Wine Tasting

wine tasting glasses of red

While people have been enjoying the experience of tasting wine since ancient times, this practice became more formalized during the 14th century. Professional wine tasters use a very strict wine tasting vocabulary in their description of wines. Recreational wine tasting events are much more informal and involve attention to a wine's: appearance finish (aftertaste) fragrance in the glass mouthfeel... Read more >

Types of Wine

wine types toast with red and white

The variety of wines available to enjoy is practically endless. Some of the major wine types available include: blush fruit/country non-alcoholic red sparkling white. A description of different types of wine begins with classification. Wines of all types can be classified by either the primary grape variety or the region where the grapes were grown. Wines classified by the type of grape they contain... Read more >

Wine Regions

wine regions and areas vinyard

Wine regions around the world produce an astounding array of unique tastes and flavors. Experts and those just beginning the path to understanding wines will benefit from developing an appreciation of location.   While it's also important to cater to individual tastes and budgets, making a selection based on country and regional origins can provide helpful direction. In fact, developing an eye for reading... Read more >

History of Wine

history of wine ancient jars

Wine-making and drinking bears a long and varied past, steeped in both fact and supposition. From the Bible to ancient legends, tales of intoxication by ingesting fermented grapes abound. Some scientific evidence also traces the remnants of wine's sediments to dated artifacts. In addition, fossilized vines add proof to the fact that the earliest humans recognized the pleasures of this tantalizing... Read more >

Wine Problems

common wine problems test the bouquet

For many people, a glass of fine wine is the perfect indulgence after a long day at the office. However, for those whose work is wine, wine is more than a way to unwind. It takes years, even decades, to perfect the winemaking process. Wine makers concentrate on flavors, acids, grapes, bottling and much more. And wine makers run into problems in all of these areas along the way. Fortunately, it's easy to recognize... Read more >

Winemaking

making wine bin of grapes

There are few things more satisfying than enjoying the fruits of your labor, literally. Winemaking is a great hobby or career that lets wine enthusiasts have a hand in producing their own wines to enjoy. Some companies now sell wine making kits that contain everything needed to create your own perfect bottles of vino. Making Homemade Wine Winemaking begins after the grapes are harvested. The process for making... Read more >

Wine Science

wine science corks and bottles

People have enjoyed drinking wine for thousands of years. Like many other happy human discoveries, wine was likely discovered by accident. By 3000 BC, people in ancient Egypt and Persia were making wines. The art and science of winemaking has changed considerably since these early times. Wine Science - The Ancient Romans The ancient Romans kick-started several developments in making wines. By 1000 BC... Read more >

Wine Equipment

wine accessories and equipment corkscrew

If you are a wine lover, perhaps you have considered making your own wine. Making your own wine can be an interesting challenge with an end result that you can enjoy. In order to create your own wine, you will need some basic winemaking equipment to help you through the process. The Legalities of Homemade Wine Making wine at home is perfectly legal in the United States, with certain restrictions. A single... Read more >

Wine and Food

wine and food pairing white with pasta

Americans’ growing sophistication about global cuisine, coupled with ever-increasing varieties available in the wine market, makes for a myriad of possible food and wine pairings.   The number of choices may at first confound budding gourmands. But not to worry! A few general rules of thumb exist that can give you a good foundation on which to build your wine and dining repertoire.   Of course... Read more >

Grape Varieties

grape varieties assorted bunches

Each type of wine uses a different grape variety to give it a distinct taste and color. Each grape variety offers a unique color, size, skin thickness and acidity. These characteristics are often influenced by the area in which the grapes are grown. An experienced wine maker knows how to blend and choose from the many grape varieties to produce a high quality wine.   Viticulture Explained The... Read more >

What is a Sommelier

sommelier definition tasting with nose and palate

The word "sommelier" is derived from the Late Latin term sagma, meaning "pack saddle." In Old French, the word somier meant "pack animal." By the days of Middle French, the term "soumelier" had evolved to describe a court official who was responsible for supply transportation; the supply of wine was no doubt an important element in the bounty!   Today, the word "sommelier" has come to designate a wine... Read more >

Vintage Charts

vintage wine charts stacks of bottles

The term vintage refers to the year that fruit was grown for making a particular type of wine. Despite its mystique and privileged associations, wine is like any other agricultural product in that it can vary greatly in quality, depending on climactic conditions in the region where its ingredients are grown. A vintage wine chart shows ratings for every year in a certain wine region. The rating provides an estimate... Read more >