This guide for wine enthusiasts covers everything you need to know to enjoy wine from every angle. From becoming a wine connoisseur to getting certified to work with wine, it starts with learning more about wine. From there, this guide for wine enthusiasts dives deeper into ways to enjoy wine and share it with other wine lovers.
How To Be a Wine Connoisseur: 12 Key Wine Connoisseur Tips
A wine connoisseur is a wine lover who has turned their love of wine into an immense knowledge of wine. When you’re learning how to be a wine connoisseur, a lot of your work will center on tasting lots of wine and learning about it. These 12 tips will help you along the way.
12. Learn the Art of Tasting Wine
Becoming a wine connoisseur is based in tasting a lot of wine. The five S’s–see, swirl, sniff, sip, and savor–will guide you through each taste.
11. Understand Wine Characteristics
The main wine characteristics are the sweetness, acidity, alcohol level, body, and tannins of the wine. Learning how to taste for those characteristics enhances your wine appreciation.
10. Know Your Wine Glasses
Bar glassware is something every wine lover is vaguely familiar with. From the different champagne classes to the right glass for red or white wine, knowing your wine glasses is a large part of learning about wine.
9. Attend Wine Industry Events
Attending wine industry events, from tastings to master classes, will help you learn more about wine on an extensive level. The more you connect with people in the wine industry, the more you’ll learn.
8. Learn About Serving Temperatures
The range of serving temperatures across different types of wine is something you’ll learn as you enjoy wine with others, and at home. White wine is often chilled to some extent. Red wine is best suited, for the most part, to being served at room temperature. That temperature is also affected by the room where the wine is kept.
7. Learn How to Host a Wine Tasting
Learning how to host a wine tasting party will help you build your relationship with your wine community. You can host a tasting for fellow connoisseurs to enjoy wine together. If you’re working in a business that deals with wine hosting a party will help you learn what to share with guests.
6. Explore Your Local Wine Scene
Some of your most up-close experiences will be at wineries, and some of the best ones to start with are nearby. Whatever your local wine scene is, check it out! From there, you can branch out, but starting close to home will give you an extra bit of knowledge about the wine location.
5. Check Out Interesting and New Wine
Many wine lovers out there drink the same wine again and again. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your favorite varieties but on the path to becoming a wine connoisseur, you’ll need to branch out. Try a unique wine every time you go out to eat. Go to wineries you’ve never heard of before. Experiment, and learn how vast the wine world is.
4. Build Up Your Wine Vocabulary
Building up your wine vocabulary will come along as you become a wine connoisseur. As you taste wine, talk about it, and find the wine community, your wine vocabulary will naturally grow.
3. Find a Wine Community
Finding your wine community is another effect that will come about as you become a wine connoisseur. You’ll find people at tastings, at wine markets, and courses you take. You can also go to seminars and networking events.
2. Get Some Certification
There is a range of wine certifications you can get before you dive into sommelier classes and education. Becoming a wine connoisseur can include those courses, but they aren’t required. They are, however, a great way to build your wine knowledge.
1. Grow Your Wine Collection
Growing your wine collection is always a good idea, but it’s especially important on your path to being a wine connoisseur. You’ll taste many wines as you learn more, and there will be many you want to hold onto.
Being a Wine Connoisseur: How Much Do You Love Wine?
Being a wine connoisseur starts with a love of wine, and everything from there comes with learning and, well, more love for wine. From the history of wine to new innovations in the industry, there is always more to learn. Getting a wine certification is a great way to continue your wine education.
"Key Takeaway: Becoming a wine connoisseur is helpful for growing your wine knowledge and career possibilities."
Wine Certification: 6 Avenues of Learning About Wine
There’s always more to learn about wine, as you discover new wine grape vines and the climates for growing wine grapes in new areas. From the business side, you can learn about buying a winery, how to start a wine business, or how to manage a wine bar.
A wine certification is a good way to learn more about wine in a structured setting. Wine certifications come in several forms. Beyond wine certification options, you can also go to school for varying levels of wine education.
Some wine education degrees include:
- Winemaking or viticulture
- Enology
- Wine business
Which of those degrees is right for you will depend on what you want to do in the world of wine. You may find that you want to pair a degree with a wine certification. If you’re working in a winery, some level of degree or certification will come in handy. If you’re planning to open a winery, you’ll want experience with winemaking from the program of your choice.
6 Wine Certification Options
The wine certification options you have when you pursue a certificate cover a range of information about wine. Some are designed for people working in the hospitality industry. If you’re working in country clubs, country club dining, the hotel industry, or customer experience in a bar or restaurant, you’ll want a wide-ranging certification.
