Author Archives: The Fermented Fruit

Costco Champagne | Kirkland Signature Brut Review

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Costco Champagne | Kirkland Signature Brut Review

Costco Champagne

If this is you’re very first visit to The Fermented Fruit then welcome and thanks for visiting! I hope you come back and visit often. If you’re one of my totally incredible regular readers though, then you probably know just how much I love sparkling wine, especially Champagne!

Despite my profound love of Champagne, I can’t bring myself to regularly spend upwards of $40 on a bottle of bubbly; hence why I drink wines like the La Marca Prosecco, Lunetta Prosecco and Roederer Estate Brut more often. But sometimes you just want to drink real Champagne so today we’re tasting an affordable option that blends both my love of Costco and Champagne: The Kirkland Signature Brut, otherwise known as Costco Champagne!

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Grifone Primitivo Review | Trader Joe’s Wine

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Grifone Primitivo 2012 | Trader Joe’s Wine

Grifone Primitivo

While checking out the incredible wine selections at Trader Joe’s I asked the knowledgeable wine specialist on staff what he thought were the absolute top values and the Grifone Primitivo was at the very top of the list. Out of hundreds of wines, the Grifone Primitivo topped the list you say? And so I had to try it myself…

Despite being called “A California Original, grown nowhere else” by wine writers in the late 1970’s , Primitivo, also known as Zinfandel, existed long before Zinfandel ever did in California. In fact, its origins can be traced to a single vine in the garden of an elderly lady’s Croatian Garden as early as the 15th century.

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Guide to Trader Joe’s Wine | Prices & Top Selections

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Guide to Trader Joe’s Wine

Highlighting Top Picks, Current Selections and Prices

Trader Joe's Wine

Does Trader Joe’s come to mind when you think of places to shop for wine? Or do you instantly associate it with cheap bulk wine like the Charles Shaw ‘Two Buck Chuck’ which Trader Joes sells exclusively?

While Trader Joe’s may have forged their reputation in the wine marketplace with the success of ‘Two Buck Chuck’, things have certainly evolved from there. And while the ‘Two Buck Chuck’ is actually $3.29 now, there are lots of positive changes too.

Don’t miss my popular Guide to Costco Wine Prices with my Top Picks! Plus – Are you curious about the best places to buy wine? Don’t miss my Comprehensive Guide Here!

The Trader Joe’s Wine Section has become a compelling source for wine values sourced from prominent wine regions around the world. The breadth of their selection and the sheer number of wines priced in the $5 to $10 range is unmatched. You can get some great bottles of wine when shopping for groceries, and even use your AMEX Blue Cash Preferred and earn rewards points for just buying wine and snacks!

I have been Shopping for Wine at Costco for years and enjoying the excellent wine deals they have, but based on my experiences it seems that the Costco Wine Section is better suited for buying highly commercial wines across all price points. These are great for gifts or celebrating.

On the other hand, the Trader Joe’s Wine Section should be approached from the complete opposite perspective! In the Trader Joe’s Wine Section, you’re far better off avoiding the highly commercial brands and going for the off-labels. This is where Trader Joe’s Wine excels.

Trader Joe’s is a better place to shop for your weeknight wines or daily drinkers, when you want a nice bottle but the label needn’t impress and it shouldn’t be expensive. Trader’s is also a good place to shop when you’re not sure what you’re looking for or might need some assistance selecting a bottle.

While I was checking out the Trader Joe’s Wine Section an enthusiastic and knowledgeable associate, Colin, gladly helped me navigate their copious selections. This is not something you’re going to find at Costco, and you don’t need a membership at Trader Joes!

So while it seems that the Trader Joe’s Wine Section is still primarily a source for value-oriented wines, their portfolio and quality has improved markedly. And they also offer a decent selection of mid-level wines and a few splurge wines as well, varying by location. They do not publish these selections so I hope you find the following Guide to Trader Joe’s Wine Prices With Top Selections helpful!

