How To Make Elegant Gift Baskets : How To Choose A Wine For a Gift Basket

Learn tips and advice on how to choose a bottle of wine for a gift basket in thisfree video clip. Expert: Rachel Fish Bio: Rachel has a degree in Education but has spent most of her working years in the family Gift Basket business that was opened 23 years ago in Staten Island. Filmmaker: Gary Zier

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Types of Sparkling Wine : Grower Champagnes

Grower champagnes are sparkling wines created by smaller growers in the Champagne region of France. Learn about grower champagnes withtips from a sommelier in this free sparkling wine video. Expert: Mark Middlebrook Contact: www.paulmarcuswines.com Bio: Mark Middlebrook sells and writes about wine for Paul Marcus Wines in Oakland, California. Filmmaker: Sam Lee

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Types of Dessert Wines : A Brief History of Wine

Learn a brief history of wine production in this free online video guide to wines.

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Types of Sparkling Wine : Sparkling Wines of Spain

Sparkling wines of Spain produced in Catalonia are called cava. Learn about Spanish sparkling wines withtips from a sommelier in this free sparkling wine video. Expert: Mark Middlebrook Contact: www.paulmarcuswines.com Bio: Mark Middlebrook sells and writes about wine for Paul Marcus Wines in Oakland, California. Filmmaker: Sam Lee

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Some Types Of Wine Have More Than Grapes!

When you go to the grocery store or to the liquor store looking for wine, you will find that there seems to be an endless selection of different Types Of Wine. For most people, this leads to you simply grabbing the least expensive libation that doesn't come in a box and heading home to unwind from your busy day. The thing is, you may not be buying the perfect type of wine. What's more, you may be missing out on something by choosing a cheap type made from only grapes. That is because there are some that come with a variety of different ingredients to enhance your wine drinking experience.

When vinters add something to different Types of Wine to change the flavor it is called adding a fining. Finings are used for a variety of reasons. One reason could be that the the resultant drink came out more bitter than expected or if the smell or color is not what is expected. There are finings for essentially any different situation to help correct a problem with wine.

In addition to finings, other fruits and spices can be added to create beautiful combinations of flavors. One common fruit used in wine are figs. Some vinters that create their own wines will add figs and spices such as cloves to create a truly unique flavor. In essence, there are unlimited flavors that you can find when you are researching different Types of Wine because a person or company that creates wine are only limited by their imagination and creativity.

The thing is, when you understand about the different Types Of Wine then you can make an educated purchase when you need wine for dinner, a party and so on. With red, white, dry, full body wines and others, you need to understand what it is that you are buying,

You can find books on buying wine or you can use the Internet to learn what you need to know. In any case, your friends will be impressed about the libation choices you make and you may even become the go to person when someone wants to know what type of wine to buy.

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Non Alcoholic Wines, Another Way to Enjoy Wine

Most of the drinkers forget about alcohol free wine or when they think about various types of wine they drunk or desire to drink. Non alcoholic wines are great option for pregnant women, designated drivers and for persons on medications due to some heart or some other disease. This type of wine is also good for those people who want to keep the taste of wine in their life without the effects of alcohol.

Non alcoholic wine surely allows people to enjoy the social experience and classic taste of wine eliminating alcohol from it. Such wines are available in a huge range of flavors and styles, which includes:

Chardonnay
White Zinfandel
Cabernet Sauvignon
Burt Zinfandel

Wine without alcohol is normally and easily found on affordable price in market. You can easily get required non alcoholic wine in many local markets, or if you do not wanted to walk to the market you also have an option on online purchase. You find many domestic and foreign companies selling these types of wines and make them available on your door.

Taste:

It's a basic and important property of non alcoholic wine and you also find consumer conscious about it. Premium grapes are used to prepare non alcoholic wine and it is fragment and aged in barrels. Before bottling the wine the alcohol is eliminated from the wine with the help of filtration process. The method used to prepare non alcoholic wine is the same as regular wine. And taste of the wine is the same as other regular wines but this one is without the alcohol.

What is actually meant by Alcohol Free?

The real and exact definition of alcohol free drink is that, "A Drink that holds less than one half of 1 % of alcohol". While it not physically possible to eliminate alcohol from the alcoholic drink completely. But the remaining quantity of alcohol in the wine never make you feel drunk and in real it would be less than you find in a single glass of fresh orange juice.

How You Can Enjoy Alcohol Free Wine:

You can enjoy this drink in various ways and situation you just need a glass and a bottle of wine and if you like other to join you can invite you family on the wine table. Non alcoholic wine is also a great option for your parties, dinner table and for corporate events. It's also a intelligent choice for the events and meeting where you want be alter and focused. If you are on medication and can't stay without the taste of wine, alcohol free wine proved to be best. This wine also safe for diabetics, but it is recommended for diabetes to consult with his/her doctor before adding new drink in the diet schedule.

Best from getting rid of Alcoholism:

If someone desire recover from the alcoholism non alcoholic wine provides a way in which desired person can still enjoy the taste of wine without alcohol. It also provides a great chance for the person in recovering to blend in to business situations where he does not desire to know he is not drinking.

Conclusion: There are many health benefits of wine regarding health but wine containing alcohol can put bad effects on your health. So for those who do not desire to take a risk of their health alcohol free wine is best option. There is no difference between alcoholic and alcohol free wine, accept alcohol.

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Wine Tasting Parties

Wine tasting is a great theme for a party or get together with friends. It's a fun way of introducing new wines to your friends too and is lots of fun to plan and take part in!

Pick the type of wines you're going to drink. Bear in mind what people like drinking! If you've got a group of friends who love red then pick red wines to make sure the evening is entertaining, conversely if everyone or most people like white best, pick white wines.

Decide on a country or grape and go with that as the theme. If you pick a grape type then try to pick as many different types of grape as possible, and pick wines where it's clear what the grape used is. For countries pick regionally different wines to ensure there's a good difference. You could of course stick to three very similar wines to test your expert wine friends!

Make a chart for each person and ensure there's working pens and pencils available. Make sure there are plenty of wine glasses so that people can have a fresh glass when they change wines. You can hire extra glasses very cheaply, or buy them if you have cupboard space. They will come in useful at other parties you have.

Label the wines after you've covered up the labels properly. You can wrap them in brown paper or wrapping paper if you like. Open the wine and allow it to breathe or serve chilled according to what's best for the wine. Some tricky wine tasting organizers might serve the same wine but at different temperatures to show how wide a flavor difference can be achieved with the same wine.

Allow plenty of time for friends to taste the wine, and offer your guests palate cleansing nibbles that won't interfere with the wines. After everyone's had a go at filling in the chart you can all relax and drink some more and have some deliciously savory nibbles whilst you go through your tasting notes with each other. It's great fun listening to what people have written about a wine and to find out who can give you the most accurate information! With careful planning a wine tasting can be an enormously pleasurable way of spending an evening!

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Types of White Wine : Dom Ruinart French Champagne

How to know about Dom Ruinart French Champagne whitewine; learn more about wine in this free instructional video. Expert: Mihály Fabók Bio: Mihály Fabók is Sommelier at the world famous Gundel restaurant in Budapest, Hungary. Filmmaker: Paul (Leopold) Volniansky

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Reserve Muscat - Wine - Wine Australia - Cleanskin Wine

Wine review; Reserve Muscat; buy wine online; www.cleanskins.com

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Broadening the Wine Spectrum

Every so often, even us wine lovers tend to get tired of drinking the same thing time after time. Even if we like to experiment, sometimes we get stuck in a rut of buying the same type of wine from the same regions or even only buying a few bottles that we know we like.

It's easy to keep things the same and avoid change. When we get to thinking about it, we often wonder why we don't experiment more. Here are some tips to make it easier to get back into the swing of wine variety.

Go To a Wine Tasting

A great way to widen your repertoire of wines is by attending wine-tasting events. These events are often hosted in someone's home, in a wine store or at a wine bar. By trying a variety of wines and keeping a careful record of what you've tasted and what you've enjoyed, you'll be able to quickly and efficiently find new wines that you like and that fit your budget. An online search will provide you with a listing of local wine events.

