A new year has started. Which means new opportunities, new experiences, new places, new people, and new fun. Below are some wine regions I would love to visit or try wine from in the new year. Where do you want to go and what do you want to try ? Cheers and happy new year !
Arizona Wine Country
The Finger lakes in Upstate New York
Chianti in Tuscany
Texas Wine Country
When thinking about a wine cellar what comes to mind? A storage place for wine, a quite haven, a small room, a closet, a place to enjoy history, a cavernous room from another era? Whatever comes to mind when you think of wine cellars one thing is clear it is a place to store wine. However, what you do from there is up to you.
So to start your wine cellar journey you should first find a place that you can store your wine in a dark spot away from vibrations with a mid level of humidity and with a fairly constant temperature (optimal is 55 degrees with minimal swings in temperature per “Windows on the world complete wine course 2007 Edition”) Also, remember to store your wine in your cellar horizontally to help keep the cork moist. The final ingredient is creativity. Go crazy and create your perfect place to store your prized collection. I think when people put there personal touches on a wine cellar it helps to express the passion of the collector and the complexity of wine.
I have enjoyed creating my own personal cellar in our basement by using a small room and adding some wood flooring, racking,lighting, and a few bar stools to create my own personal getaway. Nothing beats going down to the cellar
Wine cave in Sonoma
to pick your favorite wine. If you are interested in some creative and amazing wine cellars check out “Living with Wine” by Samantha Nestor. This book offers a glimpse into the possibilities of what a wine cellar can become.
A beautiful day in paradise
Tropical locations and wine such a great combination. Then add in a floating resort and the fun continues. While on a cruise ship this day in age you will find the usual suspects in beverages while cruising in the Caribbean such as beer, rum, and other assorted mix drinks. However, the other drink that makes a wonderful compliment to a great meal or a relaxing time up on deck is of course wine.
The great thing about cruising with wine is being able to sample many different cuisines all within walking distance of your room paired with your favorite wine (my favorite pairing while at sea was a petite syrah paired with a wonderful steak). Not to mention being able to pair your glass of wine with a great view from your balcony or from the top deck (my favorite while on the balcony watching the ocean pass by was a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc).
One of the things I enjoy most about wine is that it is such a cameleon. It can be enjoyed on a beach, at poolside, or enjoyed at a five course meal with tuxedos and dresses all in the same day. What will wine come up with next ?
Patio
So do you have a favorite place to drink wine? Where is this for you, a restaurant, bar, patio, or some other unique place? Why does this place make drinking wine more enjoyable? Is it the ambiance of a dimly lit restraunt, or maybe its the people in a particular place that makes your wine taste amazing.
I know personally I have two favorite locations to take my wine. The first is on the patio on a warm summer evening without a care in the world. When this happens I feel as though I can taste every nuance of the wine just as the winemaker had intended. My other favorite place is in any winery that overlooks a vineyard. I love the serenity of the vineyard and having a feeling of knowing where the wine in my glass came from and how simple yet complex it is.
So ask yourself maybe there is a reason why you enjoy drinking your favorite Pinot Noir in your living room over looking your backyard.