**Important – Is there Arsenic in your Trader Joe’s Wine?

Trader Joe's Wine

Champagne and Sparkling Wines – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Albero Brut Cava, $7.99
  • Banero Prosecco, $8.99
  • Bouvet Signature Brut, $12.99
  • Canella Bellini, $10.99
  • Cecilia Beretta Treviso Prosecco, $8.99
  • Charles de Fere Cuvee Jean Louis, $7.99
  • Charles de Marques Champagne, $19.99 – Recommended
  • Duval Leroy Champagne, $34.99
  • Ernest Rapeneau Champagne 375ml, $10.99 – Recommended
  • Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava, Spain, $8.99
  • Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava, $8.99 – Recommended
  • Jaume Serra Cristalino Rose Cava, $8.99
  • Korbel Brut California Sparkling Wine, $11.99
  • La Granja 360 Brut Cava, $6.99 – Recommended
  • Lambrusco Dell’Emilia Bianco, $4.99
  • Louise d’ Estree Brut, $7.99
  • Martellozzo Prosecco, $6.99
  • Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne, $49.99
  • Piper-Heidsieck Brut Cuvee, $45.99
  • R.S.V.P. Brut, $5.95
  • Schloss Biebrich Sekt, $5.49
  • Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc, $29.99 – Recommended
  • Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs, $29.99 – Recommended
  • Secco Cranberry, $4.99
  • Secco Frizzante, $4.99
  • Trader Joe’s Blanc de Blanc Brut, $5.99
  • Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne, $49.99
  • Vueve Clicquot Rose Champagne, $59.99

Trader Joe's Wine Prices

Domestic Chardonnay – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Baron Herzog Kosher Chardonnay, $11.99
  • Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay, $14.99
  • Black Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay, $6.99
  • Blue Fin Chardonnay, $4.49
  • BV Coastal Chardonnay, $8.99
  • Charles Shaw Chardonnay, $3.29
  • Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay, $12.99
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay, $8.99 – Recommended
  • Clos du Bois Chardonnay, $11.99
  • Dark Horse Chardonnay, $7.95
  • Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Chardonnay, $10.99
  • Green Fin Chardonnay, $4.99
  • Kendall Jackson Vintners Reserve Chardonnay, $12,99
  • Kunde Sonoma Chardonnay, $12.99 – Recommended
  • La Crema Chardonnay, $16.99
  • La Femme Liberte Chardonnay, $9.95
  • Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay, $15.99 – Recommended
  • Spiral Cellars Napa Valley Chardonnay, $7.99 – Recommended
  • Stags Leap Karia Chardonnay, $29.99
  • Toasted Head Chardonnay, $10.99
  • Trader Joes Grand Reserve Chardonnay, $12.99

Sauvignon Blanc – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Bogle Sauvignon Blanc, $9.49
  • Charles Shaw Sauvignon Blanc, $3.29
  • David Frost Sauvignon Blanc, $5.99
  • Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc, $12.99
  • Francis Ford Coppola Sauvignon Blanc, $10.99
  • Marchigue Sauvignon Blanc, $6.99
  • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, $9.99 – Recommended
  • Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, $13.99
  • Picton Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, $7.99
  • Sauvignon Republic Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch, $7.99
  • The Pass Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, $8.99 – Recommended
  • Trader Joes Coastal Sauvignon Blanc, $4.99

Riesling – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Blue Fin Riesling, $4.49
  • Dr. Beckermann Piesporter Michelsberg Riesling Spatlese Germany, $6.49
  • Relax Riesling Germany, $7.99

Other Domestic White Wines – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Alice White Alexia Moscato, $6.99 – Not Recommended
  • Blue Fin Moscato, $4.49 – Recommended
  • Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Gris, $9.99
  • Estancia Pinot Grigio, $10.99
  • Green Fin Pinot Grigio, $4.99
  • Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc / Viognier, $14.99
  • Trader Joes Petite Reserve Viognier, $7.99
  • Venetian Moon Pinot Grigio, $5.99

