, 2008 - Strawberry Wine

2008-10-23T15:28:00.001-07:00

Today's Strawberry Wine Article

Wine Racks for Storing Wines

To prevent wine bottles from being broken and to store wine in a cool, dark place you need wine storage racks. Storage racks allow you to organize your wine collection and keep it safe and sound. Wine racks also make it possible to display a great collection of wine bottles to others.

There are many kinds of wine storage racks available on market. You have to see how many bottles you need to store at a time and then choose a rack accordingly. You can even have a wine rack made especially for you, with your own customizations regarding color, size and dimensions. If you want to build a wine cellar in your house, then you can hire professional people to build custom-made wine racks for the cellar. These kinds of racks usually take up an entire wall and allow a large amount of wine to be stored in them.

Many wine storage racks have enough space to hold cases of wine as well as individual bottles. Some wine racks offer individual shelves and bin shelves designed to hold only one bottle at a time. This way you dont need to sift through bottle after bottle to look for the one you need.

There are online wine rack stores that allow you to browse through numerous wonderful-looking storage racks and decide for the one that best suits your needs. Most designer racks are made of either metal or wood. While purchasing online you will also come across special discount offers and other bonuses. You will be able to classify wine racks according to their material, height, width and shape. Decide your budget and buy beautiful wine racks for your great wine collection!

Anyone with a true taste for wine would like to add new brands to his or her collection every now and then, and for that matter there should be a wine rack in the house for storing wine. Storing wine in a safe place like a rack also helps to keep it out of the reach of children and the wine bottles are less likely to be mishandled or broken. There are many kinds of wine racks available out there; you just have to select the one that suits your needs.

There are hanging racks, wall racks and floor racks to choose from. Many wine racks will require you to put the different parts together and make it ready to hang. Wine racks are categorized into wooden and metallic racks.

The wooden ones are usually made of maple with the visual appeal and beauty it holds, in addition to the strength it provides. Wooden racks are more likely to withstand the temperature and humidity levels.

Make sure that the rack you have chosen will allow plenty of space between bottles to ensure air circulation. That will also help to protect the corks from drying out. Wine racks will allow you to arrange the bottles in some definite order. That way you will be able to search for some particular bottles whenever you need them.

There are many online stores that offer beautiful and long-lasting wine racks of many types and colors to let you select the one that appeals to you. Many of these websites offer free shipping and handling. You can even have some expert come to your house and build a customized wine rack for you.

About the Author

George Wood is a successful webmaster of many popular sites including christmas and rugs site. If you want to read more about wine, click over to George wine site.

Another short Strawberry Wine review

Wine Racks for Storing Wines

To prevent wine bottles from being broken and to store wine in a cool, dark place you need wine storage racks. Storage racks allow you to organize you...

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Featured Strawberry Wine Items

The FTD "Get Well" Balloon Bunch

When you want your gift to make a big impression, give them this fun Balloon Bouquet. The bouquet arrives with 2 mylar balloons surrounded by 6 latex balloons and tied together with a ribbon. The mylar balloon designs will vary. Mylar balloons available with the phrase: "Happy Birthday," "Happy Anniversary," "Congratulations," "Get Well," "Thinking of you," "It's a Boy," or "It's a Girl." EO-6035

Price: 34.99 USD

News about Strawberry Wine

Master of wine selections at Conrad (The Japan Times)

Thu, 23 Oct 08 14:33:07 -0700
The Conrad Tokyo has introduced a Grand Wine List selected by Ron Georgiou, its master of wine — one of the most respected wine qualifications in the world. To mark the event, the hotel has organized several special meals that will enhance the dining experience at its award-winning restaurants by pairing dishes with Georgiou's wine selections. Read the full story

Wild Fennel

Thu, 23 Oct 08 14:12:43 -0700
Wild fennel grows on the sunny banks of Portland area rivers. In fact, there are several nice patches along the Willamette where I work. One of my fall rituals is to gather fennel seeds and to make my own sweet Italian sausage. It’s a great way to learn about the environment and to become a more adventurous locavore. Plus, who doesn’t love a sausage party? Food Safety: You need to be able to tell the difference between fennel and poison hemlock. You don’t want to go the way of Socrates. If y

