Wine Kiosks Back in Pennsylvania

The automated self serve wine kiosks only recently installed in Pennsylvania than shut down in December are back up and running to the joy of wine drinkers statewide.  These machines were the states solution to the want for wine sales in grocery stores, and were essentially a vending machine style stand where customers picked out and paid for their bottle of wine with a computer touch screen. 

They were shut down in December just before Christmas mainly because of complaints that it was too hard and intimidating to use.  All of the safe guards on the kiosks made them hard to use.  A built in camera used to match the drivers license presented with the person purchasing was one of the few systems that didn’t need any improvement, only because it involved no work on the buyers behave to work.  So after an almost complete reworking of the kiosks The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has now ironed out the issues and opened them back up for business.  Just to make completely sure that all the issues are worked out and no customer leaves confused, an attendant staffs the kiosks to assist people.   The assistants are just temporary though, until majority of people get comfortable working the machines.  Pennsylvania residents can again fill their corvina wine tote while they shop for groceries.

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Spotlight Chardonnay

Sometimes chardonnay is just the first white wine that comes to mind but it is the most popular white wine in America for many reasons.  Firstly it can take on a number of flavors; there is no real set taste or bouquet.  Secondly it can be drunk immediately after being made or aged 5 to 10 years.  This versatile wine is clearly an American favorite because it is unexpected and surprising just like the American spirit.  This white wine goes great with almost anything because of its flexibility. Drier ones go great with lighter savory dishes or heavy savory dishes that need a refreshing light point. The sweeter chardonnay pairs fairly well with sweet things because of the ripe fruity flavor. 

It is possible to host a tasting party of just chardonnay and not even bore the red wine fans that came.  In bacchus white wine glasses can swirl chardonnay that can taste anywhere from semi-sweet to completely dry.  It can also be heady or light and contain flavors like apples, citrus fruit like lemon and orange, melon and oak.  The oak typically develops later when a chardonnay is aged but can be present in new vintages too.

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Good New in Oregon

A small bill passed through the Oregon state Senate on Tuesday, a small thing that happens all the time, but it made all amateurs brewers and vintners in the state very happy.  Under current Oregon law unlicensed makers of beer and wine cannot share their creations outside of their own homes.  If this bill passes through the Oregon state House than home brewers and vintners will be able to hold tastings and friendly competitions around the state. 

                If it passes this will be great news for Oregon’s estimated 20,000 home beer brewers and amateur wine makers. This is a fairly high number considering the population of Oregon, so it makes sense that the government is taking note of their wants.  They will be able to see how their home vintage compares to what other enthusiasts can make; because while homemade wine can be just as wonderful as commercially produced, it is best to compare things in the same category.  This could be a great opportunity for home brewers and wine makers to share secrets and tricks they have learned along the way which will give the average home brewer a better vintage and the fledgling vintner can get some advice on how to create something worthy of putting in their bacchus wine glasses.

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For Those With Acid Reflux

Acid reflux can be a hard thing to have for wine fans considering all wines can trigger it.  But with a plan and some acid-blockers, a wine lover can enjoy their true passion again.  Different vintages have different effects on the drinkers’ acid reflux which is why no clear recommendation exists.  Of course this does not mean that people with acid reflux must obstain completely, a few little tricks have been found. 

While no clear answer can be given as to what wine will set off acid reflux, on average it is found that reds do not cause as much agitation as whites for sufferers of acid reflux.  But responses are highly individualized and it may take a good deal of experimenting to find a wine that doesn’t trigger a bad reaction.  Before sitting down to a glass it is also recommended by Dr. David A. Johnson, a fellow and past president of the American College of Gastroenterology and chief of gastroenterology at Eastern Virginia Medical School to take either a prescription or non-prescription acid blocker.  Another trick that helps people be able to enjoy the finer consumptions in life is to try to lose a few pounds. Though it’s not certain if it is the actual losing weight or the eating healthier and exercising but acid reflux suffers benefit and isn’t triggered as easily.  The easiest and only sure way to not trigger acid reflux though is to stick with some fine wine art most of the time.

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In Memory of Patty Bogle

The wine world has been mourning this past week over the loss of Patty Bogle, an influential woman in the vintner world.  She was part of the team, and indeed the driving force, that turned a small family farm into one of California’s wine making superstars. Bogle vineyards has even been described by her son as a “second child” to Patty Bogle.  She transformed a couple acres of petite sirah and chenin blanc into one of the country’s top value-oriented brands with over a million cases sold annually.  But while Patty is responsible for many a happy wine lover taking home full two bottle wine totes, she has left the business to her family and joined her husband Chris Bogle. 