Trader Joe's Wine

French White Wine – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Attitude Sauvignon Blanc, $14.99
  • Blason de Bourgogne Macon Villages Chardonnay, $7.99
  • Carayon La Rose, $5.99
  • Caves des Perriers Pouilly Fume Sauvignon Blanc, $11.99
  • Famille Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Reserve Blanc, $9.99
  • G. Chevalier Sauternes, $12.99
  • Jacques Bourguignon Chablis, $12.99
  • Laurent Reverdy Sancerre, $12.99
  • La Croix de Maunay Vouvray, $7.99
  • La Ferme Julien Blanc, $5.99
  • La Ferme Julien Rouge Rose, $5.99
  • Lacheteau Vouvray, $7.99
  • Les Portes de Bordeaux Sauvignon Blanc, $6.99
  • Louis Jadot Macon Villages Chardonnay, $12.99 – Recommended
  • Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse Chardonnay, $21.99
  • Michel Leon Gewurztraminer, $9.99
  • Mouton Cadet Bordeaux Blanc, $8.49
  • Reserve des Cleons Muscadet Sevre et Maine, $7.99 – Recommended
  • Revelation Chardonnay, $5.99
  • Sancerre Les Trois Terroirs, $14.99
  • Sauvignon de Seguin White Bordeaux, $6.99

Trader Joe's Wine

Italian White Wine – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Cecilia Beretta Lugana, $9.99
  • Contadino Pinot Grigio, $5.99
  • Contadino Pinot Grigio, $5.99 – Recommended
  • Gavi Rosa dell’Olma Cortese, $7.99
  • Grifone Blance, $4.99
  • Grifone Rose, $4.99
  • Grigio Luna Pinot Grigio, $5.99
  • Ipsus Pantelleria Passito, $9.99
  • Lambrusco Dell’Emilia Bianco, $4.99
  • Martellozzo Prosecco, $6.99
  • Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio, $7.99
  • Sara Bee Moscato, $5.99 – Recommended
  • Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, $20.99
  • Stella Pinot Grigio, $7.99
  • Villa Cerrina Chardonnay / Pinot Grigio, $4.99
  • Villa Sonia Pinot Grigio 1.5L, $5.99

Trader Joe's Wine

French Red Wine – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Blason de Bourgogne Pinot Noir, $7.99
  • Caves du Fournalet Cotes du Rhone, $6.99
  • Chateau Citran Haut Medoc, $24.99
  • Chateau Haut Sorillon Bordeaux Superieur, $8.99
  • Chateau de la Riviere Fronsac, $15.99
  • Chateau Greysac Medoc, $19.99 – Recommended
  • Chateau Labrousse Blay Cotes de Bordeaux, $8.99
  • Chateau Langlade Medoc, $8.99
  • Chateau Mayne Guyon Bordeaux, $7.99
  • Chateau Poyanne Bordeaux Cotes de Bourg, $5.99
  • Chateau Roudier Saint Emilion, $12.99
  • Chateau de Seguin Prestige, $10.99
  • Clos La Gaffeliere Saint Emilion Grand Cru, $24.99 – Recommended
  • Domaine Sainte Croix Syrah / Merlot, $4.99
  • L’Authentic Red Blend, $4.99
  • La Ferme Julien Rouge, $5.99
  • Le Fiarre du Pape Châteauneuf-du-Pape, $19.99
  • Laurent Dublanc Cotes du Rhone, $6.99
  • Le Dauphin d’ Olivier Grand Vin de Graves, $19.99
  • Le Fiarre du Pape Chateuneuf du Pape, $19.99
  • Les Portes de Bordeaux Fronsac, $9.99
  • Les Portes de Bordeaux Haut Medoc, $6.99
  • Les Portes de Bordeaux Montagne Saint Emilion, $9.99
  • Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages, $10.99
  • Louis Latour Marsannay, $18.99
  • MGM Organic Pinot Noir, $7.99
  • Mouton Cadet Rouge, $8.49 – Recommended
  • Perrin Cotes du Rhone Reserve, $9.99
  • Pommard Les Caves des Hautes-Côtes, $24.99
  • Pontificis GSM Red Blend, $6.99
  • Prélude à Grand-Puy Ducasse Pauillac, $29.99
  • Rasteau Les Vaclusiens Cotes du Rhone, $11.99
  • Revelation Cabernet / Merlot, $5.99
  • Tertre du Moulin Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, $14.99
  • Valreas Cotes du Rhone, $6.49

