Wine decanting is practiced by many wine connoisseurs to improve the characteristics and flavors of wine. However, is wine decanting all it’s cracked up to be? Is it a necessary or superfluous step? If necessary, why, when, and how should you decant wine? This is wine decanting 101– in other words, everything you need to know about decanting wine. The Practice of Decanting Wine Decanting wine is the act of slowly pouring wine from it’s original bottle into a different container– often into a designated, glass decanter with an easy-pour neck. The goal is to separate the wine from it’s sediment ..read more

{Sponsored by Côtes du Rhône} You have probably heard of wines from Côtes du Rhône, and if you haven’t it’s about time you did! Côtes du Rhône makes some incredible wines – as they’ve been making wine for centuries – so I’d say they know a thing or two. To understand the region, it’s important to know that Côtes du Rhône follows a quality pyramid which breaks down into four levels.  Before we hop into the quality pyramid – let’s cover off on some of the top things you should also know  Côtes du Rhône Wine Quality Levels  Let’s cover the four levels of the quality pyramid for Cot ..read more

If you have a wine lover in your life (let’s face it, we all do), I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best wine gifts. From stocking stuffers to the best gifts for every kind of wino, these Christmas gifts for the wine lover will be sure to impress. And, if your significant other or family needs a little help finding the perfect Christmas gift for you, be sure to add these gift ideas to your own wishlist! Best Wine Stocking Stuffers Traditionally, in my family, we always started Christmas morning by opening our stockings. So, it’s only right to kick off this wino gift guide with wine sto ..read more

I’m hosting my first Thanksgiving this year – meaning, I will be doing the turkey roasting and wine pairing. Since this is my first year my parents aren’t hosting, I think it’s safe to say the torch is officially being passed. My boyfriend and I are very excited to host and open our home to our family! That said, if you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year, you might be wondering about the best wines to serve. Just in time for the holidays, consider this your guide to the best wine pairings for Thanksgiving dinner! What to Consider When Choosing Wine Pairings for Thanksgiving Dinner There ..read more

Let me introduce you to one of my absolute favorite wineries in Russian River Valley: Copain Wines. My love for Copain runs deep for many reasons, including their French-inspired winemaking process and the incredible talent of their winemaker. Did I mention the incredible views of the Russian River? Copain Wines is a wine country destination that you don’t want to miss! What is Copain Wines? In French, Copain is defined as “friend,” which is very fitting for a winery that encourages celebrating the little things in life with friends and family. When you visit Copain, you’re a friend, indeed.&n ..read more

Whether you’re new to the world of wine tasting or you’re a seasoned wino, wine tasting etiquette is everything you need to know before your next wine tasting adventure. While a few of these wine tasting tips might sound obvious, others might comes as a surprise. As someone who considers herself a wine professional and has experienced her fair share of wine tasting, I want you to learn from my past wine tasting mistakes. My goal is to set you up for success and the most enjoyable experience! What is Wine Tasting Etiquette? Wine tasting etiquette is essentially the rules of wine tasting. In oth ..read more

Wine tasting in Lodi should be on every wine lover’s list. While it’s most known for big, bold reds, there are some Lodi wineries that offer impressive white wines, too. This distinct area has proven itself for hundreds of years and we’re lucky enough to experience (and taste) it. If you’re wondering where to wine taste in Lodi, these are the places you need to know! Where is Lodi? Lodi is a notable wine region in Northern California. It is nestled between the San Francisco Bay and Sierra Nevada Mountains. Lodi has been in the grape-growing business since the mid-1800’s and is continuing to ma ..read more

Napa Valley is best known for it’s impressive wine production. After all, it’s not called “wine country” for no reason! But, Napa isn’t only good for it’s wine. Many infamous Napa wineries also provide delicious food and wine pairing experiences. Whether you spend many weekends in wine country or are visiting for the first time, indulging in the best food and wine pairings in Napa is a must! What is a Food and Wine Pairing?  A food and wine pairing is often crafted by the winemaker and/or chef in order to complement and balance the flavors of both the food and wine. When done well, these ..read more

Would you love to bring your furry friend along for your next wine tasting experience? Finding a winery that is pet-friendly can prove to be difficult. But, they do exist and I’ve found the best ones in the area. Check out the 15 best dog friendly wineries in Sonoma! Things to Keep in Mind at Dog Friendly Wineries As a fellow dog lover, myself, I always dread leaving my four-legged friend behind for a day or weekend of wine tasting. Thankfully, many wineries are now becoming pet-friendly establishments, so it’s no longer an issue!  However, there are a few things to keep in mind before br ..read more

When you envision your trip to wine country, do you see yourself wading in a barrel of grapes, feeling them crush between your toes as you stomp around? While grape stomping was once the way of the winemaking world, the majority of winemakers today use machines instead of manual labor. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a relaxing, fun afternoon of grape stomping in Napa Valley while sipping on a glass of your favorite crushed grapes. Don’t worry, you won’t be drinking the wine you stomp on!  I think we’ll leave the official winemaking to the pros for now, but grape stomping is a fun ..read more