Author Archives: Ashleigh Rader

Choosing Wine by the Label and DIYs!

Posted on by

As you walk into a wine store, the varietals and wine label descriptions can be a little bit overwhelming.

What on earth is a “Blaufränkisch” and why is every French wine called “chateau this” or “chateau that” you whisper to yourself.

You’re perusing the red wines thinking, “OK, pinot noir, I know that one” and suddenly you see it – the coolest wine bottle label on the shelf. You pick it up and look it over with great intrigue.

Cool wine labels

Find unique and fun wine labels at your local WineStyles store!

Ah yes, this one has all the right components – striking colors, an illustration that reminds you of that one art class you took in college, and how you keep meaning to visit more art galleries (some of them have free wine tasting!). You think how your friends will comment on the label when you invite them for dinner or snap it on Instagram.

Then, suddenly, the store associate comes your way and asks, “finding everything ok?” You scramble to remember anything about the wine you’re holding that doesn’t have to do with its appearance and spit out, “yeah, pinot’s the best!”

Do you feel like a wine fraud? Let us be the first to tell you, it’s OK to love that bottle just because you like the label.

There’s no shame in wine shopping based on aesthetics! Appreciating wine is like appreciating fine art, and if you happen to appreciate the art on the label, then we say all the better!

Wineshop

Let’s take a look at what you can do with that beautiful label after you’ve tasted the grapes inside. There are so many ways to re-purpose wine bottles.

Below are a few of our favorite wine bottle crafts for preserving those quirky or funny wine labels. So go on, pick a wine based on your favorite label design. The point of wine drinking is to enjoy the whole experience!

And after you’ve been inspired with crafty tutorials, check out our upcoming class on How to Read a Wine Label! That way you can choose great wines by the grapes inside, and by the cool labels. 🙂

Want to enjoy that wine label and all the beautiful birds it attracts? Make a DIY wine bottle bird feeder! Find instructions on The Garden-Roof Coop blog:

wine bottle bird feeder winestyles

Photo: The Garden-Roof Coop blog

Make an easy centerpiece from empty wine bottles simply by adding candles! For a bigger centerpiece, use a few bottles grouped together. Enjoy supper as you watch the wax drip down the bottles representing time passing and an evening enjoyed with friends and loved ones:

Centerpiece wine bottles with candles winestyles

Wine bottle centerpiece with candles

Remove the label from the bottle to save in your wine journal, or to re-purpose later. This tutorial by blue i style will help you peel it off with ease:

remove wine labels winestyles

Photo: blue i style blog

Light up your outdoor gatherings by using small solar lights (the kind meant for sticking in the ground) inside old wine bottles! This project was found by happy coincidence from blogger Our Crafty Mom. A fun and simple way to add a little wine charm to your backyard summer BBQs:

solar light wine bottles winestyles

Photo: Our Crafty Mom

 

Check out WineStyles on Pinterest for more wine craft ideas!

Learn how to read wine labels in our upcoming Wine & Beer Boot Camp Class this August!   We won’t judge if you still want to choose your wines based on the fun and pretty labels, but just in case you’d like to impress your friends and know what all those markings on wine labels mean, we’ve constructed the perfect 101 class for you!

ReadWineLabel

HOW TO READ A WINE LABEL: In this class, you’ll learn the ins-and-outs of reading a variety of wine labels from different countries and regions, and of course the best part of learning is the tasting!  Join us for a delicious and educational wine tasting. As part of our Boot Camp series in 2016, the more you LEARN the more you EARN in delicious wine tastings! Join us for multiple classes and you’ll be rewarded:
Stamper
3 STAMPS = Free Wine Tasting for 2 people
6 STAMPS = Free Wine Tasting for 4 people
8 STAMPS = Free Wine Tasting Party, up to 20 people
11 STAMPS = Boot Camp Survivor T-shirt

Please RSVP at your local WineStyles location. Seating space is limited, so make your reservation as soon as possible!

*Please note: Classes and Boot Camp rewards may vary at different WineStyles locations. See your local WineStyles Tasting Station for details. Find your local WineStyles store here.

Thanks for reading, cheers!

winestyles_ts_logo.png

 

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

Posted on by

Happy 4th

We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend!

May your grills be hot and your wines be true – be they Red, White, or Blue!

Grill and wineWine is officially “all-American”, now donning all colors of our beloved American flag. Have you seen the latest news in wine innovation? We’ve been hinting at it… BLUE wine! As in, Red, White, and BLUE! (We just cannot get over it.)

A Spanish wine company, Gik (pronounced “geek”) is making their wines blue by using a special quality found in grape skins combined with naturally cultivated indigo.