Trader Joes Wine

Italian Red Wine – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Banfi Chianti Classico, $14.99
  • Barren & Rovati Barbaresco Riserva, $20.99
  • Barren & Rovati Barolo, $19.99
  • Casa Rossa Rosso, $6.99 * (A semi-sweet, low-alcohol red wine)
  • Conte di Bregonzo Amarone della Valpolicella 2011, $16.99 – Recommended
  • D’Aquino Brunello di Montalcino, $19.99
  • D’Aquino Chianti DOCG, $4.99
  • D’Aquino Chianti, $9.99
  • Davinci Chianti, $10.99
  • Epicuro Nero D’Avola, $5.99 – Recommended
  • Epicuro Salice Sentino, $5.99
  • Gaetano D’Aquino Chianti Riserva, $5.99
  • Grifone 1967 Toscana Rossa, $5.99
  • Grifone Chianti Riserva, $5.99
  • Grifone Primitivo Puglia, $4.99 – Recommended
  • Grifone Sangiovese, $4.99
  • Il Tarocco Chianti Classico, $9.99
  • Incanto Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, $10.99
  • Incanto Chianti Classico Riserva, $10.99
  • Luigi Righetti Campolieti Valpolicella Ripasso, $15.99
  • Piccini Chianti, $8.99
  • Reggiano Lambrusco Rosso Dulce, $4.99
  • Rocca dell’Olmo Barolo, $14.99
  • Ruggero di Tasso, $4.99
  • Santa Margherita Chianti, $22.99
  • Tenuta Poggio ai Mandorli Chianti Classico, $14.99
  • Tommolo Montepulciano Organic, $5.99
  • Trentatre Rosso 33, $6.99 – Recommended
  • Villa Cerrina Montepulciano, $4.99

Trader Joe's WineCabernet Sauvignon (Domestic) – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Badger Mountain Organic Cabernet, $13.99
  • Baron Herzog Paso Robles Cabernet, $11.99
  • Beringer Cabernet, $7.99
  • Blackstone Cabernet, $8.99
  • Bogle Cabernet, $9.99
  • Bonterra Organic Cabernet, $11.99
  • Caretaker Cabernet, $9.99
  • Caymus 2012 40th Anniversary Cabernet, $59.99
  • Chateau St. Jean Cabernet, $12.99
  • Columbia Crest Two Vines Cabernet, $7.99
  • Crane Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $19.99 – Recommended (Only available in CA Stores)
  • Dark Horse Cabernet, $7.99 – Recommended
  • Frei Brothers Reserve Cabernet Alexander Valley, $21.99
  • Green Fin Cabernet, $4.99
  • Kunde Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma, $15.99 – Recommended
  • Liberte Cabernet Paso Robles, $9.99
  • Louis Martini Sonoma Cabernet, $13.99 – Recommended
  • Overlake Cabernet, $8.99
  • Raymond Hill Cabernet 1.5L, $7.99
  • Ravenswood Cabernet, $9.99
  • Rex Goliath Cabernet, $5.49
  • Robert Hall Cabernet Paso Robles, $17.99
  • Spiral Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $9.99
  • Stags Leap Cabernet, $42.99
  • Trader Joes Grand Reserve Yountville Cabernet, $12.99 – Recommended
  • Trader Joes Grand Reserve Spring Mountain Cabernet, $14.99 – Recommended
  • Trader Joes Platinum Reserve Oakville Cabernet, $14.99
  • Velvet Moon Cabernet, $5.99

