Sta Rita Hills AVA

Sta Rita Hills AVA

A True California Wine AVA

The Sta Rita Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area) is a wine-growing region located in Santa Barbara County, California. The cool climate, marine influence, and diverse soil types create ideal growing conditions for a variety of grape varietals, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Read More

Oak and Wine – A Beautiful Relationship

Oak and Wine – A Beautiful Relationship

The Traditionally, Oak & Wine Forever Married!

Oak & Wine is like peanut butter & jelly! It is one of the biggest influences on the flavor of the wine. It simply affects the maturity, flavor, and subtle texture. Some people are prejudiced against oaked wine and complain of even the slightest hint of oak. It is common for experts to agree that if a wine is =carefully aged in oak it does not taste like wood, but has improved characteristics. Read More

Finding Wine Deals

Finding Wine Deals

Finding Wine Deals is a skill!

Finding wine deals can leave you feeling discontent and agitated after getting a bad bottle of wine. In fact, there is an air of satisfaction just knowing that you have found true wine values in your purchases. Read More

Tips for Making Wine with Fruits other than Grapes

Tips for Making Wine with Fruits other than Grapes

Tips for Making Wine with Fruits other than grapes

Most people commonly associate wines with grapes; however, it is entirely possible to make wines from fruits other than grapes. The production of wine using fruits other than grapes has become quite commonplace as the hobby of home winemaking has become more pronounced in just the last few years. Read More

Home Wine Accessories

Home Wine Accessories

Home Wine Accessories

Wine can be a way of life! There are more home wine accessories available than you could even imagine. From the necessities like corkscrews and glasses to the not-so-necessary yet entertaining accessories like decanters, ice buckets, and pourers- there is more to wine than just drinking it. Read More

Racking Wine

Racking Wine

Racking Wine is a Timing Game

Racking wine is one of the most essential parts of making stellar wine. Generally, you will need to rack the wine at least two times and in some cases, you may need to rack it as many as four times. Making sure that you rack in a timely fashion will ensure the wine is properly clarified as well as prevent off-flavors. Read More

Wine & Cupcake with Te `sTees

Wine & Cupcake with Te `sTees

It’s National Cupcake Day!

Holidays are right upon us, which means lots of cooking & eating, so for National Cupcake day we felt it was fitting (Although our belts might not fit after today) to spend a day with Shante Norwood of Te `sTees Cupcakes and do a little wine & cupcake pairing! Read More

Sangria Summer Nights

Sangria Summer Nights

What is Sangria?

For years now a staple to my summertime diet has been to have a glass or two of sangria while sitting out on my patio on those warm summer evenings with friends. Sangria is a wine-based punch that originates from Portugal and Spain. The word “sangria” is derived from the Spanish word “sangre” which means blood. Sangria is usually made from red wine, sliced citrus fruit, sugar, and a spirit such as brandy or triple sec. Read More