Gik works with grapes from different areas of Spain to make their wine blends using both red and white grapes. The company’s wineries are located mainly in La Rioja, Zaragoza and Courthèzon. In case you’re wary of the blue coloring, Gik’s website assures that quality control checks are thorough, and everything used in wine making complies with EU food regulations.

Watch this brief interview of Taig Mac Carthy, Creator at Gik Blue Wine, at the ProWein Trade Fair in Germany this March. ProWein is the world’s leading trade fair for wine professionals, hosted annually in Germany.

Taig discusses how the innovative blue wine is going over at the German wine professionals trade fair, and how its radiant blue color is made:

For curious minds, Gik has answered the question – Why blue?:

“We are not vintners. We are creators. So we sought the most traditional and closed minded industry out there. Once having selected the wine industry as our battlefield, we set about creating a radically different product, changing the color to a vibrant blue and making the wine sweeter and easier to drink.When we started to work on our project we came across a book called The Blue Ocean Strategy. This explained that there are red oceans, full of sharks which have torn the little fish so much that they’ve tinted the water red. Then there are blue oceans, where there is no competition and fish swim un-harassed. Thus the poetic idea of transforming a red ocean into a blue ocean through changing the most traditional red liquid into blue was one which greatly appealed to us.

Apart from that, in psychology blue represents movement, innovation and infinity. It’s also a color frequently associated with flow and change.” (gik.blue)

Blue Wine

Image from ProWeinTradeFair YouTube video “No red wine, no white wine, but blue wine!” Watch video below.

Before you go rushing to the store, know that Gik’s radiant blue wine is not yet available in the US. Until we are able to raise our glasses of Red, White, and Blue, we send our support from afar.The WineStyles concept shares Gik’s goal of demystifying the wine world for our customers. After all, wine tasting can (and should) be fun! And if you ask us, the more colorful, the better! #GikBlueWine

July Wine & Beer Boot Camp – Wines for Summer Grilling 

WineSummerGrill

We know you’ll be out and about grilling, drinking wine and beer, and having a grand ‘ol time this 4th of July weekend celebrating America (and we support you in that endeavor!)

For further summer grilling and wine pairing preparation, join your local WineStyles for the next Wine and Beer Boot Camp Class, Wines for Summer Grilling! It will be a delicious event and the perfect complement to your summer grilling routine.
In this class, you will learn how to pair wines with your favorite grilling items, and of course the best part of learning is the tasting!  As part of our Boot Camp series in 2016, the more you LEARN the more you EARN in delicious wine tastings! Join us for multiple classes and you’ll be rewarded:
Stamper
3 STAMPS = Free Wine Tasting for 2 people
6 STAMPS = Free Wine Tasting for 4 people
8 STAMPS = Free Wine Tasting Party, up to 20 people
11 STAMPS = Boot Camp Survivor T-shirt

Please RSVP at your local WineStyles location. Seating space is limited, so make your reservation as soon as possible!

*Please note: Classes and Boot Camp rewards may vary at different WineStyles locations. Offer void where prohibited by state or local alcohol laws. See your local WineStyles Tasting Station for details. Find your local WineStyles store here.

Thanks for reading, cheers!

winestyles_ts_logo.png

A Toast to Rosé!

Posted on by

RoseToast

Rosé wines can often be overlooked. After all, when asked what type of wine drinker you are the question is usually “Do you prefer whites or reds?” without regard for the in-between style of rosé.   

Perhaps even the term “rosé” is unfamiliar to you. That’s because unlike simple “red” and “white” wines, rosé is also known by many nicknames, such as “blush”, “pink”, “brosé” (for its rising popularity among men) and in the Northeast, “Hampton’s Gatorade” according to USA Trade Tasting.

Over the last ten years, the wine industry has seen a rise in the popularity of rosés. These pink wines are pushing their way to the foreground, and we’re not talking about your grandmother’s white zin!rose-wine

What may have begun as just an affordable sweet pink wine here in the US, has morphed into a category all its own. Wineries from coast to coast are now producing different varieties of these beloved rosé wines to please the public’s palate.

So here’s the run-down on rosé:

How is it made?

When making a rosé, the wine maker only allows the grape skins to soak in the wine for a short amount of time. This is what gives rosés their pink, rather than deep red, color. As we know, the longer the grape skins are left to soak in the wine, the deeper the color will get, creating instead a “red” wine.

What colors can I expect?

Depending on the grape varietal used and the length of time the grape skins are left in the wine, the color of a rosé may vary from a very light rose petal pink to a deep and bold strawberry hue.

How does it taste? 

If you think the lack of a rich red color takes away from the aroma or taste of a rosé, we beg you – think again! “Paler wines may explode with just as many notes of strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, cranberry, ripe peach and deep citrus as their bolder-colored cousins” so says the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association.

rose wines

Visit your local WineStyles store to find the perfect rosé wines to enjoy all year long!