Trader Joe's WineRed Blends (Domestic) – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Apothic Red, $9.99
  • Cocobon Red Blend, $6.99
  • Crane Family Vineyards Alison’s Cuvee Napa Valley, $29.99 – Recommended (Only available in CA Stores)
  • Dark Horse Red Blend, $7.99
  • Dearly Beloved I Thee Red Blend, $7.99
  • Estancia Meritage Paso Robles, $21.99
  • Green Fin, $3.99
  • Francis Ford Coppola Claret, $14.99
  • Menage a Trois, $8.99
  • Phantom by Bogle Vineyards, $15.99
  • Toasted Head Untamed Red, $10.99
  • Trader Joes Alexander Valley Reserve Red Blend, $10.99
  • Trader Joes Grand Reserve Napa Valley Meritage, $12.99 – Recommended
  • Trader Joes Dry Creek Valley GSM Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre, $9.99
  • Trader Joes Mendocino County Barbera, $10.99
  • Trader Joes Reserve Meritage Paso Robles, $9.99
  • Tres Pinos Cuvee, $5.99
  • Tribunal Red Blend, $9.99

Trader Joes Wine Prices

Pinot Noir (Domestic) – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • A to Z Pinot Noir, $18.99
  • Beringer Pinot Noir, $7.99
  • Black Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir, $6.99
  • Blackstone Pinot Noir, $8.99
  • Blue Fin Pinot Noir, $4.99
  • Bogle Pinot Noir, $10.99
  • Caretaker Central Coast Pinot Noir, $9.99
  • Chateau St. Jean Pinot Noir, $11.99
  • Coppola Diamond Collection Pinot Noir, $15.99
  • Deloach Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, $20.99 – Recommended
  • Echelon Pinot Noir, $7.99
  • Emma Pearl Pinot Noir, $3.99
  • Erath Pinot Noir, $18.99
  • Estancia Pinot Noir, $12.99
  • Kings Ridge Pinot Noir, $14.99
  • La Crema Pinot Noir, $21.99
  • Pepperwood Grove Pinot Noir, $5.99
  • Raymond Hill Pinot Noir 1.5L, $7.99
  • Rex Goliath Pinot Noir, $5.49
  • Trader Joes Growers Reserve Pinot Noir, $6.99
  • Trader Joes Reserve Arroyo Grande Valley Pinot Noir, $9.99
  • Vintjs Wilamette Valley Pinot Noir, $8.99
  • Wild Horse Pinot Noir, $15.99

Merlot (Domestic) – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Alexander & Fitch Merlot, $6.99
  • Blackstone Merlot, $8.99
  • Black Mountain Vineyard Merlot, $6.99
  • Blue Fin Merlot, $4.99
  • Bogle Merlot, $8.99
  • BV Coastal Merlot, $8.99
  • Crane Family Vineyards Merlot Napa Valley, $19.99
  • Duckhorn Merlot, $48.99
  • Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Merlot, $12.99
  • Napa River Merlot, $5.99
  • Purple Moon Merlot, $5.99
  • Red Diamond Merlot, $8.99
  • Stags Leap Merlot, $25.99
  • Trader Joes Coastal Merlot, $4.99
  • Trader Joes Growers Reserve Merlot, $4.99

Zinfandel (Domestic) – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Baron Herzog Zinfandel, $11.99
  • Bogle Zinfandel, $9.99
  • Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel, $13.99
  • Cline Zinfandel, $9.99
  • Francis Ford Coppola Red Label Zinfandel, $10.99
  • Old Moon Zinfandel, $5.99
  • Peachy Canyon Zinfandel, $12.99
  • Ridge Geyserville Zinfanfel, $35.99 – Recommended
  • Rosenblum Vintners Cuvee Zinfandel, $9.99
  • Stonehedge Zinfandel, $9.99
  • Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve Calistoga Zinfandel, $12.99
  • Trader Joe’s Growers Reserve Organic Zinfandel, $5.49
  • Trader Joe’s Reserve Zinfandel Redwood Valley, $9.99
  • Trader Joes Russian River Zinfandel, $9.99
  • Truant Old Vine Zinfandel, $10.99
  • Vintjs Zinfandel, $7.99

