Chinese Wine
On a trip through China some years ago, it was not easy to find a drinkable, yet affordable wine during my stay. French, Italian and American wine prices were astronomical, unless you wanted to take out a 2nd mortgage. Thus, to quench my wine palate, I did as much...
Marilyn Merlot
Starting with their 1st vintage in 1985, the yearly release of the new Marilyn Merlot is almost like a Black Friday stampede. Collectors can not wait to see what new photo of the film icon will be on its label. Older vintages go...
2015 Giuliano Rosati Valpolicella Ripasso
Born in the vineyards surrounding Verona, Italy, made from the triage of Carvinone, Corvina and Rondinella grapes, this is truly one unique beauty. With up front black cherry, blackberry and plum fruit, there are so many other aspects of this wine that emerge with each and every sip. Clove,...
Beaujolais Nouveau
Wine lovers know that if it is the 3rd Thursday in November, it must be time for celebrating Beaujolais Nouveau. Nouveau is a beautifully fresh young wine made from the Gamay grape varietal and is harvested, crushed and bottled without any barrel fermentation. Grown in the Burgundy region of...
What is the oldest existing wine shop in the United States?
Some may say our old shop Champane’s Wine Cellars, which was always voted the best but not the oldest. That title goes to New York City’s Acker, Merrall and Condit which was founded in 1820....
Happy Anniversary
They say that time flies when you’re having fun. It was exactly one year ago that we were able to launch this Winetime website. From our initial concept idea, to month’s of web design, to gathering and writing content each and every week, we are happy to say that...
Castello di Amarosa
Germany, France, England? No sir, Castello di Amarosa sits in the heart of Napa Valley near the northern city of Calistoga. The castle was a pet project of Dario Sattui who made his fortune with his V Sattui Winery. Construction began in 1995 and welcomed its first guests in...
Corkscrews
Uncorking a bottle of wine is one of life’s great pleasures. It can also be a nightmare when something goes wrong in the process. Faulty corks are the usual culprit, but the actual problem may be right in your hands; your opener. Let’s take a look at the many...
2014 D66 Grenache
Technically named Department 66, this offering from David Phinney, who produces a number of high quality wines under the Orin Swift umbrella, is one of the best bang for the buck wines on the market today. If you are a fan of big, bold and powerful reds, this beauty...
The Breakdown of a Bottle of Wine.
From vine to bottle, here is a breakdown of just how much goes into making your favorite red or white wine: 1 grape cluster = 1 glass 75 grapes = 1 cluster 4 clusters = 1 bottles 40 clusters = 1 vine 1 vine = 10 bottles 1200 clusters...