Fine Wine

March 26, 2008

The Most Beautiful Wine Region in the World – Loire Valley, France

Filed under: Fine Wine — Ed @ 5:42 am
fine wine
Corina Clemence asked:


For lovers of fine wine and all finer things in life, one would be hard-pressed to find a better setting than the exquisite famous fertile valley of the Loire River; a region seeped in rich history from regal chateaux to its long viticulture tradition.

The Loire Valley wine area is located south west of Paris typically a little over 2 hours drive from the Paris peripherique and extending out as far as Nantes. It is a region blessed with a gentle climate and rich soil, allowing for the production of diverse appellations with vast degrees of character.

The Loire Valley is most famous for producing fine white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet, and Chenin Blanc with accounts for seventy-five percent of the wine produced in the region. As well as these lovely white wines, you can enjoy the delightful, fruity and pleasant reds produced in the Loire Valley, such as Cabernet Franc and Gamay.

A fairytale wine-tasting adventure awaits the wine lover touring the Loire Valley as wine-tasting can be enjoyed along with visits to many spectacular historic chateau sprinkled throughout the region. Chateau Chambord which is the largest Loire Valley chateau and the architecturally breathtaking Chateau Chenonceau spanning the River Cher are just two of many jaw-droppers for tourists to enjoy.

Fans of Leonard Da Vinci can visit Chateau Clos Luce can admire his study, salons, kitchen and bedrooms, the chapel and see frescoes painted by his pupils. His drawings and paintings are set out in the park of the chateau with giant models of the most spectacular machines he invented with voice-overs of Leonardo da Vinci and his disciple Melzi.

The Loire Valley is also a popular destination for followers of the Knights Templar and Holy Grail because it is so seeped in history and because of the close association with Leonardo Da Vinci.

Chateau Chaumont lies on the banks of the Loire River opposite the Touraine-Amboise vineyards and it holds an international garden festival each year from April to October being France’s equivalent of the Chelsea Garden Fair. Last year the theme was play and many of the gardens on exhibit were highly interactive and a great success with both children and adults. This year the theme is going to be mobility.

Self-guided wine tours can be combined with hiking, bicycling, or hot air ballooning through the scenic countryside. All wine lovers should make their next wine tasting holiday destination the Loire Valley because the excitement of their senses will stretch far beyond their palate. Many of the historic chateaux hold laser and firework shows at night during summer. For chateau enthusiasts staying at a chateau can heighten the enjoyment of your vacation. Remember to bring lots of film or memory for your camera, as there really is not a prettier wine region in the world.



Clay

March 25, 2008

A Toast to California Wine Country

Filed under: Fine Wine — Ed @ 11:19 am
fine wine
Caitlin Moore asked:


Even teetotalers have to admit, there is something luxurious and intriguing about the idea of visiting California Wine Country. This is a place where generations of growers have toiled away to perfect the art of bringing fine wine to the world’s tables. Pleasing the palate is the number one priority, and the air is rich with tradition, complexity, and romance. Come for the wine or for the atmosphere, but visit Wine Country some time soon.

The area just north of San Francisco provides the traditional scenes sought after by wine connoisseurs; ancient vineyards, winery tours, and plenty of tastings, all surrounded by beautiful countryside. Napa Valley is perhaps the most famous of California’s regions, and contains about 45,000 acres of grapes and several hundred different wineries. This isn’t large by world standards, but that doesn’t stop it from being a well-visited and internationally respected wine-producing region. Within the valley you’ll find Calistoga, St. Helena, Oakville, Rutherford, and Yountville. Each of these has tours to offer as well as restaurants, prime picnic spots, and plenty of chances to taste the fragrant fruits of the earth.

Sonoma County, birthplace of California wine making, will certainly impress you as well. From family-run operations to large businesses, each stop on your tour will be different than the last. Just as no two wines are alike, you’ll never find two wineries that use the same methods, grapes, or label art. Treasure this notion as you wander the picturesque vistas and keep your senses alert, as you’ll likely discover a wine with a blend of elements perfectly suited to your taste buds. Hopefully you have some room to bring a few bottles home with you.

