This may be similar to a past write up, although well worth repeating as a costly mistake could be made. Summer 2010 has arrived and with a vengeance in some areas of the USA. Here on the East coast we have experienced several triple digit days which is highly unusual, even breaking a long standing record of 103 degrees on one occasion. While lakes, beaches and water parks love this weather it does not bold well for wine not properly stored. There are plenty of scientific and technical articles out there to research which are certainly valuable; but here we will try to keep it simple. Wine is a living organism and all living things age, wine aged properly can be a beautiful thing. Heat stressed wine on the other hand is subjected to rapid maturation... »View More

Added Monday, July 12, 2010 in Anything Wine Add a Comment

As I sit here on my patio relaxing I am kicked back in my outdoor recliner, which by the way is the best outdoor addition you could ever purchase, I reflect back on a weekend that in my mind will go down as one of the best July 4th holidays in all of my 55 years. Yes, Independence Day the start of our new country, free and independent, the USA! I am sure at times we here in the United States take for granted what this holiday means. We forget how many don’t have our rights and freedoms and that July 4th is a time not only to celebrate but also to remember how truly lucky we are. Granted our great country is going through some times of trials and tribulations, yet I firmly believe we will persevere! Now back to why I feel this July 4th was ... »View More

Added Monday, July 5, 2010 in Anything Wine Add a Comment

The month of November has now arrived which is exciting as the holidays are around the corner.  This is the time for family gatherings, good food, gift giving and naturally good wine. Even though the next eight weeks can be a bit hectic it always feels like the pressure of everyday life relaxes a little, the year winds down and we begin to look forward to a new year and what it may bring. I also look forward to the winery specials that are offered as the holiday season begins, and this year looks like it may be good for the consumer. I have recently received holiday offers for wine at sale prices as well as reduced or even free shipping. The economy has hit all of us hard and I am sure that includes our favorite wineries. I don’t mind paying... »View More

Added Tuesday, November 3, 2009 in Anything Wine Add a Comment

I recently found this really nice indoor wine bottle table top waterfall. The water cascades down from a vintage wine bottle across a wine glass and grapes. A great gift for any wine lover and very reasonably priced! Check it out at the link below.  »View More

Added Saturday, October 17, 2009 in Anything Wine Add a Comment

On our recent trip to Napa Valley I purchased a wine gadget I had noticed in many of the wineries and wine shops we have visited. As a true believer in decanting wine I finally decided I had to try one. The Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator for red wine is in my opinion one of the few “wine gadgets” that actually lives up to its claims. The small hand held unit is designed to aerate wine poured through it, by drawing in air through two air tubes as the wine flows through it. As described on the Vinturi web site. “When wine is poured in the Vinturi its internal design creates an increase in the wine’s velocity and a decrease in its pressure. This pressure difference creates a vacuum that draws in air which is mixed with wine for perfect... »View More

Added Tuesday, September 29, 2009 in Anything Wine Add a Comment

Well, I saw a sign today that read 15% off all white wines and to me that means the summer has truly come to an end.  It might not have been the intent of the sale and it may not mean the same to year round white wine drinkers, but to me it signaled the end of the hot season here on the East coast.  Don’t get me wrong , I don’t dislike white wine and depending on the menu I may start my evening with a white wine, but I always switch over to red rather quickly. I sit here thinking about that sign and wonder what the store owner intended to do.  Was he simply appealing to the white wine drinkers, will he have another 15% off sale and target red wine drinkers?  Maybe, but it is interesting to me to think of all of the ways one may interpret... »View More

Added Saturday, September 12, 2009 in Anything Wine Add a Comment

Another summer is coming to a close and the fall season is around the corner. While I always hate to see summer go fall is one of my favorite times of the year. Everything just appears to slow down a bit from the hectic rush of summer, the heat and humidity dissipate and the air is clear and crisp. As a wine lover this time of year is exciting in that the harvest of wine grapes for a new vintage begins. Yes, every year at this time the harvesting of grapes usually starts with sparkling wine producers who pick in mid to late August. Labor Day is usually the start of harvest for early ripening varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. Depending on the weather harvest can continue on through October with the big reds like Cabernet left... »View More

Added Sunday, August 30, 2009 in Anything Wine Add a Comment

I am an avid reader of Wine Spectator and several other wine related periodicals that led me to this next article. The June 30, 2009 edition of Wine Spectator just arrived dedicated a great section to Zinfandel wines. I am a big fan of Zinfandel as a red wine lover. I must add the deep red selections of Zinfandel; not the white, pink colored sweet versions. Although in their article “The ABC’s of Zinfandel, Wine Spectator does state that “Ironically, white Zinfandel has been both a savior and a curse. Without it, many of the now cherished old vine Zinfandel Vineyards may have been ripped out, and yet in the minds of many consumers Zinfandel will always be that sweet and simple rose”. Okay, but in my mind if white Zinfandel saved many... »View More

Added Friday, June 5, 2009 in Anything Wine Add a Comment

This past weekend included Memorial Day; a national holiday here in the United States designated to commemorate U. S. men and women who gave their lives for our freedom while in the military service. Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. Volunteers will often place an American flag on each grave site at National Cemeteries, as well as the graves of serviceman in cemeteries around the country. In addition to a day to remember, it is also used as a day for parades, family picnics, barbeques and gatherings. The weekend of Memorial Day has also become for many the unofficial start of summer. I know my wife and I feel it begins our summer and we usually celebrate on the first day of the weekend which for us began... »View More

Added Tuesday, May 26, 2009 in Anything Wine Add a Comment

We all know the economy and wine enjoyment are directly related today. The economy is in shambles, they say it has hit bottom, but to me that remains to be seen. With that in mind my purchasing power has dropped in the last year. I am presently furloughed (or whatever you call it) every other Friday, in effect, a 10% salary cut, and my wife’s salary was also frozen. All while living expenses increase. My retirement account has diminished at a rapid rate and my high yield savings account has gone from 6.3% interest to about 1.5%. Are you wondering what this has to do with wine? Just humor me, I will get to it. In an effort to trim costs in our everyday life I reviewed all of our monthly expenses. Naturally our wine expenditures needed some... »View More

Added Wednesday, May 6, 2009 in Anything Wine Add a Comment