Wine Fundamentals
Build Your Wine Tasting Powers.
Whether you're a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, refining your wine-tasting super powers is an art that can be mastered with dedication and practice!
What is the yearly cycle of a Winery?
The care of a vineyard and work in the winery is continuous. Endless hours are spent both in the winery and the vineyards to ensure that all elements come together to create the final result - wine.
Selecting Wines for Winter
Whether you enjoy red or white, locally produced, or those from further abroad, there is the perfect wine out there that will help chase the chill of those short winter days and long winter nights away.
What's the real difference between Natural corks, Synthetic corks, and Screwcaps?
There is an ongoing debate as to whether one form of closure is better than the other. In the following article, we will investigate the origins of these three different closures and examine the benefits and disadvantages of each one.
Crafting Sweet Perfection: The Intricate Process of Making Delightful Sweet Wines
Sweet wine remains one of the least recognized wine styles available in the market. Did you ever wonder why there could be such a wide range of prices for a bottle of dessert wine?
Classic Summer Wines
Why not try a locally-made Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay? As always your first port of call should be your local wine expert who will be thrilled to guide you in the right direction and suggest the perfect Texan wine that will cool down a hot summer's day.
What is a "Reserve" wine?
What does “Reserve” really mean? How can you use this information to your advantage when choosing a wine? Are there any benefits to choosing a “reserve” wine over other wines?
How to choose the right wine?
Choosing the Right Wine: A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Bottle for Any Occasion
What are the real differences between red, rosé, and white wines?
We know they look and taste different, but what are the fundamental differences in these categories of wine?
Selecting Wines for Spring
Spring is here. In addition to local wines, we discuss which classics from around the world pair with our short but sweet season here in Texas.
How to become a wine tasting expert
Who wouldn't want to be a wine tasting expert? Can anyone become one? We answer that question and give you tips on how to up your wine tasting game.
Pacific Island Wines - New Zealand, Japan, and Taiwan
Let’s explore the islands in the Pacific Ocean – where is home to some of the most unique wines in the world. In viticulture, the vineyards can benefit from the moderating effects of the maritime climate, in addition to the not-too-hot summers and not-too-cold winters, there is less difference in rainfall between seasons, and relatively longer growing seasons.
Wine Etiquette: How To Serve Wine To Your Guests
You have guests coming over and want to give the best possible food and wine experience. Here we give you some tips on how to wow your guests with the perfect pairing and wines to get your party started.
Beyond the Label: A Guide to Assessing Wine Quality
Is the quality of a wine subjective? A casual wine fan would likely argue yes, while a wine professional would be happy to dispute that. We will look at what attributes are investigated when determining a wine's quality.
Why Do Some Wines Age Well and Others Do Not?
No exact science is used to determine whether a bottle of wine has the ability to age or not. Wines change as they age, but the majority of them do not improve.
What is a Sommelier and How to Become One?
What does it mean to be a Sommelier?
The Difference Between Old World and New World Wines
Old World and New World Wine, what exactly does that mean? We break it down for you and share some fundamental concepts that will help bring clarity.
The Basics of Food and Wine Pairing
Since the invention of wine, it has been traditional for food and wine to be consumed together. In this short article, we'll help cover/explain the basics of food & wine pairing recommendations.
Exploring The Types of Rosé Wines
Rosé wines are made in most of the wine-producing countries around the world and can be made from any grape variety that is currently being cultivated. It comes in a variety of colors that range from very pale pink (almost white) to a deep ruby red.
How to Read a Wine Label
Wine labels provide valuable information about the wine's origin, grape variety, vintage, and other important details. Understanding these details can help you select a wine that suits your taste preferences and complements your meal or occasion.
Dessert Wines - Sweet Wines, Oxidized Wines & Fortified Wines
There is a seemingly endless choice of dessert wines available to us. They are made as Sweet, Fortified, and Oxidized wines and each has its own specific characteristics and unique style
What is Wine Body & How To Determine It? Light vs. Medium vs. Full Body
One of the most common ways that wine is described is by its body. A wine’s body has no physical aspects, it is the sensation that we feel inside of our mouths when we taste it on our palate.
Wine Etiquette - Tips When Ordering At A Restaurant
Ordering a bottle of wine at a restaurant doesn't have to be stressful. The process is the same at nearly all fine dining establishments. Once you're familiar with the process, you'll be able to order wine at any restaurant confidently.
All The Types of Wine Openers and How To Use Them
Many openers are available on the market, ranging from simple handheld corkscrews to more complex electric or air pressure devices.
How Are Champagnes and Sparkling Wines Made?
Sparkling wine is often associated with celebratory occasions, and rightly so; sparkling wine is unique among all other wines. It is made via a labor-intensive process that results in the creation of a delightful beverage.
What's The Right Serving Temperature for My Wine? Reds, Whites, & Sparklings
The best serving temperature for wine depends on the varietal and style of wine. Let's look at the standards set by the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust in this article.
Organic, Biodynamic, Natural, and Sustainable Wines - What's The Difference?
There is a growing trend toward consuming ethical and natural products. "Natural Wines" are becoming very popular among health-focused and environmentally-conscious consumers as they are produced with minimum disruption in both the vineyard and winery.
Wine Glasses: The Many Types & How to Choose The Best for You
Wine glasses aren't just an aesthetic choice but also an important tool to help you get the most out of your wine.
What Are Tannins? A Simple Guide To Wine Tannins
Tannins are chemical compounds that belong to a larger group of compounds called polyphenols. They exist in numerous plant based foods and originate from the plants bark, stems, seeds, and skin. Wine tannins are produced from grape skins, seeds, stems, oak barrels, and additives.
Wine Decanters: Simple Guide On How & When To Use A Decanter
In this article, you’ll learn about decanters and understand how and when to use one. Let’s solve the mystery, shall we?
Why Does Swirling Wine Make It Taste Better?
The way you swirl wine can greatly enhance your drinking experience, and in this article, we will dive into the art of swirling wine and the benefits it provides.
Wine Spoilage: 3 Ways to Tell If Your Wine Has Gone Bad
There's nothing more disappointing than opening a bottle of wine and discovering that it has gone bad. To help you determine whether your wine has spoiled, we've put together this short guide.
What is A Wine Aerator? A Quick, Simple Guide
Wine aerators enhance the flavors and aromas of wine, making the tasting experience even more enjoyable. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a wine aerator and how it can elevate your wine-drinking experience.
Pyrazines in Wine: Understanding Their Role in Winemaking & Wine Tasting
In wine, pyrazines play an important role in shaping the wine's flavor profile and can help to balance out the sweetness and fruitiness of the wine. In this article, we'll explain what they are in, hopefully, a simple and easy-to-understand way.
The Art of Wine Legs: Understanding and Appreciating Wine's Visual Characteristics
"Wine legs" are an indication of wine's alcohol content, viscosity, and sugar levels In this article, we will explore the science behind wine legs and how to use them to make informed wine choices.
How Long Does Wine Last – Opened and Unopened?
Have you ever wondered how long a bottle of wine can last? The answer is not as straight forward as you might think. Wine is a living entity with a unique metabolic process, which affects how long it will “live.”
Wine Bottles: An Overview of All The Types & Sizes
With this article, we hope to provide you with a good overview of the various types and sizes of wine bottles without overwhelming you – that’s the wine’s job, not the bottle's.