                For many years Patty had been battling with acute myeloid leukemia and passed away on the 11^th at the age of 59.  While a great loss for the wine world and her family alike, the Bogle Vineyards will carry on as a family business ran by her three children and eventually her nine grandchildren who all miss Patty and want to continue to see her vision through of making only the best wines with only the best grapes as the Bogle family has been doing since the Bogle brand was launched in 1979.

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Mardi Gras and Wine

Mardi gras, the day before Lent but also a celebration to simply be enjoyed by anyone, is coming and cities like New Orleans are getting ready for the big party.  But going to New Orleans is not the only way to have a great mardi gras celebration.  Because of the link to New Orleans, Cajun chefs and everyday home cooks alike take mardi gras as an invitation to showcase their Creole cooking skills.  Cajun cooking is rich, buttery, spicy and above all packed with flavor which would lead most people to wonder what wine to put in the Bacchus wine decanter to go along with that splendid Cajun dinner. 

                Most dark reds high in tannins will not go well with traditional Creole because they will taste metallic alongside the other heavy flavors. Try a lighter crisp wine to freshen things up between bites of spicy gumbo or catfish.  A dazzling Shiraz would match most gumbo nicely, but stick with a white like sauvignon blanc if taking the edge of spicy food is something wanted.  Of course wine selection is never set in stone because just like different cultures in the same combined to make today’s Cajun, many different factors go into what will taste good to each person.

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New Wine Yeast Reduces Risk of Headaches

While wine may have many health benefits that has more people than ever taking in a glass a day of their favorite vino for others the risk of headache was just not worth the reward. For some wine has the potential to trigger migraine headaches making it not worth the risk of tipping those wine glasses.

It is not the wine itself that triggers these headaches but instead yeast that is used in the winemaking process that introduces histamines in which many people have allergies to, creating a headache. For some wine drinkers a little wine will not produce these headaches but for others even the smallest sip will induce them. For some these headaches are mild while for others they are severe.

A biotechnologist has spent the last fifteen years researching, producing, and testing a new yeast variety that will not introduce any genetic material into wine and create headaches for those who consume it. While the use of this yeast has not been approved in all countries it is already being used in Canada and South America.

Of course there is still a stigma among wine producers of using new yeast as many are leery of changing their tried and true methods of producing wine in order to accommodate everyone. Many are traditionalists who do not like to admit that science can improve upon the bottle of wine.

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The Perfect Wine For Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day this coming weekend everyone is scrambling to get that perfect gift for that someone special that will say just how much they really care. While chocolate and roses are of course the most common gift a bottle of wine can make the ideal accompaniment for them whether it is intended to cap off the evening or just get it started.

Of course to pair up nicely to the chocolate a wine should be just a little bit sweeter so for those who love a dark chocolate the wine will not need to be as sweet as it would for a milk chocolate. Of course it is important to be paring this wine with a quality chocolate so quantity is not always the best in this situation.

A good idea is to purchase the chocolate you will be giving and take this along for your sommelier to see at the local wine shop. With this knowledge in hand he or she can help pick out the perfect complement to pour into those wine glasses this Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart. Of course do not forget the flowers to top it all to start a perfect date on this holiday for lovers.

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Can Wine Be Ruined By Cold?

With much of the United States experience not only cold temperatures but snowy weather as well it makes many enthusiasts consider the optimal temperature for their wines. It is common knowledge that excess heat can quickly ruin a good bottle of wine, but what about extreme cold?

For those who live in hot climates to ensure that their wine makes it home from the shop safely it is important to use a wine totes that provide some kind of thermal insulation like a cooler. Heat can literally cook wine in its bottle when it is above 55 degrees, so the higher the temperature the less time it should be exposed.

Luckily in winter shoppers do not have to worry about leaving that bottle of wine in the car while they run other errands. Unlike the heat during summer cold air below the optimal storing temperature will not ruin a bottle so it cannot be enjoyed. Actually cold temperatures will slow down the aging process so there is no worry about the cold harming your wine this time of year.

Some wine lovers will even take the cold to the extreme and will freeze a bottle of unfinished wine to save it for a future use. While this may not be a perfect way to keep open wine it at least does not cause it any harm.

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Get Real Chablis For A Truly Amazing Flavor

One of the favorite wines of many enthusiasts is the wonderful taste of a real Chablis. While there are many wines that are called Chablis the only true ones by definition of the name are those from the northernmost part of Burgundy.

The wines that come from this area of France are made with 100% chardonnay grapes which are grown in some the richest soil on the Earth for this particular variety. The result is a wine that is full of amazing flavor that can make the perfect accompaniment along with a Chablis Wine Accessory Gift Set for any occasion.

These popular white wines come in four different levels that are based on the soil consistency and makeup in which the chardonnay grapes are grown. Each can give the wine its own distinct characteristics to just because you have tried one French Chablis it does not mean you have tried them all.

