Wine Blog » Wine Gift

Wine gift – Wine by Design (Interior Angles)

Wineguy — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:23 +0000

George Washington Wine Cooler Fetches $782,500 at Auction
It was one of four wine coolers Washington ordered in 1789, the year he was sworn into office and moved into his first official residence, on Cherry Street in Manhattan. President’s Gift In 1797, as Washington left office and moved to Mount

Wine by Design (Interior Angles)
There is a revolution currently underway in the world of wine. Established and new vintners are discovering the dual marketing advantage of coupling exquisite, name-brand designer architecture with the winery tour. Internationally renowned architects, such as Frank Gehry, Herzog & de Meuron, and Santiago Calatrava, have all designed wineries that focus on the experience of wine production for the visitor while providing brand recognition in the form of architecture.

Celebrating the new alignment that the wine industry is making with design, Wine by Design highlights the most exciting new designs for wineries and spaces of wine from throughout the world including Australia, Chile, USA, Canada and the established vineyards of Europe.

It also emphasises the way design is making headway into wine retail and wine bars, as well as the trend for conspicuously displayed spaces for the storage and consumption of wine.

Customer Review: A great pairing of Wine & Architecture
I bought this as a Christmas gift for one of my many wine loving friends and just had to get one for myself. It tackles a unique subject – winery architecture – and gives you a good but not too in depth description of the wine making region, the wine facilities, and the wines themselves. It is full of great colour photography, site plans, and a broad selection of wineries around the world. The architecture featured is modern and not what you expect of typical wineries…the Gehry sketches alone are worth the price of the book! Want to impress your friends? Leave this book out on your coffee table. Better yet, pull this book out and enjoy while you sip on a Rioja red.

Wine gift – Wine Analysis & Production

Wineguy — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:14 +0000

Wine Analysis & Production
This accessible volume provides practical information on wine analysis and production. It covers the full range of techniques, from quick screening assays to wet chemical and instrumentation analysis, as well as interpretation of results. Emphasizing a step-by-step approach to procedures, the authors:

- examine analyses commonly performed in the United States, Europe and Australia:
- discuss viticultural considerations as they relate to winemakeing as well as sensory evaluation and the importance of each anolyte in the spectrum of winery operations:
- present new procedures including ‘quick’ qualitative tests for the presence of various constituents:
- explore updated information on sensory evaluation of wines, use of enzymes in winemaking, health aspects and more, and – offer a chapter featuring laboratory procedures, listed alphabetically and extensively cross-referenced.

International in scope, Wine Analysis and Production is essential for winemakers and laboratory personnel worldwide. Students of enology will find it an incomparable resource.

Customer Review: Must have book for winemakers
This book is must have for anyone who is in wine production business. The authors discuss viticultural considerations as they relate to winemaking as well as sensory evaluation and the importance of each analyte in the spectrum of winery operations. I bought this book with “Successful wine marketing” and have greatly benefited from these two books.
Here is the content of the book: Preface o Introduction o Sensory Analysis of Juices and Wines o Grape Maturity and Quality o Hydrogen Ion (PH) and Fixed Acids o Carbohydrates o Alcohols and Extract o Phenolic Compounds and Wine Color o Nitrogen Compounds o Sulfur Dioxide and Sorbic Acid o Volatile Acidity o Metals, Cations and Anions o Sorbic Acid, Benzoic Acid, and Dimethyedicarbonate o Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen o Tartrates and Instabilities; Fining and Fining Agents o Sanitation o Basic Principles of Microbiology in the Winery o Cork o Analytical Methods
I strongly recommend this book to winemakers and wine marketers. It is a classic!

Customer Review: Wine Analysis and Production
Clearly and concisely written for the amature wine maker or student of enology who is serious about learning the technical aspects of great wine production.

Wine gift – The Taste of New Wine

Wineguy — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:00:17 +0000

Oil, gold and fine wine outstrip the FTSE – The Independent

Oil, gold and fine wine outstrip the FTSE
The Independent
Oil, gold and fine wine outstripped the FTSE in 2011, the index of the 100 most valuable companies having fallen 5.6 per cent over the year. Fine wine grew only marginally but that comes off the back of two years of 30 per cent growth that generated …

The Taste of New Wine
Miller’s candid and honest life-changing message challenges indifference and creates an exciting sense of spiritual renewal and adventure. With a refreshing absence of religious jargon, he points the way out of the “me-centered” quagmire of recent years and offers a pattern of integrity and openness in our relations with God and one another.