Start with Something Simple

Choose to try something that is similar to a type of wine you already like. If you love dry reds, switching to a sweet white may not be the best bet. If you enjoy Merlot from the Napa Valley and the Pays d'Oc regions, you might do well by trying some Australian Merlots, one from Washington State or a Chilean Merlot.

If you like practically all Merlots, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, red Zinfandel or Beaujolais may be good choices for branching out. If you enjoy light sweet white wines like Riesling, you may want to try some blush wines or white Zinfandel. Many of the unusually named German wines may also be enjoyable for you.

Try Something New in a Restaurant

Next time you are enjoying a meal out, instead of getting a glass of something that you usually drink, order something different. You can get just a glass to see if you like it or not. To avoid getting stuck with a house wine that is barely drinkable or something that was opened days ago, ask for whatever was opened most recently.

Research Wine

Read up on the wines you like and wine in general. By knowing a little about the type of wine you like, you will be better equipped to find something with similar properties that you will probably also like. If you research wine online you can also find exactly what you are looking for. You can search within a price range, within types of wine, wine regions and more. You can work your way through a best-of list or buy only wines that come highly recommended.

No matter what your technique for widening the variety of wines that you enjoy, you will have some hits and some misses. Keep on trying and you'll find that you can easily build a wide selection of wines that you enjoy. Keep a wine journal, so when you are looking for a sure bet that you don't often drink, you'll have your own personal best-of on hand.

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The Flavors of Wine Varietals

While many people try to pigeonhole the taste of varietals in ways such as "Pinot Noir tastes flowery and are light", it is possible to produce several types of wine from one grape. Often, wines can be described by their flavors more than just the varietals or geographical location from which they came.

For instance, Chardonnay varietals can fit into three or four different flavor categories depending on how the grape is processed and made in to wine. Winemakers can make Chardonnay grapes into wines that are clean, crisp and light bodied or they can make Chardonnay grapes into wines that are smooth, round and medium bodied or they can make Chardonnay grapes into wines that are rich and full-bodied.

Different techniques of wine making, such as using oak for aging or not using oak for aging, allow winemakers to make Chardonnay grapes in to all of these different types of flavors. While the Chardonnay grape is probably the most versatile grape for making it into different flavors, most varietals are open to some leeway in flavor.

Pinot Blanc and Pinot Grigio both lend themselves to wines that taste clean, crisp and light bodied or that taste smooth, round and medium bodied. Pinot Blanc is also possible to make into a style that is rich and full-bodied while Pinot Grigio is also possible to make into a style that is off dry or aromatic dry.

While winemakers usually make Sauvignon Blanc to taste clean, crisp and light bodied or smooth, round and medium bodied, they sometimes stretch the boundaries and make it taste rich and full-bodied. However, when a wine maker makes a Sauvignon Blanc in a style that tastes rich and full-bodied, the winemaker usually calls it Fume Blanc rather than Sauvignon Blanc.

Winemakers also have plenty of leeway in what style they will make red grapes taste. Winemakers can make red wines taste fruity and light-bodied, smooth and medium-bodied or rich, hearty and full bodied. The most versatile of the red grapes is the Merlot.

It is common for winemakers to make Merlot grapes in styles that taste fruity and light, smooth and medium or rich and full. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon usually taste rich, hearty and full-bodied or smooth and medium bodied. Pinot Noir is usually a fruity, light-bodied wine or a smooth, medium-bodied wine.

The difference in how wines are processed makes a difference in how they are going to taste. Any time wine makers leave crushed grapes in a vat with skin and seeds longer, the wine will have more acid or tannins in the flavor whether they are making wine from Pinot Noir grapes or Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Any time a wine spends aging in oak will make it taste a little bit richer and add flavors similar to toasty vanilla whether they are making wine from Chardonnay grapes or Sauvignon Blanc grapes.

Therefore, if you are looking to be able to decide if you like a wine just by what type of grape is in the wine, you might end up being disappointed. While one winemaker might insist on making Chardonnay wine only though oak aging, another winemaker might believe that the Chardonnay grape stands on its own and does not need oak aging to taste good.

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Piemonte Italian Wines : Serving Piemonte Italian Wine

White wine and red wine differ in how they are to be served. Learn how to serve both red and white Piemonte wines in this free wine video from a professional sommelier. Expert: Mark Middlebrook Contact: www.paulmarcuswines.com Bio: Mark Middlebrook sells and writes about wine for Paul Marcus Wines in Oakland, California. Filmmaker: Sam Lee

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Wine & Food - A Good Pair

The general rule of food and wine pairing is that lighter foods go with lighter wines. The stronger the flavor of food, the stronger the flavor of your wine needs to be in order to balance and enhance the flavor of both the food and the wine.

Of course, you should pair whatever food you like with whatever wine you like if it tastes good to you. So what if you like Merlot with Sole. Sole is a very light and delicate fish, and Merlot is a heavy, rich and strong flavored wine. If you prefer the taste of Merlot with your Sole, it simply means that you prefer to taste Merlot than to taste Sole, because Merlot will be all you taste of the pair.

On the other hand, if you prefer Pinot Grigio with a thick hearty steak, you simply do not care whether you can taste your wine. A hearty beefsteak will completely overpower the flavor of a delicate, crispy and light Pinot Grigio.

However, if you would like to develop a refined palate for pairs of wine and food that enhance the flavor of both the food and the wine, you might wish to start with the general rule of pairing lighter foods with lighter wines. As you drink more wines with different types of food, you will develop your own personal tastes that will probably fall in line with the normal tastes of the human palate.

The key to learning which specific wines you like with which specific foods is to pair a lot of food with a lot of wine. The more often you try different wines with different foods, the more you will develop a refined palate and understand how food and wine can enhance each other.

If you really need to prove to yourself that you like red with fish, go ahead and pair the two together a couple of times. Conversely, be sure to try a crisp white wine with your Sole once or twice as well. Probably, the more often you try any type of wine within the general rule of reds with dark heavy meats and whites with light delicate meats, the more you will discover the nuances of flavor in both the wine and food if you take the time to savor each wine with the food.

When you open your bottle of wine at the dinner table (or when you bring your decanted bottle of wine to the dinner table), you should take the time to savor the taste of a sip of the wine in your glass before you taste your food.

After examining the glass of wine for color and appearance, smell the wine. Take a deep whiff of the wine and ask yourself of what the smell reminds you. Then take a sip of the wine into your mouth and swish it around to saturate your taste buds before you swallow the sip of wine.

After tasting a sample of the wine, take a bite of food and another sip of wine. Does the taste of the wine improve the food's flavor? Does the food improve the wine's flavor? If you answer yes to both questions, you have a good pair.

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Foods to Serve With Wine & Cheese

Most "foodies" know how to enjoy a good wine. No matter what type of wine they may taste, there are certain foods that mesh well with this tasty grape beverage. For those who host wine tastings and need some ideas of what foods to serve, consider the following:

1. Appetizers - To enjoy a good wine & cheese party, consider expanding the culinary palette with fresh fruit. Melon-wrapped prosciutto can be a pleasing taste paired with many different wines. The sweet & salty flavor blended with the sweetness of a wine makes it a perfect match. You can also consider serving fresh fruit, shrimp, and an array of crackers.

2. Main courses - It's very easy to know which wines work well with which main courses. Beef tends to pair well with a nice red wine, a merlot, pinot noir, or zinfandel produce bold flavors that match the meaty flavors of beef. Chicken, fish, and other lighter meats like veal work well with white wines. These are delicate pieces of meat, and need a lighter, airy wine. Consider serving a chardonnay, pinot grigio, or white zinfandel with these types of main courses.

3. Desserts - When most people think of desserts they think of sweetness. Sweet white wines like moscato match this description perfectly. A sparkling wine or champagne works with chocolates, cakes, puddings, and other yummy desserts. There are also a variety of sweet red wines if you don't really care for white. These wines tend to have a velvety texture to them, and work well with the chocolate or berry desserts.

