What was your “Epiphany” wine?
It was a 5 Puttynos Tokaji from the Royal Tokaji Wine Company. I have always had a bit of a sweet tooth and this wine sent me over the top! Dessert wines are still my favorite to this day.

What is the most memorable Wine Cellar you have built?
The custom wine cellar in our Wine Enthusiast showroom. It is something I had envisioned doing for many years, even when we were in our original location. Once we moved to our new headquarters, I was able to take the space from a simple floor plan to the lavish cellar that you see today. It’s wonderful to have our customers come through the door and marvel at this cellar while envisioning something similar in their own home.

What is your favorite Wine Storage Product and why?
I love the simplicity and efficiency of the Silent Wine Refrigerators. They are a perfect gateway for the novice collector into the world of wine storage. Also being close to NYC we have many customers who live in apartments that don’t have the room for the bigger units and are looking for the quietest solution possible.

How do you store your wine?
I have a modest collection that I store in our N’Finity Wine Racks with an N’Finity Cooling Unit. What I love about this system is that as my collection grows I can simply add on racks to my current cellar. It’s also fairly easy for me to assemble/install and I do enjoy the process.

If you had to give 1 wine storage tip, what would it be?
Whether it’s a basic wine refrigerator or a custom built wine cellar with all the trimmings, having a temperature-controlled environment for your collection is an invaluable investment. We have many customers who have lost wines over the years because they thought their basement or pantry closet would suffice. The truth is there are few places in the world that can maintain a steady 55 degree temperature year round without the use of some form of temperature control.

What have you drank lately that wowed you?
I have always been a Dolce fan, so one of my colleagues (Marshall) introduced me to Moshin Vineyard’s Moshin Poshin. It is another Sauternes-style dessert wine from California and it is simply delicious. It’s my new go-to after dinner treat.

10. Microbrew Peanut Brittle – This salty sweet treat is perfect for beer , wine and football fans alike. It was crafted in the heart of California wine country and made with a hint of hops. Beer and peanut butter all in one delicious mouthful… who wouldn’t love that?!

9. Wine Cork Cheese Spreaders – Whether cheddar, blue or mozzarella are on the menu, these spreaders are perfect for your game day appetizer cheese platter.

8. Wine Chicken Cooker – It’s as easy to use as it is attractive and will cook one of the best birds you have ever tasted!

7. Vintage Oak Party Chiller – The best way we know to keep all your white wine, champagne, beer, soda and water cold and ready to serve a big party.

6. Wine Glass Writer Metallic Pen – The ideal tool to make sure no one snags your glass of vino!

5. Silent 28 Bottle Touchscreen Wine Cellar – To ensure all your wines are being properly stored prior to the game, as none of your guests are going to want to drink warm wine.

4. Spiegelau Classic Beer Glasses – Choose from the Pilsner, Lager or Wheat style depending on what kind of brew you are serving for the game.

3. Giant Red Wine Stem Cooler – Because it’s… GIANT!!!

2. Stainless Steel Champagne Bucket – The perfect vessel to chill down the bubbly for the post game victory celebration!

And the #1 absolute necessity for your Football Fiesta……

1. Wine B’gone – Quickly fix any couch or carpet casualties with our handy wine stain remover. It’s a long game and let’s be honest…your guests are going to spill some wine!

Of course we can’t forget that even with the necessary accessories, you still need something to drink. So as a special bonus  from our wine shop partner:

The Top 5 WineExpress.com Gridiron Selections

5. Enamore 2009 Mendoza, Allegrini & Renacer – Both Amarone and Malbec fans will go nuts for this joint effort. A big wine on all fronts!

4. Archstone 2008 Chardonnay, Napa Valley – For under $15 it’s tough to find a better Napa Chard that will pair up with all those spicy and greasy finger foods.

3. Seghesio 2010 Zinfandel, Sonoma County – A consistent 90 Pt + Zin, this is a perfect match for those hot Buffalo wings or BBQ spare ribs.

2. Moonlighters 2007 Red Blend, South Australia, Red Heads Studio -  This innovative Cabernet blend is a tremendous value and will pair with everything from cocktail weenies to  Filet Mignon.

And the #1 Wine for this year’s Gridiron Gathering is…

1. Silver Oak 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – Because YOU will be the MVP at the end of the game for serving this iconic Napa Cab.