Giving It Another Try

Thu, 23 Oct 08 11:40:11 -0700
Wow, this day is flying by! Not that I am complaining, but where did the morning go? I’m actually taking tomorrow off from work, so my weekend begins in just a couple of hours! Wahoo! Lunch today was a lovely selection of frozen food items heated in the office. I didn’t make my lunch last night, so this morning was a mad dash to throw together some sort of lunch. What I came up with wasn’t too shabby: A Dr. Praeger’s veggie burger on a Thomas whole wheat Square Bagelbread. I had a container

Fruit Baskets
Wine Companies
Wine Merchants | Wine Note

October 21, 2008 - Wine Vineyards

2008-10-20T21:36:00.001-07:00

Wine Vineyards For Your Reading Pleasure

Do you really want to buy wine online?

I love walking around wine shops. Especially really good ones. Some of them have wonderful bottles of vintage wines, ports, sherries, madeira, marsala and brandy in lovely dusty racks. Others give you a list and you can go and actually look at a bottle of wine that is on the list at ?2000. Of course buying it is out of the question, but you will always remember that day when you actually touched a Rothschild '47 or whatever it was for the rest of your life.

If you live or work in London there are some fabulous wine merchants to window shop in. You can potter around the more expensive areas of the West End and discover a cornucopia of wine shops with superb wines from all over the world. Many specialise in the more expensive vintages.

Looking round these emporiums is a bit like taking a kid into a sweetshop. You look at all these wines that you have read about only in fables and decide that you will have a bottle of 'house-red' thanks. You can't tell the be-suited gentleman behind the wooden counter that your bank manager would have a fit if you bought the one you really wanted. You also know that if you try to bluff him by asking for the '85 rather than the '86 he will produce the bottle from the folds of his morning suite.

The airports of Western Europe, particularly Amsterdam and Zurich for transit passengers are amazing. Good wine is not in it. From behind glass, possibly bullet-proof, you can gaze at bottles of 200 year old brandy. I wonder if anyone actually drinks it, or do they frame it or something? You may wonder, whilst looking for the rather cheaper duty-free shop which sells things for under $1000, whether you could buy some of these things rather less expensively somewhere else.

If you go to Italy or France you can just go to the local shop in the town and you will be amazed at the range of wines there. Of course the local wine/s will be paramount in the mind of the storekeeper or wine merchant, but there will be some special wines that really need attention paid to them. Little stores can often come up with some really cracking wine if persuaded to. "This is my last bottle" really means that the wine is really good and possibly too good to be drunk by a foreigner.

If you take a tour of the wine growing regions of Italy or France you will be able to buy a case or two of whichever wine you took a fancy to on your holiday. Having tasted it in Italy though, does not necessarily mean that it will taste the same in England or Germany when it's only 2C outside.

Most of us would love to go to interesting places; see how wine is made and taste it on the spot; have the time to wander round wine warehouses and have the knowledge of what to look for. The rest of us take advantage of the new ability of being able to buy wine online. It's much easier but not, perhaps, as much fun.

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Another short Wine Vineyards review

Do you really want to buy wine online?

I love walking around wine shops. Especially really good ones. Some of them have wonderful bottles of vintage wines, ports, sherries, madeira, marsala...

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Recommended Wine Vineyards Items

Hauswein Red

Red Hauswein is a fruity wine produced in the European Union. Served in big Roemer glasses, it is sure to compliment all types of foods. Hauswein in the German language refers to the establishment's "Pouring wine". You can buy this inexpensive wine online. K-003 K-003

Price: 19.95 USD

Wine Vineyards in the news

Texas Vineyard delivers the whole experience | Texas Vineyar

Thu, 16 Oct 08 19:40:10 -0700
A great article about a small vineyard near Rockwell that really brings the whole wine and food experience together.

David Lett, Oregon Wine Pioneer, Dies at 69

Tue, 14 Oct 08 09:32:57 -0700
Mr. Lett planted the first commercial pinot noir vineyard in Oregon, opening the way for what became a thriving pinot noir industry.

Tablas Creek Vineyard Wine Dinner

Fri, 10 Oct 08 13:51:00 -0700
We received an invitation to the Tablas Creek Vineyard Wine Dinner at David Burke's Primehouse and decided to pass on the invitation to you!

English wines are beating the French

Thu, 09 Oct 08 01:05:58 -0700
From Cornwall to Kent, vineyards are enjoying a champagne moment.

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