Those are just a few ways to enhance the food that you are eating, as well as the wine you taste.

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About Champagne & Sparkling Wine : Why Champagne Flutes are Best for Drinking Champagne

Get to know all about wine glasses and champagne flutes, learn which champagne flutes are best for drinking champagne;learn more about champagne and sparkling wine in this free instructional video. Expert: David Postada Bio: David Postada is Chef and owner of the Big Easy Catering company in Santa Barbara, California.

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Types of Red Wine : Tempranillo Wine Facts

Tempranillo is a unique wine grape producing a type of red wine. Learn more about tempranillo wines in this free wine tasting video. Expert: Jane Nickles Bio: Jane Nickles is the author of "Wine Speak 101", and wine writer for "The Texas Wine and Food Gourmet", and "Eat and Drink Magazine"....

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Wine And Food Gift Baskets

Of all the things in life that seem to be important to a lot of people wine and food gift baskets seem to frequently rank near the top of the list. When most people think of the phrase food and wine it gives them an instant thought of gourmet types of food and expensive wines. This combination is also used frequently with gift basket for gift giving on various occasions.

There are various resources from which gift baskets can be found as well as ideas to put your own Italian wine and food gift basket together. It does help to know the tastes of the intended recipient before heading out to find the items for any gift basket but buying a pre-made basket is acceptable for almost ever occasion. You may want to consider the type of wine being used as it relates to any food items such as cheese or meat that will be included, so that it compliments instead of contradicts the wine.

It is considered an art form if you can choose the right wine and food gift basket arrangement for those special occasions like birthdays, anniversary, Christmas and New Years. Most believe the guideline that stipulates red wine with red meat and white wine with white meats and fish. However, there are many different varieties that can go well with many different types of food and the preference is more a matter of taste than direction.

Wine is used in So Many Different Recipes: Are We Cooking with the Right Wine?

Many recipes may call for cooking wine to be used as an ingredient. Many people do not realized that there are specific wines made for cooking and the majority of table wines will be too sweet to use in a recipe. Unless specifically recommended, it is suggested that food and table wine not be mixed in a pot or a pan.

There are numerous resources for recipes and designs of many gift baskets and one of the most popular is Italian wine and food gift baskets, especially for those who want to make their own wine from scratch along with homemade food. This is one the greatest gifts because it comes from the heart and is done with pride. Many magazines focusing on gourmet foods will also offer recommendations for the type of wine to be served with a certain meal and many articles may also suggest trying a selected brand of wine to go with fish, chicken or even beef.

For holiday gatherings wine and food gift baskets typically go over well and the food should be prepared with the understanding that it will be sitting on a table for a prolonged period of time. Perishable items should be refrigerated and replenished as need. Whether you use meats or vegetables, at most gatherings it should be noted that almost everyone likes a little meat and cheese with their wine.

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Crystal Wine Glasses For the Ultimate Tasting Experience

Do you have the right wine glasses for the dinner party you are hosting?
While most people know there is a difference, they are not sure what type of wine glasses should be used for a red or white wine. The temperature of the wine may be your concern, but just as crucial, is the shape of the glass, which can influence the taste. Whether the glass directs the wine to the tip of the tongue, back of the mouth and/or sides of the mouth, you will appreciate the ultimate tasting experience when it comes to the wine you serve.

Main Types of Crystal Wine Glasses
Most wine enthusiasts know there are four glasses that are used more than others. Crystal wine glasses are the type recommended the most, because heavier makes of glass will most definitely change the taste of the wine. There are glasses for red wine; they are wide and tall so the niceties of the wine are savored. At least a couple of this type is recommended to have in your wine glass collection. This type is a Bordeaux glass. They are typically used for Merlots and Cabernets.

The second type is a white wine glass. They are smaller than others so the wine stays at the cool temperature it was served. The opening of this glass needs to be just a bit larger than glass itself. Another type for white wine is taller than the typical white wine glass. Straight and thinner this type is used for white wines that are aged a little more. Finally, everyone should have a Burgundy glass. They are larger still than the Bordeaux glass and allow the maximum enjoyment of this type of wine.

This is not to say you should not have a variety of crystal wine glasses that you use for different occasions. The champagne glass is a thin and tall glass. They are called champagne flutes and they are shaped like this for another reason besides the taste. They allow the bubbles to form in the glass of champagne.

When choosing the type of wine glasses you will use for a dinner, first consider the type of wine you will serve. This, of course, means the main wine. There are dessert wines that will be served later. Most are sweet and should be served in smaller, wider glasses.

The Riedel Collection
The first person to notice the aspects of wine were different according to what type of glass in which they were served was Professor Claus J. Riedel. If you are a wine lover, you have heard of the Riedel collection of crystal wine glasses. This collection is considered the best the world over when it comes to possessing the right glasses for serving wine.

Wine tantalizes the mouth, nose and eyes. The glass helps this to occur in the most pleasant way if you use the correct one. After working with wine tasters, Professor Riedel developed his own collection to bring out the characteristics of wine.

The Basics of Wine Glasses
A wine glass is made the way it is for a reason. The base is used to make sure the glass stays upright. The stem is for holding the glass to keep from warming the wine with your hands. The body of the glass is designed to show the clarity, allow the senses to be awakened and hold the wine until you are ready to drink.

There are general-purpose crystal wine glasses that may be used if you choose this type. They are clear and hold approximately ten ounces of wine. They should have just a little smaller rim than the body of the glass to help contain the aroma. This type of glass is great for a red wine, but one thing to remember is never serve a white wine in a red wine glass. This is a giant faux pas.

Although you probably never thought of it in that manner, unless you are a wine lover, the glass plays a big role in sending the wine to the parts of the mouth that will allow you to enjoy it to the fullest. Do not wait until the last minute to find out that you do not have the correct wine glasses for the wine you are serving for dinner. Buy a few different types to ensure you will be serving wine in the glass in which it is meant to be served.

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Types of Dessert Wines : Paring Food With Tokaji Aszú Dessert Wine

How to pair Tokaji Aszu dessert wine with food; learn more about wine in this free instructional video. Expert: Mihály Fabók Bio: Mihály Fabók is Sommelier at the world famous Gundel restaurant in Budapest, Hungary. Filmmaker: Paul (Leopold) Volniansky

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Antique Wine Glasses - The Antique Wine Glass For a Posh Experience

If you want to be different from the crowd, you should serve your guests their wine in antique wine glasses and this is why. We do know implicitly that each beverage should be served in a particular type of vessel. You won't serve beer in crystal, just as you won't serve whiskey in a coffee mug. But what is the situation with serving wine?

First of all, depending on the alcohol you are serving to your friends and guests, you will use different vessels for them. For example, beer should be served either in the can, its own bottle or those specially made beer mugs or heavy glasses that you usually find around the October Fest in Germany when the big festivities are underway. Whiskey is also usually served in its special whiskey glass, and liqueur in smaller glasses made specially for then. And when you look at champagne, you do have special glasses for those as well. Try serving it in beer glasses and you might lose a friend or two in the process.

When you serve wine, however, there are many choices out there, and people really do it differently, from household to household. There is simply not one type of wine glass that is commonly used to serve this drink. I've seen some people serving wine even in regular water glasses. It is not a clear cut case scenario. And this is where you can come in and make your friends look in awe at your wine serving stemware.

What I'm talking about is using antique wine glasses. Now antique glasses are an interesting type of glass that is loved by many, particularly by collectors. I have a friend who is a wine connoisseur, who collects everything related to wine, and his collection of antique wine glasses is truly impressive. If you can find an antique wine glass that the person doesn't yet have and you've decide to gift it to them for their birthday or any anniversary, you will have won a friend for life.

For example you can find antique etched wine glasses, or antique crystal wine glasses, antique green wine glasses, and even some colored in pink, believe it or not. The choices are almost unlimited, however their price is quite high at times, depending on where you get them from, so sometimes you might end up paying a nice chunk of money to buy them.

Wine should be served based on a proper etiquette and this is where the antique stuff comes in. Even if you buy them for your own use, and not to give as present to others, you should not use them every time you drink wine. They should really be only used for certain occasions, as these are truly exquisite pieces of art.