If you’re on the restaurant tech side of the hospitality industry, a more specific, technical wine certification may be the best choice for you. For a restaurant or bar owner, any level of wine certification will come in handy. These six notable wine certifications are a good place to start.
6. International Sommelier Guild
The International Sommelier Guild is a wine education group that offers a range of courses and certifications. It’s a good place for all-around knowledge. Many people who study through the International Sommelier Guild end up going on to take further certification courses.
5. Society of Wine Educators
The Society of Wine Educators has a range of self-guided programs and certification options for wine enthusiasts. The Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) is the program’s most sought-after certification, as it prepares you to be able to share your knowledge of wine in educational and service settings.
4. Wine Scholar Guild
The Wine Scholar Guild is for wine lovers looking for some very specific wine education. The Wine Scholar Guild offers certifications in French, Italian, and Spanish wine.
3. Institute of Masters of Wine
The Institute of Masters of Wine is part of a journey to be certified in wine education. To apply, you must have the WSET diploma or an equivalent certification. The study itself includes three stages of self-directed learning, culminating in the exam which is known for its difficulty.
2. Court of Master Sommeliers
The Court of Master Sommeliers is well known, even outside of the inner world of wine. The Court of Master Sommeliers offers four exam levels, the top most of which has seen less than 300 successful students.
1. Wine and Spirit Education Trust
The Wine and Spirit Education Trust is world-renowned as one of the most prestigious, all-encompassing wine certifications. The WSET offers four levels of certification. It is similar to the sommelier program, but is designed more for educational purposes than the service industry.
Wine Certifications: Certified Connoisseurs
Getting a wine certification is an excellent way to learn more about enjoying wine, and have certifiable experience in the industry. If you work in hospitality and specifically work in a place where wine is served, produced, or marketed, a wine certification may be the right choice for you. It can even lead to becoming an in-house sommelier.
Becoming an In-House Sommelier: 5 Key Tips for Sommeliers
Becoming an in-house sommelier is the goal of many wine lovers who make the career move of becoming a sommelier. Sommelier work changes depending on the line of work you go into as a sommelier. You can work in the service industry, the wine industry behind the scenes, or you can lean into education around wine.
If you’re working in the service industry, your work will revolve around helping customers in the restaurant, bar, or other establishment you work at. If you work at a wine bar, you’ll work closely with the wine bar manager to keep the wine collection in order. You may even end up opening a wine bar and managing it yourself.
For working in the wine industry behind the scenes, you’ll likely end up working at a winery. From the best wineries to the best U.S. wineries, there are many options. You’ll work with different varieties of wine, and you’ll help out in the winery tasting room.
If you go the route of continuing with wine education, your options are less clear but quite open. You could be an educator for other future sommeliers. You could work within a sommelier guild. Heck, you could even become an adjunct professor for a winemaking program at a college.
5 Key Tips for Becoming an In-House Sommelier
Becoming an in-house sommelier may be your end goal, but there is plenty of work and experience you can get before reaching that milestone. These five key tips for becoming an in-house sommelier are a mix of experiences to seek out on your way to that career goal.
5. Build Your Resume
Building your resume is a basic for becoming an in-house sommelier. You can build it up with work experience and certifications. You can also do side work in the wine industry, to have a portfolio to show potential employers.
4. Work at Wineries
Working at a winery is a great way to gain wine experience. You may even find yourself staying there and working as the in-house sommelier of the winery.
3. Keep Certifications Current
For many wine certifications, you don’t need to update them. Once you have the certification, you’re set for life. That said, depending on your certification you may need to update it every few years. Keep this in mind, to stay current and employable.
2. Gain Restaurant Experience
For many sommeliers, restaurants are the places they search for to become an in-house sommelier. If you’re working toward a job as a sommelier, restaurant experience as a server or host will help.
1. Network In the Wine World
Networking in the wine world is crucial. Meet other sommeliers. Reach out to restaurant and bar owners. Attend conferences. Any networking you can do will help you along the way.
In-House Sommeliers: Finding Your Wine House
Becoming an in-house sommelier can take time and a great deal of wine experience. When you go after it, however, and find the work you want to do in the wine industry, it is incredibly satisfying. It can help you with your own personal appreciation of wine, including wine collecting, as well.
"Key Takeaway: Becoming an in-house sommelier can take time and a great deal of wine experience. When you go after it, however, and find the work you want to do in the wine industry, it is incredibly satisfying."
How to Collect Wine: 10 Tips for How to Collect Wine
Learning how to collect wine is a perfect hobby for wine lovers, connoisseurs, and sommeliers alike. These 10 tips for how to collect wine will help you get started with all the right tools and tricks.
