Fine Wine

kirk_e_l asked:


I heard about a guy who said he going to buy fine wine as a investment instead of the Stockmarket. He is going to hold on to it for 10 years and then sell for a profit.
I am just wondering if I do something like this, Buying wine and then selling it later. WHERE could I sell wine after holding it for a few years?
I really would to learn more about this.

Edmund

J F asked:


Where can I find a reputable fine wine appraiser around the Bay Area or California? Any suggestions of good wine appraiser?

Renfred

Cary Ordway asked:


ard the Napa Valley Wine Train, and you’re immediately enroute to wine-lover’s heaven.

The Napa experience is all about wine, of course, but it’s also about enjoying the finer things in life. The typical Napa visitor will spend considerable time visiting several of the local wineries where each will offer up its special formulas and vintages – usually for ten to 15 bucks for a few sips – and there are few lodgings in Napa that are not upscale. Fine dining is also considered de rigueur for any serious visit to what is now the home base for hundreds of wineries.

It’s fitting, therefore, that the Napa Valley Wine Train would be one of the most popular tourist attractions in a place that is the definition of elegance. Just like visitors taste expensive wines for a fraction of their cost, the visitor who boards the Wine Train gets a little taste of pampered rail travel – think Orient Express – for a fraction of what it would cost for the real thing.

We stayed the night before in San Francisco, but we were still able to make our way to the Wine Train’s station in Napa by about 10:30 a.m. to board the lunch train. The Wine Train also offers a dinner excursion but that was fully booked when we called for reservations weeks ahead. The lunch train, though, has its advantages: the entire three-hour ride is in daylight no matter the time of year, and it costs a little less.

You’ll want to plan on being patient during the boarding process. With hundreds of guests and passengers allocated to different dining areas and even, in some cases, different meals, it just takes a little time to get everyone signed in and out onto the train. But during the hour we waited for actual boarding, the Wine Train offered a lecture on Napa Valley wineries and – always a crowd-pleaser – a couple of glasses of wine to sample.

Once on board, it’s clear that the Wine Train has pulled out all the stops to make this as luxurious as possible. We settled down into plush chairs facing one another with a table in between. Others in our car sat in comfortable over-stuffed swivel chairs positioned side by side so that guests could constantly view the passing scenery or easily chat with one another. This particular rail car was styled in red and gold with natural wood accents, giving a sense of luxury and feeling quite different from a typical passenger car on, say, Amtrak.

This is a historic rail car and, in fact, there is quite a history behind this train and railroad. The rail line was first built in 1864 by San Francisco’s first millionaire, Samuel Brannan, and was used to take visitors to his new spa resort called “Calistoga.” In 1885, Southern Pacific bought the Napa Valley Railroad, which provided regular passenger service to the Napa Valley until the 1930’s. It was used for freight for awhile after that, but it was not until 1987 that a group of concerned citizens founded the Napa Valley Wine train and purchased locomotives and restored 1910-era Pullman rail cars to provide the new service.

During our three hours on board, we were treated to waves of meal and beverage service starting with wine (not included in your meal price, by the way), appetizers, salad, a main course – which during our trip was a choice between salmon and a beef entr?- and dessert. Everything was exquisitely prepared and the presentations rivaled what you would find at an expensive gourmet restaurant.

The trip took us part way up the valley to St. Helena and then back to Napa. There are gorgeous views all along the way of the colorful vineyards and hills just beyond the valley. On weekends the Wine Train offers a variation of this lunch service that allows passengers to disembark and spend some time at a local winery before making the return trip to Napa.

We arrived back in Napa totally relaxed and decided to visit a few wineries before checking into our resort. The choices are endless and, in Napa, there are several major wineries that have put Big Money into their visitor centers. There are also a few smaller family-run wineries. They all want you to buy cases or bottles of wine to take back home but, in Napa, we’ve noticed a trend in recent years toward charging more for wine tasting. Or it may be a case of charging the same but getting less wine. Part of this, we’re suspecting, has to do with how busy Napa is on weekends and is a way of reducing the line at the tasting bar.