Tell us what you plan to serve on Sunday! And what are your necessary accessories for the big game?

Here are some personal favorites. Which wine gadgets and wine accessories do you own that tell your wine, “I Love You!”?

Label Savers – One of our all-time best sellers, label savers are a quick and easy way to make lasting memories from a special bottle.  Sold in sets of 10, these nifty laminators work by separating the front printed surface from the adhesive back of the label.

Cork Kits – Another classic product, we have offered cork kits in all shapes and sizes from coasters to barrel hoops for decades. And with our new heart-shaped option, there is truly love in the air!

Riedel Black Tie Bliss Decanter – An elegant wine decanter is the perfect way to let your wine breathe. Your love of wine is perfectly represented in Riedel’s unique design with its heart-shaped cutout which also serves as a pouring assistant!

Eurocave – One of the most infinitely rewarding wine investments you can make, a Eurocave will cradle and protect your wine for years to come. Show your collection some appreciation with the world’s finest wine cellars, crafted in France.

WineHug Self-Inflating Protective Travel Pouch – If you love your wine, the last thing you want is for it to fall victim to the bumps and bruises of travel! The WineHug acts as a life jacket for your wine, so you can take it with you everywhere you go!

Good Wine Glasses – Wine needs to express itself and the best way to do that is with the proper stemware. Our Fusion line is not only beautiful , but break-resistant! Your beloved bottles will be at their best in these glasses.

Bathtub Wine Bottle Chiller – Your wine gets to relax as it chills in our whimsical bathtub wine chiller. White wine lovers, this one is for you!

An Aerator – Whether a finer, a breather or a funnel suits you, aerators allow your wine to mix and mingle with the air around it! Improved aromatics and softer tannins will be the end result. Your wine will thank you!

What was your “Epiphany” wine? 
Historically my frame of reference has been homemade Italian red wine. Shortly after joining the Wine Enthusiast, I had the pleasure of joining our team at a famous New York steakhouse for dinner and a bottle of PETRUS was opened and I was mesmerized!

What is the most memorable Wine Cellar you have built?
I built a 1,300-bottle wine cellar complete with racking, artwork, custom doors and cooling. I was elated when I heard these words from the happy owner: “It exceeded all of my expectations, and I can’t help but smile each time I enter the room.”

What is your favorite Wine Storage Product and why?
Of course I love custom racking! The building environment for wine excites me! I especially enjoy creating a cellar that reflects the homeowner’s style and taste.

How do you store your wine?
My Eurocave is 12 years old and in mint condition. I am so proud to sell our products and I am reminded of this each and every time I walk up to my unit.

If you had to give 1 wine storage tip, what would it be?
It will taste better if you store it right and storing it right will change your life and passion for wine.

What have you drank lately that wowed you?
I adore big reds, particularly from California, but I make it a priority to be wowed each time I drink wine !

Announcing our new series: Meet our Wine Storage Consultants. First up, is Marshall Tilden. Marshall has been at Wine Enthusiast for over 6 years. You may recognize him as the star in many of our product videos. Marshall also has a great blog called Westchester Wine Guy, it’s worth a read!

What was your “Epiphany” wine?
I actually have two of them…and both were from the same vintage. The first was a 1996 Gevrey Chambertin that I had at Spark’s Steakhouse in NYC. Never had I experienced a wine with such texture and intense flavor. The other was the 1996 Jordan Alexander Valley Cab which was one of the best California wines I can remember tasting to date.

What is the most memorable Wine Cellar you have built?
It is actually a Wine Cellar that is currently under construction. It is going to be a 10,000 bottle cellar for the new R’evolution Restaurant located in the Royal Sonesta Hotel in the heart of New Orleans. This is Rick Tramonto’s latest venture and the cellar should be nothing short of spectacular.

What is your favorite Wine Storage Product and why?
As I think you will find this same answer from most of our Wine Storage Consultants, it would have to be the EuroCave line of Wine Cellars. Quite simply they provide the best storage climate for properly aging your wines when considering all the enemies of wine (temperature fluctuation, humidity, light and vibration). They are also super quiet and last forever, plus the flexible shelving system allows you to store any size bottle…literally!

How do you store your wine?
EuroCave Performance 283…I have about 180-200 bottles including a 6 Liter of ’04 Chateau Tabolt and a 3 Liter of ’04 Oracle’s Miner.