10. Focus on Disposable Income
However much you’re planning to spend on your wine collection, make sure it’s all disposable income. Like any hobby, the amount you spend on your wine collection should be an amount you can spend without financial worry.
9. Track Your Wine Inventory
Tracking your wine inventory in your wine collection will help you keep track and be that much more in touch with your collection. A perpetual inventory system, like the BinWise program, helps you keep constant track of the wine you have in your collection.
8. Invest In Your Cellar
Investing in your cellar is all about investing in the storage and structures that make sense for you. Whatever you choose, invest in high-quality options, to make your wine collection last.
7. Consider Wine Value
Considering wine value comes up every time you buy a new bottle. A wine that is valuable today will maintain and most likely increase in value. Of course, the right wines for you to collect are up to your taste. Wines with inherent value, however, are a good place to start.
6. Save Your Receipts
Saving your receipts comes in handy for wine appraisals and checking your wine collection from time to time. For fine wine that you want to show off and potentially sell, you need the proof of where it came from.
5. Have Your Wine Appraised
Having your wine appraised is something you won’t necessarily think about with your first few bottles. As you get more involved with wine collecting, however, it’s fun and important to know the value of your wine.
4. Don’t Overly Handle Your Wine
For the longevity of your wine, don’t overly handle it. Those changes in temperature can result in your wine slowly losing value and taste through the years.
3. Watch Out for Fakes
There are always going to be fakes in the world of wine collecting. If you’re looking to buy wine, buy through reputable sources. The time when you’re deciding whether or not you’ll buy is also a great time for some wine appraisals.
2. Start Small
Every wine collection has to start somewhere, and the best place to start is with something small. This could be a singular shelf in your home, or a few select bottles from your favorite vineyard.
1. Focus On What You Like
There’s nothing more important in wine collecting than a focus on what you like. Your wine collection, even if it’s an investment, is made for you. Make sure it’s something you look at with pride and happiness.
Collecting Wine: Curate Your Collection
When it comes to how to collect wine, the most important factor is your collection starts with you and your passion for wine. Having a place for your wine, like a wine cellar, will help you stay organized.
How To Build a Wine Cellar: 9 Factors of Wine Cellars
The process of how to build a wine cellar is something every wine lover can benefit from. If you’re planning to build a wine cellar, these nine tips will help you along the way.
9. Consider Your Locations
When choosing the location for your wine cellar your main focus should be on how the wine will be affected by the space. You want a cool, dry spot with no natural light. Ultimately, you want a space where your wine won’t have any outside factors coming in.
8. Look Into Cooling Systems
A wine cellar cooling system plays a substantial role in the quality of your wine cellar. A wine cellar cooling unit is designed to act as a thermostat and main air control unit for your wine cellar. It controls the humidity and temperature, to keep your wine in the best condition possible.
7. Be Careful of Leaks
In terms of wine cellar leaks, you need to be careful of leaks in air, light, and water. Any outside factors can result in your wine going bad. Your wine cellar won’t be airtight. The build should focus on maintaining the space and avoiding the potential for outside factors to come inside.
6. Install Insulation
When it comes to fortifying your wine cellar, insulation is key. A closed-cell foam insulation will often do the best job of keeping your wine secure in the room. Closed-cell foam insulation is particularly good for maintaining the humidity within your wine cellar.
5. Seal Your Floors
From the top of your wine cellar down to the floorboards–or tiles–you want to do everything you can to secure the room. Sealing your floors with a building material like concrete sets you up for wine cellar success. Above all else, avoid any carpeting, as it is an open invitation for moisture seepage.
4. Pick Your Doors
There are so many options for doors out there. For your wine cellar, the best option is to find the doors that are designed for wine cellars. They’re specific, and pricey. If you want a cheaper option, the next best choice is an exterior-style door, which is built for keeping a good moisture barrier.
3. Consider Temperatures
This step deserves its own spot on this list because of how important it is. From your wine cooling system to the door, every part of a wine cellar is about keeping your wine at a controlled temperature. The temperature of the room should be a part of every decision you make.
2. Plan for Your Wine Collection
Whatever your reasons are for building a wine cellar there’s one thing you’ll need to plan for: the size of your wine collection. Whether you have a collection of 200 or 2000 bottles, when you’re planning your wine cellar, plan for the space you’ll need.
1. Find Your Unique Touch
For the number one spot, it’s important to remember that this wine cellar is specific to you. There are plenty of factors you need for the security of your wine, but don’t forget to build a wine cellar that suits you!
Building Wine Cellars: Where To Keep All Your Wine
The process of how to build a wine cellar comes in handy for home wine lovers and restaurant and bar owners alike. A wine cellar is one of the best ways to have a dedicated space for your wine collection. It’s a vital part of how to store wine.