One of the least expensive tastings is at V. Sattui Winery, which was buzzing with people lining up for the the $5 wine tasting. Located in St. Helena, this is a great stop for visitors who want to grab a bottle of wine and picnic on the beautiful grounds. The winery even sets up a buffet line out on the grounds, offering barbecue for those who didn’t bring their brown bags. Interestingly, V. Sattui does not sell its wine anyplace other than the winery, by mail order, or from the company web site.

While V. Sattui is typical of a relatively small family-run winery, the other end of the scale is Domaine Chandon, which we found in Yountville. With spectacular park grounds and a four-star gourmet restaurant just footsteps from where the wine is made, Domaine Chandon is an example of a winery owned by a large conglomerate that distributes its product world-wide. On a previous trip we took the 45-minute tour of this massive facility, which we thought was well worth the time. Small groups are taken step-by-step through the process of wine-making all the way from growing the grapes to bottling the product.

We concluded our busy first day in the Napa Valley with a short drive to our lodging for the evening, the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa. Like several other Napa Valley accommodations, the Silverado is steeped in luxury and offers a feast for the senses. Located adjacent to an 18-hole golf course, the Silverado is really a series of individual cottage suites which are reached by winding walkways through and alongside picturesque, colorful gardens, golf fairways, courtyards and ponds.

Each of the cottages at Silverado has a unique d?r and ours felt like a small one-story vacation home with a complete kitchen and living room area, dining table, fireplace and separate bedroom. A wide-screen flat TV was in the living room, while just outside the sliding glass door was a patio and chairs where we could sit and watch the golfers just a few yards away.

The Silverado reminded us a little of Harrison Hot Springs, B.C., a favorite of ours is quite similar — they’re both village-style accommodations connected by paths that meander through the property with surprises at every turn. With 1,200 acres altogether, Silverado guests encounter many pleasant surprises on grounds that are lush with trees and vegetation and impeccably maintained.

Silverado was the perfect complement to our day on the Napa Valley Wine Train and another great example of the spirit of Napa Valley.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: The Napa Valley is about 45 miles northeast of San Francisco or about 60 miles southwest of Sacramento.

WHAT: The Napa Valley has become famous because of the grapes grown in this location. Grapes grown in different climates, soils and locations have different characteristics and Napa Valley grapes are judged to be some of the best in the world for making several varieties of fine wine. Accordingly, more than 300 wineries now have located in the Valley. Fine restaurants, lodging and shopping have also come to the Valley.

WHEN: Any time of year. A special bonus comes in August and September during the annual grape harvest. You can sometimes see first-hand how the grapes are crushed. Hint: Most of them don’t do it like Lucy Ricardo did.

WHY: The Valley has an almost mystical ambiance that is hard to describe, but easy to discern.

HOW: To begin planning your trip to Napa Valley, go to www.napavintners.com or www.napachamber.org. To learn more about the Napa Valley Wine Train, call 800-427-4124 or go to www.winetrain.com. For information on Silverado Resort and Spa, phone 800-427-4124 or visit www.silveradoresort.com.



Frederick

laura.ross72 asked:


My boyfriend’s birthday is nexy Sunday and I really want to get us a the nicest type of champagne to celebrate with under $35, everyone I know says that cuvee brut anything is supposed to be very good but to those of you who frequently imbibe, what champagnes would you suggest?

Samuel

ohiostate700 asked:


Tell me what brands, from what country, the price, best places to find them. When is the best time to sell the wine after they aged?Any specific temperature or place to store the wines.

Hall

Junjeera asked:


Upon arrival, have your first meal on the island at the Koh Chang Grand Orchid Restaurant in Klong Son village. It is under the resort of the same name and offers Thai, international, and seafood cuisine.

       

Ton Sai Restaurant is set on top of a banyan tree, thus the name. It is located at White Sand Beachand serves fusion food.

Relax after dinner by sitting back at the nearby Sabay Bar. The bar is lively with the music from a Filipino band and fire-twirling shows by skillful performers.

