Conceptual creative map of Italy, Sardinia and Sicily formed of old wine corks in an artistic arrangement on an old wooden counter top with copy space , overhead view

Understanding Italy: DOC, DOCG, IGT & VdT

European wine labels can be confusing if you don’t speak the language they are written in, furthermore they have all types of different classifications from one country to the next without consistent naming or labeling even existing within the same country itself, and to make things even more…

Cabernet Franc

Happy Cabernet Franc Day! And it couldn’t be at a better time of the year.  Nothing sounds better than cozying up by the fireplace with a delicious glass of Cab Franc to help keep you warm. Cabernet Franc in the new world has an association with big heavy…

Silhouette of California state with "CA" written, overlaid on a photo of wine grapes hanging from a vine

CA Zinfandel

Prior to 1998, CA Zinfandel was the most widely planted grape in the state.  Post-prohibition many common people believed it to be a native California grape until DNA testing results came in (and an assist from a little information filled invention called ‘the internet’) showing it to be…

All About Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir (literally: Black Pine, due to the grapes color and cluster looking like a black pine cone), is one of the most globally popular grapes, has a long growing history pre-dating the Roman Empire, and could be upwards of 1,000 years older than the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. …

Silhouette of Washington State with "WA" on it, overlaid on top of an image of wine grapes

WA White Wines

To celebrate Washington Wine Month and National White Wine Day, we’d like to brush over Washington wine history and take a look at the more interesting portion of the 2nd largest wine producing state’s variety of white plantings. Washington State is known for its plantings of lesser known…

Our Top 3 Netflix Pairings!

The weather is warming up, the sun is out, and it’s time to step outside and enjoy the summer! But let’s be honest, we’ve been flexing our binge-watching muscles all winter and spring, so this is no time to let that slide!  The next time you Netflix and…

Many glasses of rose wine at wine tasting. Concept of rose wine

What Is Rosé?

It’s synonymous with summer.  It’s fashionable.  It’s crisp.  It’s light.  It’s not just your grandmother’s White Zinfandel anymore.  But what, exactly is Rosé? Speaking in broad general stokes, Rosé is not red wine mixed with white wine – The majority of France actually makes it illegal to do…

Red and white wine plus different kinds of cheeses (cheeseboard) on rustic wooden table

It’s National Cheese Day!

In honor of National Cheese Day, we’d like to take a little time to enjoy some cheese and wine!  A match made in heaven, but why?  What is it that makes this classic combination so enjoyable to so many people from all walks of life?  According to research,…

Decoded: A Brief History of Moscato

You’ve emailed, you’ve called, you’ve made it the number one searched term on our site, you’ve begged us, pleaded with us, and even tried to barter with us, and all of your hard-fought desires and dreams come true.  Tomorrow.  Moscato d’Asti is back! Before you take up battle…