"Key Takeaway: A wine cellar is, in plain terms, a cellar for storing a large quantity of wine. It’s built for safety in wine storage and longevity for wine."
How to Store Wine: 6 Key Factors for Wine Enthusiasts
In this section, we’ll be talking about how to store wine, specifically with wine enthusiasts in mind. These six factors of wine storage for wine enthusiasts go beyond the basics. They’re about aesthetics and appreciation. While your wine storage needs to be secure and regulated for wine preservation, it also needs to be as enjoyable as the wine itself.
6. Focus on Lighting
The question for aesthetics in wine storage revolves around the lighting you bring into the space. Soft lighting, with muted white bulbs and shading, is key for creating a welcoming wine storage environment.
5. Invest In Shelving That Shows Labels
Generally, shelving that offers lots of space is the best option for label viewing. Keep your favorite bottles with great label art in a smaller shelving area, so you can appreciate the labels in a direct way.
4. Sort Wine Categorically
When it comes to your wine collection, you should sort it categorically, but the categories you choose are up to you. You can sort by favorite wines, red and white wine, or year of purchase.
3. Make It Artful
If you’re storing wine with the intention to enjoy every moment of each bottle of wine, add artful touches to the space. Add unique, painted wine murals to the walls. Display wine-related products throughout the room. Do whatever makes the space right for you.
2. Keep Space for Opened Bottles
If your wine storage space is a place where you spend time enjoying wine you should have a spot for opened bottles. A desktop or shelf dedicated to pouring wine will come in handy.
1. Have Extra Space Available
When you love wine, sometimes you buy more than you initially planned. In your wine storage space, prepare for those extra bottles with spare storage. This can be a foldable rack that gets put away when it’s not in use.
Storing Wine for Wine Enthusiasts: Where’s Your Favorite Wine Stored?
When you’re learning how to store wine these six tips will help you keep design and appreciation in mind. Storing your wine in the right way can lead to greater enjoyment of wine, including at wine tasting parties.
How to Host a Wine Tasting Party: 4 Key Party Facets
Learning how to host a wine tasting party is a great way to expand your wine knowledge and love. It's also an opportunity to share it with friends and loved ones. These four key facets of a wine tasting party will help you plan the perfect event from start to finish.
Wine Tasting Parties
Wine tasting parties are a staple of the wine industry. From working at a winery where they host tastings to having an at-home tasting, there are many ways you can host a wine tasting party. The main function of a wine tasting party–enjoying wines–is punctuated with good food, wine information, and great company.
Ideas for a Wine Tasting Party
A wine tasting party can be experienced in any setting. If you’re looking for inspiration for your wine tasting party, a brunch theme, classic wine tasting, or mystery wine tasting event are good ideas to start with.
How to Have a Wine Tasting Party
There are a few options for how to have a wine tasting party. You can invite friends over to your home and create a space there. You can also rent space at a location that offers wine tasting services. Another option is to have a picnic at a winery. Ultimately, the options are endless, it all depends on the type of wine tasting party you want.
Best Wines for a Wine Tasting Party
When people ask about the best wines, for any setting, there isn’t one good answer. The best wines for a wine tasting party could be a few of so many options. With the amount of wine out there, there isn’t a bad choice. We recommend the four main options of rosé, white wine, red wine, and sparkling wine.
Hosting a Wine Tasting Party: The Host with the Most Wine
Hosting a wine tasting party is a delightful experience for the host and the guests. We’d like to think the wine is happy to be there too! If you’re hosting a party, choosing some of the best wines for a cocktail party will help you get started.
"Key Takeaway: The main function of a wine tasting party–enjoying wines–is punctuated with good food, wine information, and great company."
Best Wines for a Cocktail Party: 12 Cocktail Party Wines
The best wines for a cocktail party are something every wine lover should know. As you dive into the best wine lists, the best wines for a cocktail party will come up along the way. These 12 cocktail party wines are always a safe bet.
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Dry Rose
- Sparkling wine
- Pinot Gris
- Red blends
- Pinot Noir
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Barolo
- Cabernet Sauvignon
All of these wines are staples in the wine world for a reason. They bring different profiles to a wine tasting, and can enhance any cocktail party.
Best Cocktail Party Wines: With a Great Party There’s Nothing to Wine About
The best wines for a cocktail party cover a range of options. The most important factor of every cocktail party wine is how it pairs with the rest of the party. When you plan the menu and the event, pair your wines with everything, and you’ll have the best wines. From there, remember to match the right types of wine glasses too!