#roséallday:

Lovers of rosé have been showing their support on social media, namely photo-friendly Instagram, with the hashtag #roséallday. Entrepreneurs and rosé lovers Erica Blumenthal and Nikki Huganir began the movement with a tote bag printed with “Yes Way Rosé” which you can peruse here.

The two gained popularity for their business and rosé wines everywhere by posting delightful pics of rosé-filled glasses on lovely table-top arrangements surrounded by all sorts of delicate pink items like flowers and fashion. They basically created a pink wine club that anyone can be a part of.

#brosé

Men, too, are increasingly on board with enjoying a glass of the pink stuff. They’ve been busily posting on Instagram with the hashtag #brosé to show their support and refined tastes.

Rosé wines are sophisticated and versatile, perfect for enjoying all year round!

What’s the fuss all about, it’s just a wine of a different color, right?

Well, we’ll let your taste buds be the judge of that. 🙂

June Wine & Beer Boot Camp Class – All About Rosé! 

AllAboutRose

Want to learn more about this rosé? Sign up to attend our June Wine and Beer Boot Camp Class “All About Rosé”! Enjoy a delightful tasting experience as you learn about all the different styles of rosé. It will be a tasting and educational experience you won’t want to miss!

Please RSVP at your local WineStyles location. Seating space is limited, so make your reservation as soon as possible!

*Please note: Classes and Boot Camp rewards may vary at different WineStyles locations. Offer void where prohibited by state or local alcohol laws. See your local WineStyles Tasting Station for details. Find your local WineStyles store here.

Thanks for reading,

winestyles_ts_logo.png

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Posted on by

MemorialDayWine

Spring is creeping to an end as Memorial Day weekend has finally arrived! For many, Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer.

Of course, the holiday weekend means much more to those who have dedicated their lives to our country. People will be gathering across the nation to join or watch Memorial Day parades and honor those who have served.

It’s a perfect three-day weekend to gather with loved ones and celebrate the return of summer weather. How will you be enjoying the weekend? Will there be a parade and many picnics and barbecues in your town?

We know you’re busy snatching up all those Memorial Day sales, so we want to help with a guide to throwing the perfect outdoor gathering!

MemorialDayWineBeerCheese.

Toting wine around is a breeze with these insulated wine bags! Artisan cheese and wine or beer make for a great grown-up appetizer.

  1. Pick a grassy spot in your favorite park, or a friend or family member’s backyard! Open areas allow for more fun and games for the kids and the grown-ups!
  2. Bring along yard games such as croquet, ladder toss, giant Connect Four, Cornhole bag toss, a giant Jenga tower, even Twister can be played outdoors and made even more fun by using different colored spray paint to make as big a Twister board in the grass as you want! Note, you’ll want to make sure the grass owner is OK with this before you begin.
  3. Remember the bug spray! There are many new natural options now on the market, so you don’t have to be covered with that classic bug spray smell. Search for one with lemongrass and eucalyptus and enjoy spa-like fragrances.
  4. Set the table – grab a brightly colored outdoor table-cloth at one of those Memorial Day sales, and don’t forget all the dressings!
  5. If you’re a guest, don’t show up empty-handed! Be sure to bring wine or beer to drink and share. (Hint: stop by your local WineStyles store and stock up for the weekend!

shutterstock_341453714Now the fun part – Choosing the right wine!

A sweet Moscato is easy to enjoy in warmer weather, and Pinot Noir is a great food-friendly choice. Don’t be afraid to go red, white, and blue with wine labels to help decorate the table!

But what pairs well with picnic favorites such as hot dogs and burgers?

CommunityTable has a few suggestions for us:

“Hot dogs and sausages come in lots of varieties, but one thing they have in common is that they are salty and hearty, so they need a wine with acid.”

So it’s best to choose wines with acidity and a touch of sweetness to get the perfect balancing act. CommunityTable recommends a Rosé, Pinot Blanc or Sangiovese.

“For steaks or burgers, you want a wine that’s equal to the meat in flavor and in weight, and that also has acidity to both cut through the fat and to cleanse the palate.” CommunityTable recommends a Rioja, Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon or Brunello di Montalcino.

There you have it – the perfect recipe for a perfect Memorial Day weekend and celebration of summer!

Wishing you all a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend!

MemorialDay_salute

Thanks for reading,

winestyles_ts_logo.png

The Mystery Behind Cheese and Wine, Explained

Posted on by

Great things take time. We are all familiar with the age-old adage, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Whether you’re painting a city block mural or writing a once-in-a-lifetime novel, know that life’s greatest achievements are the result of many smaller efforts strung together with great love and care.

