Wine clubs are a popular trend for the most adventurous wine lovers. Once you join, these clubs send their members various bottles of wine to try based on their selected preferences. There are a couple different types of wine clubs out there, so before you join the first one you find, it would be wise to weigh your options and find the right one for you. Here's some of our tips to help you select the best wine club for your wine preference, expertise and budget. Types of Wine Clubs Winery … [Read more...]
Choosing the right type of wine glass to pair with any particular wine doesn't have to be a difficult process. Understanding the fundamentals of wine glassware and how their unique designs enhance your wine drinking experience is much simpler than you might expect. While there are specially designed shapes, sizes, and styles of wine glassware for nearly every varietal of wine, they all fall into one of four basic categories. Let's take a closer look at the most common types of wine … [Read more...]
Grape harvest is the busiest time at a winery. In the northern hemisphere, harvest occurs in the months of August through October. In France, these months are busy as vintners select the best grape varieties for fermentation. French black grapes are the basis for the most well-known and loved French wines. Let's take a closer look at three of the most popular French grape varieties. Pinot Noir A trip in history to a time before the Roman invasion of the Gauls reveals Pinot Noir as one of the … [Read more...]
Conversations about fine wine often revolve around Italy, France and Spain, but Germany also produces many fantastic wines. Most of the wineries in Germany line the Rhine River and its tributaries, and the oldest wine plantations in Germany have been up and running since the land belonged to the Roman Empire. The country's total wine production usually averages about 9 million hectoliters, which is enough to make approximately 1.2 billion bottles of wine, making Germany the eighth largest … [Read more...]
The defining ingredient in wine is fermented fruit; that fruit traditionally consists of different grape varieties, but nearly any type of fruit ferments into wine. Although fruit wine developed as an inexpensive way to use up excess fruit, today’s varieties bring a level of sophistication and enjoyment that matches any standard grape wine. When you drink a fruit wine, you are sampling the best fruit an area or specific region has to offer, from citrus fruits to tropical varieties to … [Read more...]
Wines in Spain are known for their extensive roots in tradition and quality. With six major types of wine coming from this particular region, wine connoisseurs are wise to know the difference as well as various storage and serving methods. Whether you prefer red wine, white wine or a rose wine, there are many produced and regulated in Spain. Spanish wine is regulated under a classification system known as the Denominación de Origen (DO). Originally created in 1932, this system is primarily used … [Read more...]
On average, how many bottles of wine do you drink a week? One? Three? Five or more? What do you do with the corks? Throw them away? That's anywhere between 52 and 260+ corks a year disposed of by you alone. Do you own or work for a business that consumes or sells wine? On average, how many bottles of wine do you sell a week? Ten? Twenty? Fifty? That's anywhere between 520 and 2,600+ corks disposed of by your business alone. ReCORK, a wine cork recycling initiative, wants these wine … [Read more...]
A recently released Gallup poll reveals some interesting trends in America’s drinking preferences. It seems that beer, previously crowned America’s favorite, is no longer holding its own. Wine, on the other hand, has increased in popularity as much as beer has fallen off. Seeing as beer had a 20% advantage on wine as recently as 1992, it’s astonishing to now see that the two are practically tied. What’s to account for the change? One of the more surprising explanations lies in the data for … [Read more...]
Here at WineCoolerDirect.com, we love customer reviews. We want to do everything in our power to make sure you are able to make an informed buying decision, and reviews are a big part of that. To many people a wine refrigerator is more than just a way to chill wine; it's an investment. Here are a few people that entrusted us with their wine cooler investment decision and are happy as a result. Don't take our word for it, though, take a look at their … [Read more...]
Depending on your preferences, your list of famous wineries you want to visit is likely different than everyone else's. There are so many factors to consider when deciding which wineries you want to visit. While the wine is obviously a primary factor, you must also consider the location, ease of access, history, architecture, and overall ambiance. With so many factors to consider, it is nearly impossible to come up with a concrete list of the absolute best wineries. At the same time, … [Read more...]