La Finca Malbec

Argentinian Wines – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Alamos Malbec, $8.99
  • Gascon Malbec, $12.99
  • La Finca Cabernet
  • La Finca Malbec, $4.49 – Recommended
  • La Finca Tempranillo, $4.49
  • Los Vascos Cabernet, $9.49
  • Norton Malbec, $8.99
  • Romance Red, $7.99
  • Smoking Loon Cabernet, $7.99
  • Smoking Loon Pinot Noir, $7.99

Chilean Wines – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Panilonco Chardonnay / Viognier Blend, $4.99
  • Panilonco Merlot / Malbec Blend, $4.99
  • Santa Rita Cabernet, $10.99
  • Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc, $8.99
  • Vinas Chilenas Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, & Sauvignon Blanc, $4.49

Trader Joe's Wine

Spanish Wines – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Albero Organic Bobal Rose, $5.99
  • Albero Organic Monastrell, $6.99
  • Albero Organic Tempranillo, $5.99
  • Encuentro Bobal, $6.99
  • La Granja 360 Tempranillo, $3.99
  • La Granja 360 Garnacha / Syrah Blend, $4.99
  • La Granja 360 Garnacha / Tempranillo Blend, $4.99
  • La Mano Mencia Roble, $5.99
  • Marques de Caceres Rioja, $8.99
  • Marques de Caceres Rioja Crianza, $13.99
  • Marques de Riscal Reserva Rioja, $19.99
  • Monte Ducay Reserva Red Blend, $6.99
  • Terrenal Chardonnay, $4.99
  • Terrenal Seleccionado, $6.99 – Recommended
  • Terrenal Tempranillo, $4.99

Other Wines: Red, White, Rice and Rose – Trader Joe’s Wine

  • Bogle Port, $17.99
  • Casal Garcia Vinho Verde, $6.99
  • Crane Family Vineyards Douceur Dessert Red 500ml, $19.99 – Recommended (Available only in CA stores)
  • Espiral Vinho Verde Portugal, $4.99 – Recommended
  • Espiral Vinho Rose Portugal, $4.99
  • Floriana Gruner Veltliner Hungary, $5.99
  • Gekkeikan Sake Rice Wine, $5.99
  • Joseph Handler Sweet Red Germany, $5.99
  • Lazy Bones Cabernet Franc, $6.99
  • Nurnberger Gluhwein ‘Glow Wine’, $5.99
  • Trader Joes Grand Reserve Petite Sirah, $5.49
  • Trader Joe-San Sake, $9.99

**Please note that there is no Trader Joe’s Wine case discount available. *Updated 9/20/2015.

Guide to Wine Tasting | Tips and Etiquette

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Guide to Wine Tasting |Tips and Etiquette

Wine Tasting Tips

So you’re thinking of doing some wine tasting? You’ve done dress rehearsals at home, had the obligatory spillage on the carpet (which you promptly tended to with an effective stain removal solution – https://www.bissell.com/carpet-and-floor-cleaning-formulas) and now you’re ready to give the real thing a go. There aren’t many more enjoyable ways to discover new wines while learning about the fascinating world of wine-making. So whether it’s your first wine tasting experience, or you’re already a veritable connoisseur I hope that you find my Guide to Wine Tasting Tips and Etiquette helpful!

