"I do like my wine." - Christine McVie
Happy Wine Wednesday everyone!
Recently, I've gotten a lot of questions about wine from you all! So, I figured today I'd share the top inquiries I get on a regular basis. By no means am I sommelier, but in all honestly - wine is one of my fave things. I really love learning and sharing some of my knowledge with fellow wine lovers.
Check out my Q&A below!
Q: How did you start liking wine so much?
A: My love for wine started when my Grandmother took me to Europe in Summer 2011. For half of our trip we stayed in Paris, and it was then I began to learn so much about wine. I left Paris with a whole new palette and perspective on wine. After our trip, I began learning about the wine-making process at local wineries and vineyards. Now I'm pretty familiar and have a solid foundation about wine. Also, it's a hobby G and I share, and on one of our first dates we did one of the coolest reserve tastings at Williamsburg Winery in Virginia.
Q: Where do you buy your wine?
A: Tinto Wine & Cheese for my unique and special occasion wines. They are located in the Hampton Roads area. This shop has some amazing wines, and we have been members of the shop since they opened. We get a discounted rate when we purchase wine directly from them. Also, we are able to taste wines before we buy them, which is amazing. The second place I get our wines is Trader Joe's. I buy wines that we typically will drink more frequently. Also, when we host a dinner or party, TJ is the perfect place to get a fair price and some great quality wines there as well. Trader Joe's also has tastings almost everyday at 5 PM, where they showcase new wines, which is great if you want to try something new without having to fully commit.
Q: Red or White?
A: I typically drink a lot more red wine than white wine. The reds I prefer are Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. Yet, when I do drink white wine (which is pretty rare these days), lately it's been more so Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Also, I never turn down a glass of rose or bubbly.
Q: What is your favorite champagne?
A: Recently, one of my new favorites is Piper Heidsieck - I actually snagged a bottle of this at Trader Joe's to try. It was a recommendation by their in-house wine buyer - (whom I have a close relationship with, haha) and it is absolutely delicious. Also, Mumm Napa is super good too!
Q: Do you buy wine in bulk, and if so how do you store it?
A: Yes, we do buy wine in bulk. Our wine cabinet stores about 25 bottles. Also, we have a small rack in our kitchen that holds about 8 bottles, and we always have a few bottles of champs in the fridge for a special occasion. It's really great to keep a few extra bottles on hand. We never know who will stop by, and if we are invited to an event it's typical G and I bring a bottle along with us.
Q: What is your favorite Virginia winery or vineyard?
A: It's super hard to narrow it down to just one spot. I wrote a post on my top Virginia wineries, awhile back - and they are still my faves today. My home state has some awesome wineries, and they have only improved over the last several years. My favorite city in Virginia to explore new wineries is Charlottesville. I went to school in that city, and there are a ton of amazing spots to enjoy a few glasses of wine.
Q: Favorite brand of wine glasses?
A: Crate & Barrel have amazing wine glasses, and they are my fave. Also, many of my wine glasses and champagne flutes have either come from Bed Bath & Beyond from our wedding registry or from Home Goods. Home Goods has great quality glasses that last forever, and sometimes you can find high end glasses there. The glasses we were gifted from our registry are all made by Lenox, they are timeless and will last forever.
Q: What are your go-to wine accessories?
A: An electric wine opener is an absolute must! Also, wine stoppers are always good to have on hand. I have shared my top bar items in this post here.
Cheers!
XO, Analise