Preventing Foggy Wine Glasses

No one wants to drink or eat from a dirty dish and it's embarrassing when you pull your wine glasses out of the cupboard and they look dirty or foggy! Spots on your glasses are never appealing and re-washing your dishes before serving wine is not ideal. Foggy wine glasses are caused by a build-up of hard water minerals. Since it's so hard to remove the fogginess, it's better to try to prevent it. Wash your wine glasses by hand using hot water then use a microfiber cloth to dry them immediately.

If your glasses are already foggy you can try to get them clean by soaking them in vinegar. This will dissolve the minerals and allow you to effectively wash and dry them by hand. Another option is to wipe them off with nail polish remover or denture cleaner, then wash and dry them by hand.

If the fogginess just won't go away then your glasses may be scratched. Unfortunately, there is no way to remove the scratches from your wine glasses and it may be time to invest in a new set.

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Number of Glasses in a Bottle

If you're having people over, bringing wine to a party, or are just curious, it's a good thing to know how many glasses of wine are in a bottle. There are a variety of wine bottle sizes available and we've broken out different sizes with their serving amounts.

Your standard bottle is 750 mL which is about 25.4 oz. If you pour approximately 5 oz in your wine glass you will get about five glasses per bottle.

A 1.5 liter, otherwise known as a "Magnum" bottle, contains 50.8 oz which you can get ten glasses of out of.

Most boxed wines are 101.6 oz which equates to about twenty, 5 oz glasses.

These numbers are not exact. It does depend on your glass serving size. Serving size generally range from 3-6 oz based on the alcohol content of the wine, which usually ranges from 5.5% – 21% ABV.

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Mustard in the Vineyards?

As spring approaches, you may want to take a drive through the California vineyards to experience the beautiful mustard blossoms that grow there as winter comes to an end. Sometimes it grows there wild, and sometimes the vineyard manager purposefully plants it there. But why?

In addition to it's beauty, mustard provides valuable nutrients to the grape vines. As it turns to mulch it supplies the emerging vines with phosphorus. Because it contains high levels of biofumigants, mustard also helps decrease the nematode population, which is damaging microscopic worms.

The planting of mustard in the vineyards is not a new tradition. Legend has it that a Franciscan missionary started spreading mustard seed as he landscaped Californian church properties. Planting was as easy as carrying a sack full of mustard seeds on the back. A small hole in the sack would allow the seeds to escape and be scattered as the landscapers walked.

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Warm Red Wines for Winter

January seemed to last forever this year and now that we're finally into February it seems there may be an end to winter in sight! Spring is right around the corner but we still have a few weeks of winter left. With the days still pretty short and most activities being indoors, it's still the perfect weather for wine. Warm red wines are great for fighting off the chill and the end-of-winter blues.

Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the most popular red wine grape varieties is Cabernet Sauvignon. Having strong fruit flavors of plum and black cherry when young, this wine gives off the distinct aroma of blackcurrants. As it ages, it can give off aromas of tobacco and cedar. Lamb, and other fatty red meats, pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Malbec

Recently, Malbec has been rapidly growing in popularity. Similar to Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec has flavors of plum and black cherry. It also consists of blackberry and can even have chocolate flavors. Because of it's softer tannins, it pairs well with lean meats.

Syrah

Giving hearty, spicy red wines, the Syrah grape variety is a perfect choice for those chilly winter nights. Along with the previous mentioned wines, it has flavors of wild black fruits such as blackcurrants. These fruit flavors can be accompanied with roasting meat and black pepper spice flavors. Wild game and stews are wonderful pairings to go with Syrah.

Now that winter is in full swing and we're (hopefully) headed to an early spring, try to push through these last days of winter with these delightful, warm, red wine varieties.

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Cork vs Screw Cap

It used to be that when you thought of a screw capped bottle of wine you thought of a cheaper wine. Screw capped wine has been around since the 1950s but usually on more economical jugs of wine. Higher end bottles of wine are associated with corks, but recently that is changing.

In the 1400s, with the increase in popularity of glass bottles, the use of corks to close those bottles became more popular, as well. This is because cork bark, which is pliable, is great for holding the liquid inside the glass bottle. Corks are also preferred in the long-term aging of wines. They are made from renewable resources and are environmentally friendly. However, with other options available it may not be the best choice to use corks in all bottles of wine. They are more expensive, can cause TCA ‘Cork’ Taint, and natural corks may not breathe at a stable rate.

Some alternatives to corks include screw caps and corks made of other materials, such as plastics or plant-based polymers. These options are cheaper to make and easier to use, but like corks, they have their downsides. Some of them don't breathe at all, they are made from non-renewable resources, they are not biodegradable, and they are often associated with "cheap" wine.

