If you want just the basics when it comes to wine tasting, read on!

Our sense of smell is much keener than our sense of taste, so you really want to "smell"  your wine at a wine tasting.

Some experts have said (although it's debatable) that we don't really even taste wine - - it's really just a very aromatic, fragrant liquid. 

Whether that is true or not, there are a few basic steps to wine tasting:
1.  Sniff, sniff, sniff
2.  Swirl it around in the glass (don't spill!)
3.  Take a sip and swish it around a bit... Then swallow

Do you still taste it a couple moments after it slid down your throat? If so, that is a good thing (and maybe the right wine for you!)

If you need accessories for swirling, swishing and tasting, check out http://www.awineboutique.com/

Take a look at our aerators for the best "swirling" options around!  http://awineboutique.com/category_16/Aerators.htm


CHEERS!!!

Long "Black Friday" lines at the checkout got you down??  Why wait??  Do your holiday shopping online!  A Cyber Monday special for the intelligent online shoppers out there...

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Save 15% off your order of $35.00 or more at http://awineboutique.com/

We have an amazing selection of gifts for the wine lovers on your list... Or treat yourself this holiday season and pick up something special, just for you!!

Happy Shopping... and CHEERS!

Who needs Black Friday?  Why wait in long lines at the stores... Plan your Cyber Monday shopping schedule now!  

Good effective today, Nov. 21, through the end of the month, AWineBoutique.com is offering 15% off your order of $35.00 or more!  http://awineboutique.com?code=CYBERMON

Whether it's glassware, wine racks, a wine refrigerator (to stock up on vino for your holiday parties!) or a corkscrew, we have it all!

HAPPY CYBER MONDAY EVERYONE! ! !

Is the vintage important when buying wine?  Let's start by explaining what vintage really means.  It actually refers to the physical process of picking the grapes and making the wine, AND the year that the wine was produced.

When wine experts talk about wine, they include climate, the winemaking process, and the vineyard itself. 

Bottom line... if a wine bottle doens't have a vintage referenced on the bottle, it's probably inferior to one that does.  Does that mean it's "bad" wine?  NO!  Many table wines in the US are non-vintaged.  You can enjoy them just as much (at a better price) than their vintaged counterparts.

If you enjoy a "good" wine and need "great" accessories to complement it, check us out at http://www.awineboutique.com/

We have items for "experts" such as  http://awineboutique.com/item_299/Sommeliers-Tasting-Cup.htm sommelier's items http://awineboutique.com/item_246/Sommelier-Sprial-Decanter.htm and many, many products for wine-lovers everywhere!

Thanksgiving is in a few days, and Christmas and New Year's is just around the corner.  Stock up now on your glassware from AWineBoutique.com!  Whether you prefer red, white, or something in between, we have a large variety for you to choose from. 

Also check out our "gifts" section - - a wine-related gift or accessory is sure to please.

Choosing Wine in a Restaurant:

Ask your waiter for a recommendation, or try the "house" wine first.  If it's decent, then the rest of the wine list should be too.

If you don't care too much about matching your wine with your food, opt for a good Alsace white - it goes with most dishes.

If the list is overwhelming (or underwhelming), stick to something from California, Australia or Chile.  They are probably the most reliable - and usually a good value for your dollar.

Check the temperature of the bottle.  If it's too warm for your liking, ask for an ice bucket.
At AWineBoutique.com we offer a large variety of Chilling Products to meet your needs.  Check us out!

What could be the cause of a faulty wine?
Is the fault oxidation?  The cause could be air.  Solution?  Dump it!
Is the fault sulfur?  The cause could be too much was added.  Solution?  Give it air!
Is the fault cloudiness?  The cause could be bacteria.  Solution?  Dump it!
Is the fault corkiness?  The cause could be fungus. Solution?  RETURN THE BOTTLE!
At awineboutique.com, take a look at our decanters and aerators to assist you with making your wine the best it can be!

Well, it's almost Thanksgiving and you know what that means... Turkey and all the trimmings!  My favorite trimming is WINE!  But, what is the "right" kind of wine to serve with your meal? Because of all the popular side dishes associated with the meal, there really is no "wrong" wine to serve.  Here are some hints, however, in case you hit your local wine store today!
* If you prefer to serve a white, you can't go wrong with a chardonnay or white burgundy.
* If red is your wine of choice, try a pinot noir or red burgundy.
Most importantly, make sure you have all of the appropriate glassware and wine accessories for your meal.  AWineBoutique.com recommends our Ravenscroft crystal chardonnay glasses, or our Fusion Classic Pinot Noir glasses.   HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!