Blues Cha Cha bar set along the main road at Kae Bae just across The Chill is a place to

wine and unwind. Live bands plays nightly and firehouses play to the tune that fire up the atmosphere of a lively evening.

If you are looking for a 5-star environment Breezes bar at the Amari Resort would be your best pick.

Featuring a trendy decor the cozy bar plays live music 6 days a week and offers a wide selection of cocktails, beers and wines as you would expect from a 5-star hotel.

If you are a bit tired there is the sofa bed for you to stretch out. Patrons can also choose to relax at the outdoor quiet lounge facing the sea.

The White Sand Beach Restaurant is located right on the beach where guests can bask in the gentle sunshine or relax under the starry sky while dining.

The restaurant serves Thai and European menus, as well as dishes individually prepared by the chef.

Alina Restaurant, Ban Thai Restaurant and Banpu Koh Chang Restaurant are in-house restaurants for resorts of the same names on White Sand Beach.

It is an added advantage for the guests of the said resorts since these restaurants which serve seafood, Thai and international favorites are only a step away from their accommodations.

If dining under the starry sky is your current leisure pursuit, then Cookies Restaurant is the place to visit. For those seeking a Swedish dining experience, Heli’s Kitchen is definitely the right choice.

Pizza lovers should be delighted to know that there are at least three pizza places on the island. If you prefer a fine dining ambience with candle-lit tables, try Invito Italian Restaurant. Pizza Ban Nuna is, meanwhile, down to earth.

Sassi, at the Amari Emerald Cove Resort, is famous for its traditional Italian cuisine. Its bright and vibrant atmosphere is cosy yet lively. The restaurant’s air conditioned indoor ambience complements the fine tastes of Italy.Outdoor servings are available if you prefer the natural air supply.

Just one level below is the Just Thai restaurant stylishly designed with contemporary Thai

decor. Expect the more innovative Thai delicacies and fresh seafood. The restaurant turns a bit Japanese with an additional 5-course dinner menu every Mondays and Thursdays. Outdoor seatings are available here too.

The Cove Terrace boasts of an all-day a la carte menu in a bright, airy setting. Check out the special theme buffet available on some evenings. Exclusive romantic sunset dining right on the beach can be arranged.

Buffalo Bill Steak House on White Sand Beach serves one of the best steaks on the island . The wild west steak house has a very relaxed ambience and a friendly staff Here, the portions are American size but not the prices.

The Milky Bar on White Sand Beach is an ideal place for those who want to spend the night singing to the tune of music.

The Terrace Restaurant in the premise of the Chang Buri Resort and Spa on White Sand Beach is on a hillside terrace where diners can enjoy food in a natural environment. The restaurant prepares both Thai and European cuisines.

The resort’s Beach Bar Restaurant is perfect if you prefer to dine by the beach, where the menu is similar to that of the Terrace Restaurant.

For fine dining experience amongst the vegetation of a rainforest overlooking the sea go to Saffron On The Sea. This boutique restaurant offers Thai & Western delicacies in the open space with a good view of the mountain and the sunset.

For a change in scenery, schedule a breakfast or lunch date at The Cinnamon Restaurant, at the Aana Resort on Klong Prao Beach. The restaurant is located along the river, and now provides free Wi-Fi connection for its patrons.

If a light meal is all you need at the moment, then visit The Hill Bar at the same resort. Before heading down to dinner, drop by at the same bar for a sunset aperitif.

For a more relaxed dining experience, get down to Aana’s The Beach Bar for street food, drinks and cocktails. 

Imagine dining in a tropical garden setting with the sound of the lapping waves of the nearby sea. Remark Cottage Restaurant at the Klong Prao Beach makes that experience possible, plus letting you enjoy a wide variety of seafood.

 A health-conscious vacation is now possible at the Boutique Restaurant where they serve health and vegetarian foods.

Just inside the Chai Chet Resort is the Chai Chet Seafood which serves the best in seafood cuisine to its in-resort patrons.  However, they will also be happy to welcome anyone who’ll come visit them.

Enjoy a homey, cozy atmosphere while dining at the K.B. Restaurant that serves local favorites, fresh seafood, and international food.

