Blog

Buying Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Wine

1/8/2020 10:46 AM

Many people around the globe are shifting their habits and adopting eco-minded practices.

Many people around the globe are shifting their habits and adopting eco-minded practices. If you are trying to make more conscious choices, you may be wondering what to do about wine. Wine as a consumer good requires many resources to transport and produce. Not to mention, not all winemakers are committed to responsible practices.

One of the benefits of purchasing eco-friendly wine is increased quality. Since there are fewer chemicals or materials added, the wine has a pure and fruity taste. It provides a clearer expression of the eco-system in which it was grown. Another bonus is that eco-friendly wine is available at all price points.

If you are committed to reducing your carbon footprint and buying “green” wine, here is what to look for while shopping.

Tags:

Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Emerging Wine Trends for 2020

1/8/2020 10:34 AM

As the wine industry enters a new decade, there are a few trends to take note of.

An industry that was once very classic or traditional must now adapt to value-oriented customers desiring ethically-minded products. Here are some of the biggest trends we will see this year.

Lower Alcohol and Lower-Calorie Wines:

As more and more adults try to reduce their alcohol intake and take charge of their overall wellness, expect to see lower alcohol and lower-calorie wines on the market. Low alcohol means less than 13% ABV.

Tags:

wine trends

Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Are Sulfites to Blame?

1/8/2020 10:29 AM

The infamous red wine headache, it is probably something you have heard discussed after an evening of dinner and drinks.

While many attribute wine headaches and allergies to sulfites, the truth is that sulfites are largely misunderstood and most likely not the cause of allergies, headaches, or other symptoms. What are sulfites? Are they truly the enemy? Let us explore what sulfites are and whether or not it is making people ill.

Sulfites

Sulfites are sulfur dioxide (SO2), a chemical compound composed of sulfur and oxygen. It is a legal preservative used predominantly in the wine and food industries because it contains antioxidants as well as anti-microbial and antibacterial properties. It can occur naturally but can also be produced in a lab. If you have ever had dried fruit or any processed food, you have consumed sulfites. Per government standards, wine that contains more than 10 parts per million (ppm) must be labeled “contains sulfites”. It is important to note that the number of sulfites in wine is considerably lower than the amount contained in most processed foods.

Tags:

Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Wine Caves

1/2/2020 1:04 PM

The term “Wine Cave” has quickly become a buzzword thanks to a few newsworthy political candidates mentioning it during a presidential debate.

After hearing so much talk about wine caves, you may be curious about what a wine cave is, what makes it special, and how you can incorporate one into your home.

The ideal wine storage solution is a wine cave. According to Wikipedia, a wine cave is a “subterranean structure for the storage and aging of wine.” The reason wine caves are so vital for the wine industry is that they naturally create the best conditions for the aging of wine; they are cool, humid, dark, and allow the wine to rest uninterrupted for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, wine caves require a lot of logistics and resources to build. If you do not have the space, time, or budget, here are some storage solutions by Vinotemp that allow you to create the same conditions on a slightly smaller scale.

VinCave Wine Cellar 200 Bottles

Tags:

wine caves

Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Ring in 2020 with a Vinotemp Wine Refrigerator

12/13/2019 10:56 AM

Ready to give your wine the proper storage solution?

When space is limited and it’s not in your budget to build a wine cellar, the best alternative is a wine refrigerator. A wine fridge will keep your wine safe from its main enemies; UV rays, vibration, temperature fluctuations, and oxidization. Since we are about to celebrate the end of the 2010s, we thought it would be fun to share our favorite Vinotemp wine refrigerators that will have you toasting to a new decade in style. We are showcasing all different sizes and styles, something for both novice collectors and serious wine aficionados.

12-Bottle Dual-Zone Thermoelectric Mirrored Wine Cooler

Tags:

sale

Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Which Came First, Cork or Corkscrew?

12/12/2019 2:58 PM

As we discussed in a previous post, wine was once stored in terra cotta pots and wood barrels and was not aged long term.

Around the 1700s, glass blowing technology evolved to produced wine bottles with narrow necks that provided for an air-tight storage option that enabled the aging of wine.

Image by Creative Market

The English were the first to use cork to seal bottles, sourcing cork from Portugal and Spain. Cork is derived from cork trees, which are a species of Oak grown in Spain. As it became commonplace to use cork to seal bottles, the need to extract the cork grew. According to corkscrew historian Ron McLean of “the Virtual Corkscrew Museum”, the first corkscrews originated from the gun worme which was a tool used to clean stuck bullets from rifles. Around the 17th century, blacksmiths began to make corkscrews specifically for removing corks from bottles .

Tags:

corks

Comments | Posted By Desiree David

California Wineries with Impressive Art Collections

12/12/2019 2:37 PM

Vineyards are impressive works of art on their own; rolling green vineyards, beautiful sunsets, stunning architecture, and delicious wine.

Some wineries also double as a great place to view amazing art collections. Since most wine aficionados also appreciate art, we are rounding up some of California’s wineries that also happen to have incredible art collections.

Markham Vineyards in Napa Valley, California

Image by Taste of Home

The Markham Gallery located inside the Markham Vineyards Visitor’s Center has free admission and is open to the public. The gallery features rotating exhibits. Markham has a history dating all the way back to 1874 and is one of the first vineyards in Napa Valley. Markham is famous for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Tags:

wine and art

Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Holiday Dessert and Wine Pairings

12/10/2019 11:34 AM

Is there anything better than dessert with a side of wine?

The trick to pairing wine with any sweet dish is to find a wine that has similar notes or that can stand up to the dessert’s bold flavors. Whether entertaining others or yourself, here are some delicious wine pairings to try as you celebrate this holiday season.

Sugar Cookies with Prosecco

Image by Taste of Home

Sugar cookies with frosting are served at nearly every Christmas party. The festive shapes plus sweet flavors will pair well with a bubbly serving of Prosecco. The bubbles will help to cut through the butter, shortening, and sugar of this yummy treat.

Tags:

Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Holiday Gift Guide 2019

11/22/2019 2:40 PM

See Gift Guide Below for Savings:

Holiday Gift Guide 2019: Find the Best Gifts for Wine and Cheese Lovers

Image source

Looking for the perfect gift for the wine or cheese lover who has everything? Vinotemp has curated limited edition gift sets that are sure to enhance their tasting experience. Each of these bundles is available for a limited time only with free shipping*.

Tags:

holiday gift guide 2019

Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Should You Build a Custom Glass Wine Cellar or Cabinet?

11/7/2019 11:00 AM

Modern wine cellars have evolved from dark, cave-like rooms into airy, glass-enclosed structures.

Custom Glass Wine Room by Vinotemp

Displaying your wine collection behind glass creates a beautiful piece of art in your home while also creating a feeling of open, unobstructed space. Your wine will look like shiny jewels on display. If you are set on this modern style of wine storage, you may be asking yourself if you should select a wine cellar or cabinet.

Tags:

custom wine cellar

Comments | Posted By Desiree David