Follow the Russian River to the north for a visit to historic Healdsburg and experience stunning natural beauty along with even more wineries. Spanish-style architecture, small-town friendliness, and lots of vacation rentals will make this seem like the ideal place to hide away for a while. The redwoods that surround the town and the welcoming atmosphere that pervades it will make you feel instantly at home. If the mood strikes you, settle in for a while and let the culture, music, and sweet aroma of wine take you far away from the hubbub that you’re used to.

If you’d like to see what else California Wine Country has to offer, make space in your day for some antique shopping, golfing, or a hot air balloon ride. You or your traveling companions may need a break from the Merlots and Chardonnays, so be sure to open your eyes to the big picture and all the opportunities that surround you. The wine is sublime on its own, but when mixed with a full day of varied activities, all the flavors will mingle with extra passion.

From Petaluma to Cazadero, you’re sure to find bike trails, spas, fine dining options, and all varieties of entertainment everywhere you look. So whether you and your traveling companions stick together or take an afternoon apart, no one has an excuse to be bored or dissatisfied with the activities at hand in Wine Country. Even the decision to explore a back country road or wander along the coast could lead to great memories, so let your instincts take over as you delve into the mysterious and sensuous terrain of this most charming of areas.

Just as the wine must be well-paired to your meal, your place of lodging must complement your vacation. You’ve traveled all this way in order to revel in life’s small pleasures and you’ve sharpened your senses in order to distinguish between “full” and “medium” bodied, so don’t settle for anything less than amazing when it comes to where you stay.

Look into a vacation rental for the true Wine Country experience. Properties all throughout the valleys will appeal to your delicate senses and will invite love and friendship to flow along with the wine. No matter what area you’re partial to, you’re sure to find a place nearby. A Monte Rio loft with down comforters and a hot tub would be a fine choice, as would a Guerneville forest lodge. Many are a stone’s throw away from one or more wineries, and most provide other options for keeping busy or letting go of stress.

Look online to find the Wine Country Vacation Rental that will satisfy your discerning taste, and prepare to toast to a very fine trip.



Edan

March 22, 2008

In Search for a Perfect Wine Rack

Filed under: Fine Wine — Ed @ 4:47 am
fine wine
Melanie Hudson asked:


Wine connoisseurs and those casual wine lovers will put much effort in finding that perfect wine rack. A fine wine rack will always raise the atmosphere in the room. A well chosen wine rack will add to the overall value of one’s home and it will bring out that special flair of luxury. Buying a wine rack is almost certain to raise some questions. Questions like why you should need a wine rack or which material to choose for a rack will come up.

More than one dilemma is going to cross your mind before you actually go into action.

Why should one buy a wine bottle storage rack? Perhaps you are a wine lover that wants to manifest his passion and it just does not feel right to store those fine bottles anywhere else.

As much as the right storage of bottles is important a beautiful wine rack will also become a real eye-catcher when friends come to visit you. A quality wine rack still emits that special aura of exclusivity. Wine bottle rack is still a strong statement of wealth and a healthy life style.

Which material should I choose for my wine rack?

Besides classic materials like wood or metal, a custom made wine rack can satisfy one’s wildest imagination concerning the choice of different materials. Despite the great selection of different materials, metal and wood still dominate the market. Regarding wood, nowadays every serious wine rack producer offers at least 5 different wood sorts to choose from. Metal wine racks offer the choice of all kinds of metal that will match most sophisticated taste of any true wine lover.

Which wine rack will keep its value for a longer time?

The first step should be to decide what kind of a rack you need in terms of different racking types: a wall mounted wine rack, a free standing one, handing rack or a table top wine rack. Afterwards you will be able to estimate the limits of your budget when thinking of purchasing middle- to upper class wine rack. A decision that rarely brings any disappointment is a decision to buy a hardwood wine rack. Short but bulletproof advice.