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6 Great Gift Ideas For Wine Lovers

If there's a wine lover on your gift list and you don't know your zinfandel from your pinot noir, you may be stumped for present ideas. Fortunately, wine drinking has become so popular that there are many types of gifts available to help someone enjoy their favorite spirit. Use this list to help inspire you on your quest to find the perfect gift for your favorite oenophile.

A case of wine

A wine lover will obviously love the gift of a case of wine. Do a little investigating and find out what type they prefer. Locate a similar vintage from a small winery, or develop your own case with different specialty wines.

A rabbit corkscrew

Every wine lover needs to open bottles of wine easily and quickly. A Rabbit Corkscrew will help them do just that. This uniquely designed corkscrew is based on ergonomic principles. It was first released in 2001 and has been a favorite of the food and wine community since then. It can open any bottle of wine in three seconds with no strain.

Wine racks

Even if your gift recipient already has a wine rack, most wine lovers could use another. Look for a classic design and, if your gift budget is large, look for a free standing case. The wine rack should be made of quality materials since they are supporting glass bottles. Depending on the décor of the gift recipient, you can choose something to fit their tastes.

A wine chiller

White wine and champagne need to be served chilled. You can give your wine loving friend a tool to get these wines chilled fast. A wine chiller is stored in the freezer and it can chill any bottle within five minutes. Its reusable and totally mess free. This gift allows your favorite wine aficionado to serve their white wines or champagne quickly.

Wine glasses

Wine lovers can never have too many wine glasses. If you're wine illiterate you might not know that there are different glasses for different types of wines. Look for hand blown lead crystal glasses. They come in a variety of shapes for various wine types. Get your wine lover glasses for something a bit out of the ordinary.

Wine books

With the growth of the oenophile culture has come the growth of books on wine. These books celebrate wine making and all wine related topics. The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil is a comprehensive reference book on all things wine related. The author will expose your gift recipient to wines they've never heard of and make them see old favorites in new ways. Another good choice is The Little Black Journal of Wine: A Wine Lover's Record Keeper. This book starts out with an introduction to wine tasting and follows with dozens of blank pages where your gift recipient can takes notes on their wine tasting excursions.

No matter what gift you give your wine lover, they'll be sure to appreciate the time you took in thinking of their favorite interest.

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2010 Las Olas Wine and Food Festival

Even though the recent 15th Annual Las Olas Wine & Food Festival (LOWFF) broke all previous attendance records of 2500 wine and food lovers, there were no long lines to wait in... plenty of food from the 67 restaurants and wine flowing freely at 45 wine tables. This year the festival sold out a week in advance making it one of the most desired tickets in town! Another huge success was some of the most popular chefs in South Florida paired with winemakers from around the country at four local restaurants -- Johnny V, Riverside Hotel, Timpano Chophouse and Martini Bar, and Tuscan Grill. Live music by The WEEDLINE, Pan Vibes, & DJ Jason Bogle. The Bombay Sapphire Lounge, Bonterra Vineyards VIP Reception, & Allied Ultra Lounge made this year unforgettable! To get involved with the 2011 festival please contact Paula Prendergast 954-524-4657 or pprendergast@lungfla.org Each block boasted something that is bound to keep patrons coming back year after year. The Bombay Sapphire lounge offered specialty cocktails and treated guests to a learning experience by allowing them to make their own Sapphire Collins -- the official festival drink. Nothing looked better on the boulevard than seeing pedestrians take to the street in an ambiance of white couches, VIP cabanas, and the festival signature Asian lanterns throughout the six blocks of Las Olas Boulevard. Special awards were handed out including, Best Food: 1st Place Winner, Hyatt Pier 66; 2nd Place Winner: Bonefish Grill; 3rd Place ...

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Iron Wine Racks

The use of wine racks is a necessity for people who want to set up a personal collection of the finest wines at their home. Wine racks are available in various shapes and sizes as per the needs and preferences of the customers.

The iron wine rack is one of the many types of wine racks available. It is made completely of iron and makes for a very stunning piece of art. The main purpose of using an iron wine rack is to store and keep the various wine bottles in an easily accessible position. These racks are available in various new designs and shapes, which makes it a very functional as well as decorative piece of furniture. Customers have a choice to select from a wide variety that fits their budget and expectations in terms of usability.

Out of the many types of wine racks, the wrought iron wine rack is considered by many industry experts to be the most elegant and somewhat traditional piece of art. It is sturdier, looks more beautiful, and can be crafted with the help of good master artisans. The price of these iron racks varies depending on its type and size. The price flexibility is mostly due the nature and brand of the rack purchased.

Iron wine racks are made either in modular or stackable style as per the needs and requirements of the customer. Sometimes there are ribbons wrapped around the shelves to hold wine bottles firmly in place. The racks are also designed such that the wine labels are visible to the users. Adequate arrangements are made to accommodate bottles of various shapes and sizes. Iron racks are sturdier than wooden racks and also more aesthetically designed.

Many online sellers sell wrought iron racks that can also be custom designed. While custom designing the racks it is important to remember that the position of the bottles should allow the wine to be in contact with the cork.

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The Many Types Of Beer To Choose From

So what do the pharaohs of ancient Egypt and modern-day fanatical football fans have in common? Why, they all love to drink beer of course!

Beer is the oldest recorded alcoholic beverage in history, with origins dating back to ancient times, even as far back as ancient Egypt. Beer has been the drink of choice of many people, for a very long time.

So what exactly is beer and how is it made? Beer is basically an alcoholic beverage made from fermented starches. It main ingredients consist of water, malted barley (or other starch sources like wheat, cassava, etc.), hops, and yeast. They are then fermented through a process called brewing. After brewing the beer is ready to be consumed, though further processes like aging and carbonation can be practiced to improve the taste and quality.

Throughout the years, many different types of beer have been created around the world. These types of beers can vary in things like flavor, color and aroma. Various different cultures have invented their own distinct take on this famous beverage.

Beer is generally classified into two types or styles based on the yeast used for fermentation. These two types are ales, which uses top-fermenting yeast, and lagers which are brewed with bottom-fermenting yeast. These yeast give the beer their own unique characteristics, which can affect how the beer looks and tastes.

Ales along with using top-fermenting yeast, are fermented at a warmer temperature than lagers. They're fermented at about 15 to 23°C, 60 to 75°F and usually take a shorter amount of time to ferment. Ales tend to have a stronger more pronounced taste as well as a fuller body. Ales can also have a somewhat nutty or fruity taste that are the result of the warmer fermentation temperatures.

Some common varieties of ales include:

Pale ale - Pales ales are ales that use pale malts, usually barley. They all tend to have similar characteristics, such as a strong hop taste and low to medium malt levels, though many countries have their own versions of pale ale like the English Bitter, Saison, and India Pale Ale each with their own slight variations.

Porter- A porter is a dark ale ranging from dark brown to black in color. It was originally created in the 1700's in Britain. A combination of three different kinds of ale, it was very popular among the porters of old London, hence the name. It was made from roasted malt barley giving it a rich aroma and full body.

Stout- Stout is a dark ale derived from porter. Like a porter it has a very dark coloring. This results from roasting the malted barley, used for brewing, until black. Irish dry stout like Guinness or Murphy's are known for their bitter, roasted taste. The ale's black color topped with distinctive creamy head gives it it's nickname the "priest's collar" and goes well with oysters.

The other type of beer are lagers. The word lager is derived from a German word "lagern". "Lagern" translated means "to store" and alludes to a time when brewers used to store beer in caves to ferment in cooler temperature.

Lagers are made with bottom-fermenting yeast at temperatures ranging from 8 to15 degrees C or 46 to 59 degrees F. At these cooler temperatures, the beer will generally take a longer time to ferment. Lagers are known generally be lighter in color than ales. They also have a distinctively clean and crisp taste that makes them very popular to the masses. They also tend to have a lower alcohol content than ales and are best served cold.

Some beers categorized as lagers are:

Pilsner- Considered the most popular type of beer in the world. Pilsners are generally light yellow to golden in color and usually well balanced in flavor, with a clean, crisp taste.