Types of Wine Glasses: 15 Different Types of Wine Glasses
Learning the types of wine glasses is something every wine lover, wine bar manager, or restaurant wait staff worker, can benefit from. The different types of wine glasses are made to enhance the flavor and enjoyable nature of the wines they’re made for. These 15 types of wine glasses cover the range of options any bar, restaurant, or home wine lover should have.
15. Cabernet Glasses
Cabernet glasses are one of the tallest of all the red wine glasses. They’re designed to intensify the scent of the wine, which is often bold for red wines. A cabernet glass is meant to be filled, but not over-filled, to allow room for the wine to breathe.
14. Burgundy Glasses
Burgundy glasses, often stemmed, are a short and wide-bowled glass. This unique shape is designed to fully enhance the intense body of a burgundy wine. The semi-wide mouth of a burgundy glass serves to further showcase the body of the wine.
13. Bordeaux Glasses
Bordeaux glasses are the tallest red wine glass, but also one of the most narrow options. Their bowl is slightly smaller than a cabernet glass, but the goal is similar between the two. A bordeaux glass is specifically designed to enhance the rich bordeaux wine.
12. Zinfandel Glasses
Zinfandel glasses are slightly shorter than bordeaux glasses, with a slightly wider rim and a somewhat narrow bowl. Zinfandel is a lighter red wine, so the narrow, but still aerator-based bowl shape is perfect for the wine type.
11. Pinot Noir Glasses
Pinot Noir glasses have the widest bowl of all the types of wine glasses designed for red wine. With a wide bowl and a narrow mouth, these glasses are built for the wine tasting process of swirling your wine.
10. Rosé Glasses
Rosé glasses have a wide bowl, a wide mouth, and an especially long stem. Since rosé is meant to be enjoyed chilled, the long stem of the glass keeps the heat from your hand from warming the wine.
9. Chardonnay Glasses
Chardonnay glasses are one of the classic types of white wine glasses. They have the classic U shape that characterizes white wine glasses, with a wide bowl that allows the character of chardonnay to shine.
8. Viognier Glasses
Viognier glasses are characterized by a somewhat small bowl and a narrow mouth. Viognier wine benefits from a narrow glass that won’t allow much air to come through. This size lets the wine maintain its flavor and bouquet.
7. Sparkling Wine Glasses
Sparkling wine glasses are similar to a flute glass, but they’re slightly wider and larger all around. They’re designed to allow the carbonation to fill the glass but remain bubbly, so your sparkling wine maintains its quality.
6. Vintage Glasses
Vintage glasses are not designed for any particular type of wine, they’re sold for the aesthetic. They’re a wide glass all around, like a coupe glass. While they won’t necessarily enhance flavor, they are fun to drink out of!
5. Rose White Glasses
Rose white glasses are similar to a standard rose glass, with the addition of a flared lip. This design is made for this lightest, brightest of the rose options. It allows the flavor to be fully pronounced.
4. Balloon Glasses
Balloon glasses are some of the most common glasses you’ll see in stores, bars, and homes. They’re wide and round, and ideal for many types of red wine. They’re good to have on hand for any occasion. They can even work for mixed drinks.
3. Flute Glasses
Flute glasses are built for sparkling wine and champagne. They’re a tall, narrow glass. Flute glasses are primarily built to show off the look of the bubbles in sparkling wines.
2. Stemless Glasses
Stemless glasses can come in the shape of any wine glasses made for specific types of wine. They’re popular in bars and for homes. The only downside is that the warmth of your hand will change the temperature of the wine.
1. Aerating Glasses
Aerating glasses are one of the most unique types of wine glasses. They have a built-in aerator in the glass, to pour your wine through. If you want a fancier wine glass, and you don’t have a full-sized wine aerator, these glasses are perfect.
Wine Glass Types: General Wine Glassware Needs
If you’re looking to increase restaurant sales or do the same for wine bar businesses, learning the types of wine glasses can help. Your wine lists will benefit from having the right glasses to pair with your wines–including house wines. Your wine glasses will fit among your bar glassware collection as an important part of your inventory.
"Key Takeaway: Serving wine in the right glass not only looks good for the customer experience, it also enhances different wine flavors."
Bar Glassware: 7 Facets of Bar Glassware History and Use
The seven facets of bar glassware, from the historical use of bar glassware to common glassware you’ll find today, run the gamut. Read through this section to learn everything you need to know to serve up drinks in a bar and enjoy them too.
Bar Glassware Types
The range of bar glassware types is vast and varied. There is, effectively, a glass for every type of drink, from wine and beer brands to cocktails of all shapes and sizes. They’re designed to enhance different drinks, and tie together the experience of each cocktail, wine, or beer.
