“At the end of the day, I let myself have a glass of wine.” - Jane Seymour
I often get quite a few inquiries about wine - my love for it, my varietal of choice, and so on. Last year, I answered some of the frequently asked questions that were sent my way, and today, I’m answering more!
Check out my Q&A below!
Wine tasting at Tinto Wine & Cheese - Chesapeake, VA
Q: Have you taken any wine courses or classes?
A: Yes, I have! I’ve taken some classes at Total Wine & More, which were super informative. It’s such a neat way to learn about some of the wines that are available in their store for purchase. Total Wine covers a wide range of topics. Their laid back environment is an amazing way to learn about the various regions and varietals of wines. Also, local wine shops are always super great with workshops, and different offerings around the wines they sell as well.
Recently, I have started down the WSET - Wine and Spirit Education Trust path. I completed my Level 1 course, which is the beginner’s introduction into wine. This class is a hands-on intro to the world of wine. I loved this course, as I was able to explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, and make optimal food and wine pairings.
Q: Do you have any wine certifications? If so, what course or program would you recommend?
A: Yes, I passed my WSET Level 1 exam this past September! I took the course and exam through Capital Wine School. Crystal, from Crystal Palate in Norfolk, VA was an amazing instructor, and it was wonderful learning so much from her. I would totally recommend the course if you love wine, and want an introduction to it! My favorite part about the program is that anyone can take, and you do not have to be in food or wine industry to enroll.
Q: What’s your preferred price range per bottle that you buy?
A: It truly depends, for my everyday table bottle, I’ll usually spend no more than $10 - Trader Joe’s has a great value for your buck. For a super special occasion, I have spent upwards to $75 or more for a bottle of Red or Champagne. My preferred place to purchasing wine are local wineries and vineyards - supporting local is always best. In short, my wine of choice ultimately depends what, who, and when I’m sharing wine with. Also, I am a firm believer that wine should never break the budget, and no palate is the same. Drink what you love!
Meeting Ryan Bogle, from Bogle Vineyards
Q: Which winery have you visited has given the best tours and/or tastings?
A: It is hard to just choose one. I’ve had amazing experiences at Baurboursville Vineyards, Williamsburg Winery, Stone Tower Winery, and Upper Shirley Vineyards. I’ve shared some of my favorite Virginia wineries and vineyards, read about them here!
Q: How easy is it to ship wine from a different country back to the U.S.?
A: Super easy! I had a great experience with Rimessa Roscioli in Italy. They shipped through DHL, which was such a great option, as they deliver without needing anyone to sign for the package. Also, be aware it does take about 2-3 weeks for delivery outside of the U.S., as the package has to go through customs, which can cause a slight delay. Most international wine shops, like Rimessa only ship during the cooler months out of the year, and halt delivery during the summer - to avoid any damage to the wine. In short, I’ll definitely recommend buying wines internationally, especially if the shops have unique wines you can’t find domestically.
Q: How do you keep your wine glasses sparkly clean?
A: The secret is white vinegar! I drink quite a bit of red wine, and the sediments from my drink of choice can sometimes stain the bottom of our glasses over time. Create a soapy mixture of warm water, dishwashing liquid, and 2 tablespoons of vinegar does the drink. Also, use a soft dish towel to hand dry the glasses.
Hope you loved the Q&A! Feel free to send more questions, and I’ll do another one very soon!
XO, Analise