WHAT DOES RHONE WINE REFER TO? Maybe you have heard this in a tasting room somewhere on the Central Coast, "We specialize in the Rhones." Let's be honest, does that word mean anything to you? If not, we are here to help. If you guessed region, you are correct! Rhone refers to the warm and sunny Rhone Valley in Southeastern ...

MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION - NOT AS COMPLICATED AS IT SOUNDS Remember learning about tannin? Likely, the second most common term that savvy wine drinkers like to use is Malolactic Fermentation. Malo-what? If this word has stopped you in your tracks, read on. Malo or MLF are both nicknames for Malolactic Fermentation. It is a natural process that occurs when a certain natural ...

IMPROVING YOUR SENSE OF SCENTS Do you ever go wine tasting and wonder why everyone smells aromas in wine and you don't? We've all have that friend. "Oh, this is delicious! I'm getting pineapple - but I would say more cooked than fresh, like the crust of an upside-down cake." So, you just nod and smile while casually looking for ...

SMELLING WINE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF TASTING Why smell a wine before you taste? The simple answer is because it will enhance the experience. Would you believe it is the most important part of wine tasting? We can only perceive 4 or 5 flavors, but the average person can identify over 2,000 scents, 200 of which can be ...

DON'T LET THE TOPIC OF TANNIN RUIN YOUR TASTING Classic scenario - you're out wine tasting and having a great time with your friends. You are swirling, smelling, sipping and chatting when someone has to ruin the moment by mentioning tannin. Immediately the group is divided and your confidence in talking about wine is gone. Are you ready to be ...