Does it matter where I put my wine rack?

In a small to mid-size apartment a wine rack would traditionally find its place in the kitchen or in a dining room. People who consider themselves as burning lovers of wine colleting will scarify almost any other piece of furniture just to put their beautiful wine rack in living room. Wine rack is never a problematic piece of furniture and it will go along with furniture in any room. Those true wine lovers will tend to have their wine collection displayed in a room where family and friends spend majority of their time.

Is a new wine rack too expensive for me?

Starting price for a middle size wine rack storing up to 100 bottles will begin at 50 to 60 USD. Quality wood wine rack storing 60-70 bottles will cost you over 200 USD. Wrought iron wine racks are much more expensive than those entry models of hardwood racks. 350 to 400 USD is the price to count with.

It does not matter whether it is a hanging wine rack in the kitchen or a wall mounted wine rack in a dining room, carefully chosen wine rack will fit any furniture and any special taste of its owner. Wine racks are that additional piece of classy furniture that nobody really needs, but everyone passionately wants to own one.



Addison

March 21, 2008

What fine wine will be perfect in 10 years?

Filed under: Fine Wine — Ed @ 5:00 am
fine wine
dscougar asked:


I’m interested in buying a bottle of wine for a wedding gift, with the intention that it be opened on their tenth anniversary. The problem is that I know nothing about wine, while the groom is something of an amateur wine expert. Any suggestions? Can it even be predicted when a wine will open and close?

Adrien

March 11, 2008

Ten dollar wine.mighty fine?

Filed under: Fine Wine — Ed @ 11:05 pm
fine wine
neonman asked:


$10 Wine

Oh, give some of that $10 wine
I search the aisles, top shelves too
Nothing is spared, my quixote quest
for some very fine… $10 wine

Perhaps you like the malbecian dance
or even the cabernet shuffle
H*** I don’t even mind a varietal 2 step
as long as it doesn’t require a cash advance

Now these winey purveyors, they think their hot!
longish noses with frost bite tips, down they look
Spewing $10 words…tis winespeak you know
and no credit line… try to park in their lot!

No, I’m sticking with my $10 wine
my paletted tongue says it’s mighty fine…
So take your airs, your pricey wares and go
I be sipping now…I bought a whole case!.

Carney

March 10, 2008

Welcome to Riedel Crystal and Riedel Wine Glasses

Filed under: Fine Wine — Ed @ 10:34 pm
fine wine
Daniel Jowssey asked:


Claus Riedel was the first person in the long history of the glass to design its shape according to the character of the wine. He is thus the inventor of the functional wine glass.

A positive approach to life is linked to pleasure and enjoyment. Pleasure is given by our senses like sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. Experience how our glass makers create a true “”zest for life”" out of the versatile material of glass.

Make a journey through our world of glasses and senses. On the following internet pages you will find detailed information about our glass creations and our unique philosophies on the ultimate enjoyment of wine.

Shopping for the people in your life is at no time easy is it? Of course not, and it seem like the more you care about this person the harder they are to shop for righward? Of course, s what can you get the person who has just about everything? A wine gift shopping basket.

Shopping for the individuals in your life is not once easy is it? Of course not, and it seem like the more you care about this person the they are to shop for exact? Of course, s what can you get the person who has just about everything? A wine gift picnic basket. A wine gift basket is a distinguished gift for anyone on your list and they are within your means and they are just absurd.

You can give a wine gift bag to anyone, I mean anyone, your boss, his boss, your love or your best friend. You can even give a wine gift linen basket to your parents on their bicentenary. The possibilities of a wine gift carrier are limitless. As are your when checking a wine gift hamper.

When you are looking for just the correct wine gift wicker basket you will have to look at a few changed factors. For pattern this person that you are ordering the wine gift basket for, do they like white wine or red wine? So they like cheese and chocolates? Meat? These are very important and if you can you should try to find the answers to them before you make your wine gift picnic basket goods.