CheeseWine1

Create a beautiful and delicious gift, or treat yourself! All the spreads will look lovely atop a brightly colored cheese plate!

Achieving greatness is not often the result of just one lucky lightning strike, but rather dedicated mini-moments of daily discipline exercised over time. Great endeavors, great love, great art, and of course great wine and cheese all take time and care. It is when that time and care are given that we are truly wow-ed with the results.

At WineStyles Tasting Station, we like to appreciate all the finer foods of life, so let’s take a moment to appreciate two of our favorite aged delicacies: Cheese and Wine!

cheese-makerWine has been around since man’s first fire-side dinner party way back in the late Stone Age (nationalgeographic.com). Cheese, on the other hand, came into our lives only 8-10,000 years ago and wine couldn’t have been happier that it finally showed up to the party (nationalhistoriccheesemakingcenter.org).

Cheese and wine are notoriously great when paired together, perhaps because wine pairs so well with many delicacies – chocolate, pizza, leftover Easter candies, to name a few. Although they are so enjoyable together, the pairing process can be difficult to understand. After all, these are two very different items, right?

Precisely!

There is a reason the most popular food pairings of all time make our collective mouths water. Think peanut butter and jelly, sandwiches with pickles, and soda pop with a bag of potato chips. Each of these pairings are so satisfying because they lend a harmonious balance to our taste buds.

Let’s break it down to a gastronomical level. LiveScience.com puts it simply, saying:

CheeseWine2

Choose a rustic slate board for an extra dose of chic. Wine, cheese, and jam make the perfect trio for your taste buds!

“Because fat is oily, eating it lubricates the mouth, making it feel slick or even slimy. Meanwhile, astringents, chemical compounds such as the tannins in wine and green tea, make the mouth feel dry and rough… We don’t like slimy, but we don’t like puckered up, either.”

There you have it. What first seemed an inexplicable craving to enjoy a cheese plate with your glass of wine is finally explained by science! Next time you’re snacking on something salty or fatty and crave a refreshing soda or crisp glass of wine, you’ll know what’s really going on – your taste buds are searching for harmony. And who are we to deny them that!

Want to learn the basics of pairing Cheese and Wine?

Sign up for our next Boot Camp Class: Cheese & Wine 101 at your local WineStyles!

CheeseWine101

Learn all about pairing your favorite Cheeses and Wines in this interactive class! Best part about it – you get to taste as you learn! Don’t miss out, this class will be both educational and delicious.

Please RSVP at your local WineStyles location. Seating space is limited, so make your reservation as soon as possible!

*Please note: Classes and rewards may vary at different WineStyles locations. See your local WineStyles Tasting Station for details, click here.

Thanks for reading,

winestyles_ts_logo.png

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas to Match her Style!

Posted on by

MothersBlog

Nothing can bring us together like our moms. From the very beginning, they have been there for us; through many successes and failures, loves gained and lost, and all the trials and tribulations that come with growing up.

Moms can be counted on, whether they’ve been stuck with us since birth or shown up later in life and taken it upon themselves to mother us. The world is a better place, because moms everywhere do what they can each and every day to make it so.

What WineStyles team members have to say about their mothers:

My mother inspires and encourages me no matter what I set out to do. She’s always in my corner, and it’s important to have someone who’s always in your corner.
-Ashleigh R.

I adore my mother. Anyone who put up with me as a kid, deserves more than a 1-day holiday…
– Tami S.

I’d like to thank my mom for not strangling me as a child.
– Nick L.

Quote bubble

I appreciate the balance of freedom and structure my mother created for us kids. She always pushed me to do more and try more new things. I could go on and on about silly stories of my mom when we were growing up. And she never missed one of my games!
– Andrea M.

I love my mom for many reasons, but I would have to say I love her most for always being selfless. Her daughters have always been, and continue to be, her main priority. She would do anything for us. I distinctly remember times when I wasn’t feeling well, or hurting, and she would say, “I wish I could trade you places so you could feel better.” I can only hope I am as positive, selfless and good-hearted as she is for my own kids one day!
– Jordyn W.

It’s only right to have a holiday dedicated to showing appreciation for our moms. In honor of this special day (coming up fast on Sunday, May 8th!) we want to help you find the perfect gift! Of course your mom already knows you love her… She knows her hard work raising you – your kids, grand kids, neighbors kids, anyone within a 5 mile radius – is appreciated, BUT it’s still nice to hear. 😉

So to help you out, below are a few ideas for finding the perfect way to say “I love you, mom” this Mother’s Day. Call or stop by your local WineStyles store for help creating the perfect gift basket, or finding a great bottle of wine to go with Mother’s Day dinner.