Before you go – Guide to Wine Tasting Tips and Etiquette

  • Have a game plan. Some wineries require appointments, while others are perfectly happy with walk-in visits. It helps to have an idea of where you might want to visit and to have mapped out locations. Some wineries in Napa are nearly an hour apart, for example.
  • Avoid brushing your teeth, chewing gum or drinking coffee within a few hours of your tasting. These activities can seriously interfere with the taste of a wine.
  • Dress the part: No, I’m not talking about wearing a suit, but casual sophistication goes a long way.
  • If you just want to get drunk, shots are probably a better bet.
  • Transportation: If you’re planning to visit more than a few tasting rooms and not utilizing the dump bucket, consider a designated driver or hiring a town car/tour guide.
  • Think about lunch ahead of time. It can be really fun to find a bottle you love, purchase it at the winery and then enjoy it there with a pre-packed picnic. Some wineries offer small bites for purchase while some serve 5 course lunches with wine pairings…
  • Tasting fees range from complimentary to very expensive. I recently heard of a winery that charges $500 for its wine tasting. In my opinion a tasting serves the purpose of introducing a customer to a winery’s offerings, and thus if a purchase is made it should be waived however this is not always the case. It’s best to visit the winery’s website to see what their policy is.
    • It never hurts to search for tasting deals or coupons in advance of a winery visit. Many wineries will feature ‘2 for 1’ tasting promotions or even free tastings when you ‘check in’ at their winery on social media. But don’t let these promotions dictate your entire itinerary, or you might be missing out on some great spots like these wineries I’ve visited.
  • In my experience when a winery advertises “Complimentary Tastings” the wines either sell themselves, or they are accompanied by a hard sell.
  • Don’t show up 10 minutes before the advertised closing time and expect a great wine tasting, and that’s if they will even serve you. Most tasting room professionals are finishing up with existing customers or are trying to close down by that point. Your best bet is to allow at least 30 minutes before scheduled time.

Ramey Wine Tasting

While Tasting – Guide to Wine Tasting Tips and Etiquette

  • Don’t be afraid to try strange sounding wines/wine varietals. You might be pleasantly surprised!
  • Tasting room staff can be a wealth of knowledge regarding not just the wine they are pouring, but about other wineries and restaurants in the area. If you’re polite and friendly, you might just get some great insider tips.
  • Speaking of the tasting room staff… try to avoid treating them like bartenders! This happens more often than you might think…
  • There should be a ‘Spittoon’, or dump-bucket on the tasting bar. It is perfectly acceptable to taste and then spit the wine out into the spittoon. If you don’t like the wine, don’t hesitate to pour the rest into the spittoon. The staff won’t be offended!
  • If you don’t like the wine, it’s best not to bash it, especially in front of those pouring it. It’s likely that a lot of hard work went into producing it, not to mention how many innocent grapes were sacrificed.
  • Often a winery will allow you to share a tasting. Just ask, especially if you would like to taste but are concerned about the cost of the tasting.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for another pour of a wine, especially if you’re considering making a purchase.

Jamieson Ranch Tasting Menu

As you leave – Guide to Wine Tasting Tips and Etiquette

  • If you like a wine, by all means buy it! You will likely regret it later if you don’t, especially if that wine is a winery only release or is not distributed. It doesn’t hurt to as if this is the case. Having said that – if the wine is well distributed, there is a good chance that you will be able to find it less expensively at a retailer. It might seem counter-intuitive, but wine is always more expensive right at the source!
  • You will likely be asked if you would like to join The Wine Club. The costs as well as the details of each wine club vary greatly from winery to winery. My recommendation is to read the fine print and only join a wine club if you really enjoyed the wines; don’t sign up because you felt obligated or pressured to do so. Selling wine club memberships is very important to many wineries and they often reward members with great perks such as free tastings, discounts on additional wine purchases and even great parties.
  • It never hurts to tip the tasting room employee who helped you, especially if he or she was especially informative or helpful.
  • Last but not least, don’t take the wine tasting experience too seriously! If you’re not enjoying yourself, you’re either doing something wrong or you might not like wine!

You can check out some of my favorite winery visits here!