If you had to give 1 wine storage tip, what would it be?
Not all wine is meant for aging. So make sure you do your research and drink your young wines early and give only those better bottles the time they need to fully evolve.

What have you drank lately that wowed you?
My latest obsession is the 2007 Donnachiara Taurasi DOCG. I am totally amazed by the complexity and versatility of the Aglianico grape. I also thought the 2008 Rodney Strong Alexander Valley Cab was possibly the best value of the vintage.

Follow Marshall on Twitter @WE_Marshall !

Just a week into January, I wouldn’t be surprised if plenty of folks had already abandoned their New Years Resolutions. This is the time of year when we promise to be at the gym at 6AM and eat more vegetables. But how about some fun resolutions that may last the whole year and beyond?
We asked some of the biggest oenophiles here at Wine Enthusiast, for their New Years Wine Resolutions. Check them out for inspiration! And share yours!

“To store my 100+ bottles in one central place (that’s safe from my son’s curious hands!) instead of in various wine racks scattered in our dining room.” – Christine, Internet Marketing Manager

“To take a crack at making some wine of my own. After learning so much about the process and having seen it done, I’m itching to get my hands a little dirty and seeing what I can produce…and also to continue my wine education.” – Marshall, Sales Manager

“To learn how to use my waiter’s corkscrew with finesse, despite the fact that my lever-style faux Rabbit is so much easier to use!”—Danna, Copywriter

“To take more notes – even just quick ones in my phone at dinner – to get back into using the lingo and so that I can build a greater memory of specific wineries, varietals and regions. “ – Jacki , Manager of Communications

“To try a new wine every week, especially from lesser-known-regions.” – Richard, Marketing Analyst

“Mine is to utilize my aerators more often. I’m embarrassed to say that usually I’m too excited to dive in to the bottle, that I don’t take the time to maximize the wine’s full potential!”—Erika, Director of Internet Marketing

“To drink more Cru Beaujolais. The QPR is through the roof! And I like the style.” — Josh, Wine Director WineExpress.com

“To bring out my Riedel Sommeliers and uncork a world class Cab or Bordeaux – no special reason – on a Wednesday night perhaps. Life is too short to wait for a special occasion!” – Mike, Business-to-Business Manager

“To update my inventory and have some people over to drink what needs to be opened!”- Todd, Wine Storage Consultant

This past week the media has been buzzing about a new BYO trend started by the singularly named icon – Madonna. Last week Madonna was spotted at a restaurant with her current boyfriend Brahim Zaibat, in New York City. A celebrity sighting like this, though exciting to some, doesn’t usually make its way into the wine blogosphere…until now. Madonna’s main squeeze was not all the mega pop star arrived with – she also came with a bottle of wine and glassware in tow.

Though BYOB is common, BYOG  is an entirely new take on the trend! Perhaps Madonna has something here! When bringing that special bottle out it can be a disappointment when the waiter clunks down a sad looking footed-cup.  The vessel can make or break a wine experience. Proper glassware is key to wine enjoyment.
 
One of my favorite products for a BYOG night– is the Wine-for-Two Bottle & Stem Tote. This all-in-one bag can hold two bottles of wine, two beautiful stems and all the gear you’ll need to pop the cork! For your stems we recommend the Fusion Classic Chardonnay for their durability, versatility, size and elegance. We’re not positive that Madonna actually used this ingenious tote and stemware for her BYOG dinner, but we’re certain it is material-girl-approved!
Have you ever brought glassware to a restaurant? Have you ever wished you had? Tell us in the comments below!

So from stocking stuffer prices to more expensive items to give your loved ones or yourself, here is a wish list for the wine and spirits enthusiast.

Corkcicle
This icicle shaped chiller attached to a cork (hence the name Corkcicle) is an easy way to chill wine without having to tote an ice bucket. Simply open your pre-chilled wine bottle, pour out just a sip’s worth to avoid overflow, and insert the pre-frozen Corkcicle into the bottle.