Customer Review: A great winemaker —
What a relief to find this book is still widely available! Keith Miller brings his lively personality, strong mind, and journalist’s eye for the powerful details of life to the matter of honest, satisfying Christian life “in the real world.” He gives me hope that not only is it possible — even when there are setbacks and failings — but it is often delightful and inspirational. It’s encouraging to see how that happens in a completely secular business setting (he worked for a petroleum engineering company before becoming I think a fulltime writer- teacher) where fools aren’t suffered gladly, and where one can’t hide fakery from the co-workers.

Customer Review: Presbyterian Journal says “Sell your bed for this one!”
Presbyterian Journal says “Sell your bed for this one!” in the blurbs on the back cover. The foreword by Elton Trueblood describes it as a constructively critical book. Keith Miller is refreshingly honest in the way few men dare to be about his shortcomings in his quest to be a decent Christian man and in his demands for the same kind of honesty from others in the church. A breath of fresh air to read!

Wine gift – Port and the Douro (Classic Wine Library)

Wineguy — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:00:23 +0000

GreenBottle cardboard wine and milk bottles could help green the RV lifestytle
The cardboard wine bottle – which is claimed to have a carbon footprint just 10 percent of that of a glass wine bottle – is made of two parts: a sturdy paper outer shell and an inner liner made of plastic which holds the wine. The paper outer is recyclable

The Joy of Wine Clubs
Whether you’re an amateur wine buff, an aficionado of fine vintages and lesser known grape varieties, the perfect dinner party host or simply someone who appreciates a decent glass of good quality wine with which to relax and unwind

Port and the Douro (Classic Wine Library)

Fully revised and updated in its second edition, Port and the Douro recounts the fascinating history of the Port region and explores the vineyards, grape varieties, and the many styles of port available. It describes all aspects of the beverage’s production, and includes a directory of producers, as well as details about the key vintages. Expert Richard Mayson also examines the prospects for port in the 21st century.

Customer Review: Port and Douro wine library
The book was exactly what I ordered.It was received in a very short period of time.

Customer Review: Definitive, comprehensive, informative, articulate.
Port And The Douro is the fascinating story of Port over the centuries and surveys the remarkable physical conditions of the wine growing region of Portugal, the grape varieties, and the vineyards that make the Douro valley so special. Richard Mayson draws upon his many years of experience in the wine trade in general and his remarkable expertise in Port wines and how they are made. Port And The Douro is definitive, comprehensive, informative, articulate, and greatly rewarding reading for connoisseurs, dealers, and the nonspecialist general reader seeking to select just the right Port for the occasion.

Wine gift – Andrew Jefford’s Wine Course

Wineguy — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:14 +0000

The 12 Wines of Christmas — Day 3: The must-have wine map – San Francisco Chronicle (blog)

San Francisco Chronicle (blog)

The 12 Wines of Christmas — Day 3: The must-have wine map
San Francisco Chronicle (blog)
As a prelude to the big holiday, Inside Scoop brings you the 12 Wines of Christmas. Each day from now until Dec. 23, we'll have a suggestion for something wine-related to make your season brighter. Wine maps are one of those supreme nerd devices. …

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Andrew Jefford’s Wine Course
Let Andrew Jefford be your guide to the rich and fascinating world of wine. His wine course consists of 20 clearly defined projects, so you can learn the essentials in a helpful order and at your own pace. The first part of the book, The Tools, covers the kit you’ll need for tasting and thinking about wine, including different glasses, the varying colors of key wine types and their smell and taste. You’ll learn how to choose wine and record your impressions. The Elements explains wine’s components. Andrew profiles the magnificent seven grape varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot Noir, plus many more from the extended vine family. He also pictures what happens in the earth and sky as the vine grows, and the role of the winemaker in shaping the finished product. The final part of the book, The Journey, takes you on a tour of the world’s wineproducing countries, describing the characteristics of each. • “Exceptional…a must buy and read.” Robert Parker on Andrew Jefford’s The New France. • Includes helpful factfiles, “try” boxes suggesting easy tasting comparisons, and “what people love about…” summaries of the world’s main wine types.

