News

Funny, News October 19, 2011

Coffin Doubles as a Wine Rack…or is that Vice-Versa?

Holy sh*t balls…they have to be kidding! Unfortunately it seems as though they are not! The "Vintner’s Vessel" (as it has been so aptly named) will most certainly appeal to anyone with an affinity for fine wines (and disturbing furniture). This exquisite piece of pine craftsmanship will make itself extremely useful during your lifetime (and after). The moment you kick the bucket, the interior framework can be slid out to be re-assembled as a free-standing…

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News October 19, 2011

The Evolution of a Palate (at Least Mine)…

Do you think your palate has changed much in the last few years? I’m not talking about over the last 10 years, but just the last 2-3? Needless-to-say, you’re going to notice a change over the last 10+, but I’m guessing that’s more from a budgetary standpoint than it is from one of taste. Back in college for example; you probably couldn’t afford to drink the wines you are today (not that you probably didn’t…

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News October 17, 2011

This Week In Wine–10/16/11

  San Francisco Restaurants Demand Standard 25% Tip. It’s a question regularly asked by baffled diners all over the world: ‘How much should I tip’? Many countries have wide variations for a standard tip, often leaving even the most experienced of travellers confused. However, restaurant workers in San Francisco, California, may be about to help by implementing a standard tip onto the bill. The only problem is that – whether your service is good or…

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News October 13, 2011

Wine Spectator 2011 Vintage Chart

If vintage charts are your thing, this should be right up your alley! This is the 2011 pocket-size Wine Spectator vintage chart. Normally only available to paid subscribers, or to those whom happened to purchase that particular issue, this vintage chart is all yours to print out and keep in your pocket. Wine Spectator Vintage Chart 2011

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Funny, News October 11, 2011

The Bitch is Back….and This Time She’s Spanish!

Aussie cult winemaker Chris Ringland has escaped from Australia and he has created a Spanish version of Bitch Grenache. The Bitch has been on a hiatus of sorts for the past few vintages. She (I presume it’s a she) was one of the Australian labels underneath the Grateful Palate umbrella that went into bankruptcy last year. Well, fans of the Bitch will be pleased to know that she’s back…and she’s switched her Australian accent for…

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News October 10, 2011

This Week In Wine-10/9/11

    Hand-Picked Grapes ‘Compulsory’ for Burgundy Wine The makers of the most expensive Burgundy wines have changed the rule book to make grape-picking by hand compulsory in bid to defend the region’s age-old traditions. The domains, who say machines damage taste and are bad for vines, want other top Burgundy wine makers to follow suit, in view of a total ban in the region by 2014. For the past fortnight, thousands of seasonal workers…

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News October 6, 2011

Wine in Plastic vs. Glass – Another New Wine Debate!

Ahhhh, yes! Just what we need! Another long and tedious argument relating to wine packaging! I came to terms a long time ago with the fact that if I had to read another article on “cork vs. screwcaps”, I would probably just stab myself in the eye with a corkscrew.  I’ve therefore been ever-so-feverishly searching for the next big argument! Since the next debate that I predict will be wine in glass vs. plastic bottles,…

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News October 5, 2011

Flying with Wine-The Definitive Guide

I often get asked about the rules and regs regarding flying (or just travelling in general) with wine, so I thought it was worthy of a post! Let’s start with the current TSA rules regarding travelling with alcohol: Carrying Alcohol In Your Checked Baggage Please note, you can’t take alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol content (140 proof), including 95% grain alcohol and 150 proof rum, in your checked luggage. You may take up…

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News October 3, 2011

This Week in Wine – 10/2/11

    Trump to Mark Opening of Trump Vineyard Billionaire real estate mogul Donald Trump will fete the opening of Trump Vineyard Estates in Albemarle County on Tuesday with a reception including his son Eric Trump, Gov. Bob McDonnell, first lady Maureen McDonnell and Patricia Kluge. Trump’s organization purchased Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard in April for more than $6 million and next week will celebrate the revamped operation with an invitation-only affair. The reality…

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News September 26, 2011

This Week in Wine – 9/25/11

    It’s all a Bunch of Lies! There is no Wine Fountain of Youth, New Study Says. A group of scientists who thought they found the fountain of youth may be all wet. New research from England suggests the red wine compound called resveratrol may not extend lifespan at all. The scientists, including Dr. Leonard Guarente, professor of biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, were excited by studies that seemed to show that…

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News September 18, 2011

This Week in Wine – 9/18/11

    Waitrose Take the Gutsy Move to Stock Indian Wine… Indian wine is breaking into the UK market, with Waitrose becoming the first UK supermarket to stock wines from the sub-continent. Waitrose is featuring Ritu Viognier and Zampa Syrah as part of the Waitrose World of Wine Showcase. Waitrose describes Ritu Viognier as a ‘crisp, aromatic white wine with floral and peach aromas.’ Both wines are produced in the dry, tropical climate of the…

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