Drinking Wine On A Boat - Without Spilling!

Now that summer is in full swing, you may be boating a lot. It's fun, relaxing, and the perfect activity to do to unwind and drink a glass of wine. However, it's a bumpy ride cruising around the water and your wine is way too precious to spill. Plastic or stemless glasses may help prevent spillage, but we have a couple other options that may be more appealing.

Since most stemware won't fit in cup holders, we love the idea of these wine glass cup holders. There are a variety of designs available and they all seem to work really well and generally have great reviews! These ones have three different attachments: The lawn stake is great for picnics, outdoor activities, and the beach. The strap attachment is perfect to connect to concert chairs and adjusts to many sizes of chairs and even deck railing. The suction base is what you would use on the boat or in the hot tub.

Available here.

Winning the Miami International Boat Show 2017 Innovation Award, these Anti-Spill Wine Glasses are quite impressive! The high quality crystal glasses has an integrated magnet that attracts to the stainless steel board to keep your glass from tipping over. The magnet is strong enough to keep your glass stable, but still allows you to easily pick up your glass.

Available here.

Now that there are a couple of options, there's no reason you can't drink your wine on the boat!

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Celebrities Who Own Wineries

Who wouldn't want to own a winery? We sure would! With the wealth most celebrities have, it's no wonder a lot of them own their own wineries for personal and professional use. This trend is not a new one, though. Philosophers, playwrights, politicians, and other well-known people throughout ancient Greek and Roman times had owned their own wineries. Some reasons celebrities delve into the winery business include tax write-off benefits, their love of wine, the challenge of a new enterprise, or just because they can. Whatever their reasons, it's becoming more and more common lately. Celebrity wine sales have been up 19% in recent years, according to Nielsen research in 2007.

Here are some celebrities that own wineries:

• Mario Andretti - Andretti Winery in Napa Valley, California

• Dan Aykroyd - Dan Aykroyd Wines in Ontario, Canada

• Drew Barrymore - Carmel Road in Italy

• Jonathan Cain - delaCain Vineyards in Sonoma County, California

• Mike Ditka - Mike Ditka Wines in Mendocino County, California

• Guy Fieri - Hunt & Ryde Winery in Sonoma County, California

• Mick Fleetwood - Mick Fleetwood Private Cellar in Lake County, California

• Fergie - Ferguson Crest in Santa Ynez Valley, California

• Jeff Gordon - Jeff Gordon Wines in Napa Valley, California

• John Legend - Legend Vineyard Exclusive (LVE) in Napa Valley, California

• Kyle MacLachlan - Pursued by Bear Wine in Columbia Valley, Washington

• Madonna - Ciccone Vineyard and Winery in Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan

• Dan Marino - Vintage 13 Marino Estates in California

• Dave Matthews - Blenheim Vineyards in Charlottesville, Virginia

• Joe Montana - Montagia Wines in Napa Valley, California

• Sam Neill - Two Paddocks in Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand

• Olivia Newton-John - Koala Blue Wines in South Australia

• Arnold Palmer - Arnold Palmer Wines in California

• Nancy Pelosi - Zinfandel Lane Vineyard in St. Helena, California

• Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie - Chateau Miraval in Provence, France

• Sting - Tenuta il Palagio in Tuscany, Italy

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Dry Creek Vineyard - Sonoma County, California

"Dry Creek Vineyard was the first new winery established in the Dry Creek Valley after Prohibition. It was David Stare’s vision to plant Sauvignon Blanc that firmly cemented the winery’s legacy as one of California’s most important wineries." - Dry Creek Vineyard

Located in Sonoma County, California, Dry Creek Vineyard was founded in 1972 by David S. Stare. Family owned and operated, the vineyard is now run by second generation family members, including David's daughter, Kim Stare Wallace and her husband Don Wallace. They take pride in their 185 acres of vineyards and strive to provide the best wines possible.

