If you’ve known me for any amount of time, you know that enjoying a nice glass of wine – white or red – is a part of my self-care routine. Not to mention I love pairing wine with food!
But where should someone begin when selecting wine?
Some months ago I connected with Charece Harris, a new mom and fabulous make-up artist. After some time I learned that she is a Wine Guide with Traveling Vineyard. Of course, I had questions about what she does and asked if she’d be willing to share some wine basics here with a Q&A.
Whether you’re a wine newbie or an enthusiast like me, here are some basics that you should know.
What’s the best temperature to serve wine?
It actually depends on the kind of wine you’re serving, but most wine should be served at about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Red wine should be served room temperature, but it’s a matter of personal preference and taste. If you serve wine too cold it may become excessively tannic or acidic. If served too, hot it may become overly alcoholic – but some people may prefer it that way.
How do you store wine?
Wine should be stored on it’s side in a dark, dry area. Wine should only be placed upright for 2-7 days.
What should someone do with leftover wine? Any suggestions?
Drink it. Lol no but seriously once wine is opened you only have a few days to drink it before it goes “bad”. If you don’t think you’ll be able to finish a bottle or you simply don’t like it that much, you can always turn it into a cocktail or sangria that you can store in the fridge for later.
How long can I keep a bottle of wine?
It depends on the quality of wine. Cheaper wines under $30 dollars should be consumed within a year or two from the time of purchase. More expensive wines are designed to age longer to get better over time.
What’s the best way to learn about wine?
To drink it and experience it…and try different ones.
Is it weird that some people prefer to drink red wine slightly chilled?
Not at all, it’s all about personal preference.
What are “legs”?
If you swirl your wine in a wine glass you will see the wine drip down the sides which are referred to as legs or tears. Legs are what helps you determine the sweetness and alcohol level in your wine. If the wine flows slowly it can indicate that your wine is on the sweeter side. More legs indicates a higher alcohol level in your wine.
Why does red wine make my mouth feel dry, and white wine doesn’t?
Red wines have higher tannin levels. The tannic acid in red wines causes you to get that dry sensation after drinking it. Some white wines have that effect as well.
Does the quality of a wine glass – or using a wine glass at all – really matter/make a difference?
Yes, the quality and style of the wine glass can have an impact on how your wine will taste. There are dozens of different wine glass styles and different wines require different stemware.
What wine should I serve at a party or large gathering?
I definitely suggest serving two different red and two whites, one sweet and one bitter. That way you have something for everyone.
How did you get into the wine industry, specifically with Traveling Vineyard?
A Facebook friend invited me to a virtual wine tasting. Being a new mom going from maternity leave straight into quarantine I was thrilled about being able to socialize again – but safely from the comfort of my own home. I had never heard of a direct wine selling business, and was impressed with what I saw. The thought of being able to host tastings virtually and make money sounded like the perfect opportunity. It allows me to socialize with other wine lovers, and it gives me a sense of normalcy during this pandemic – while making extra income on the side.
Join Charece and I for a virtual Friendsgiving Wine Tasting event on Saturday, November 21. It’s just us and some sista friends from the Many Hats Squad…fun, laughter and great wine! A wine list will be provided for each guest to purchase (optional) before hand for the perfect wine tasting experience.
Hope to see you there. 🙂