A great way to get to know these exceptional white wines is to taste as many of the varieties as possible and note the distinct characteristics of each and every one. Tasting is the best way to experience any type of wine and can help any wine lover improve their palate in the process.

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Use Wine To Get To Know Your Neighbors

Times have really changed since many of the adults of today were kids in many ways. While social media has made people close in some ways, in other ways we are getting farther and farther apart. Nowhere is this more obvious than in our very own neighborhoods. Not too long ago neighbors knew each other and in many cases spent time together enjoying long summer days and even the holiday season. But today many do not anything more about their neighbor other than what is on their mailbox by the curb.

One recent idea that has been getting more attention is to create a neighborhood wine club in order to find common ground with those who live around you and get to know them better. A monthly get together where everyone brings along their favorite bottle of wine is a great opportunity for neighbors to get back to the way things used to be where we know those who live around us and choose to spend time finding out who they are.

To get started, print out flyers or send invitations in the mail inviting the neighbors to bring their favorite bottle of wine to your home in their Single Bottle Wine Totes for a gathering. Plan on serving a few snacks to accompany the wine and before the night is over plan it again in one month at someone else’s home to continue on the new tradition.

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Celebrate the Super Bowl With Wine And Cheese

Traditionally football parties are packed full of heavy, fatty foods with plenty of beer and soda to enjoy with friends while the game is on. But there is an ever growing amount of people who are instead choosing to serve wine and cheese during the big game to appeal to those who prefer to celebrate with these healthier alternatives.

With the Packers being in the game this year it is a perfect opportunity to explore the renowned cheeses from the state of Wisconsin along with lesser known, but still amazing wines from that area. Not only can guests enjoy the game at a wine and cheese Super Bowl party they can also make it a regional tasting event featuring the offerings from Green Bay.

Of course it would not be fair to only feature wines and cheeses from Wisconsin when Pennsylvania has some amazing selections as well. While the cheese from the East may not be nearly as famous as the Wisconsin variety the tastes are still amazing and deserve a place on the Circo Cheese Board as well. While wines from Pennsylvania too are full of amazing flavors that will perfectly compliment the cheeses from that region.

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What To Look For In A Wine Label

For the average consumer in a wine shop looking for some excellent wines to bring home in their Three Bottle Wine Carriers the selection can be overwhelming. Many just end up buying a red or even white if that is what they prefer with a fancy label that catches their eye. While sometimes this will end up giving them a wine they will enjoy the odds are slim though the more particular their palate is.

So for the wine buyer who wants to be truly happy with their purchase, learning to read the information on the label can help them see beyond the pretty pictures to find ones they will love. Key things to take note of are the wine importer, year, country of origin, alcohol content, and of course grape variety.

Wine enthusiasts should pay attention to the wines they find which appeal to their palate and look for other offerings from the same importer, similar alcohol content, and so on. It also helps to read up on wine and know what years were exceptionally good in which countries to know which are considered excellent vintages to sip and enjoy.

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Many Modern Wines Should Be Enjoyed, Not Stored

There is a common misunderstanding that wines should be allowed to age in a cellar for very long periods of time so they can only improve in aroma and complexity. While some wines, especially certain reds, can benefit from time the vast majority of wines made today do not necessarily need to age in order to improve in quality.

So if you receive a special bottle of wine or choose to splurge for a certain vintage to have on hand for a special occasion do not put a lot of thought into how long that wine should be stored before you enjoy it. Many experts agree that anything beyond five years is really not beneficial to most wines and will only allow the fruity flavor to dissipate.

The true value of wine is when it is enjoyed as it was created to be. Wine is best when it is poured into your favorite Amplifier Pro Wine Glasses and slowly sipped so every nuance and characteristic can be enjoyed. Opening the bottle to share with friends will give the wine more enhancement than just leaving it in a cellar to wait.

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You Do Not Have To Grow Grapes To Make Wine

With the popularity of consuming wine at an all time high across many age groups and economic backgrounds it should come as no surprise that home winemaking is as popular as ever as well. For many it is just the next logical step to enjoying a excellent glass of well made wine and that is to see what it would take to do it yourself.

Those in the industry of selling the equipment needed by home winemakers have made it so it is easier than ever to produce your very own high quality wine. This wine can be made in your own home at a fraction of the cost if you purchased the same amount in your local wine shop.

Of course many will think that you have to grow our own grapes or at least purchase them in bulk in order to make the wine, but this is not the case. There is a huge selection of wine concentrates that are ready to be made into wine in convenient easy to buy boxes. Not only does this make the winemaking process easier but it also cuts down on the time it takes to get a finished product.

Whether you are into reds or whites there is a mix available in a selection of grape varieties to make your favorite type to fill your all purpose wine glasses.

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