Featuring their insectary garden, beekeeping, and The Dry Creek Habitat Enhancement and Demonstration Project, they strive to provide a vineyard that is 100% Certified Sustainable. “Sustainability is not the destination – sustainability is the journey.  We are constantly adjusting our business practices as we improve our knowledge of how to better exist within nature.” –  Winery Partner Don Wallace

Dry Creek Vineyard also hosts a variety of events throughout the year including their Summer Zinfandel Dinner, Summer of Zin, and Sailing Adventure. Click here for a full list of their summer events.

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Best California Wines for Summer

Memorial Day is a day to remember those fallen heroes who gave their life in the line of duty. It is also the official kick off to summer. With it being a week behind us, it's now the time to pick up those delicious summer wines from wine country. With the wide variety of wines available, you have a lot of choices. Some wines that you may have avoided in the past could be the perfect summer wine for you now. Turning away from oaky, buttery flavors, Chardonnays have become crisper and cleaner. Sauvignon Blanc has also improved by being created fuller and richer with less bland and grassy flavors. Rosé is still a top choice for summer wines, but now is more fruity and full.

Paul Hodgins (from the Orange County Register) has put together a list of his favorite 25 California wines for summer. Here is his list: (for full information, click here).

• Babcock 2015 Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills ($30)

• Cambria 2014 Clone 4 Chardonnay ($30)

• Chalk Hill 2015 Estate Bottled Sauvignon Blanc ($33)

• Cliff Lede 2016 Sauvignon Blanc ($25)

• Cline 2016 Ancient Vines Mourvèdre Rosé ($17)

• Donelan 2014 Nancie Chardonnay ($48)

• DuMol 2015 Lia Viognier ($50)

• Ehlers Estate 2016 Sauvignon Blanc ($32)

• Eos 2014 Central Coast Chardonnay ($14)

• Epoch Wines 2014 White ($35)

• Gundlach Bundschu 2015 Gewürztraminer ($23)

• J Brut Rosé NV ($28)

• J Dusi 2016 Pinot Grigio ($18)

• Joullian Vineyards 2016 Semillon ($25)

• Ken Brown 2015 Rita’s Crown Vineyard Chardonnay ($45)

• McIntyre Vineyards 2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir ($24)

• Meiomi 2016 Rosé ($25)

• Merry Edwards 2015 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($34)

• Ramey 2014 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ($40)

• Sanford 2015 Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills ($25)

• Smith Madrone 2014 Riesling Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District ($30)

• Tablas Creek 2016 Vermentino ($27)

• Toulouse Rose of Pinot Noir 2015 Estate ($24)

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Memorial Day

"Memorial Day or Decoration Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces." Wikipedia

As we celebrate Memorial Day today, we want to take this time to thank all those who have given their lives so we have the opportunity to continue to spend time with our loved ones. Today, and every day, we remember and appreciate their sacrifice.

Some Memorial Day facts:

• Several towns claim to be the originators of Memorial Day, but in 1966 Congress declared Waterloo, New York, to be the birthplace of the holiday.

• Memorial Day originally honored military personnel who died in the Civil War (1861-1865).

• The holiday now honors those who died in any war while serving with the United States.

• It is also called Decoration Day.

In honor of these amazing people, here are some touching Memorial Day photos.

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Tips for Wine Tasting in Wine Country

Make an Appointment

Some wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma County, California fill up their wine tasting times weeks beforehand. For this reason, it's smart to make an appointment well in advance. This will allow the winery to prepare for your arrival and ensure there is enough room in the winery for your tasting. The size of some of the wineries and the permit restrictions for the number of guests may not allow for you to walk-in and do a tasting. 

Know the Fees

Tasting fees vary from $5-50 depending on how involved of an experience you would like. If you would like a tour of the vineyards, to sit in on a class or seminar, or to have lunch at the winery, the fee increases the more activities you add. It's a good idea to contact the winery to find out what their fees are and what is included.

Should I tip?

Tipping is not required since a fee is charged for wine tasting; however, like any other service you receive, a tip is appreciated if you received above and beyond service!

Taste Wine Properly

There is a right and a wrong way to sample wine during a wine tasting. You should 1. Look, 2. Smell, 3. Taste, 4. Conclude. For detailed information on how to properly taste wine, visit our blog post The Proper Way to Taste Wine

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Ravenswood Winery - Sonoma, California

This truly special Winery is a must for red wine lovers. Ravenswood Winery is famous for their lush and spicy Zinfandels, and so much more. This is our memory picture from 1999.

