Personal Wine Blog

Wine labels contain quite a bit of information, some of which is crucial to understanding what’s inside the bottle, and some of which is simply there to draw the eye of the consumer. Here’s a quick guide that will explain what to look for on a wine label, as well as what to ignore.

With Employee Appreciation Day right around the corner (it's March 4th in case you forgot), you might find yourself hard-pressed for Employee Appreciation Day ideas. Thankfully we know the gift all of your employees want...wine! Amaze your diligent workforce with personalized wine gifts.

Wine has been enjoyed by leaders for thousands of years. From ancient Greece to modern-day America, it plays a critical role in the culture, cuisine, and even politics of a nation.

Whether entertaining foreign heads of state or Members of Congress, the White House must ensure events run smoothly so the nation can conduct its business. One way the presidents have done this is through their love of wine.

The world of wine is vast and exploring all of it would take a lifetime, but even learning the basics can be fascinating and serve as a great jumping-off point for further explortation. Our goal for this series is to introduce the casual wine drinker to some of the more nuanced aspects of wine without any drab jargon or pretension. We are firm believers that at the end of the day wine is best enjoyed and not studied, but we hope by introducing a few new concepts we are able to help grow your appreciation for this wonderful beverage.

This first post will provide a brief history of wine, with further posts covering the basics of wine styles, glassware, tasting and more. In no way is this series meant to be exhaustive, but by the end you should be able to navigate the wine menu at your favorite restaurant with poise.

Nothing is classier than a personalized wine glass. They are great for special occasions like weddings and engagement parties and they also make amazing presents for birthdays and holidays. Now that you know you want to give an etched wine glass as a gift, you might be asking yourself, "What should I put on it?" Well, here's a list of foolproof ideas that will make any recipient of an engraved wine glass jump with joy, bring a tear to their eye, or even plant a big ol' wet kiss on you (whether you want it or not).

Valentine's Day, of course, is the cuddliest and coziest event of the year. But how can you make this next one unforgettable?

There are multiple ways to remove wine bottle labels. If you are removing an existing label to apply your own then the process is relatively simple and you most likely have all the necessary supplies. However, if you are removing an existing wine label in order to preserve it as a keepsake, it will require a bit more finesse and special supplies.

Popping the big question to your ‘maids is almost as exciting as getting engaged. Sure, your besties will say yes no matter what, but you can get a bit more clever than a phone call to ask them to be in your wedding.

The wonderful thing about wine is that no two bottles are exactly the same. You’ll always have your favorite wines but each glass has its own unique experience meant to be savored and cherished.

Not surprisingly, wine bottle crafts are like glasses of wine in the sense that no two are exactly the same. One popular craft is a DIY lamp made of wine bottles. With minimal financial investment and a few hours of handywork, your new DIY wine bottle chandelier will become the perfect centerpiece in your home.

7 Steps to Make a Chandelier from Old Wine Bottles:

1. Gather your tools and materials
2. Score and cut your wine bottles
3. Add the necessary electrical wiring
4. Shape your wooden base
5. Set your wires in place
6. Shape the ceiling canopy
7. Connect the plank and canopy piece
8. Light up the room!

Whether you are hosting a company dinner party, a big birthday bash, or even performing the maid of honor role at your best friend’s wedding, knowing how to open a champagne bottle with a knife (sabering) is a guaranteed way to liven up any occasion.

Follow these four steps to open a champagne bottle with a knife:

1. Grab your champagne—be sure to chill it before you start.
2. Grab your knife—use a blunt blade or the back of the knife to prevent it becoming dull.
3. Remove the foil and wire cage—hold the bottle firmly at the bottom, loosen the wire cage around the cork and reposition it up to the next lip, or remove it completely.
4. Get the angle right—Angle the bottom of the bottle up 30-45 degrees and place the blade against the bottle neck at a 45 degree angle. Run your blade gently and slowly up and down the seam of the bottleneck to get a feel for the bottle sabering motion.