American style lagers- The common, mass produced type of beer in America is a type of pilsen. Light in color and flavor, it is also high in carbonation.

Bock- Bock is a dark lager originating from Germany. It's high in alcohol and malt making it a strong, full-bodied beer.

There are many more kinds of beers, each with their own distinct style and taste. There are enough choices to satisfy just about anyone's taste.

Beer has been around since even before people could write! With so many kinds of beer to choice from, and even more being invented all the time, there is no doubt that beer will be here to stay.

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Managing Bad Breath

Bad breath is one of the most common global problems, although (naturally) no one speaks openly about this subject. In fact, you could say this has became a social issue, because it can jeopardize relationships with those around you. There are many causes leading to bad breath, luckily, most are easy to detect.

Whatever the factors that cause bad breath, first mentioned that the remedy should be considered universally valid, ie mouthwash, is as ineffective as it is harmful. It is found in its composition a considerable percentage of alcohol. Consequently, some children who swallowed mouthwash needed emergency medical attention.

Indeed, mouthwash kills bacteria. On the other hand, however, they will recover quite quickly and in an aggressive manner, as mouthwash treats only the effect, not cause. Meanwhile, long-term use mouthwash causes the appearance of irritation to gums, palate mouth. Moreover, in some cases can cause various types of malignancies (risk is even greater if people who use mouthwash often, smoke or consume alcoholic beverages).

So what can you do? Here is a first recommendation. Put a few drops of peppermint oil (available in drugstores) in a glass of water and rinse yourself (not eat).

The remedy is not only recommended as a quick solution when you need to go to a meeting or to socialize. Bad breath is caused by many factors, of which the most common is improper dental hygiene. If you don't brush your teeth at least twice a day, or do more superficial, food debris will be disposed between the teeth and gradually begin to break down, causing an odor.

Therefore you need to brush carefully, focusing on areas less accessible. Besides, not neglect brushing the tongue - is one of the easiest ways to fight halitosis, because on the tongue surface are found millions of bacteria. Not necessary nor advisable to brush too intense, because irritation can occur. Movements should be smooth and circular.
An accessory that you should not miss is floss. This helps eliminate food debris and is recommended to use at least once a day, preferably before brushing.

Do not omit to change your toothbrush regularly (every two months is recommended). Not only will be more effective brushing and breath fresh, but will prevent accumulation of bacteria that are submitted in time.

Also wash your teeth after every meal. Yes, it would be ideal, but often we can not do this. In this case, eat an apple (good to clean teeth) or mint drops. Some other foods to help you refresh your breath are: fresh carrots, parsley or mint, oranges, kiwi fruit, green leafy vegetables.

Apart from inadequate dental hygiene, there are other reasons that can cause halitosis. For example, some food. Of course you are first tempted to think of garlic and onions, but besides these, the list also includes others such as paprika, sweets, spicy preparations such as pastrami, pepperoni or chicory. Among drinks that can cause damage like this can find beer, wine, coffee and whiskey.

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Famous Brewers in Wisconsin

Milwaukee, as the largest city by a wide margin in Wisconsin, has developed an interesting reputation within the state, and in some regards even nationally, as a very fascinating city to live in or visit and there are a lot of cool things about the city. One thing that people in need of legal counsel would appreciate about the metropolis is that if you need a bankruptcy attorney or bankruptcy lawyer, they are readily available to help people through those proceedings. On another note, or for some people perhaps because of the need for legal help, it is also convenient that Milwaukee was labeled in the past few years as one of the best party cities in America. In fact, the people of Milwaukee drink more beer per capita than the inhabitants of any other city in the country which is a truly impressive feat. In the upcoming paragraphs the breweries in the area around Milwaukee will be discussed more in-depth, perhaps shedding some light on why citizens of the city love their beer so much.

One of the biggest brewers in the nation sits right in the middle of downtown Milwaukee, the Miller brewery. Although recently merged with Coors and known officially now by the staggeringly creative name Miller Coors, everyone still just knows them as Miller. Miller is the brewer of some of the more popular beers in the country such as Miller Genuine Draft, Miller High Life, and Miller Lite. Recently, Miller has even come out with Miller Genuine Draft 64 which has a mere 64 calories and is in fact one of the lightest beers in the world. Furthermore, for people who like the taste of beer but not the effects of alcohol there is Miller's brand of non alcoholic beer called Sharps which is also on sale at most bars.

Another popular beer around the area is Leinenkugel Brewing Company which is located near Milwaukee in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. While Miller produces beer on a huge, national basis there is more of a local feel to Leinenkugel's, who produce craft beers that are mainly found in their area of the country. Among the different types of beer produced by Leinenkugel's are craft brews such as Leinenkugel's, "Summer Shandy" which features beer with a subtle but omnipresent lemonade flavor to the beer. Also in Leinenkugel's wide array of brews is their Berry Weis which includes an interesting mix of Logan, elder, and blueberries to go with their beer that results in a taste almost similar to a liquid version of the cereal Fruit Loops.

Finally, although somewhat further away from Milwaukee, there is a brewer called Stevens Point Brewery in, you guessed it, Stevens Point Wisconsin. Stevens Point is similar to Leinenkugel's in that they typically make craft, local brews as opposed to the massive conglomerate that is Miller and their beers have proven to be very popular within the state of Wisconsin.

One thing for certain is that Milwaukee and Wisconsin residents will continue to purchase beers from their local breweries and possibly move Milwaukee further up on the list of party cities in the future.

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Purchasing Low Sulphite Wine

Sulphur dioxide is used in the wine making process for fermentation as it can preserve the character of the wine including taste, flavour and colour. Sulphites are a natural byproduct of winemaking and has not been considered dangerous in small quantities. Over time, cheap bottles of wine have added sulphites to help enhance the flavour cheaply. However, some people are highly allergic to sulphur and therefore they should avoid anything that contains it. Low sulphite wine contains quite negligible amount of sulphites and therefore consuming it is normally considered safe even for people allergic to sulphites.

Though sulphur dioxide is used to preserve the taste of wine, if used in excess quantity, it can cause an unpleasant taste evident at very low concentration. Wines with high level of sulphur dioxide are known to cause some health issues including fatal allergic reactions and terrible hangovers. Another reason for people to look for low sulphite wine is that when sulphites are added in high quantity to wines, fewer grapes are required to make a bottle of wine, thus making it cheaper to produce.

Different types of wines contain different levels of sulphites and the knowledge about this factor will help a person in finding out a low sulphite wine for consumption. Red wines are having the lowest level of sulphites because they naturally contain anti-oxidants acquired from their stems and skins during fermentation. However, wine makers add some sulphites anyways to this low sulphite wine to maintain the flavour on the cheap. White wines and roses have higher levels of sulphites as they need anti-oxidants in the form of sulphur since they are not left in contact with their skins during fermentation. Sweet wines will be having the highest level of sulphites as sugar will combine with sulphur. Therefore more sulphur is added to get the same level of free sulphur dioxide.

The difficult task of finding low sulphite wine has been made easy by the Internet. You just need to do a quick search in the search engines to find a good low sulphite wine. There are a lot of online stores that provide the product and you can purchase it online as well.

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Wine Rack Furniture - Types of Wine Racks You Can Choose

Wine is more than just a fermented juice of grapes. There is a lot of available wine rack furniture that you can find the perfect storage for your bottle very easy. It is not a problem anymore whether your wine consist of a few bottles or hundreds.

There are many types of wine rack furniture available at the market or online market. This can be mixed and matched to create a customized storage system tailored precisely to your needs. This rack not only serves as a holding for bottles but also serving space while entertaining. You can mix between cabinets and tables that include solid casters for transporting from room to room. There are also furniture with drawer and shelves that hold all your entertaining accessories.

