DISCOUNT WINE CELLARS

Each year, pundits consider social and consumer behaviour of the previous year to come up with what they suspect will be the trends for the coming twelve months. This year, the people at 'Fine Wines' have singled out ten of the many trends, some of which can be easily associated with the habits of consumers out to fill their wine cellars.
If your choice is between several bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon and they all look good, experts suggest that you will likely pick the bottle which was either made with some recycled glass, comes in an eco-friendly container, is associated with a charity, or a combination of these. Many businesses may not see the value of limiting choices when it comes to environmentally friendly packaging, but shoppers have the right to 'vote with their feet' as my husband always says. What this means is that if you don't like the practises of one winery, don't buy their wine. Put your money where your mouth is. This year, consumers will be doing this more than ever.
They also want to see that the purchase of their perks will be helpful to someone else, be it a penguin or a child in need. Right now, Tinhorn Creek is donating part proceeds from their wines to Boys and Girls Clubs from Victoria to Calgary. They also use up to 50% recycled glass, prevent rodents from damaging their vines with non-toxic measures, and are heavily into composting. The Little Penguin supports the Penguin Foundation of Australia, and donate some proceeds of sales to this organization.
All of this means that doing something which you enjoy - ie. drinking wine - will feel better than ever.

Labels: 192 bottle instant wine cellar, Australia, charity, Discount Wine Cellars, environment, wine cellars

Not long ago I began commentary on the race between 'Booze Monkey' of Australia and America's 'Palate Press' who are racing to see who could raise more money for Haiti through their respective wine auctions. Their efforts are going strong, and I am seeing more regular movement in the bidding again. I'm pretty sure that Palate Press is ahead of Booze Monkey; then again, Palate Press started first and Booze Monkey has finite deadlines rather than creating 'hot lots' after an item hasn't had action for 24 hours. Urgency spurs actions, I say, whether physical or financial.
Items that have enjoyed frequent friendly bidding have included the Cakebread Cellars mixed case, valued at $536. This case includes Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfadel. The current bid is $400. Lot 29, Fox Run Vineyards Mixed Case valued at $160, looks like it might go for $150. A Zugibe Vineyards case of 2007 Riesling (yum) could go for it's retail value: $195.
Booze Monkey isn't seeing as much action as Palate Press, but their catalogue has grown from 5 pages to 7. If bidding stopped right now, bidders would get some wonderful deals. Penfold's Grange Shiraz Magnum 2004, signed by winemaker Peter Gago, is worth $2000. Right now the bid has moved from a recent $960 to $1010 (Australian Dollar). A Castagna Mixed Dozen worth $789 might be sold for $370. Dogpoint Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007, 12 bottles worth $500, has seen a bit of action: $230 has gone up to $240.
What I have to remind myself as I see valuable wine and related items graciously donated from the cellars of generous men and women almost being given away is that this money will all go to Haiti. The attitude of organizers and donors is that whatever they get will be thankfully received.
Still, I hope that the value of many of the lots on offer will inspire the public to bid high and from the heart. Wow, that sounds really sappy.
Just hand over your *&%#$ money. No, too Bob Geldof. Not me at all.
Please tell everyone you know about these auctions which combine fun with fundraising in a community that appreciates what is on the block. Or should I say, on the wine rack?

Labels: 6 bottle instant wine cellar, Australia, big bottle wine cellars, Chardonnay, Discount Wine Cellars, Haiti relief, Riesling, United States, wine charity, wood wine racks

No sooner do I say that the 'Trebbiano' is a must-try on my 2010 list, when I find out that this is supposedly a mediocre grape producing only mediocre, forgettable wine. At least, this is according to most of the articles I have read regarding the grape. Based on percentages, I would say that the trebbiano is not a generally admired Italian grape. Still, this would appear to be the most prolific of all white wine grapes, grown all over Italy but particularly in the central parts, with high yields and a hardy fruit. The French call it the Ugni Blanc (uh, that name again, the one that sounds like Ugly Blank). The Ugni Blanc is the most widely planted white grape in France. Consequently, although I had never heard of the grape, I may have stored some in my wine cellar at one time or another.
Perhaps as brandy. Trebbiano grapes are used as a base for brandy, especially Cognac. Nope, never tried the stuff. Always looks pretty in a decanter, but smells like it might put hairs on my chest. Alright then, what about White Shiraz or White Hermitage, as the grape is sometimes known in Australia? No? My experiences with Australian wine have tended towards the very dry, which has put me off and I am avoiding Australian wine for the time being.
How is it that a wine reviewer, even a relative newbie, has not drunk a glass of the most widely grown white wine grape in Italy, France, perhaps the entire world? Is it possible? I get to say something many of us have only wished:
I don't think I'm drinking enough.

Labels: 192 bottle instant wine cellar, Australia, big bottle wine cellars, bishop decanter, brandy, Discount Wine Cellars, Italy, south of france, Trebbiano, white wine reviews

Take a look at your wine cellar and count how many bottles you own come from Australia. Considering the country is the 4th largest exporter of wine you probably have quite a few. I have tried a few but nothing I would purchase again.

I bring this up because Australia is in the news right now. The country is suffering from massive wildfires right now. It is said that the death toll could be over 200. People are not the only ones suffering. Animals and their habitats are being destroyed as well.

I ran into a story about the fires that really captured my heart. Pictured above is a fireman giving an injured koala a much needed drink of water. He saw the poor animal crawling along the scorched ground when his fire patrol passed. He stopped to examine the animal and then offered it some water from a bottle. The koala drank out of it nearly like a baby. The firefighter called animal welfare officials and she was rescued. She is supposed to make a full recovery and will be released in a few months.

In all this tragedy it is comforting to stories like these. So open a bottle of Australian wine out of your wine cellar tonight and keep these brave firefighters in your thoughts.

Labels: Australia, Discount Wine Cellars, wine cellar