A Taste of Ramey Wine Cellars

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Ramey Wine Cellars

How does the saying go? When in Rome, do as the Roman’s do? Well if I may suggest than when you find yourself in the fantastic town of Healdsburg, California that you do make a visit to Ramey Wine Cellars. Located in Sonoma County, Ramey Wine Cellars was founded in 1996 by David and Carla Ramey.

Before founding Ramey Wine Cellars, David forged his wine-making talents and experience first at Petrus after earning his Master of Science in Enology from UC Davis in 1979. From there, he took his first job stateside under Zelma Long at Simi and then took over for Mary Edwards at Matanzas Creek. While at Matanzas Creek David pioneering the now industry-wide practice of whole cluster pressing for Chardonnay. From there he went on to work at Dominus Estate.

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Jamieson Ranch Vineyards Review

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Jamieson Ranch Vineyards

Wine lovers making their way to Napa Valley owe it to to themselves to make Jamieson Ranch Vineyards their first stop as they make their way north into wine country from San Francisco International Airport.

As the southernmost winery in Napa Valley, this impressive 300 acre estate has 100 organically farmed acres planted to vine which benefit from the cooling effects of the nearby San Pablo Bay. Varietals grown on their estate include: Viognier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The fruit for their Cabernet Sauvignon offerings is sourced from other sites in Napa Valley. Owning a ranch this size is the epitome of the American dream. Personally, I’d prefer to own one of the huge Texas ranches instead.

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Best Costco Wines for Thanksgiving

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With Thanksgiving already right around the corner you’ve probably already gotten your dinner menu figured out, I mean you have to have turkey and stuffing right? But you might be wondering about which wines will be best to serve with traditional Thanksgiving cuisine.

In addition to serving wines that pair well, its also important to find wines that taste great yet don’t cost a fortune, especially since you probably have to buy more wine than usual for this special occasion.

So don’t stress… I’ve navigated the numerous and often daunting selections for you and here you’ll find The Best Costco Wines for Thanksgiving – and all but one cost under $15. If you’re interested in my full review of one of the wines, just click on it! 

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Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Review

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Kirkland Signature 2011 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Review

I’m perennially tempted and intrigued by Costco’s Kirkland Signature wines so I thought I might give the Kirkland Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2011 a try. Alexander Valley is the northernmost part of Sonoma County and is known for producing Cabernet’s that are slightly softer and more elegant in style.

It’s generally cooler temperatures produce a different Cabernet than you get in Napa, where wines are often riper, fruitier and more tannic. Often I find myself more inclined to drink Cabernet that is less fruity with good balance and acidity and Alexander Valley fits the bill at a better price point. Several notable wineries you might recognize produce sought after Cabernet’s from Alexander Valley including Silver Oak,  Jordan and Lancaster Estate.

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Domaine Lafage Cuvee Nicolas Review

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Domaine Lafage Cuvee Nicolas

Domaine Lafage Cuvee Nicolas

The Domaine Lafage Cuvee Nicolas 2012 really caught my attention when I received an e-mail offering from The Wine Library. Not only was it fashioned by the same talented winemaker who produces the Novellum Chardonnay, but at only $13 it had scored a whopping 93 point score by Jeb Dunnuck of the Wine Advocate.

The Novellum Chardonnay is an excellent value, consistently over delivering for it’s modest price point at the hands of winemaker Jean Marc Lafage. He is also responsible for producing the wildly popular Las Rocas Garnacha for power-importer Eric Solomon.

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Dr. Wagner Riesling Review

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Dr. Wagner Riesling ReviewI don’t drink many Rieslings, mostly because I’m not a huge fan of sweetness in my wines. Rieslings are however considered to be amongst the greatest age-worthy white wines, and they aren’t always very sweet, if at all. I very much enjoyed a Riesling recently while visiting Long Island Wine Country at Paumanok Vineyards so when I spotted the Dr. Wagner Riesling Kabinett at my local Costco I decided to give it a try.

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