Some types of wine rack furniture

Cabinets type - provide for storing and serving wine. This type is usually beautifully crafted.
Column Racks - store bottles horizontally so the cork always stays moist and the wine stays fresher.
Bin Racks - this unique bin racks uses shelves. And sometimes is arranged in dynamic angles to create visual lines instead of individual racks for each bottle.
Tower type - this type can help you organize better your collection of wines. This tower is compact in design, sleek in looks and constructed to hold multiple bottles. Shelf space makes allowing serving cheese and crackers as you fill your guests' glasses.
Portable cart - this fulfills all your serving needs. There are drawers, shelves for storage and plenty of room for glasses and bottles.

All of these types also come with many styles. It can be a hanging rack, wall rack, or wall mounted rack. This rack has a lot to do with how long you want to store a bottle. One of the most important parts in choosing the right wine furniture for your house is because wine is alive and continues to mature. Wine rack furniture gives your house a beautiful and rustic look.

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Red Wines - Light, Medium and Full Bodied Tipples

Red wines vary immensely in flavour, depth and intensity making the choice of wines for some a confusing and befuddling experience. Red wine fundamentally is available in three predominant types in terms of body; these types being light, medium and heavy. This article intends to highlight the differences and characteristics of these three and hopefully will provide the reader with some important information on the subject of red wines.

Light reds are essentially lighter than other reds because they contain less tannin than their counterparts. In extreme cases the lightest of red wines have more of a resemblance to whites rather than reds. Typically these lighter types have fruity characteristics. Popular light reds include Pinot Noir and Beaujolais, although originating in France; these wines are now grown all over the world in European countries such as France, Spain and Italy as well as further afield in the New World vineyards of the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Lighter red wines are ideal without culinary accompaniment and are equally suited to drinking with food.

Medium bodied reds are extremely popular due to their versatility. Typically they have flavours aromas and bodies that are medium in nature. Once again old world wine producers are proud of their medium reds, as are those in the New World region of Australia and California. Many of the medium bodied red wines from France have a fruity nature that is generally soft to the palate; once again whilst they are brilliant with food, they can also be drunk alone. Chianti and Cabernet Sauvignon are only two of the types available to consumers; care must be taken when choosing medium reds however, drinkers must be aware of the fine line between rich and heavy fruit flavours and the characteristics that make a full bodied wine.

Full bodied red wine is characterised by rich, intense flavours. These flavours can make the wine heavy to the palate and hence cannot be drunk quickly. Generally hotter climates are suitable for the grapes needed for full bodied wines; in terms of flavours, cherry and liquorice are often cited as popular although due to the barrel the wine is aged in, oak is also a common note. Australian Shiraz is a popular full bodied red from the new world although Californian Cabernet Sauvignon is equally popular.

Hopefully this article has provided an insight into three main categories of red wines. Understandably the subject of wines has been written about at length and goes much further than three categories of body. However with this information it should be possible to understand a little more and make knowledgeable choices on types of wine for your table.

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Customized Products For Bed and Breakfast-Lodge Owners

Bed and Breakfast or Lodge caters overnight accommodations and serves breakfast. Their frequent patrons are generally motorists or travelers from far away sites. Bed and Breakfast or B&B customers stay in that said establishment in a short while. So as a lodge owner, make sure that your clients will keep in mind their short stay. Aside from enhancing your amenities supply them tangible items that will make them remember their overnight experience B&B style. Here are some customized giveaways for your clienteles:

Keychain- This is a type of customized item that can be personalized. Customize your keychain by designing it using the best stuff that best embody your location. If your B&B business is situated in the state of Hawaii, produce a pineapple-shaped keychain. Good recall of the location also helps recall of your company.

Shirt- Custom Printed t-shirt with your logo on it is a great wheel of advertisement. Blueprint a good design that is eye-catching so your future customer would be encouraged to go back and refer your service to their friends. They say first impressions last, indeed.

Mug and Drink ware- This is an all-around personalized item for Bed and Breakfast clienteles. It comes in various forms and used in almost everywhere. Indeed, conventional mugs that hold the logo of your B&B business are remembrances to remember.

Pins- The most pervasive class of personalized product is button pins. Encourage couple, family or even a single motorist to take their image in a beautiful scenery within the area and lay it on a button pin. It is great keepsake that catches a valuable moment, indeed.

Wine- wine is an alcoholic drink and there are so many types of wines around the sphere. According to experts, tastes of wines differ depending on their land of origin. So if you have the budget, give a bottle of your promotional wine to chosen loyal customers or to those people from the other side of the globe. No doubt, they will never forget you.

Before your clienteles bid goodbye do not forget to give them these customized items that can serve as a reminder of a wonderful place that is your lodge.

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Sousa-Palooza! Corvallis Community Band concert on 6 July 2010

No, that's not really what the concert was called...but it could've been hee hee. This is a video of part of the summer concert in the park series put on by the Corvallis, Oregon Parks and Recreation department featuring the Corvallis Community Band. The theme of this particular concert was the music of John Philip Sousa. Many people rightfully equate Sousa's music with Independence Day as well as themes of patriotism, militarism and nationalism. After all, he was an American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era, known particularly for American military and patriotic marches. Because of his mastery of march composition, he is known as "The March King." However, at the band concert, I learned something new about Sousa's music: he was quite a prolific composer and that throughout his career he had composed a variety of non-military and non-political marches, songs, suites, operettas with a diversity of themes. He even wrote a tango (quite scandalous for the times, I might add)! At this specific concert, the band presented several of Sousa's rarely performed compositions in addition to some of his more well known works. I particularly enjoyed this specific piece of band music and thought I'd share with y'all here at youtube. This is a ballet movement in one of Sousa's more obscure suites from a 1909 operetta entitled the Bride Elect. It's entitled "People Who Live in Glass Houses." The conductor explained to the concert attendees that the song was not written ...

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Pillitteri Winery

A very interesting Corporate Video created for Pillitteri Winery in Southern Ontario. It highlights the different types of wines created by Winemaster Marc Bradshaw. This ambitious project was one of my favourite videos that I have produced to date. Despite it's length, the video seems to melt away and keeps the viewer entertained the entire time.

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Types of Dessert Wines : French Sauternes Dessert Wines

Learn about French Sauternes dessert wines in this free online video guide to dessert wines.

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Piemonte Italian Wines : How Piemonte Wines Are Made

During the wine making process, wineries use different types of barrels for fermentation. Learn how Piemonte wineries use barrels to make wine in this free winevideo from a professional sommelier. Expert: Mark Middlebrook Contact: www.paulmarcuswines.com Bio: Mark Middlebrook sells and writes about wine for Paul Marcus Wines in Oakland, California. Filmmaker: Sam Lee

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I Love German Wine and Food - A Rheingau Riesling Spatlese

If you are looking for fine German wine and food, you should consider the Rheingau region of central Germany. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you'll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour in which we review a local Riesling Spätlese, literally a late-harvest wine but in fact one made from ripe grapes.

The Rheingau region is the most central of Germany's thirteen wine regions but comes in eighth both for vineyard area and the volume of wine produced. It has quite a special terrain. The majestic Rhine River runs mostly in the east-west direction and has excellent exposure to the summer sun. Furthermore the heavily wooded hillsides block cold air. The Rheingau is known for its Riesling which makes up over 80% of its total wine production. Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) comes in second with a measly 10%. But this is Riesling country and has been since the Middle Ages. And since the late Eighteenth Century it has been making Spätlese and the sweeter Auslese wines.

If you are in this region you should visit Öestrich-Winkel about thirteen miles (twenty-one kilometers west of Wiesbaden, the main city in the Rheingau region. Öestrich is home to the largest vineyard in the Rheingau. The nearby Brentano Haus has a special room devoted to the writer Goethe, but you need an appointment to visit. North of the town you'll find Schloss Vollrads, the oldest (we're talking almost seven hundred years) private wine estate in Germany with a tower and moat that were inhabited for centuries. And don't miss the nearby Schloss Johannisberg, described in a previous article in this series.

Before reviewing the Rheingau wine here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region.
Start with Riesling-Käse Suppe (Riesling and Cheese Soup).
Continue with Bauernente (Farmer's Duck).
For dessert indulge yourself with Riesling-Torte (Riesling Torte).

