Gramma’s basement. Stinky gym socks. Moldy newspaper. Wet dog. However you describe it, wine that smells like any of the above, is bad wine. Not what anyone is looking for when they pull the cork. And unfortunately, there is no way to predict whether a bottle will be corked before you open it, so it

Whether you’re camping, heading to a party or just a tree hugger, boxed wine is always a good consideration. Easily portable, lots of wine for the money, after opening lasts about a month, and best of all, way less impact on the environment. We also talked about the best hangover cures at this week’s class. Hangover cure

Somehow, when your friend pulls out a bottle of Champagne* from the ‘frig, the tone of the get-together changes. A few more giggles, a comment about “Wow, what’s so special about tonight?”, and anticipation at hearing the pop. What is it about Champagne that makes us a bit giddy? Consider yourself a product of brilliant

I admit it. I’m a wine professional who relishes when I can open a bottle without a corkscrew. Now, I realize that my school specializes in wines under $30, so I probably see more of these types of opening devices than my dad, who collects wine as an investment. But seriously, for today’s pedal-to-the-metal lifestyle,

I was teaching a class last month at a home for a couple celebrating a birthday and anniversary. We were discussing tannins in wine and what they are and what happens to them in your glass, or a decanter or a bottle over time. (Beginner note: “Tannins” are the compound in red wine that makes