Enobytes Wine Blog

The story: How do wine aerators hold up when compared to letting time do your aeration? Which ones work and how well do they work? The results really surprised us as well as a few unsuspecting participants in our research. We tested the devices in controlled tests as well as random tests. The random tests took place at restaurants and tasting rooms.

The players: Respirer, Soiree, Spinwine, Time, Versivino, and Vinturi.

The evaluation: All of the devices we tested retail from $40 on the high end to around $20 on the low end except for time – retail price for time we found to be a very elusive figure that varied depending on who you asked.  It was obviously apparent that the fact that these devices are a marketable and sought out products, the statement “Time is money” is proven undeniably as pure logic, the kind you can take to the bank.
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The market is flooded with gift ideas, but finding a unique gift for a wine lover can be challenging. The last thing you want to do is buy them a tasteless gift or something they already own. Wine club memberships and gift certificates are good options; but if you are looking for something a little more distinctive, here are some suggestions that are sure to satisfy the most discerning enophile. Read the rest of this entry »

Celebration dates such as anniversaries and births deserve a gift that will never be forgotten. The gift of a wine from the same vintage that commemorates either of these celebrations is enduring and thoughtful. As spring approaches, we all have commitments well into the summer that fit this description.

As most of us will agree the bubbly elixir of life, a.k.a. Champagne, usually comes to mind but as the occasion dictates this event is a celebration of commemoration. That would require a gift with a vintage that matches the date and only age worthy wine would be appropriate. Vintage Champagne of good quality and in good shape (older than 1988) might only be a fantasy. This would be ok for twenty year anniversaries, but you would have to exclude Read the rest of this entry »

The market is flooded with gift ideas, but finding a unique gift for a wine enthusiast can be challenging. The last thing you want to do is buy them a tasteless gift or something they already own. Wine club memberships and gift certificates are good options; but if you are looking for something a little more distinctive, here are some suggestions that are sure to satisfy the most discerning enophile.

Celebration-year wines: Celebration dates such as anniversaries and births deserve a gift that will never be forgotten. The gift of a wine from the same vintage that commemorates either of these celebrations is enduring and thoughtful. Visit Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Vintage Guide (1970-2005) to assist in the selection of region and varietal by year. Then call a reputable retailer (e.g. www.zachys.com) to order.

To decant or not to decant – that is the question: Well, if you need to decant, select Metrokane; it’s the world’s first vacuum decanter that maintains wine character until your next pouring. The 52-ounce handblown crystal decanter is lead-free and includes a stopper, vacuum gauge and a hand pump. ($72.00, Amazon)

Wine geek extravaganza: The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone offers the most comprehensive portfolio of in-depth wine studies programs. Purchase a one-to-five day course taught by some of the county’s top wine instructors.

What a rack! It’s a portable wine bar with built-in tools, including a corkscrew, foil cutter and bottle sealer you can use to preserve an opened bottle for another occasion. Holds six bottles of wine. ($15.00, Amazon)

Back in black: If you are looking for that perfect gift for a wine lover that has everything, consider a Riedel Black Sommelier Tumbler. Professional as well as social wine tasters who thrive on double-blind sampling will swear by these black glasses from Riedel. All are from the top-shelf Sommeliers collection, Riedel’s only line of hand-blown, full-lead crystal glasses ($20-$30, Amazon)

So you want to be a Winemaker? Chateau St. Jean offers a blending class which allows you to become a "Winemaker for a Day". Experience blending the five components that make their renowned Cinq Cépages and compete for best blend with other participants. This fun seminar will explain the complex processes a winemaker faces in producing an award-winning blend. $75 per guest, 8 guest minimum.

Special events: Barrel tastings, wine dinners, cooking classes, and single malt scotch tastings make great gifts and they are a wonderful way to spend time with friends and family. Check out localwineevents.com for events in your area.

Expel oxygen: The Argyle Vacuum Wine Saver is a unique combination of a stopper and wine pump that expels oxygen from the partly full wine bottle and creates a vacuum to reseal the bottle. Simply push the stopper firmly into open bottle then pump handle up and down to remove oxygen and create the vacuum seal, keeping your wine fresher for longer. (12.95, Amazon)

Love wine, must travel: Why not surprise your loved one with the ultimate wine gift; a Wine Country Getaway. It’s one of the best gifts you could give and Travelocity offers great getaway packages to Napa, Sonoma, Monterey, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. I am hoping Santa buys me a trip to Sonoma this holiday! If I’m really good, Santa might fly me to Bordeaux. (California packages starting at $100).

Antique wine items – There are many antique shops offering a copious amount of antique wine paraphernalia. It makes a unique gift for the wine enthusiast. Check out Fermentation’s post for rare wine-related books and old wine paraphernalia ideas.