For the mom with the secret stash of chocolates she protects like a pot of gold:

Nab some gourmet chocolates, one of her favorite bottles of wine (use a colorful gift bag), Wine-A-Rita Frozen Drink Mix complete with a statement wine glass koozie, and voilà! Add flowers, if you please.

Mothers Day Sweet Gifts

For the mom with the “she shed” to decorate with all her favorite things:

Help her decorate with wine-themed decor! A rustic wood and metal “drink” sign, a “wine” cork holder, brightly colored multi-purpose glasses, and don’t forget the wine!

Mothers Day Decor Gifts

For the mom whose stove top is always hot and table open to all:

Assemble a foodie-themed gift complete with artisan cheeses, jam, cheese tray, and salt holder. Ask a store employee to help you pick the perfect wine to pair. Now mom can entertain in style!

Mothers Day Gourmet Gifts

For the mom who’s more into craft beer:

Pick out a montage of her favorite beer styles! She’ll appreciate that you know her so well. Add a fancy Spiegelau IPA beer glass for those times when she wants to be more presentable at the dinner table, and throw in a fun beer cake mix or other beer accessory!  Really impress Mom, and top off her glass with Gift membership to our Beer Club!

Mothers Day Beer Gifts

For the mom who will make a 2nd trip to the store because she forgot the wine:

(Who needs milk, anyway?!)

Get her a Wine Club Membership*! Each month she’ll be introduced to new and different wines from around the world, from various appellations, varietals and wine styles. Plus she’ll enjoy all the perks that come with our wine club memberships, such as 10% OFF her wine purchases and 15% off featured wine club wines.  Plus, she’ll be invited to our clubhouse to attend special wine tastings and events. It’s the perfect opportunity for her to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® great wines all year long! (No more making second trips to the store).

Gift memberships or Gift Cards can be purchased at your nearest WineStyles Tasting Station location.

Moms Want WC

Thanks for reading, and a Happy Mother’s Day to all!

winestyles_ts_logo.png

* Please see local store for membership details and local benefits.

Do You and Your Wine Have a Future Together?

Posted on by

Starting a Wine Collection WineStyles classAre you and your wine meant to be? 

You’ve likely never thought of your relationship with the wine bottles you bring home as a long-term one. In fact, most U.S. wine drinkers don’t think beyond Friday night when they are at the store picking out wine. It’s very common for people to head to the store once or twice per week to pick out wines to enjoy with their everyday meals and occasions. And, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! After all, we know firsthand how great that feeling is when you find a surprisingly good bottle for $10-$25; it’s what the WineStyles concept is all about! But let us ask you this – have you ever tried a 10-year aged wine? So good, right? We know you aren’t apt to purchase a 10-year vintage right off the shelf due to the price tag, so what if we told you that wine collecting isn’t just for the high-rolling hoity-toity couple on the corner lot anymore?! There are many great reasons to start a wine collection of your own, and reason #1 is so that you can enjoy better wines! We’re here to break any pretentious thoughts associated with enjoying wine and that includes keeping a wine collection!

Of course, as with any collectible, wine isn’t for everyone. To take the time to “collect” something, especially in numbers greater than, say, 12 – you must have a genuine interest in the subject you are collecting. Wine is no different. If the idea of having “leftover” wine lying around drives you nuts, then wine collecting is definitely not for you! However, if you are patient, and can resist opening those bottles set aside, wine collecting can be a very rewarding hobby! Let’s move on to a few main reasons why you might consider starting a wine collection.

Why start a wine collection?Starting a Wine Collection WineStyles class

#1 – Must love wine: Ok, that one’s obvious… if you intend to drink the wines you collect. Some collectors use wine as a long-term investment and intend to sell their bottles once they’ve appreciated in value. This can be an investment strategy, but it obviously doesn’t allow for you to enjoy the fruits of your labor! It would be a shame if you didn’t enjoy drinking your own wines! Beyond a general love for wine, collecting may appeal to you for several reasons.

Entertaining: Do you often entertain guests in your home? If you find yourself in the hostess seat often, having a go-to wine collection right at home could save you a lot of precious time and money in the long run. The perks of starting a collection for you would be having wine on hand for these get-togethers. No more last-minute running to the wine shop searching for the perfect bottle to go with dinner! Or maybe you just like to have nice wines on hand to open up with friends and family on holidays or special occasions. It will give you peace of mind to know you have wines on hand that will be a hit! As a side note to this – collecting wines from places you have traveled to is also a great way to share your stories and experiences with friends and family. For instance, you could begin by collecting wines from each location you visited in the last few years or searching for wines from your all-time favorite vacation spots! If you don’t want to track down wines from these locations, just remember to seek out a local winery on your next vacation and bring a few bottles home to add to your collection!