Don't be surprised to see an increase in alternative methods to corks in not only economical wines, but also in high-end wines. They may not be the tradition, but when weighing the pros and cons of each they seem to be just as good.

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Sonoma County Spas

Known for it's amazing wineries, endless activities, and amazing dining options, Sonoma County is one of the best places in the world to live it up. But did you know that it's also a great place to relax and unwind? With a variety of exquisite spas, Sonoma is the perfect destination to lay back and enjoy a little pampering. Here are some of the best spas in Sonoma County.

Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary

209 Bohemian Highway

Freestone, CA 95472

Local: 707-823-8231

Email: reservations@osmosis.com

"Located in beautiful Western Sonoma County- Osmosis is the only day spa in the U.S. that offers the Cedar Enzyme Bath- a rejuvenating heat treatment from Japan. We also specialize in a variety of 75-minute massage modalities performed by our community of experienced therapists. In reflection of our commitment to wellness and the environment, we feature an array of organic facials, skin care, and waxing services. We welcome you to relax in our authentic meditation garden with a cup of our exclusive blend of organic herbal tea. Shop anytime in our unique spa boutique filled with great gifts and products to support your healthy lifestyle. Gift certificates are available year round for any occasion, either in our boutique or in 30 years! Voted Best Spa by North Bay Bohemian for 17 years running! Named Best Spa North of San Francisco by San Francisco Magazine." [1]

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

100 Boyes Blvd.

Sonoma, CA 95476

Toll Free: 866-540-4499

Local: 707-938-9000

Email: smi.reservations@fairmont.com

"In the midst of Wine Country’s grandeur stands a true treasure: The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, rated among Travel + Leisure’s top 25 spas. The elegant Spanish Mission–style inn boasts an enviable location atop an ancient thermal mineral spring, flowing from 1,100 feet (335 meters) below and historically revered by Native Americans for its healing power. The tranquility and beauty of this environment is echoed throughout the 40,000-square-foot (3,700-square-meter) spa, which offers endless opportunities to find your energy—whether it’s relaxing by the inviting fireplace, soaking in our mineral baths and Watsu® pool, or indulging in one of our signature treatments." [1]

Kenwood Inn and Spa

10400 Sonoma Highway 12

Kenwood, CA 95452

Toll Free: 800-353-6966

Local: 707-833-1293

Email: caroline@foursisters.com

"Open to both overnight guests and day visitors, the Spa at Kenwood Inn has earned its reputation as one of the leading spas in the United States. A consistent award winner, this perennial reviewers’ favorite is the ultimate body retreat in Sonoma Wine Country.

Amidst exquisite surroundings, experienced and highly trained therapists and aestheticians provide clients with results-oriented treatments, leading to a feeling of total relaxation and rejuvenation.

Many selections from the extensive spa menu here prove that wine is not just for drinking. Our Honey Wine Wrap, Crushed Cabernet Scrub and Massage and Vinoperfect Facial are among our most popular offerings. Our Vinotherapy Baths are the ultimate add-on; choose Pinor Noir, Chardonnay or Sparkling for a therapeutic soak unlike any other, and sip a glass of bubbly while the bath soothes your stress away. With your bath, we’ll also provide a gift bag of Vinotherapy products so you can recreate the experience back home. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m." [1]

The Spa Gourmet

Contact Us Directly

Sebastopol, CA 95472

Local: 707-494-7374

Email: cindy@thespagourmet.com

"The Spa Gourmet delivers the ultimate luxury vacation experience to visitors of Sonoma County from Wine Country to the Coast. Offering Pampering Spa Treatments followed by gourmet cuisine, from a light healthy spa lunch... to a five course dinner complete with "apres-massage" hors d'oeuvres (poolside), wine pairings and decadent dessert." [1]

Applewood Inn

13555 Highway 116

Guerneville, CA 95446

Toll Free: 800-555-8509

Local: 707-869-9093

Email: relax@applewoodinn.com

"Applewood: An Enclave for Romance at the Heart of the Russian River Valley

This Boutique Wine Country Inn, with its 19 rooms and suites and a spa, is located one hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the heart of the Russian River Valley Pinot Noir growing region.

Sheltered by towering redwoods and surrounded by fruit orchards and gardens, this romantic getaway offers adults a secluded and peaceful refuge to relax, rejuvenate, and re-connect.

The Spa at Applewood offers relaxed pampering in a tranquil setting. Whether it's a day visit or an appointment during your stay, the spa is a key ingredient for a perfect get away.

