by Bernard Kenner
If you are one of the majority of Americans, who consume wine within 24 hours of its purchase, you are missing out on the wonderful experience of having a stock of wine that you can dip into on a moment's notice. Start the process with a mixed case from a merchant you have had some experience with, a salesperson that has helped you find wines you have liked in the past or outside advisor. Include at least 3 or 4 grape varieties or regions that you are not familiar with. Ask what kinds of food would go well with them and make a list. Then, as you drink those wines over the next month or two, take notes. Go back and buy a few more bottles of the ones you like, as well as another mixed case, and repeat the tasting/ note taking. Repeat as often as you have room to store the wine in a cool,...
by The Juice
Wine and games make for a great combination at a party, as they add a fun and interactive element to the gathering. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a casual drinker, there are plenty of games that can be enjoyed with a glass of wine in hand. Here are some fun game ideas to try at your next wine party: 1- Wine Tasting Game: Divide guests into teams and have them taste and identify different wines while blindfolded. This can be a fun and challenging way to learn more about wine and test one's palate. You can even make it a competition and award prizes to the team with the most correct answers. 2- Wine Trivia: Test your guests' knowledge of all things wine with a trivia game. Questions can cover a wide range of wine-related topics, including grape varieties, regions, and winemaking...
by The Juice
Giving wine as a gift can be a thoughtful and sophisticated gesture, whether it's for a special occasion or just to show someone you care. However, with so many different types and styles of wine available, it can be difficult to choose the perfect bottle. Here are a few tips to help you select and present wine as a gift: 1- Consider the recipient's preferences: Think about the person you're giving the wine to and what types of wine they enjoy. Do they prefer red or white? Are they a fan of a specific region or grape variety? Knowing their preferences can help you narrow down your options and select a wine they're sure to love. 2- Choose a wine that's appropriate for the occasion: Some wines are better suited to certain occasions than others. For example, a bottle of bubbly is a clas...
by The Juice
Rosé wine is a popular and versatile type of wine that has a long and storied history. Its origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where wine was made by blending red and white grapes or by leaving red grapes on their skins for a short period of time. One of the earliest known examples of rosé wine can be found in ancient Greece, where a type of rosé called "kotofagos" was made by blending white and red grapes. The Romans also made a type of rosé wine called "Rosatum" by blending red and white wines, and it was popular during the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, rosé wine was not as well-known as it is today. However, it began to gain popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in the Provence region of France, where it was known as "vin gris." The ...
by The Juice
The United States is home to some of the world's most renowned wineries and wine regions. From Napa Valley in California to the Finger Lakes in New York, there are countless options for a memorable winery tour. However, for the ultimate winery tour experience in the United States, one would have to consider visiting Napa Valley, California. Napa Valley is widely regarded as one of the world's premier wine regions. It is home to over 400 wineries and is particularly known for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines. The valley is also surrounded by picturesque mountains, providing a stunning backdrop for a winery tour. One of the best ways to experience Napa Valley's wineries is by taking a tour with a local company. These tours typically include transportation, a know...
by The Juice
Wine tasting events are a great way to sample a variety of wines and learn more about them from experts. However, it's important to follow proper etiquette so that everyone can have an enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to keep in mind when attending a wine tasting event: 1- Dress appropriately. Wine tasting events are usually more formal occasions, so it's best to dress in semi-formal or business attire. Avoid wearing strong fragrances as they can interfere with the taste of the wine. 2- Arrive on time. Wine tastings are usually scheduled for a specific time, so be sure to arrive at the designated time. 3- Listen to the host or wine expert. The host or wine expert will usually provide information about the wines being tasted, the winery, and the winemaking process. It's imp...
by The Juice
Here are some suggestions for hosting a successful wine tasting event: 1- Plan ahead: Decide on the date, time, location, and guest list well in advance. 2- Choose a theme: Having a theme for your event can add an element of interest and engagement for your guests. It could be based on the region, winery, grape varietals, or type of wine. 3- Select a variety of wines: Offer a range of wines for your guests to sample, including different varieties, regions, and styles. This will give your guests an opportunity to try new wines and expand their palate. 4- Provide food: Food can enhance the wine tasting experience. Offer small plates of food that complement the wines being served. 5- Set the mood: The atmosphere of your event is crucial. Create a relaxed and comfortable setting...
by The Juice
The wine growing season, also known as the "vineyard cycle," begins in the late winter or early spring with the bud break. This is when the grapevine starts to grow new shoots and leaves, signaling the start of the growing season. During the spring and early summer, the vine focuses on vegetative growth, as the shoots and leaves mature and the grape clusters start to form. This period is known as the "growing season," and it's when the vine needs the most attention from the grower. Summer is the time when the grapes start to ripen and change color, a process known as "veraison." The grower will monitor the grapes closely during this time to ensure that they are ripening evenly and to determine the optimal time for harvest. The exact timing of harvest depends on the grape variety a...
by Claire L. Torbeck, Dipwset And Certified Sommelier
When we moved to the Bay Area, I took a few cooking classes and Chef indulged our group, bringing in a Riedel representative to do a comparative wine glass tasting. I was very skeptical that a glass could make any difference; however, the bonus of attending the seminar was it included 4 Riedel Vinum glasses. I was hooked! The basic premise is that you take 4 glasses (a Bordeaux, Pinot Noir, an Oaked Chardonnay, and a Sauvignon Blanc) and you ‘sniff and taste test’ each of the varietal wines one at a time. Beginning with the wine in the correct varietal glass, subsequently pouring it into the other glasses and re-tasting, the aromatics and flavors on the palate were clearly ‘best’ in the varietal glasses. I officially rose to the rank of ‘snob.’ Lucky for me, I was able...
by Antony Bruno
Raise your hand if you’re one of the many wine drinkers who say they don’t like Chardonnay. Or maybe you’re like Paul Giamatti in Sideways and you’re “not drinking any @#$% Merlot!” Well then Uncorked Kitchen & Wine Bar’s “Old World vs New World” wine tasting class has a message for you — “Never write off a varietal.” The class focuses on sampling two versions of the same grape varietal—one from an Old World country (essentially Europe and the Middle East), and another from the New World (everywhere else)—through side-by-side tastings. The result calls into question everything you thought you liked (or don’t like) about a given varietal. And that’s the point. Let’s take for instance the first pair of wines, both made from the highly polarizin...