"On a fall day in 1976, as ravens taunted from tree branches above, Joel Peterson worked doggedly to bring in four tons of grapes before a looming thunderstorm hit. The fruit he crushed that night was used for one of two single-vineyard Sonoma County Zins – the first wines to bear Ravenswood’s signature ring of ravens. Ravenswood’s “No Wimpy Wines” credo says it all – embrace the bold, abhor the bland. From our flock of Single Vineyard Designate wines, as unique as the individual vineyards they’re from and the people who farm them, to the County Series wines that capture the spirit of California’s best growing regions and the popular Vintners Blend bottlings sourced from vineyards throughout California, we strive to put what we pick from the fields right into the bottle. Unadulterated, unapologetic, unfussy, unwimpy." - Ravenswoodwinery.com

Located in Sonoma, CA, Ravenswood Winery is one of our favorite places to get some of the most delicious Zinfandel available. They offer walk-in wine tasting, barrel tastings, vineyard tours, library tastings, and group and private tastings. They always have exciting events going on and accept reservations. Visit them today to discover the best Zinfandel you're sure to fall in love with!

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Wine Related Gifts for Mother's Day

So mom likes wine, huh? Well, who doesn't?! Mother's Day is this weekend and we've got the BEST wine related gifts for mom...

Wine Glasses

Give mom a set of wine glasses with cute sayings on them like "Because... Kids," or "Liquid Therapy," or "I don't give a sip!"

Wine Scented Candles
Swirling and smelling your wine is half of the experience so fill mom's house with the delicious scent of wine all the time!

Wine & Cheese Serving Tray
If your mom likes to entertain then a wine and cheese serving tray is the perfect gift for her!

Wine Bottle Wind Chimes
If you have some extra wine bottles laying around, a wine bottle wind chime is the perfect way to use them and show mom you care... and it's extra special if you make it yourself!

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Our Favorite Napa Valley Wineries

Known throughout the whole world, Napa Valley is home to some of the most beautiful wineries and the tastiest wines! This glorious part of wine country features over 400 wineries who produce full-bodied Cabernets and fruity Merlots, along with dozens of other wine varieties. There are many regions of Napa Valley that contain these amazing vineyards and we want to share some of our favorites with you.

Calistoga

• Chateau Montelena

"A must for wine lovers seeking excellence, our setting is one of the most peaceful in the Napa Valley - a stone castle carved into a hillside overlooking a Chinese garden, lake and vineyards reaching out to the base of Mount Saint Helena."

• Clos Pegase

"WELCOME TO CLOS PEGASE, the classic Napa Valley destination for award-winning, estate wines and luxury hospitality. Located just down the road from the town of Calistoga and nestled among estate vineyards, Clos Pegase Winery is both an awe-inspiring and welcoming destination."

Oakville

• Cain Vineyard & Winery

"Cain Vineyard & Winery is cradled in a spectacular bowl overlooking the Napa Valley from the crest of the Spring Mountain District. We are dedicated to the creation of three Cabernet blends, each drawn from its own unique vineyard sources, each with its own distinctive signature: Cain Cuvée, Cain Concept, and Cain Five."

• Silver Oak Cellars

"Our Oakville winery is located between the Silverado Trail and the town of Oakville on the original site where Silver Oak was founded out of a dairy barn in 1972. Since 2008, our new, state-of-the-art winery has served as the production facility for our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon."

Rutherford

• Peju Province Winery

"Visit us and discover what makes Peju a magical destination! Taste our award-winning wines, learn about food and wine pairing with our wine and culinary exploration or get hands-on in the Peju kitchen. We welcome you to join us daily 10am – 6pm."

• Mumm Napa

"Our roots can be traced back to GH Mumm, the leading international champagne brand in France. Established in California in the late 1970s, Mumm Napa follows traditional wine making techniques of its French heritage to create the finest, hand-crafted sparkling wines. Our dedication to quality has been rewarded with accolades and awards over the decades."