Wine gift – Michelin Guide 2009 San Francisco (Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country)

Wineguy — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:21 +0000

A Gourmet Getaway in the Playground of Palm Beach – MarketWatch (press release)

A Gourmet Getaway in the Playground of Palm Beach
MarketWatch (press release)
To book a Garden-View room at the special Festival rate of $250 per night, plus tax, please call 1-800-432-2335. For access to this rate from December 6-14, just mention the Festival. With enthusiasm, attendees of the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival …

and more »

Michelin Guide 2009 San Francisco (Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country)

Wine gift – Biodynamic Wine, Demystified

Wineguy — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:00:16 +0000

Biodynamic Wine, Demystified
Wine is made in the Vineyard. It s the mantra of many a winemaker. But what does it mean, really?

Esteemed winemaker and biodynamic pioneer Nicholas Joly believes a wine that is well-made in the vineyard must express its unique terroir: the character imbued by a vine s particular plot of well-tended earth.

In Biodynamic Wine, Demystified, Joly shares the core philosophy behind biodynamic viticulture and why such practices result in wines of regional distinction. This process treats the vineyard as a self-perpetuating ecological whole influenced not only by terrestrial forces but those of the sun, moon and cosmos. He explains why the use of foreign substances like pesticides and fertilizers in the vineyard, and aromatic yeasts and enzymes in the cellar, as well as mechanisms like electric motors and pumps, disrupt this synergy and are ultimately counterproductive to a wine s best, consistent expression.

Bar Wine – Vinifera: The World’s Great Wine Grapes And Their Stories

Wineguy — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:00:29 +0000

Vinifera: The World’s Great Wine Grapes And Their Stories
Boxed Set of 40 Wine Grape Varietal Reference Cards. Featuring color photos, interesting history, lore and food pairings for 40 glorious wine producing varietals. A set of fascinating wine cards, or more specifically, wine grape reference cards. The information contained in these wine grape cards is fun, educational, informative and often obscure. The photographs are colorful and sumptous. An excellent wine gift for any host or hostess. A perfect Holiday gift such Mother’s Day, Father’s Day Valentines’ day or Christmas. Learn about Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Aglianico, Albarino, Viognier, Merlot, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, and many others. Ideal for wine tasting parties and blind wine tastings.

Customer Review: Wow!
I recieved this deck of cards as a hostess gift and was blown away by the detail and information that is on each card; the color photographs are absolutely stunning. The pairing suggestions on the back make choosing that perfect wine for your next meal a cinch and with 40 cards of different grape varieties, there are endless opportunities to explore… everytime I go to a friends house I bring a deck of these cards and a bottle of wine- they make for great conversation during the evening. These are a MUST!!!!!!!!!

Customer Review: CAN LEARN A LOT FAST
This is a really good wine guide, because it’s not like a wine guide at all. It’s fun. The photographs of the grapes are really beautiful. You’re not used to seeing the grapes themsleves in the field (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio…etc.), so that context kind of gives you a new appreciation of what’s in the bottle. The information is a fun read, too. It’s got historical notes, where the names of the grapes come from, fun little stories, plus its packed with wine knowledge, but totally accessable. I didn’t know all that much about wines and this reference pack has made me a lot more comfortable ordering and talking about wine.

Wine gift – Grossman’s Guide to Wines, Beers, and Spirits

Wineguy — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:16 +0000

Running Fit wins BestOf honors for best shoe store; this week vote for best … – AnnArbor.com

Running Fit wins BestOf honors for best shoe store; this week vote for best …
AnnArbor.com
This week, vote for the best retail wine selection in Washtenaw County. No sour grapes here, but Ben Franklin was wrong. It is wine – not beer – that proves that God loves us and wants us to be happy. And whether you're stocking your wine cellar or …

Grossman’s Guide to Wines, Beers, and Spirits
Turn to Grossman’s Guide to Wines, Beers, and Spirits for quick answers to your questions about any alcoholic beverage and for insights into the history and origins of liquor. Whether you’re looking for technical advice or interesting conversation pieces, this resource is sure to meet all of your needs.