Home Bar Glassware
For home bar glassware, the main thing you need to focus on is the types of drinks you want to enjoy at home. You should also plan for who you want to enjoy them with. Four of five types of glasses work for your home setup. You’ll want to have a set of six for each type. If you’re entertaining large groups, that may change to 12 glasses of each type.
Antique Bar Glassware
Antique bar glassware can be a separate type of glassware. It can also be a more ornate version of the glassware you can buy from a restaurant supplier today. If you’re opening a cocktail bar or luxe lounge, investing in some antique bar glassware can help enhance your style. Some of the best ways to source it are vintage stores, or estate sales.
Bar Glassware and Their Uses
These 15 types of bar glassware are named aptly for the drinks they are most commonly used to serve. Some, like a rocks glass, a coupe glass, or a snifter, are designed for specific styles of drinks, as opposed to a specific drink. They can even be used for mocktails, for those times a teetotaler visits your bar.
- Highball
- Martini
- Old Fashioned
- Rocks
- Red Wine
- White Wine
- Champagne
- Irish Coffee Mug
- Pilsner
- Pint
- Shot
- Shooter
- Margarita
- Coupe
- Snifter
Bar Glassware Cabinet: Storage Solutions
A bar glassware cabinet is something to think about as you’re stocking up on bar glassware. You can look into a wine bar cabinet and shelf storage setup for your crystal glassware. General liquor storage advice will also come in handy. Hanging shelves for stemmed glassware is common and extremely practical.
Disposable Bar Glassware
Disposable bar glassware is a specific sub-section of bar glassware and supplies these days. With the importance of sustainability being top of mind for many in the industry, especially with eco-friendly restaurants, disposable options can be rare. They are, however, perfect for any bars and restaurants hosting pop-ups.
There will be instances where you won’t be taking dishes back to the restaurant with you. For those times, disposable cups or specialty cups customers can bring home and use time and again are perfect choices.
Bar Glassware Brands
Choosing the right bar glassware goes beyond picking enough of the right styles. You also need to choose your brands. Some common, high-quality bar glassware brands include:
- Bormioli Rocco
- NUDE
- Chef&Sommelier
- Bodum
- Waterford
- Zwiesel
- Libbey
- LSA International
- Spiegelau
- Urban Bar
- Fortessa
These brands have different specialties. Depending on your needs, you may want a mix from a few different brands.
Bar Tools and Glassware: Gather Your Glassware
Using the right bar glassware is important for the appreciation of each type of drink. It can even be a part of appreciating the history of different drinks, including the history of red wine and red wine glasses.
History of Red Wine: Thousands of Years of Red Wine
The history of red wine starts out long ago, before records were well kept. The roots of wine–not specifically red wine–start out around 7000 B.C. in China. Those early days of wine included a winemaking process with similarities to what we practice today. The drink was made from wild grapes, rice, honey, and hawthorn fruit. It was fermented and stored in clay jars.
There’s also early evidence of winemaking in Armenia, Iran, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Cypress, and Sicily. Across these earliest days of winemaking, red wine started to take shape.
The Early Days
The early days of red wine in particular started in Greece. The earliest noted red wine is Chian, a red wine, then called black wine. It was made on the island of Chion. Chian wine was made around 500 B.C., long after the first wines were experimented with.
Wine Industry Growth
These days, the wine industry has grown beyond the history of red wine. In 2023, the wine industry is set to reach a profit of over $300 billion. It’s expected to grow annually by over 5%, as more and more people turn toward wine.
Red Wine’s Vibrant History: Drinking Through the Ages
The history of red wine is something everyone who enjoys and works with wine in the present day can benefit from knowing. The history of white wine will help you along as well!
"Key Takeaway: The original history of red wine paved the way for new world red wines we appreciate today."
History of White Wine: 3 Facets of the History of White Wine
The history of white wine is something every wine lover should know. It pairs well with the history of red wine, and all wine types.
The History of White Wine Worldwide
The history of white wine starts out in modern-Day Iran, around 3500 B.C. From there it spread around and out geographically. The key to white wine is it all depends on where the grapes would grow to produce the best type of white wine.
The Invention of White Wine
Archaeological evidence points to modern-day Iran being the starting point of white wine. The process involved fermenting a beverage from non-colored grape pulp. From there, white wine started to show up in Greece, in the year 460 B.C. or very near then.
The Romans borrowed from the Greek winemaking practices and started to grow grapes in the Bay of Naples and areas of Italy. It’s at this time that we begin to see the effects of growing wine grapes in the right climate.
White Wine In the 21st Century
These days we enjoy the result of all the work of ancient Greece, Rome, and everyone else who helped craft white wine. White wine is perfect for dinner parties, corporate social events, and even a corporate dinner. From the historical records to the present day, white wine has come a long way.