St. Helena

• Beringer Vineyards

"Passion has the wonderful power to turn mere objects into an obsession, to transform everyday tasks into art. At Beringer, we have been living our passion for over 141 years."

• Sherwin Family Vineyards

"After almost 30 years as a Builder and Developer in the Bay Area, Steve Sherwin was ready to make a lifestyle change. He and his wife, Linda, were looking for a quieter, more relaxed setting to raise their three children. Steve’s buddy, a fifth generation grape grower in Napa Valley, suggested that they look for property in Napa Valley and grow grapes. His buddy assured him that, although farming is a lot of hard work, it was not nearly as stressful as building and developing."

Yountville

• Jessup Cellars

"The Jessup Cellars story is one of passion, family, hard work, resilience and, of course, fantastic wine. Over the past two decades, Jessup Cellars has earned a loyal following for its ultra-premium wines of distinction and a word-of-mouth reputation for hosting one of the friendliest tasting rooms in all of wine county."

• Kelleher Family Vineyard

"The Kelleher Family Vineyard is situated along Highway 29 in the famous Oakville Appellation in the heart of the Napa Valley. We have 10 acres planted exclusively with Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and we have named this beautiful piece of land "Brix Vineyard", after our namesake restaurant "Brix"."

For more of our favorite wineries, visit us at AWineryReview.com

Wine's Long-Term Effects on Your Brain

A study, published in February of 2018 by The Center for Translational Neuromedicine at The University of Rochester, which centers around how prolonged alcohol exposure effects your central nervous system, had some very interesting results. Their goal was to discover the amount of alcohol it takes to damage the function of the central nervous system through the glymphatic system, which is the system your body uses to remove waste in your brain. What their study revealed was very interesting!

"While a couple of glasses of wine can help clear the mind after a busy day, new research shows that it may actually help clean the mind as well. The new study shows that low levels of alcohol consumption tamp down inflammation and helps the brain clear away toxins, including those associated with Alzheimer's disease." - Science Daily

To conduct their study they exposed mice to different amounts of ethanol (alcohol). Some mice were exposed to moderate doses, some high, and some extreme doses. The mice that were given moderate doses showed improved glymphatic function compared to mice that were not exposed to any ethanol. This level increases the brain's efficiency of waste removal while reducing inflammation. The mice that were exposed to high and extreme doses had severe decreases in their brain waste removal. Their activity was subdued and their cells induced an injury reaction. The authors also suggest that a higher risk of dementia may be a long-term result of high or extreme exposure.

So how much is moderate, high, and extreme doses of wine?

Moderate Exposure - 2.5 glasses

High Exposure - 8 glasses

Extreme Exposure - 21 glasses

*These numbers are approximations

The bottom line is that drinking wine, or any alcohol, in moderation may be better for your central nervous system than drinking it in high doses or not at all. It's perfectly fine to enjoy a glass or two of your favorite bottle!

For more information, or to read the full study, click here.

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A Crumbling Cork

If you've ever had a bottle of wine that had a crumbling cork you may wonder what to do. The best way to separate the cork from the wine is to filter the wine through mesh to collect the cork pieces. If the wine is old, this process may oxidize the wine more than desired, so you may want to filter it into a glass instead of decanting it. Since most wine bottles will still be sealed, the wine should have maintained it's quality. The best way to determine if the quality has been compromised is to taste the wine before serving. 

To prevent the cork from crumbling in the first place a two-prong wine opener is a good investment. This method pulls the cork from the sides instead of from the middle with a screw which can keep the cork in tact. If you don't have a two-prong wine opener yet, try removing a fragile cork very slowly.

If the cork breaks while removing it and some is left in the opening of the bottle, you can try to remove it by using both a two-prong wine opener and a cork screw. Or you can try to pry it out with the sharp end of the cork screw, again, very slowly and carefully. If all else fails, pushing the cork into the bottle of wine may be your only option.