Customer Review: Get up to speed on spirits in 600 pages
There may be more recent books focused on wine or beer, but this is the most comprehensive guide to alcoholic beverages in general. Tired of listening to a couple of colleagues discussing a subject that I knew nothing about, I read this fascinating book, and soon turned the tables: until I showed them evidence, they simply would not believe that Amaretto was made made from apricot pits rather than almonds! Many other products, like Spanish sherry, have interesting details and histories that I had never suspected. About the organization, roughly one-third is devoted to wines (a chapter per country), one-third to other alcoholic beverages, and one-third to technical advice and appendices on menu-planning, storage, vintages, etc. A highly enjoyable and informative book, very nicely balanced.

Customer Review: Grossman’s sets a standard
Meant principally as a textbook, _Grossman’s_ is nevertheless imminently readable for fun. If you feel awkward in some social situations because you can’t comment intelligently on fine drink, this is a good place to start. You’ll come away from the book with a working knowledge of:

* world wine regions

* legal definitions of various liquor types

* liquor, beer and wine production

* principles of marketing and purchasing

* beverage service

* proper glassware

* liquor trivia

Certainly, this book lacks a contemporary voice. With an original copyright date of 1940, some of the text has remained unaltered for 60 years. It misses trends in recent American beer production, and doesn’t give very complete information about emerging wine producers, such as post-Apartheid South Africa. But at its heart, this is a thoroughly objective textbook which has been written and continuously edited specifically to be brand-neutral. This makes it the pre-eminent textbook for use in a general survey course on liquor service, or an invaluable resource for anyone trying to gain a healthy appreciation for alcohol.

Wine online – The Food and Wine of Greece: More Than 300 Classic and Modern Dishes from the Mainland and Islands

Wineguy — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 06:00:21 +0000

Wine as Diwali gift? It’s better than a box of chocolate – Moneylife Personal Finance site and magazine

Hindustan Times

Wine as Diwali gift? It's better than a box of chocolate
Moneylife Personal Finance site and magazine
Jagdish Holkar, president of the All-India Wine Producers' Association, said, “People these days prefer to gift wine bottles. Wine clearly is a celebration drink, especially sparkling wines. So this particular drink is chosen as a gift. …
This Diwali, gift a budget wineHindustan Times

all 4 news articles »

Treasury Wines strikes deal with Creative Instore Solutions – MuMbrella

Treasury Wines strikes deal with Creative Instore Solutions
MuMbrella
Sydney, 27 October 2011 – Treasury Wines have appointed Creative Instore Solutions to produce an occasion based display to capitalise on the demand for premium wine gift boxes during the pre-Christmas sale period. Engaging shoppers by evoking an iconic …

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The Food and Wine of Greece: More Than 300 Classic and Modern Dishes from the Mainland and Islands

Greece and its many islands are rich with traditional and regional culinary dishes that go far beyond the standard fare of moussaka and spinach pie. To gather these special recipes and the culture that surrounds them, Diane Kochilas spent more than fifteen years living and traveling in Greece. From home cooks and professional chefs she coaxed a wonderful array of authentic recipes to augment her own creations, adapting where necessary to make them accessible to modern cooks with modern ingredients.

This tantalizing collection of recipes covers all aspects of Greek cuisine and pays tribute to the history and tradition behind each dish. Each chapter–from olives and bread to appetizers, stews, savory pies, fish, poultry, meat, eggs, grains, vegetables, and sweets–is filled with detail on the ancient, religious and folkloric origins or various dishes. Basic preparations, such as those for phyllo, avgolemono, and grilling of fish and game, are covered, as are regional variations and local specialties, secrets of village home cookes, and guidelines on how to serve the foods in typical Greek fashion. Also included is a helpful guide on where and how to obtain Greek specialty items by mail.

Customer Review: Traditional Greek recipes
I made a couple of items from this book for a Greek friend’s party- and they were great. I cannot pronounce the cookies I made (but he did, and knew them)- they had interesting spices and wine (!) and orange juice in them- as well as a walnut and honey filling. Really good! My friend vouched for the recipe’s authenticity.

Customer Review: visually not appealing
I spotted it in a local book store and wasn’t that impressed. There’s tons of info and recipes which I’m sure are authentically excellent however what put me off is the poor, dark gray paper pages and lack of bright, high resolution color photos like you find in other cookbooks. I love to see how the dish is supposed to look like so I can know I’m preparing it the right way. Having to use a cookbook that looks more like a dusty, mystery novel is not too helpful nor inspiring.