Cost-Effectiveness: Do you love a good deal? Who doesn’t?! Developing a strategy for purchasing and storing wines will allow you to drink better wines at better prices; again, this is what WineStyles is all about! We love getting great wines into your hands at reasonable prices. Some of those wines, even the ones priced at $10-$25 per bottle would taste even better if stored a little longer. Purchasing wine that has already been aged will cost you. So, as with many things, why not DIY? And if you love a good sale, most retailers offer at least a 10% discount for buying a full case (12 bottles). Buying “young” wine will end up saving you money, as long as you have the patience to let it age a few more years. All you will need is a little planning and guidance (see information about our upcoming class Starting a Wine Collection at the end of this post).

Research: Wine in every respect is absolutely fascinating! From the soil to the bottle, there are a lot of variables that go into how a wine tastes. Are you fascinated by the way a wine can taste different depending on the temperature it is served at, or from one vintage to the next? Maybe you’ve tasted a California Cabernet Sauvignon from a favorite winery and can’t believe how much different the 10-year-old bottle was compared with this year’s new vintage. If this sounds like you, it might be the scientific factors of ever-evolving wines that intrigue you the most! Collecting would give you the recurring opportunity to taste how your wines have changed over the years, compare different vintages side-by-side, and share the discoveries with your friends and loved ones. Now that sounds like a fun and tasteful experiment!

Starting a Wine Collection WineStyles classOk, but how long do I have to wait??

There’s a reason we haven’t mentioned that some wines can be stored for 20+ years – we don’t want to frighten you! If you are new to collecting wine, know that even just a few years on the shelf can make a world of difference in your wine. Most wines you see at the store were released when they were between 2-3 years old, and that’s still quite young for many types of wine. Holding onto a bottle for just three years can give you a noticeable improvement in taste, specifically red wines. Having said that, it’s a good idea to purchase at least 2 of every bottle you want to store, that way you can open one now and take down tasting notes on it, then add the other to your collection to taste down the road! If you go through a lot of wine, you could up the ante to purchasing a case of each wine you choose to cellar (generally a case is 12 bottles).

Not every wine is meant to be aged – You’ll want to do some further research, or attend the class described below (Starting a Wine Collection), to know exactly which wine varietals will benefit from being aged.

Already a wine collector?

If you’ve already begun your wine collection, how do you like it? Are you now an advocate of keeping a wine stock on hand and aging wines yourself? Let us know in the comments below!

Did you know there is a wine collection in the Guinness Book of World Records? This collection called Milestii Mici holds approximately 2 million bottles of wine! It’s located in the country of Moldova, which lies between Romania and the Ukraine. With so much wine to store, it is basically an underground city! #winecellargoals

April Wine and Beer Boot Camp, Starting a Wine Collection:

Starting a wine Collection class winestyles

Are you new to wine collecting, or have you started, but don’t really know the ins and outs? Attend our April Boot Camp Class and you will learn all about how to start your first wine collection, and how to maintain it for optimum enjoyment for many years to come! If you enjoy wine, starting a wine collection, even a modest one, can be a rewarding hobby!

Please RSVP at your local WineStyles location. Seating space is limited, so make your reservation as soon as possible!

*Please note: Classes and rewards may vary at different WineStyles locations. Offer void where prohibited by state or local alcohol laws. See your local WineStyles Tasting Station for details. Find your local WineStyles store here.

Thanks for reading,

winestyles_ts_logo.png

Beer and Chocolate Pairing Guide

Posted on by

In our last post (click here to read), we celebrated National Chocolate Fondue Day with tasty chocolate fondue recipes, fun chocolate quotes, and our wine and chocolate pairing guide! We hope you enjoyed it, and will practice your wine and chocolate pairing skills all year long.

But, why should wine get all the attention? Let’s talk about BEER!

beer-chocolate-pairingSo, to all our craft beer lovers out there, we have good news — beer and chocolate go great together, too! In this post, we will discuss the basics of beer and chocolate pairing, and offer some tips for creating a match made in heaven.

Like wine, craft beer is a very complex product of ingredients, time, and art. There is a wide, and ever-growing, variety of craft beers being introduced into the market every day. Craft beer brewers are taking matters into their own hands, mixing and matching ingredients like we’ve never seen before. This new age of craft brewing has truly become an art form all its own.

Sweetshop Truffles WineStyles

Sweet Shop USA truffle assortment from WineStyles Tasting Station

Likewise, one bite into high quality chocolate and you’ll immediately realize the difference. Each variety of chocolate contains its own unique set of flavor profiles just like wine and craft beer. Similar to grapes, cacao beans and their subsequent flavors can be the result of a multitude of variables including topography, weather, soil conditions and harvesting processes.