White Wine’s History: In Ancient Times There Was Plenty to Wine About
The history of white wine is another piece of the puzzle of the history and enjoyment of wine. What comes next? The history of rosé, of course!
History of Rosé: 5 Bubbly Facts of the History of Rosé
The history of rosé is as bubbly and delightful as the drink itself. These five parts of the history of rosé showcase how the wine has grown into the popularity it is experiencing today.
The History of Rosé Wine
The history of rosé wine starts with the Phocaeans bringing wine grape vines from Greece to France in the sixth century B.C. to make rosé. Many argue that the history of rosé actually starts much earlier, with the start of the history of all wine.
This argument rests on the fact that rosé is made from fermenting grapes without removing the skin. That was the earliest practice of making wine. It makes sense rosé started out back then, even if it didn’t resemble the rosé we know and love today.
Early Rosé History
Early rosé history started to spread out in France. The French winemakers developed rosé with their exemplary grapes and winemaking practices. Rosé then spread to the Mediterranean, where more winemakers tested it.
8 Best Regions for Rosé Wine
Since the early days of rosé wine to the rosé we enjoy in the 21st century, rosé has been cultivated around the world. These eight different regions for rosé wine are known for producing some of the best rosé around the world.
France
Rosé wine got a lot of its substance from original French influences. To this day, France remains one of the highest-producing countries of rosé. France is also the country that consumes the most rosé.
Italy
Italian rosé doesn’t always receive the recognition it deserves, and we’re here to change that. Italy produces about 10% of the rosé produced worldwide. From Lake Garda to Abruzzi to Puglia, the production areas in Italy are responsible for some of the most unique rosé on the market.
Mediterranean
Since rosé made its way from France to the Mediterranean, it’s no wonder the Mediterranean region remains responsible for exceptional rosé. Mediterranean rosé is often some of the most affordable–but still high quality–rosé on the market.
California
The range in weather from southern to northern California means many types of grapes grow well there, including those used for rosé. California rosé is cost-effective and absolutely delicious.
Germany
German rosé has a special place in the world of wine. It’s often on the dry side, but the flavor is as nuanced as any other country’s rosé.
Greece
Rosé started out in Greece long ago. To this day Greek rosé remains unique and reminiscent of those early rosé days. Greek rosé is sweet and sparkling, with a surprising amount of tannin not often found in rosé.
Oregon
Oregon rosé is often a blend of Pinot Noir grapes and the rosé-making process. It’s bold and sweet, and oh-so-delicious.
Rosé In the 21st Century
In the 21st century rosé has continued to grow in popularity. This pink wine has become a staple for Millennials and Gen Z wine lovers. It’s a wine that can fit any mood or occasion.
The Future of Rosé
It’s hard to say with certainty what the future of rosé holds, but it looks like a bright future. Rosé has had a vibrant history and has continued to grow in popularity. It’ll be a wonder to see where it goes in the future.
The History of Rosé Wine: Here’s to a Bubbly Past and a Bright Future
The history of rosé is fun to learn, and helpful in going forward and enjoying wine. Learning the history of rosé wine pairs well with learning about the history of champagne.
"Key Takeaway: Rosé has had a vibrant history and has continued to grow in popularity. It’ll be a wonder to see where it goes in the future."
History of Champagne: 5 Details of Champagne History
The history of champagne is a key part of enjoying champagne as a wine enthusiast. This guide for wine enthusiasts has gone through the history of different types of wine, and now it’s time to dive into the history of champagne.
History of the Champagne Glass
The history of the champagne glass shows how folks have changed from enjoying wine in an aesthetically pleasing glass, to a glass that highlights the beverage. More modern champagne glasses are built to enhance the flavor of champagne, and allow the bubbles and sparkling nature to bubble through the glass.
History of Champagne Cocktail
There are plenty of champagne cocktails being enjoyed today. There are newer inventions, like Tom Hanks’ champagne and soda mix. Then there are drinks that have been around for a while, like Death in the Afternoon, the absinthe cocktail Ernest Hemingway invented, which includes absinthe and champagne.
There’s also an older champagne cocktail from the mid-1800s called Champagne Cocktail. It consists of a sugar cube with some aromatic bitters sprinkled on it, then dropped into a glass. From there, you pour over a small amount of cognac and top the glass off with champagne.
History of Champagne Region
The region of Champagne, France, has been used for winemaking for centuries. As far back as the 1st century, the Romans were growing wine grapes in the region that is now known as the Champagne region.
By the time the 9th century rolled around, the wine coming out of the Champagne region was renowned for its high quality. It was used in the coronation of French kings, and became popular across France.
