Wine 101
Your guide to understanding, tasting, and enjoying wine.
Our Philosophy
“Great wines come from within. If you like it, it's a great wine!”
Expense doesn't equate to enjoyment. Your personal preference determines what's a great wine for you. That's the beauty of wine—there's something for everyone.
The Five S's of Wine Tasting
See
Examine the wine for clarity and debris by holding it to light. Note that unfiltered wines may contain grape particles, which should be disclosed on labels. The wine's color can tell you about its age and character.
Swirl
Mixing oxygen with wine enhances flavor development. This controlled aeration differs from the oxidation damage that occurs when air enters sealed bottles over time. Swirling releases the wine's aromas.
Smell
Assessing aroma (called “bouquet” or “on the nose”) prepares your palate, similar to smelling food before eating. Take your time—much of what we perceive as taste is actually smell.
Sip
Fill your mouth one-third full to expose your entire tongue to the wine's complex characteristics—sweet, sour, bitter, and salty notes. Drawing air through the wine while tasting reveals additional dimensions.
Savor
Observe how flavors evolve with aeration. Look for specific characteristics like apple notes in whites or cherry in reds. Evaluate the aftertaste and finish—whether the palate feels clean or retains certain notes.
Wine Service & Cork Inspection
The cork's wine stain indicates the bottle's seal quality. Excessive wine seeping toward the top suggests premature air intrusion, which can affect the wine's quality. A good cork should be moist on the wine end but not soaked through.
No Hassle Wine Pricing
Mix and match from hundreds of wines in stock daily. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect wine for any occasion.
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