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Letitz Rudesheimer Berg Roseneck Riesling Spätlese 2004 7.5% alcohol about $25

Let's start by quoting the marketing materials. Tasting Note: Wild floral aromas combine with guava, cinnamon and nut oils. The luscious tropical fruit flavors along with a bacony tang come across as lively rather than sweet. Succulent and long on the finish. Score - 90 (Joel B Payne, International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2006) And now for my review.

The first sip was deliciously sweet with plenty of citrus. I really felt that I could finish the bottle; what a headache that would give me. My first meal consisted of packaged vegetarian lasagna covered with grated Parmesan cheese. The taste of tropical fruits remained in my mouth for a moderate period of time. The wine's sweetness melded with the lasagna's tomatoes. For dessert I had a French-style lemon pie with a very buttery crust. The two somewhat different citrus tastes meshed; I got some pear notes as well.

I next tried the wine with a mushroom, pepperoni, and Italian sausage pizza. The Spätlese was too sweet for the pizza. It actually went well with the toppings but there wasn't a lot of tomato. As always, I don't blame the wine for an unorthodox (read weird) food pairing.

The final food pairing was with a commercially barbecued lightly-herbed chicken breast accompanied by roasted potatoes cooked in chicken fat, and a fairly spicy tomato, garlic, green pepper, and lime juice salsa. This time the wine was lovely with sweet acidity and an excellent citrus taste. It did a fine job of cutting the potatoes' grease, and believe me, they are greasy. This Riesling was a chameleon; it became spicy when faced with the salsa. In the presence of fruit juice candy the wine was quite round but somewhat short. It seems to go well with almost everything. I did something that I don't usually do. I repeated this delicious meal with the same great results, leaving only a tiny bit of wine for the cheese tastings. No way that I was going to waste a quarter bottle of this wine on cheese pairings.

I first tried this Riesling wine with a Havarti cheese. The wine enveloped the cheese and wasn't overly sweet. But frankly, why bother? Marbled Cheddar cheese increased the wine's acidity.

Final verdict. Yes, yes, and yes. Maybe I am tired of $10 wines, but frankly most $20-$30 wines don't even come close to this delicious bottle. I not only would buy it again, but am actively looking for such a wine. I do have a Rheingau Auslese (a true late-harvest wine) that I will review shortly.

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How to Choose a Red Wine

The staff of OneStop Wines and Liquors in Johnson City, TN, explains how to taste and choose a red wine.

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Why Do We Use Certain Types Of Bottles For Different Wines?

Wine is a very sensitive beverage which gets easily affected by temperature, lights, vibrations, and oxygen among others. Ordinarily speaking, one can use any type of bottle to bottle his/her wine as long as it can be sealed well (some inset a thin layer of nitrogen before sealing it to prevent any chance of oxygen reaching the wine and oxidizing it) and at the same time protect the wine from direct sunlight.

Easy identification of wine type and place of manufacture

All wine bottles are made of glass. Wines, such as Champagne are fermented in the same bottle they are sold in, while most other types are bottled after the fermentations process has totally stopped. Most of the times the wine is bottled in a certain type of bottle for two main reasons - (i) to identify the area from where it comes (manufacturers, vineyard, country, etc), (ii) type of wine.

In the early days wine was stored in wooden kegs. After a while it became fashionable to have wine in large amphorae. Then, with the advent of the popularity of wine and its transport throughout the world, it became commonly stored in glass bottles. These bottles are usually thick, dimpled at the bottom and dark in color. Thick because it should break during travel/ transport; dimpled at the bottom so it can have better stability and easier for stacking while transporting; lastly dark in color to prevent the access of direct sunlight which can destroy the wine within the glass.

Today, the wine bottles are normally of 750 ml and the shape of the bottles in which they are stored usually denote the type of wine and many times the place from where it is produced. This article will attempt to describe a few of the most popular wine bottles below:

Bordeaux - this bottle is usually tall with a small neck, light green in color. You will find this type of wine bottle in Italy, Spain, and in parts of the Northern Europe for bottling Bordeaux wines.
Burgundy - this type of bottle has slopping shoulders making it elegant and longish. The bottle is green too and also has a large dimple at the bottom. This bottle is mostly used for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Rhone - this bottle is much thinner than the burgundy one, but similar in shape otherwise.
Champagne - this bottle has very gentle sloping shoulders, is taller than any other bottle, thicker and has a deep dimple at the bottom. This particular shape is to protect the wine within, which ferments after being put in the bottle, and also prevents the bottle from breakage.
Rhine - this bottle usually comes in brown color, though they have green bottles too.

There is actually no real rules. The types of bottles have been adopted as a tradition rather than any other reason. There are places where the bottles of wine have been thus for hundreds of years. The main concern for wine bottles, remain to protect the wine. Hence, most of the bottles are thick, dark and longish. All these three attributes help in keeping the wine as healthy as can be till it is drank.

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Different Types of White Wine

Most wines are made out of grape juice that is being fermented. After fermentation, the resulting wine is clear in color. This clear wine is called white wine.

There are several kinds of white wine. In America, the most well loved and fastest selling white wine is Chardonnay. Chardonnay grape is also a major contributor to the wine's popularity. Chardonnay grape is low maintenance and can grow in almost any climate. This results in big harvests worldwide, translating to millions of bottles annually.

Chardonnay goes well with poultry dishes, pork, sea food or dishes with heavy cream.

Another kind of white wine is Chennin Blanc. It is made from a variety of grape that grows in France's Loire Valley, in South Africa and in California. Chennin Blanc can range from dry to very sweet. Depending on the time of harvest, this kind of white wine may taste like apple, melon, line or pear with a tinge of vanilla and honey.

Chennin Blanc is best paired with salads, spicy rice dishes, sushi, seafood and white meats.

Another kind of white wine is Gewurztraminer. Grapes for this wine are usually grown in France, Germany, US, Australia and New Zealand. The vines usually grow best in cooler climates.

Gewurztraminer can either be purchased in dry or sweet varieties. Wine experts say that this white wine is best enjoyed if it was drunk sooner rather than later post-bottling. Upon tasting, Gewurztraminer may acquire the tastes of honey, pumpkin, spice, cinnamon, apricot, pear and rose.

It is a good wine to pair with Asian dishes, barbecue or chicken wings.

Pinot Blanc is another popular kind of white wine. It is a medium dry to dry white wine produced from Alsace, France. Usually, oak barrels are not used in the process of maturation for Pinot Blanc.

Its light flavor with citrus undertones combined with high acidity makes it perfect for seafood, light-flavored meats and mild flavored cheeses.

Finally, there's Pinot Grigio. This wine has the flavor of melon and pear. It also has a subtle fruity taste and often has an undertone of honey. Pinot Grigio is pale, almost straw like in color.

Its smooth taste makes it a perfect drink to pair with pastas and cheese crackers. It should not pair with food with high acid content, such as citrus fruits or tomatoes, because the wine is already acidic.

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Sherry - A Wine Of Tradition

A fortified wine from Andalusia produced only in and around the town of Jerez in the Cadiz region. The Spanish producers have since registered the Sherry / Jerez / Xeres name and will prosecute anyone else in the world trying to use it. It is thought that Jerez has exported wines since at least Roman times. Today Sherry accounts for the largest portion of Spain's wine exports, reaching no less than fifty countries and making superb profits for the winery owners. The wine attained "domain d'origen" (DO) status in 1933.

The traditions of Jerez and wine go back over two thousand years, thousands of amphora were shipped to Rome, and the high alcohol content meant that the wine travelled well without spoiling. From the 12th century wine from the region was exported to England. England are long-time consumers of the beverage and the name "sherry" comes from the Arab word for the city of Jerez - "Seris" or "Sherish" evolved into the word we know today.

Sherry's popularity continued to bloom and by the 16th century it was thought to be the finest of all wines. Sherry's popularity continued to grow and a boom in the 19th century meant that producers could barely keep up with the demands of northern Europe, particularly England and Holland, who remain the two biggest consumers of the wine today. The output has stabilised in recent times and the value of the wine has gone up, increasing profitability for the Spanish producers.