The Gardens at Applewood grow organic fruits, herbs and vegetables and together with its apiary and chicken coop, reflect Applewood's commitment to sustainability.

The green apple in Applewood's logo is a symbol of the eco-consciousness apparent throughout the property. The use of solar energy for producing electricity and heating the pool, an in-house, aerated, composting system and many other green practices provide a canvas for the conservation of Applewood's beauty.

Applewood is a sanctuary for tranquility and intimacy as well as a portal to world-class wineries, the mystical Russian River, the rugged and dramatic Northern California coastline, and the millenarian Armstrong Redwood Forest." [1]

[1] SonomaCounty.com

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Plan Your Valentine's Day Getaway to Napa Valley

Valentine's Day is about a month away and Napa Valley has so many romantic activities available. Some popular activities offered include hot-air balloon rides, bicycle rentals, horseback riding, and of course wine tasting! Click here for more activities in Napa Valley. Here are some more events and specials offered in Napa Valley for Valentine's Day:

Where: Cliff Lede Vineyards

What: Multi-course dinner catered by Tre Posti featuring musical entertainment and a live table-side mozzarella pulling demonstration.

When: Saturday, February 10th at 6 pm

How Much: Tickets are $195 for club members, $250 for non-members. Must purchase by January 31, 2018

Where: The Grill at Silverado Resort & Spa

What: Special three-course dinner including a glass of sparkling wine.

When: Wednesday, February 14th 5:30pm-9:00pm

How Much: $75 per person

Where: Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa

What: Hot, Steamy, and Dreamy Valentine’s Day package which includes two nights in one of our renovated, retro-chic rooms outfitted with rainfall showers and hoodie sweatshirt robes to cuddle in. A Mudnage à Trois spa experience for two at our MoonAcre Spa and Baths, including time at our DIY Mud Bar, two private bathing sessions, and two 50-minute massages. An aphrodisiacal wine and chocolate pairing experience for two at Clif Family Winery's tasting room. Naughty dice and card game to enjoy in room and take home for later.

When: Available for all of February

Where: Judd's Hill

What: Valentine's Party including wine, delicious nibbles, and a dynamic duo of masseurs giving complimentary neck and shoulder massages.

When: Sunday, February 11 from noon to 2:30 pm

How Much: $55 per person

Where: Napa Valley Balloons

What: Private hot-air balloon ride at sunrise including a sparkling wine toast (if you mention Visit Napa Valley at the time of reservation, they’ll include an exclusive in-flight photo package).

When: February 10 to 18, 2018

How Much: Private flight for two is $2,200

Where: Silverado Cooking School

What: A hands-on cooking class & dinner where you and your date will prepare and enjoy a seasonal three-course menu featuring fresh ingredients from our own farm, Stone Tree Farm.

When: Wednesday, February 14, 6 to 9 pm

How Much: $275 per couple

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Wine Etiquette Tips

At home you may snuggle up in your pajamas chugging a bottle of wine from a coffee mug (we're not judging... we do it, too!) but when you're in public it's probably a good idea to practice some wine drinking etiquette. Whether you're meeting your significant other's parents, attending a business dinner or party, or going to any formal event, it's a good idea to have some manners. Here are a few tips on how to impress people with your knowledge of the correct way to drink wine.

• Hold your glass by the stem - The wine glass is not only designed to be beautiful, it's designed to keep your wine from getting warm. If you hold the glass by the stem it prevents your hand from warming the wine inside.

• Smell your wine - Wine is an experience. Don't miss out on half of the experience by only tasting your wine. Smell it first, then sip it to get the full flavor.

• Drink from the same spot of the wine glass - If you drink from one side of your wine glass, then rotate the glass and drink from a different part you will be putting dirty looking mouth marks (especially if you're wearing lipstick) all over your glass. Try to drink from the same spot of the wine glass every sip in order to keep your glass cleaner.

• Clink glasses bell to bell - Try to cheers someone by clinking the bell of your glass to the bell of theirs. This helps avoid breaking either glass. It's also good etiquette to make eye contact with who you're clinking glasses with.

• While pouring wine, hold the bottle in the palm of your hand - If you're the one who's pouring the wine from the bottle make sure to hold the bottle at it's base in the palm of your hand. Try to hold it with the label facing outwards so everyone can see what it is.

• Don't overfill your glass - Wine is meant to aerate once poured so don't fill your glass all the way. If you fill it a little less than halfway it allows the wine to breathe.

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Annual Official Wine Drinking Days

You may know that May 25th is "National Wine Day," but do you know when "Drink Local Wine Week" is? Or how about "National Zinfandel Day?"