I find that people either overestimate or underestimate wine and food pairings. The truth is that there are no hard-and-fast rules to pairings because all of our palates are different. It should be understood that food does not transform wine or vice versa. If you know you dislike a certain wine, then no matter what food you pair with that wine or how strongly a sommelier suggests you pair it with a certain dish, you will probably still dislike it. The same goes for food. On the other hand, if … [Read more...]
What is a wine aerator and how does it work? Aerating wine is a way to quickly soften tannins, reduce sulfites and release the wine’s full bouquet. Your wine is formed from a mix of both flavorful and undesirable compounds, and with aeration, you’re eliminating the unwanted ones while keeping the aromatic compounds to enjoy. This is the same motivation behind wine decanting, only in a quicker, more aggressive approach. Aerators vs. Decanters Many people wonder whether a wine aerator or … [Read more...]
Everyone loves receiving gifts, especially wine-related gifts! Surprising someone with a wine gift basket is a classy way to express gratitude or celebrate a special occasion. Preparing a wine basket is an enjoyable alternative to buying a premade basket at a store. Here's a few of our favorite ideas for customizing the perfect wine gift basket for the enthusiast, foodie or wine sophisticate in your life. The Basket The first thing you need to do is select a suitable container for your … [Read more...]
When serving a fine bottle of wine, how you serve it is as important as what you serve. Opening a bottle of wine that has been corked requires a corkscrew. It needs time to breathe before you pour it into the glass, and you must always serve wine at the proper temperature, which is why learning the basics about corkscrews and preservation is essential for any wine lover. Storing your Wine When storing your wine, understand that proper temperature is essential to maintaining the flavor and … [Read more...]
Do you like your wine dry or sweet? Robust or acidic? Different types of wine have many different flavor profiles, and each wine offers something different for your senses. Despite the variety, there are several essential types of wine to keep in your collection at all times. By having these wines, you will be ready for any type of dinner party or entertaining situation. Moscato Wine Moscato wine is derived from Moscato grapes grown in a very temperate region of Italy. Moscato is a … [Read more...]
Memorial Day through Labor Day is the "season" to fashionably wear white, and the summer is similarly great for white wines. Since white wines are traditionally served colder than red wines, the summer heat provides a great excuse to break out a crisp, cool glass. Check out these examples of summer white wines to put the finishing touch on your plans. Chardonnay source When the weather grows warmer and people gather on patios and lawns to enjoy the summer, the first type of white wine that … [Read more...]
Are you the only wine lover in a house of beer and soda drinkers? Do you need storage space for your husband’s beer or your kids’ sodas just as badly as you need space for your small to medium wine collection? Are you looking to provide a variety of beverages from your wet bar? If so, then a Wine & Beverage Cooler may be exactly what you need. These versatile units are typically made up of two independently controlled temperature zones, giving you the ability to store your wine at a … [Read more...]
The novelty of regional wineries should've worn off at the turn-of-the-century, but somehow it hasn't. For a long time, people assumed that all wine created in the United States came from California, Washington, and Oregon. The truth is nearly every state produces wine. The same is true for nearly every country in the world. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of misconceptions surrounding regional wine regardless of where you travel. If you truly want to appreciate regional wines, there … [Read more...]
Wondering which wine to serve at your 4th of July BBQ this year? Looking for something versatile to pair with potato salad and ribs? Looking for something not overly sophisticated yet still respectable? Look no further than a California Zinfandel. Grown exclusively in the United States and aged in American oak, this wine has most certainly proved itself as inherently American. Zinfandel is full of ripe fruit flavors and aromas that give it a jammy mouthfeel, while spice and pepper flavors … [Read more...]
There are many variables that can make the purchase of a wine cooler seem daunting. As with any big purchase an informed decision is the best decision. It’s helpful to make a list of everything you would like in a wine cooler, but where do you begin? Grab a glass of wine and let’s consider three things you need to think about to before you buy: How much wine do you plan to store or have on-hand? Many people enjoy a glass of wine or two with dinner, which means for an average … [Read more...]
Varietal specific. Crystal. Dishwasher-safe. And currently on sale! What more can you ask for in a set of stemware? Our only regret is that we didn't offer these incredible wine glasses sooner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ2OPLQ3ga0 Check out the Vinum, Vinum Extreme, Vitis and "O" Collections here. … [Read more...]