Vinturi Spirit Aerator
From single malt whiskies to blends, an aerator opens up the taste. The Vinturi aerator has a built-in jigger with volume markers and push-button flow control lets you measure and aerate at the same time. No more wondering what amount equals a shot or a “finger.” This model includes a no-drip stand. Try the aerator with other spirits and liqueurs such as tequila, Cognac, Port, Bourbon, vodka,
gin, rum, brandy, and sake.

iSi Twist ‘n Sparkle Carbonated Beverage Maker
This has a wow factor and it gives you another option to serve non-alcoholic drinks to family and guests. It is mechanical, not electric so no plugs or batteries.
Pour a chilled beverage into the bottle, insert an iSi® soda charger, and twist. It eliminates boring sodas and wasting plastic from store-bought bottles. It works with fruit juices and iced teas; cocktails and wine coolers. It can even make fizzy desserts such as ice cream or sorbet floats. The starter kit includes: a bottle, carbonation wand, 3 C02 cartridges, and a recipe booklet. Bottles and cartridges are BPA-free and phthalate-free plastic, and stainless steel, respectively. Extra cartridges and bottles can be purchased separately.

skybar™ Wine System
The skybar™ Wine System chills, pours and preserves wine. The unit chills wine to its ideal serving temperature, while patented vacuum technology naturally preserves your favorite wines for up to 10 days. It has preset temperatures for 9 wine types/varietals, or you can use the manual controls.

The skybar™ Wine System’s three-bottle unit has digital temperature readings for each chamber.

A sleek spout smoothly pours directly into your glass without disturbing the natural sediment in the wine bottle. The chambers keep bottles free of any foreign substances, which can alter flavor and aroma. No expensive replacement cartridges are needed.

Any of these gadgets make fun gifts that any wine lover would be proud to own!

Our team has chosen our 6-Bottle Touchscreen Wine Refrigerator for many benefits other than its sleek design.

It is compact and meant to sit on your countertop for convenient, easy access. Thinner than a microwave and quieter than a traditional wine refrigerator, it uses state-of-the art thermoelectric cooling. The three chrome shelves pull out for easy access. It’s available in classic black, or a clean, crisp white. Both have stainless steel trim.

And the next best feature is price. We are running a special holiday offer until December 26. The introductory price is $99, and shipping is free.  Plus, for great advice on filling your new refrigerator with the best wine, we’ve included a two-year digital subscription to Wine Enthusiast Magazine with your purchase.

But don’t take it from us, we’ve won many accolades from other publications.  The Wall Street Journal gave us the number one rating for their top small wine coolers under $150 and Consumers Digest selected our 12 Bottle Wine Refrigerator as a Best Buy

If you were curious, our past recipients of our Wine Enthusiast Gift of the Year include the EuroCave SoWine Home Wine Bar and the Silent 12 Bottle Dual Zone Touchscreen Wine Refrigerator.

We could think of no better gift item than our 6-Bottle Touchscreen Wine Refrigerator to be named our Gift of the Year 2011.

What features do you look for in a wine refrigerator? For more gifting ideas, visit our newly revamped gift center.

Many units are only capable of functioning in a “living space”, which means an area where the temperature never rises above 77 degrees. Such units include our Silent Line of wine refrigerators or any unit utilizing thermoelectric cooling.  The reason being is that while these units are extremely quiet and efficient, thermoelectric technology cannot withstand extreme temperature fluctuations like some of our other units. The highest temperature differential they can really handle is about 20 degrees, so as the surrounding temperature rises above that 77 mark, so will the temperature inside the unit.

Wine coolers or cellars that use compressor systems are able to hold temperatures under warmer conditions, usually up to 80-85 degrees depending on the specific unit. The parts tend to be made with more durable materials, and the use of refrigerant not only helps these units to function in those warmer areas, but to last longer than the thermoelectric units. Most of these units are similar in function to the refrigerator in your kitchen, a good example being our N’FINITY Line of Wine Cellars.

Many people choose to put their refrigerated wine cabinet in their garage, and for those living in extremely warm or cold climates it can be a little risky. Only the EuroCave units are truly able to handle those ambient temperatures around 100 on the high side and close to freezing on the low side. The technology behind EuroCave’s cooling system includes both cooling and heating coils as well as super insulated aluminum interior walls, which allow these units to function in almost any environment.

So if you have a unit in an area that is on the warmer side and it doesn’t seem to be holding the right temperature, you may want to determine if the ambient temperature is just too high for the kind of wine cooler you have. After all, protecting your prized wine collection is the main reason you purchased a wine cellar in the first place! So it’s best to be sure that it is sitting somewhere that it can maintain the right temperatures, allowing your wines to reach their maximum potential.

If you have any questions on which unit may be best for your particular situation, contact one of our wine storage consultants at 800-377-3330