Who ever thought that chocolate would pair well with beer? Let’s break it down: to put it very simply – chocolate and beer pair well together, because there is a desirable interaction between the richness of the chocolate, and the carbonation of the beer.

Think back to when we advised you to try champagne or sparkling wines with any type of chocolate in the chocolate and wine pairing guide. The carbonation in the bubbly, or beer, provides a round and full mouth-feel when paired with the fatty feeling of the cacao butter on your tongue.

As we move on, remember the best part of any pairing is the experience, the joy of experimenting and trying different flavors together. We’re here to give you a basic road map to help you along that journey.

Beer and Chocolate Pairing GuideStout Glass Craft Beer WineStyles

You may have guessed it – richer, bigger, and overall maltier beers typically pair the best with gourmet chocolate. These styles are known as porters, barley wines, sours, stouts, and barrel-aged beers. The rich flavors of these brews easily bring out the nuances in fine chocolates.

Beer with a higher alcohol content is better able to cut through rich cacao butter (this is especially important to heed if pairing with white chocolate, as it is higher in cacao butter).

It’s a good rule of thumb to first seek to match the intensity of the chocolate. If you’re opting for a dark-as-night gourmet chocolate bar, it would best be paired with an equally intense beer, such as a Russian Imperial Stout. Sours pair well with most milk chocolates, because they balance out the sweetness.

Sweetshop Milk Pecan Brag WineStyles

Beers with nut and caramel flavors pair well with a Sweet Shop USA gourmet Milk Chocolate Pecan Brag

If you’re unsure how intense your beer might be, or want to try another route, try matching up similar flavors. For example, IPAs are notoriously difficult to pair with chocolate, due to the bitterness of the hops used in making them. They do, however, tend to embody notes of summertime citrus. Match those citrus notes with a chocolate that has added lemon or orange zest for a pleasant pairing experience. Are there caramel or nutty notes in your chosen beer? Try pairing it with matching flavors — a delicious caramel truffle, or a nutty gourmet chocolate.

We know what you’re thinking — is there a universal pairing? One beer that can be paired with nearly any chocolate of choice? Yes, indeed, one beer rules them all when it comes to versatility! That king of beers is the fruit-infused Lambic. Kriek (Cherry) or Framboise (Raspberry) are great selections for a spot-on chocolate pairing 99% of the time.

Like we said in the beginning, it is the journey that is the most fun. If you’re a beginner, try casually picking up a gourmet chocolate truffle the next time you head to your local WineStyles to pick up craft beer. If you’re already ahead of the game, invite friends over for a fun beer and chocolate pairing night. Have fun picking out which chocolates to pair with your favorite craft beers. You may just love what you find!

Love Craft Beer? 

BeerClubLogoJoin our exclusive Craft Beer Club* and you’ll be among fellow beer lovers across the country. Each month you’ll discover remarkable craft brews, each with different beer styles such as Ales, IPA’s, Pilsners, Porters or Stouts. Monthly beer selections are chosen locally, focusing on beers from small independent brewers to regional microbrewers to international brewers using time-honored brewing methods. Plus you’ll enjoy all the perks that come with our Craft Beer Club memberships! It’s the perfect opportunity to Taste, Learn and Enjoy® amazing hand-crafted beers all year long! Gift memberships can be purchased by visiting your nearest WineStyles Tasting Station location.

*Craft Beer Club is not available at all WineStyles locations. Please see your local WineStyles for details and information. (Click here for store locator).

Thanks for reading, 

winestyles_ts_logo.png

Wine and Chocolate Pairing Guide – 4 Steps to FUN!

Posted on by

Did you know that National Chocolate Fondue Day is right around the corner? February 5th marks this special day in chocolate lovers’ hearts. To celebrate, we’re going to explore the world of Chocolate and Wine Pairing! But before we get to that, take a look at these tasty chocolate fondue recipes to celebrate all month-long! chocolate-fondue

What to dip? Here are a few ideas: marshmallows, pound cake, banana slices, pretzels, strawberries, pineapple, waffle bites, various cookies, graham crackers, chips, cinnamon roll bites, doughnut holes, pretty much anything you’d like to chocolate-ify!