Let Siam Beach Restaurant’s chef prepare for you only the best Thai food a la carte and discover what it is like to experience the so-called dinner in paradise.

The Bay Restaurant at the Dusit Princess Koh Chang has a delightful selections of seafood and international cuisine. Modern decor in bright colours with a view of the Bai Lan Bay will further enhance your appetite.

The fishermen’s village in Bang Bao is the place to go to for the best seafood. Here you can expect the freshest catch of

the day, at famous restaurants. One of the most reputable seafood restaurant here is the Ruan Thai Restaurant. Set above the sea the restaurant is famed for its fresh seafood prepared the local way at reasonable prices.

For a romantic culinary adventure try the Tantra Restaurant at the Nirvana Resort in Bang Bao where contemporary European and Thai cuisine are prepared by their renowned chef. An innovative promotion called the Nirvana Twilight Nights include a breathtaking view of the sunset amid soothing beats and refreshing cocktails, an illuminated jungle walk and a 3-course dinner at the restaurant set on stilts overlooking the fishing village and the calm sea. Fine wines and an extensive drinks menu add to the delight.

On the eastern coast, a vegetarian outlet–Spa Koh Chang Restaurant–is fast becoming popular among travelers. Its “Food for Health” slogan makes it a distinct choice for health-conscious diners.

Salakphet Seafood Restaurant is built above the waters, giving the place a relaxing ambience and a feel of being part of the fishing community.

Watering holes, or beer bars, can be easily found on every beach on the island.

Other than Koh Chang, most resorts on other islands include meals in their packages. Nevertheless, some restaurants such as the Makathanee Restaurant on Koh Maak also serve a la carte menus. The place which is under the resort of the same name serves seafood, local and international favorites.

Get a feeling of the island by dining at the Shantaa Restaurant on Shantaa Koh Kood. It is where local favorites are enhanced with the cooking secrets of local chefs. 

But just before heading down to the restaurant, take a detour to the resort’s Shantaa Beach Bar for your favorite drinks and snacks.

You can find more information in Koh Chang at http://www.koh-chang.com



Victor

prabakar asked:


Riedel Glassware brings a contemporary flair to the traditional duck-style decanter. The Riedel Dove Wine Decanter is as pleasing to the eye as it is invaluable to fine wine service. The sleek elongated base helps young wines open up, while offering a dazzling presentation for aged vintage wines. The wine decanter has a 32 ounce capacity and like all of Riedel fine glassware, it’s made from 24% lead crystal.

Famed for their technical and hedonistic sophistication, Riedel are at the cutting edge of glass-making and Charles Mitchell Wines can only truly be appreciated when accompanied with Riedel glasses. Riedel produces a range of 24% lead crystal glasses, with shapes and sizes to suit your wine, maximising the taste, aroma and finish. Combining Charles Mitchell finest wines with Riedel finest glasses is a match made in heaven and they are available exclusively to our customers.

Introducing the official Tequila Glass, designed by Riedel Crystal with the help of Tequila producers, officials and cognoscenti. Elegant and slender, the Riedel Tequila Glass is 8 high with a capacity of 6 ounces, designed to highlight the finest characteristics of Mexicos national drink. Non-lead glass from Riedels Ouverture collection, the tall stem lifts tequila to the level of appreciations it deserves. Claus Riedel was the first to recognize that the shape of the glass could enhance the overall enjoyment of alcoholic beverages. He believed that the bouquet and taste of wine was dependant on the form of the glass. ‘Sommeliers’ is the ultimate in hand-blown lead crystal excellence. While ‘Vinum’ offers the same wide range in a machine made lead crystal version.