In order to avoid missing an opportunity to drink wine this year (not like we need a specific day), here is a list of official wine drinking days to celebrate:

February 18th: Drink Wine Day

February 27th: Open That Bottle Night

March 3rd: National Mulled Wine Day

April 17th: World Malbec Day

May 9th: World Moscato Day

May 25th: National Wine Day

August 1st: International Albarino Day

August 14th: International Rosé Day

August 18th: National Pinot Noir Day
August 30th: International Cabernet Sauvignon Day

September 16th: International Grenache Day - Technically held on the third Friday in September

October 11-17th: Drink Local Wine Week

October 23rd: Champagne Day

November 7th: International Merlot Day

November 12th: Wine Tourism Day

November 12th: International Tempranillo Day

November 18th: National Zinfandel Day

December 4th: Cabernet Franc Day

December 5th: Repeal Day - On this date in 1933, we could all drink again

December 20th: National Sangria Day

December 31st: National Champagne Day

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Christmas Wine Memes

It's Christmas Day! Relax with loved ones, eat, drink a bottle of wine (did we say bottle?! We meant glass *wink*wink), and enjoy these Christmas wine themed memes!

12 snobs sniffing

11 casks a corking

10 crushers crushing

9 vines a winding

8 charming chardonnays

7 sommeliers a-serving

6 corkscrews turning

5 golden sauternes

4 hearty cabernets

3 french blends

2 toasting friends

and a pinot in a pear tree

This is our favorite type of exercise

All the xmas spirit we have is in the liquor cabinet

We may need a few bottles to deal with the difficult relatives

I'm actually really easy to shop for... if you know where to shop

Either or... I'm not picky

 

Not likely

Wine. Yes, definitely wine.

I always dreams of wine, even when it's not the Holidays.

No need for stocking stuffers.

Merry Christmas from AWineryReview.com

How To Remove Red Wine Stains

One of the most popular drink choices for the Holiday Season is red wine, and it's no mystery why. Red wine is delicious! However, the more you drink, the more likely you are to have a little accident and spill some red wine on yourself, the couch, or the carpet. Many people think it's impossible to get out red wine stains, but it's not. The faster you can treat the stain the better chance you have of getting the stain out, but you can still remove it once it's dry. Here are some tips on how to remove red wine stains.

Wet Stains:

• Cover the stain with a thick layer of salt within 2 minutes of the spill

• Pour club soda on top of the salt and the stain

• After an hour of the stain sitting, remove the salt and blot with a paper towel

Dry Stains:

• Pour vodka over the stain

• Blot with a paper towel

• Repeat until the stain fades

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Best Holiday Gifts for Wine Lovers

The Holidays are the perfect time to enjoy the company of loved ones and giving gifts is a wonderful way to show others how special they are to you. However, there's only so many times you can give someone a bottle of wine before it becomes mundane. If you want to pleasantly surprise them, give them a wine related gift that isn't just the standard bottle of wine.

A great idea is to save your wine corks throughout the year and make them a homemade gift. Our What To Do With Your Extra Wine Corks blog has some creative ideas for what you can make. But if you didn't save corks or you don't have the time to make a homemade gift, here are some ideas of other wine related gifts that are sure to please your loved one (or yourself! There's nothing wrong with a "To: me, From: me" present!).

Gilded Rim Wine Glass Set

From stemless glasses, to white wine glasses and red wine glasses, these are a beautiful gift for someone who loves to entertain.

• Stemless Glasses - Buy Now

• White Wine Glasses - Buy Now

• Red Wine Glasses - Buy Now

Wine Aerator

Give the gift of a perfect, aerated pour with this beautiful wine Aerator

• Aervana Wine Aerator - Buy Now

• Rabbit Super Wine Aerator - Buy Now

Wine Lover's Card Deck

Not only is this gift great for playing drinking games, it also is a great way to learn wine facts. It's the perfect gift for a host or hostess.

• The Wine Deck - Buy Now

Wine Glass Markers

These markers are great for personalizing your wine glass as to not mix it up with someone else's.

• Wine Glass Writer - Buy Now

Wine Decanter

In addition to the beauty a decanter offers, it's also a wonderful way to let wine breathe. Decanters make stylish, affordable gifts.

• Homestia Wine Decanter - Buy Now

• Vivid Wine Decanter - Buy Now

• Ravenscroft Crystal Wine Decanter - Buy Now

Wine Preservation System

Help your loved one keep a bottle of wine tasting it's best for long with a wine preservation system.

• Coravin Model One Wine System - Buy Now

• Coravin Model Two Wine System - Buy Now

Red Wine Stain Remover

Everyone is clumsy once in a while so this gift is perfect for everyone!

• Red Wine Stain Remover - Buy Now

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