Finding out these kit will help you to shape which wine gift hamper is fit for the receiver. If you just seem to get a good grasp on what he or she valor like in a wine gift carrier then get a multinational wine gift wicker basket. You can get one that has a little of everything in it, this is always a sage and magnificent way to go. It can get a little more costly yet to get a wine gift bag like this. To really get a little of everything you are probably at a larger wine gift shopping basket therefore a more steep wine gift linen basket.

Try the recipients friends about what they power like in a wine gift carrier. If you are clothes shopping for the boss then ask those who have worked with him longer than you if they have any idea of what the boss would like or dislike in a wine gift hamper. This could help you to get a good idea of accurately the kind of wine gift basket you should be looking at purchasing.

Bottom line is that a wine gift shopping basket is a significant gift for any occasion.

What was started as an on store, has into a budding collection of internet resources on subjects from Network Marketing, Investing, Health, Travel and even Wine.

A wine realm gift bag typically contains two of wine from ones favorite wine producer or wine shop, some and crackers. A luscious group of wines, cheeses and chocolates make the wine kingdom gift awfully special. Fully assembled and impressive gift baskets combine everything there is to love about , cheese and chocolate. Wine population gift make the whole money for every occasion and can be enjoyed by men and women like, even by population who are not wine connoisseurs.

A company named Wine Country Gift Baskets has been offering a wide scale of fine-looking and inexpensive gift baskets to its customers. These gift baskets can also be ordered cyber-. The most admired wine republic gift take account of a huge assortment of wines and other goodies, which make the gift superfluous special. Some of the all time favorites in this class of wine gift baskets are which include worldwide chocolates such as Godiva Cr?me Brulee, epicurean wine and picnic basket with from the Robert Mondavis secret selection, and gift baskets that hold fine wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon with widely held food such as , cheese cocktail snacks, breadsticks, Camembert sweep, olive Tapenade and Cafe Godiva Chocolates. Wine farmland gift may also delimit an mixture of assistance ranging from to fine crystal wine spectacles. The company has also offering spa gift as well as bear gift baskets.

The expense of these wine state gift ranges from $30 to $250 creation it quite reasonable as it nearly every type of budget.



Conway

March 7, 2008

Why don’t I like fine wine?

Filed under: Fine Wine — Ed @ 8:50 pm
fine wine
weakestlink11 asked:


My liking for wine seem to be inversely proportional to the price. On the rare occasion I have wine, I go for the pop wines like Arbor Mist or Wild Vines – light, fruity and sparkling. Once at a social function at my bosses house (he is a vinophile and connoisseur ). I expressed my preference and he said that he wouldn’t have that type of wine in his house. He proceeded to produce a bottle of what he indicated was “fine” chianti. I took a sip and, to me, it tasted like cough medicine mixed with vinegar.

Adrien

Without gluttony, there’s be no fine cuisine, fine wine, great cigars; doesn’t gluttony IMPROVE existence?

Filed under: Fine Wine — Ed @ 3:36 am
fine wine
Boar’s Heart asked:


Why should it be a “mortal sin?” What is more human, more sublime, than a beautifully prepared meal or fine delicacy? Isn’t it *gluttony* that allows us to make distinctions of merit—epicureans, bon vivants, aficionados of fine wines, cheeses . . . isn’t gluttony what IMPROVES life?

Why should it be considered sinful? James Beard was a BIG man, and look how he changed fine dining! I’d call him a holy martyr to the cause, not a “mortal sinner!”

Neal

March 6, 2008

What do waiters need to know about cheeses and wine types in a fine restaurant?

Filed under: Fine Wine — Ed @ 4:52 pm
fine wine
Brian Corpulent asked:


I’m trying to get a job as a waiter and I’m wondering what exactly I need to know about the foods and/or preparations involved.

Sloane

March 3, 2008

Who had some mighty fine wine?

Filed under: Fine Wine — Ed @ 8:11 am
fine wine
Daisy?s Moving asked:


I helped him drink it, though I never understood a single word he said

Hall
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