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Our Website

We are constantly updating our website and the services we offer you! We have "Featured Wineries" on our website along with our NEW magazine! Here are some of our services:

• Recipes

• Magazine

• Accessory Store

• Wine Glossary

• Featured Wineries 

• Wine Country Maps

• Red Wine Suggestions

• White Wine Suggestions

• & More!

H. Montanile's winery review is a comprehensive overview of California's wine country detailing the overall experience of visiting the California Wineries.  Our reviews include the wines generally available for tasting, as well as a wide variety of other wines.  With over 5000 wineries to choose from, let H. Montanile's winery review be your companion on your visit to the wineries in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

We update our website weekly with new information and products so keep checking back so you don't miss anything!

Wine's Effect On Your Teeth

Have you ever taken a sip of a deep red wine and it left a purple tint to your teeth? It's pretty common, and unattractive. Luckily we have some tips to help you avoid this and some insight as to what effect wine has on your teeth.

Susceptible to erosion due to acids, the enamel on your teeth is the part that is most effected by wine since wine is high in acids. In addition to the short-term staining of your teeth caused by wine, long-term dullness of your teeth is a concern. Red wine usually takes the blame for teeth staining because of the obviously darker color it has. It also causes more staining because it's high in chromogens, which can also be found in coffee and tea, other teeth staining drinks. The tannins in red wine can help the chromogens bind to teeth. We can't put all the blame on red wine, though. White wine is very high in acidity which breaks down tooth enamel. When the enamel is broken down it allows food and drinks to penetrate the teeth, thus staining them.

All of this may sound a bit overwhelming for wine drinkers, but there's no reason to stop enjoying your favorite bottle. Dr. John Aylmer, a Weston, FL dentist, says "If a patient tells me they drink a lot of wine, it doesn't raise any great concerns for me, as long as they're sticking to an effective oral-hygiene regimen." Brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent the effects of wine staining your teeth, just like any other foods (sugar, coffee, etc.).

One way to prevent wine from staining your teeth is to brush your teeth beforehand. This will scrub away plaque that wine can stick to. Then wait at least 30 minutes after drinking wine before brushing again to prevent from moving all the acid from wine throughout your mouth.

An even easier trick to prevent staining is to swish water around your mouth periodically while drinking wine to wash away the staining components. Since water is a neutral substance, it restores normal pH levels in your mouth, aiding in the reduction of cavity causing bacteria. It can also help your mouth produce more saliva which fights off bacteria.

Wine does have a lot of positive effects on your teeth, too!

"A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that red-wine antioxidants prevented plaque-causing bacteria from sticking to gum tissue.

In 2014, another study published in that journal showed that wine might help prevent periodontal disease and teeth loss. In the study, wine with added grapeseed extract was effective in fighting three out of five mouth disease–causing bacterial strains.

In 2007, research from Italy's University of Pavia showed that both white and red wine may help prevent the proliferation of streptococci, a type of bacteria associated with cavities, tooth decay and sore throats. Furthermore, another study from the same year found that polyphenols in grape pomace may help inhibit Streptococcus mutans, the dental pathogen that produces tooth-decaying acid and sugary substances called glucans, which can cause plaque. 

Among these polyphenols, resveratrol might play a key role. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that resveratrol reduced the amount of gingivitis-related bacteria by up to 60 percent in lab tests on mice, performing better than synthetic alternatives."

- Wine Spectator

So don't hold back from having that glass (or two) of wine because you're afraid of it staining your teeth. Drink up!

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Napa Valley Restaurants the Locals Visit

Living in one of the most popular tourist locations does make for higher prices and busy seating areas if you're looking to grab a bite to eat. Of course Napa Valley locals know all the best places to eat in the area. Places that are more low-key, comfortable, and affordable. Here are some of the best places that locals eat at:

• Angele - 540 Main (at Fifth St.) Street Napa, California - www.angelerestaurant.com

"We are a French country restaurant and bar offering refined bistro fare, wine and cocktails on the Napa riverfront in the heart of downtown Napa. Our dining room, located in the historic 1890's ship chandlery now known as the Hatt Building, evokes the simple romance of the classic French brasserie, while our riverfront patio celebrates the region's temperate climate and relaxed atmosphere."

• Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch - 738 Main Street St. Helena, California - www.longmeadowranch.com/eat-drink/restaurant

"At our restaurant, our connection to rugged mountain terrain, mineral-rich riverbed benchland, and the cool coastal air is tangible through the dishes and ambiance carefully curated by the Halls and our artisans. The talents of chefs, farmers, cattle ranchers, winemakers, and restaurant managers create a Napa Valley experience like no other."

• La Luna Market & Taqueria - 1153 Rutherford Rd, Rutherford, California - www.lalunamarket.com

Featuring a menu full of burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and other delicious items, this spicy restaurant is the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat! Sit outside and look at the beautiful vineyards in the area while having an affordable lunch.

• Goose and Gander - 1245 Spring St, St Helena, California - www.goosegander.com

"Goose & Gander is a wine country public house- a gathering place for locals and visitors to celebrate Napa Valley’s abundant bounty (or embarrassment of riches). Chef Nic Jones creates amazing rustic American food and mouthwatering bar bites served in our pub-like dining room, cherished basement bar or lush patio. The seasonally  driven menu perfectly complements Scott Beattie’s retro-fresh libations or a bottle of  wine from our unique and exciting wine list."

For more restaurants located in the Napa Valley area, visit our website!

Hiking in Napa Valley

A lot of people head to Napa Valley to see the amazing vineyards and to taste the delicious wines. While this is a great way to experience the area, there are also other wonderful things to do. Hiking is prevalent in Napa Valley and there are a variety of locations to go and things to see such as the awe-inspiring redwoods and the stunning vistas.

Here are some of the best hikes you can take in Napa Valley:

1. Ritchey Canyon Trail, Calistoga - 8 miles out-and-back, moderate, strenuous

The canyons of Bothe-Napa Valley State Park are home to some of the most majestic redwoods you can imagine. Following Ritchey Creek, the Ritchey Canyon Trail also has trilliums and orchids which are amazing.

More Information

2. Dryfoot Trail, St. Helena - 6.4 miles out-and-back, moderate

Moore Creek Park used to be a cattle ranch. Above St. Helena, it runs next to the northeastern shore of Lake Hennessey. Rolling hills offer a great place to hike or bike and the new Dryfoot Trail leads to a swimming hole.

More Information

3. Lower Oat Hill Mine Trail, Calistoga - 9 miles out-and-back, strenuous

A beautiful view is offered from the Lower Oat Hill Mine Trail which leads up the hills above Calistoga. The trail follows an old road that used to lead to former cinnabar (mercury) mines. You can view beautiful spring wildflowers on your way up the rocky trail.

More Information

4. Buchli Station Road Trail, Napa - 4.75-mile loop, moderate

Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area is on the north shore of San Pablo Bay and offers 15,200 acres of birds, fish, and other beautiful things to see. 

More Information

5. Napa River Ecological Reserve, Yountville - 0.5-mile loop, easy

The short loop on this 73 acre preserve is the perfect place to relax and stroll. You can walk underneath tall oaks on this trail that hugs the river.

More Information

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Our Brand New Magazine!

We've started a brand new wine magazine and we've just published our first issue! H. Montanile's Winery Reviews magazine is a monthly publication that you can download for FREE! The issues will contain topics such as what's trending in wine, monthly featured wines and wineries, our On The Road articles, and much more. 

"As we embark on our e-magazine adventure we will take you with us on our lifetime journey of love, everyday life, family, travel, food & wine. We will share with you daily life tidbits from inside our home and our adventures on the road while bringing you upcoming trends, treasured moments, human interest stories, relevant world events, our recipes, winery experiences, travel information and 

more." - Leslie & Joe Montanile

Our first issue contains some informative articles, including:

• 5 Helpful Tips in Planning Your Wine Country Adventure

• Our Chicken Parmesan Pizza, Stuffed Peppers with Sriracha Kick, and other recipes

• A Little Something About H. Montanile...

• Sonoma County and Napa Maps

• And so much more!

You can download and subscribe to our FREE magazine from the homepage of our website AWineryReview.com today! Or, click here.