Maximilian Riedel decided to create a Pink Champagne “O” glass to toast life and hope for those women whose lives have been affected by ****** cancer. After much deliberation, discussion and collaboration between Maximilian and Georg Riedel on the final design, it was Georg Riedel’s design that was chosen. Maximilian says, “We liked his drawings better than mine.” The Pink Champagne glass differs from the standard “O” glasses as it sits on a ribbed hollow pedestal and the bowl is an elongated tulip shape. The first handmade prototypes of the glass will be shown at the April 2006 NY Tabletop Show. Last year’s quick sell out means that savvy retailers will need to place their orders quickly. Please purchase on online www.etabletop.com



Ethen

David Cowley asked:


Chances are that not many people who love wine actually think of Argentina when they consider their list of great growing regions around the world.  However, there are a few reasons why this thinking is wrong.  The climate of this beautiful South American country is perfect for winemaking, and is varied enough throughout so as to support a wide variety of wines.  Many connoisseurs are beginning to understand why Argentine wines are fine enough to be considered some of the best in the world.

The history of Argentine wines is not a long and rich one as is the history of winemaking in France or Italy, but what Argentineans lack in history they more than make up for in quality.  Much of this is due to the weather in this beautiful country.  There are more sunny days during the year than not, allowing the grapes to mature properly so as to have the best flavor possible.  The soil of Argentina is rich and well cared for; the lack of erosion has continued to keep it healthy.  Most wines from Argentine respond to this combination of factors because of the beautiful fruit that is produced in the country.

The vineyards that produce Argentine wine are usually very small but are owned and operated by those who consider their wine to be works of art.  For example, in Finca la Anita, there are only seventy hectares (one hundred acres) of land, which is rather tiny compared to many other vineyards of the world, but they produce a product that is nothing less than the end result of obsession.  They are a favorite stop for many  wine tasting tours.  Another favorite stop is Pena Veyrat Durbex, where the grapes are still clipped by hand.  This is yet another Argentine vineyard that is family owned and operated, and the family’s pride in their product is obvious.

This is true of most Argentine wines.  They are not mass produced in huge wineries or distilleries, or are overseen by someone just hired to do a job.  Their vineyards are usually very small and still run by the same families that have owned them for literally centuries.  And since their name is on the label, these families take an inordinate amount of pride in their finished product.

Argentine wines come in a wide variety of red and white types.  You can easily find Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Tempranillo, Merlot and Pinot Noir.  White wines include Chardonnay, Torrontes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Riesling and Viognier.

If you haven’t considered Argentine wines as being part of your collection of fine wines, you may need to adjust your thinking.  You can find some wonderful products from this beautiful country.



Otis

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Acetic; This is what happens when the wine is exposed to air. It develops a vinegary taste or smell.

Acidity; All wines contain some level of acid. The acid level needs to be in a proper balance with the other components and fruits in the wine so that you should be able to taste the crispiness and liveliness of the wine. This acidity is also vital in the aging process of the wine.

Aftertaste; This is the impression of flavor that you will get once you have swallowed the wine. It is also called the “finish” of a wine.

Aroma; The smell of wines, especially that of young wines.

Aromatic; This is a term that this used for wines that have a distinct aroma, especially those with herbs and spices in them.

Astringent; This term is used when the tannin level in the wine dries out the mouth.

Austere; A somewhat hard tasting wine, where the character and fruitiness have been restrained.

Big; A full bodied powerful in aroma wine.

Bitter; This is usually considered as a fault bit it is also a characteristic of certain Italian wines.

Body; The weight and texture that is found in wines. You can describe a wine as light bodied or full bodied.

Bouquet; The intermingling of aromas that fine aged wines produce.

Breed; This is the term that is referred to as the bloodlines of the wine grapes. It is also used when noting the soil, the grapes and the techniques that are used to produce a good quality wine.

Chewy; This term is used to describe wines that have an unusual thick texture to the wine. It feels like you need to chew the wine before you swallow it.

Clean; Fresh wines that seem to have no defects. This term also refers to the aroma, appearance and flavor of the wines.

Complete; A mature wine that has a satisfying feel and a great aftertaste on the palette.

Complex; This is where you will find a combination of flavors and aroma elements in various types of wines.

Corked, corky; The wines smell like cork rather than wine. This is because it was bottled in correctly.

Deep; A wine that has many layers of taste that slowly reveals itself.

Delicate; A light fragrance, body and flavor in the wine.