The Sherry region is located in several towns around Jerez de la Frontera in the Cadiz region of Andalusia; there is also a small producing area in the neighbouring province of Seville. The area is typified by rolling hills and limestone soil that has the superb water retention necessary to see out the dry summer months. The average temperature in the growing season in 17.5°C and moisture is carried to the vines by westerly winds coming in from the sea. This softens the arid summer climate of the region and also takes the sting out of the warm westerly winds. With 270 sunny days every year and no frosts or hail, conditions are ideal for viticulture, aided by steady rainfall between the moths of October and May.

There are three main grape varieties used to create Sherry - Palamino Fino, Pedro Jimenez and Moscatel, the latter two being mainly used in the production of sweet sherry. The real secret of Sherry's production lies in what is known as the "Crianza" process. After the grapes are harvested and pressed they undergo a first fermentation for ten days. After a few months the wine is ready for classification. For this process, a taster is needed and it is crucial that his/her sense of smell and taste in highly developed and the taster must determine which type the wines are going to be. This unique process allows the wine to grow on its own and develop naturally into the most suitable type of sherry. There are four main types that are produced: Fino - a pale a delicate sherry, Amotillado which is an older, richer version of the Fino variety, Oloroso is a rich, dark mahogany coloured wine and the Cream sherry is a blend of Oloroso and the Pedro Jimenez grape and has a sweet finish to compliment its rich flavour.

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Turn the Supermarket Into a Classroom

Learning is an adventure and the universe is the classroom. Parents who hold this belief are able to turn the supermarket into a classroom and, indeed, turn every situation and circumstance a child encounters into a learning experience.

The supermarket is a great learning experience. With some imagination, it becomes a place where children can reinforce in a practical way some of the most important concepts they learn in the classroom. The supermarket allows them to relate the concepts they learn to real life. As we shop for food and teach the concepts of mathematics, geography and nutrition, a powerful link is made with learning and living.

The supermarket provides the opportunity to demonstrate the principles of mathematics in real life. Children, depending on their age can learn the concepts of division by watching and helping their parents make change. Helping their parents select items, total their costs and make change, make the concepts of addition and subtraction real to children.

There are fantastic opportunities in a supermarket to teach the concepts of consumer mathematics. Sales and discounted items help children to understand percentages and variations in prices and profit margins. These mathematical concepts can be tailored to the age of the children and allow them to have fun whilst they learn. Involving the children in supermarket shopping is also a great self-esteem builder.

Games built around the origin of foods are a great way to teach children geography. Grapes from California, olives from Spain, wine from France and yams from Africa can all be found in a supermarket. Parents can use the opportunity as they select food items, to teach children in a fun way, why certain foods grow in specific areas. This presents opportunities for simple to complex explanations on climate, transportation and other aspects of geography.

One of the most important lessons to be learnt in the supermarket is the importance of checking food ingredients. This presents an ideal opportunity to teach children about nutrition. Children will often be attracted by bright packaging and other attractive gimmicks. Parents will have the opportunity to teach children to look out for essential ingredients and to identify the ingredients that are bad for their health. As they teach children what to look for in healthy food, parents are well on the way to establishing sound life-long principles to good, healthy living.

Parents can turn the supermarket into a classroom by teaching fun games on categories and classifications. The goods in a supermarket are generally divided into categories according to types, prices and other classification. This is very similar to the way nature organizes species and groups of animals. Once again, age appropriate games can be developed for children.

Supermarkets are great classrooms. Parents with imagination can benefit greatly from developing creative games for their children as they do grocery shopping. The lessons that can be learnt from the supermarket range from basic to complex and can lay the groundwork for important subject areas in the life of a child.

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Wrought Iron Wine Rack Tables

It is a rule that wine tastes better with aging. For this concept to come true, proper storage of the wine has to take place. Wine racks are the best possible source to store wine for shorter period. Wine racks serve the dual purpose of careful storage place for the wine as well as increase the décor of the room. There are many different types of wine racks available such as wooden wine racks, metal racks and wrought iron wine racks. Each wine rack will have a feature of its own and it is left to the used to choose which suits him better, depending on the need, size and the storage capacity. But the wrought iron wine racks will be most suited for its traditional and contemporary looks and durability.

Wrought iron wine racks are the most classical of the wine racks available in the market. The wrought iron wine racks will perfectly compliment the most prized wine collections that one possesses. Some wrought iron wine racks have detailed curving done in such a way, that it is a reminiscent of the curving, budding vines of the vineyard. Most wrought iron racks does not consume much space and can easily fit any nook and corner of the room. Wrought iron racks are a very good storage place for the wines and its accessories as it will enhance the beauty of the entire place where it is placed.

By adding a basket to the top shelf of the wrought iron wine rack you can create a place for storing of bottle openers, wine toppers and wine glasses. Wrought iron racks also comes with storage place below for wine which is ideal to keep the wine out of direct sunlight, which may spoil the flavor of the exquisite wines. A larger wrought iron wine racks which has an area for a small gathering can be a great place for your important guests and barstool seats. The guests can relax and make themselves feel at home and enjoy the exquisite wines that are on offer. Due to its aesthetic appeal and ancient look, wrought iron wine racks fits in all types of homes, be it contemporary homes, urban mansions, country cottages, farm houses or formal homes.

Wrought iron wine racks design is so rapidly increasing, that can suit any place in your home, be it kitchen, dining room or the living room. The romantic style designs coupled with the traditional look will enhance the décor of any room. The wine racks made from wrought iron is of high demand and is a favorite among the consumers because of its versatility, beauty and durability. The ability of the wrought iron wine racks to go well with any décor is one of the main reasons why they are prevalent today.

Before shopping for a wrought iron wine rack wine, always keep in mind the room size and the place where the wine rack is going to be set. This could be easily achieved as there are a wide variety of wrought iron wine racks available that will suit your style, personality and the décor of the room.

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2003 Marques Gelida, Cava, Penedes, Spain

Robert Houde of Garnacha Imports reviews the 2003 Marques Gelida, Cava, Penendes, Spain during a Wines of Spain Seminar at Just Grapes in Chicago.

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Do Antihistamines Work For Insomnia?

Those suffering from insomnia are often willing to try all types of remedies including herbal treatments and the use of certain over the counter medications. One popular choice for use in an attempt to treat insomnia is antihistamines. But is this medication a good choice to treat persistent insomnia?

On the Mayo Clinic Web site, sleep specialist Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler says no. While antihistamines can help you fall asleep, they are not recommended for use over an extended period of time.

One reason is that tolerance to the effects of antihistamines that induce drowsiness can come on very quickly. The pills might help you fall asleep at first, but soon you will need to increase the dosage in order to achieve the same effects.

This danger exists no matter the source of antihistamines. Many do not realize that most over the counter sleeping pills contain antihistamines. Many who take such pills can attest to the fact that when they first started taking the pills, one or two would help them fall asleep. Before long, however, they were taking several pills just to be able to fall asleep.

That is why it is not recommended that you take antihistamines, in any form, to help you sleep for more than one or two nights in a row. Instead, you should look for other solutions besides taking antihistamines for insomnia.

If possible, try sticking to a strict daily schedule including going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. This will help to set your body's clock to know when it is time to sleep.

Avoid drinking coffee and other drinks that contain caffeine. Also, exercise and a change in your diet to include more healthy choices can sometimes help with insomnia.

If you have a lot of stress in your life, that can also contribute to insomnia. If you are unable to manage your stress, you should consider seeing a therapist for some help.

If your insomnia is ongoing, it is important to see your doctor. He will be able to conduct a sleep study that may provide some insight into the causes of your insomnia.

While not necessarily something to panic about, insomnia can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition and should not be ignored. Also, the effects of not sleeping can be harmful to your overall good health.

So, yes, using products containing antihistamines for insomnia may be effective. Still, they should only be used occasionally, such as when traveling and never for more than a couple of nights in a row.

Of course, you should not take any medication without first consulting with your doctor. This is especially true if you have any type of medical condition or if you are already taking other prescription or over the counter medications on a regular basis.

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