Ok, now that you’ve read (and bookmarked!) some delicious chocolate fondue recipes to try all month-long, let’s have a good laugh with some of the funniest chocolate quotes we have found out there on the web. Just because. 🙂

“Why can’t I be comforted by carrots? Why does it have to be chocolate or wine?” – someecards.com

“Nobody knows the truffles I’ve seen…..” – George Lang

“The 12 step chocoholics program: Never be more than 12 steps away from chocolate.” – Terry Moore

“Chocolate comes from cocoa, which comes from trees – that makes it a plant. Therefore, chocolate counts as salad.” – Daniel Rafferty

“The parenting skill I’m most proud of is being able to shove a whole chocolate bar in my mouth then talk normal when my kid walks in.” – SnarkECards

Now let’s get down to business – it’s time to learn about chocolate and wine pairing! We know wine is delicious on its own, but sometimes it’s fun to treat your taste buds to new and interesting combinations! Wine and chocolate go together like a horse and carriage – they’re a match made in heaven, but that’s not to say you can pair any chocolate with any wine and expect to hear choirs of angels. Let’s go through four basic rules for chocolate and wine pairing.

The 4 Cardinal Rules of Chocolate and Wine Pairing:

Rule #1 – Choose gourmet chocolate. Yes, you may have a great experience pairing leftover Christmas candies with wine, but it likely won’t be one for the record books. Whatever chocolate you enjoy, be it dark, milk, or white chocolate, it’s best to pick gourmet.

Rule #2 – Pick wine based on the sweetness of your chocolate. The distance of sweetness between the wine and the chocolate should be short. It’s safest to pick wine that is at least as sweet as the chocolate you’ve picked, even a touch sweeter. The further apart wine and chocolate are on the sweetness scale, the more bitterness creeps in.

Rule #3 – Match the richness. Light chocolate pairs better with lighter-bodied wines. The stronger the chocolate’s flavor, the more full-bodied wine you’ll want to pair it with, i.e. dark chocolate can stand up to a bold Cabernet Sauvignon better than white, or milk chocolate can. Also keep in mind that, in general, red wines tend to pair better with chocolate than white wines do.

A quick note before we go on to cardinal rule number four. Did you know that magic happens when you eat dark chocolate and drink red wine? It’s true. Research shows that chemical substances called polyphenols have a dilating effect on blood vessels, improving blood supply to the brain in terms of increased oxygen and sugar delivery. The result of this process allows us to solve complex problems with ease. Amazing!

Wine and Chocolate Pairing WineStylesRule #4 – Always taste the wine first! If you taste the chocolate before tasting the wine, your taste buds will be covered with cocoa butter, which will prevent you from getting a good reading of how the wine tastes on its own. Only take a bite of chocolate once you’ve assessed the wine. If you’re pairing multiple wines with multiple types of chocolates, be sure to cleanse your palate in between pairings. It’s also best, as with any tasting, to go from light to dark. Start with the lightest-bodied pairing, and work your way to the fullest-bodied.

Remember, everyone’s palate is different. What pairs well for one person may taste awful to another, and that’s what makes it fun! Remember, the goal is always to Taste, Learn, and Enjoy 🙂 To get you started, take a look at this simple wine and chocolate pairing guide.

Suggested Wine and Chocolate Pairings:Wine and Chocolate Pairing WineStyles

White Chocolate – A great match for Moscato d’Asti, a sweet Riesling, or a fruity Chardonnay. If you’re feeling dare-devil-ish, try pairing it with a red wine that has heavy tannins. Since this type of chocolate is made primarily from cacao butter, the strong tannins may cut through the chocolate’s fattiness and create a pleasant pairing.

Milk Chocolate – Pair your favorite gourmet milk chocolates with a smooth Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, or dessert wine. Take care not to pair milk chocolate with dry red wines. The sugar in the chocolate can cancel out the fruit flavors in the wine leaving a bitter taste.

Dark Chocolate – For chocolate in the range of 50 to 70% cacao, pair with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, or Chianti. Once you hit the 70 to 100% cacao range, you’ll want to go all out in terms of full-bodied wines. Pair this range with Bordeaux, Malbec, Zinfandel, or Shiraz.

All – Pair champagne, sparkling or fortified wines with any type of chocolate to find a combo that tickles your taste buds!

Stay tuned for an upcoming post for you craft beer lovers out there – Chocolate and Beer pairing!

W&B_BootCamp_logoFebruary Wine and Beer Boot Camp, Dessert-Making Demo and Wine Pairings:

Want to skip the mess and treat your sweetheart to a night out this Valentine’s Day? Still looking for that perfect date idea? We can help! Check out WineStyles’ February Wine and Beer Boot Camp class, Dessert and Wine Pairings! Let your local WineStyles* team do the talking while you sit back and have fun tasting and learning side by side! Call your local WineStyles to reserve your seat! (Click here for WineStyles store locator).

*RSVP at your local participating store. Wine and Beer Boot Camp offers may vary at different WineStyles locations, dependent on local and state alcohol laws. Offer void where prohibited.

Thanks for reading,

winestyles_ts_logo.png