Distinctive; An elegant and refined character in the wine that sets it apart.

Dry; There is a little amount of sugar in the wine.

Earthy; You can detect this in certain wines. The smell and flavor is bit like the earth or soil.

Elegant; A refined charactered wine. This is usually to describe a stylish and quality wine.

Extra dry; You can find this term on champagne bottles as they describe the wine.

Fat; A wine that is full of flavor and body.

Fine; A distinguished wine.

Flat; A wine that is lacking in liveliness. Also a wine with an insufficient amount of acid.

Flavor; Describing how the wine tastes.

Full; Describes a wine that has a rich body

Green; A tart wine that is made from unripe grapes. Also has a lack of fruit flavoring.

Grip; Firmness of structure and flavor.

Hard; Stiff and undeveloped.

Heady; High in alcohol and very full bodied.

Herbaceous; Aromas that are reminiscent of fresh grass or hay. It can also be a characteristic of some wines like Cabernets.

Honeyed; You will find a taste or smell that is like honey.

Intricate; The interweaving of subtle flavors and aromas within a wine.

Legs; The rivulets of wine that you see running down the sides of the glass after swirling or sipping the wine.

Length; The lingering aftertaste that you get from a wine.

Light; This refers to wines that are light in alcohol, weight and texture. The feeling that you get in the mouth when you drink the wine is also described as light.

Lively; A fresh wine that has vitality and crispness.

Mature; A fully developed, ready to drink wine.

Meaty; This is a wine that is firm in structure with a chewy, fruity taste.

Mellow; A smooth, soft wine that has no harsh characteristics.

Noble; Wines that have a great balance and a harmonious expression. The wines that are made from these types of grapes are considered as the finest wines in the world. You can find Merlot and Cabernet among this lot.

Nose; The smell that comes from the wine. You can get “good nose” or a “bad nose”. A term used to detect faults in the wine.

Nutty; A nutlike aroma that develops in some wines.

Oak, oaky; This is the flavor and aroma that comes from aging the wine in oak casks or barrels. The taste is a mixture of vanilla, spices, smokiness and cloves.

Open; You can get the full character from the wine.

Oxidized; Flat, stale wines. Wines that have a sherry like and flavor and aroma. The state where wines becomes spoiled due to exposure to air.

Petillant; A light sparkle that can be seen in the wines.

Rich; A full, opulent wine with good body and aroma.

Ripe; Mature, fully ripe fruit.

Robust; A powerful, full bodied and heady wine.

Sharp; Biting or acidic.

Smoky; The aroma and flavor that a wine can get from being aged in an oak barrel or casket.

Sparkling; This is used where there are bubbles that are detectedable in the wine.

Spicy; A wine that has the characteristics of spices like cloves, mint, pepper and cinnamon.

Structure; The way that a wine in made with regard to its proportions and composition.

Supple; A wine that is yielding in flavor and is ready to drink.

Sweet; This usually indicates the presence of grape sugar that have not been completely converted to alcohol.

Tannin; This is a natural substance that is found in the skins, stems and seeds of certain grapes. This substance is also a major component in the structure of red wines.

Tart; A sharp wine that is acceptable to drink if it is not acidic.

Thin; Lacking in body and flavor.

Tired; Where a wine is past its peak flavor development. Old.

Vanilla; You will get this scent from the aging process of oak caskets.

Velvety; Smooth and very rich in texture.

Vigorous; A wine with a firm, strong body and flavor and a lively fruitiness.

Vinegary; Having the smell of vinegar.

Watery; Thin and lacking in any flavor.

Weedy; You will get the flavors and aromas of grass or hay. This scent becomes unpleasant only in excessive amounts.

Weighty; Forceful, strong, full bodied and powerful – terms to describe wines.

Woody; The aroma that comes when wine has been over aged in barrels or casks.

Yeasty; A bread smell that can be sometimes found in wines that have gone through a secondary fermentation process like champagne. Can be appealing if it is not excessive.

Young; Simple fine wines that have yet to become mature. Still undeveloped.



Irvin