History of Sabering Champagne
The history of sabering champagne started out in the late 1700s. It was started by the Cavalry Officers of Napoleon's army. The saber was the weapon favored by Napoleon's cavalry. Their victories across Europe gave them a reason to celebrate. These days, you can use a large knife or sword, or a traditional saber to enjoy popping some champagne.
The History of Champagne: The Sparkles of Champagne
The history of champagne started out in 1662, officially. Of course, wines were being made in the champagne region, and sparkling wines were being experimented with, before that date. In 1662, however, it’s noted that an English scientist successfully crafted the first champagne wine. From there, the craft was passed along to the French. Dom Perignon, a Benedictine monk, is particularly well known for his contributions to champagne.
The History of Champagne: Time to Pop Some Bottles!
Whether you’re working in country clubs, customer experience in a bar, at an enterprise hotel, in the hotel industry, or you’re hosting brunch, learning the history of champagne is helpful. Learning the history of the drinks we enjoy helps us prepare for new wines and beverages in general, including the best wines of 2023.
Best Wines of 2023: The 8 Best Wine Options of 2023
The best wines of 2023 are something we in the wine world are still discovering. For now, these eight best wines of 2023 are what we know about so far. This is the starting point of our list for 2023. We’ll check back in when 2024 rolls around.
8. Haute Cabrière - Pinot Noir
This Haute Cabrière pinot noir, from the Franschhoek Valley in South Africa, is quite the unique choice on this list. South African wine is well-known and appreciated around the world. That said, pinot noir isn’t often the first South African wine to come to mind. This year, this pinot noir is standing as an exception to that common expectation.
7. Jim Barry - Watervale Riesling
Riesling is one of those wines that you might not expect on a list of the best wines if you're unfamiliar with it. This Jim Barry Watervale riesling is one that, if you’re still unsure about riesling, you should absolutely give it a try. This Riesling is bright, sweet, and everything else that makes a Riesling such a delightful option.
6. Habit Wine - Rosé Grenache
Habit Wine is a winery we should all be paying attention to, now and in the future. With wine grape vines from around the Santa Barbara Valley, the wines from Habit Wine are unique and delicious California wines. This rosé grenache is fermented in stainless steel. It’s bright, fruity, and in limited supply this year, so get a case while you can!
5. Field Recordings - Super Gnario
This Super Gnario wine from Field Recordings is an especially unique blend to come out of California. It’s made from grapes from the Happy Canyon in Santa Barbara. Those grapes are a mix of Nebbiolo and barbera, which are common in Italian wines. This Super Gnario is bold in ways you would expect of an Italian wine paired with the talent of California winemaking.
4. Robert Sinskey - Vin Gris of Pinot Noir
You’ve heard of red wine, white wine, and rosé. Have you heard of gray wine before? Neither had we, before reading up on this vin gris of pinot noir from Robert Sinskey. Vin gris is one of many different varieties of wine that doesn’t receive much attention, and it should receive more. It’s a type of rosé grape, and this vin gris of pinot noir from Napa Valley is a berry, floral, delight.
3. San Antonio Winery - San Simeon Viognier
This San Simeon viognier from San Antonio Winery, the largest and oldest winery in Los Angeles, is a unique treat. The climate of Paso Robles for growing wine grapes created the grapes that make this somewhat French and refreshing California wine such a unique white wine.
2. Trotton Estate Vineyards - Spectacular Sparkling Brut
This Spectacular sparkling brut from Trotton Estate Vineyards, a favorite winery in the UK, is the perfect sparkling option. It’s reminiscent of French bubbles, grown on English soil. It’s a wine pairing option for the best foods but is equally enjoyable on its own on a warm summer evening.
1. Charlotte Dalton - Love Me Love You Shiraz
This Love Me Love You Shiraz from Charlotte Dalton is some of the best. It takes the number one spot on our list because of how wonderful, yet still underrated Shiraz often is. If you’re looking for a fruity, oaky Shiraz to try in 2023, this is the one.
2023’s Best Wines: Have We Seen the Best, Or Is It Yet To Come?
The best wines of 2023 are something we’re excited to keep experimenting with and learning more about as the year progresses. Once 2024 comes around, we’ll be expecting these bottles to have made quite a splash.
"Key Takeaway: The best wines of 2023 are something we’re excited to keep experimenting with and learning more about as the year progresses."
Being a Wine Enthusiast: Where Will Your Wine Enthusiasm Take You?
This guide for wine enthusiasts is your jumping-off point for learning more about how to enjoy wine. The world of wine is nuanced and full of information–and delicious wine–to enjoy. For all wine enthusiasts, this guide is your place to start, and come back to whenever you want to tap into your wine appreciation and knowledge.