DISCOUNT WINE CELLARS

Do you remember that part in the book 'Bridget Jones' where it's really hot, so Bridget starts drinking loads of smoothies? She thinks that because they're fruit and liquid she'll lose weight, then discovers how calorie-packed they are and gives them up. It's true that smoothies can be as high or as low in calories as you want. For a thicker smoothie, add more ice or freeze juice or fruit first. For something thinner, add juice or water. More protein needed? Yogurt or whey powder work well.
Me, I just want to drink my fruit as an alternative to eating it. Fruit is great, but sometimes eating anything gets boring, especially since I'm the one who has to prepare it. If I asked my husband I'd get cornflakes or toast (God bless him, he makes the best cup of tea in the world). Then again, I wouldn't have the following for lunch. I made myself one last night and drank it too fast (the wine was disguised by the rich fruits), finding myself with a headache and 100 points behind at Scrabble. This drink belongs in a wine cellar for the alcohol content.

Lush's Fruit Smoothie
1/4 cup red wine 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
2-3 chopped strawberries (dependin on size)
1/4-1/3 chopped banana (depending on size)
ice to taste

Blend all of these together and drink (or eat) slowly. If not, then the brain freeze will get you before the alcohol does.

Labels: big bottle wine cellars, Discouint wine cellars, grape wine charms, smoothies, supreme wine cellar sale

Have you ever tried to access a website which looked really interesting or helpful, only to discover that you needed to be a code-breaker to enter that site? No noticable 'enter' or 'contact' or even 'help, my computer literacy age is 2 1/2'?
At 'Smashing Magazine' they know how you feel, and have come up with a list of 40 really good websites (which does not mean these are the only good websites, but they have lives). By 'good' I mean 'easy to use.' If you want to know which wine goes with which type of food, your answer is easily discovered. Tasting notes of interest to you? No problem, there's a button to press for that too. No longer is the wine-loving community only interested in the size of their wine cellars: a computer is the essential wine accessory.
I chose three of the best, not for their wine, but for the 'fun factor' of their websites. Some are just too dull or elegant, no matter how easy they are to use. Lots of wine and text. On the other hand, who wouldn't be curious about a winery named 'Three Blind Moose'? Depicted on the various screens for this website are a number of very relaxed moose in shades, against a backdrop of yellow and black. The impact of this simple design is stunning and alluring. Descriptions of wines are full of humorous asides in parentheses, supporting the casual and funny atmosphere of the whole website. The recipe cards for the various courses and wine pairings are especially clever and homey.
'Red Bicyclette' has designed their webpage to make one yearn for a trip to Southern France. Postcards,centuries-old buildings, rural scenes: these combine with a quiet rural appeal to suggest that these wines are part of the best, civilized kind of holiday. Again, the links are easy to find and to use. Included are some recipes, though they are not specifically paired with wines. I think they are French (definitely yummy).
Finally, in place of the boring word 'loading' flashing incessantly from the centre of your screen, at 'Dancing Bull' there is the slow delineation of a bull. Warm rays of sun peer over a coastal scene, including an array of other pictures from California life (I guess). This is a stunning webpage and easy to use.
All of which means that even a computer-dummy like me can navigate her way through more wine information and recipes than she could eat and drink in a year, though I'll give it my best shot.

Labels: 108 bottle modular wine cellar, big bottle wine cellars, California, Discount Wine Cellars, south of france, websites

Reviewing the Palate Press Haiti Wine Auction is an on-going fascination of mine, as the 'SOLD' signs keep popping up in red, and lots continue to be donated. From time to time I puzzle over what bidders will bid for and why certain items are valued so highly. For example, why was a magnum of Ponzi Pinot Noir, 2007, valued at $90?
Ponzi has 4 pinots, from 2006-2008. They range in price from the very affordable $25 right up to a $150 magnum. To understand the meaning of this, I had to erase images of Tom Selleck and his Hawaiian shirts from my mind and look to bottling terminology. A magnum is the equivalent of two bottles of wine, or 1.5 litres. Still don't get why it's worth $90.
Then I noted that the bottle in question is a 2007. The age (considering that the 2006 magnum costs $150) leads me to wonder if certain wines increase in value quite a bit as they get older. In the case of a pinot noir, one would be able to drink a 2007, but the best years are still to come. One would need a big bottle cellar for the magnum, but even this is somewhat of a novelty which might increase the price due to rarity of the bottle and the wine as time goes on.
In conclusion, the successful bidder who paid $60 appears to have gotten a real deal for his bottle. Now, for that much money, will he drink the wine or mount it?

Labels: 108 bottle modular wine cellar, big bottle wine cellars, charity, Discount Wine Cellars, magnum, pinot noir, wine bottles

We stay-at-home mothers don't get to dress-up much. Many of us comment about this fact during the school run.
'There was a great dress on sale at the store, and I nearly bought it, but where I would I wear it?'
'Isn't that the truth. Hey, have you seen the price of cheese at Buy-More-Stuff?It's on sale!'
'Well let's go. It'll give me a chance to try out the new shopping bag my husband got me for Valentine's Day.'

Last night I wore a strappy black gown, pretty necklace, make-up (call the press), and shoes that sparkled and had heels. I mingled, cut desserts, washed dishes, talked-up the crowd, and drank a glass of Ortega from Recline Ridge, knowing from past experience that this is a good wine. I felt elegant and refined, holding my glass and eating chocolate-dipped strawberries, careful not to make a pig of myself with the more decadent desserts. When the ballroom dancers came out to entertain us they wowed the crowd, but when they started asking people onto the dance floor I hid. Our MC Ron tried very hard to dance with the lady dancer, Clee, who was spectacular in her red dress. He had to watch his feet, which he started kicking to the side jive-fashion which was a riot.
The crowd of supporters who bought tickets to raise money for the Mara Station Retreat Centre also bought wine, lots of it. In fact, the wine table was constantly busy. Some tables bought bottles, lots of people bought glasses, and of the silent auction items, the Recline Ridge basket saw some of the most action.
I know that people don't generally attend fundraisers to fill their wine cellars, but it's always a bonus when your paying guests can find something to take home with them that they wanted anyway, for themselves or as a gift. In the meantime, nearly $2,000 was raised. Not bad for a first time effort.
We're all excited about the money raised, but now it's time to think about how we'll run the Gala next year. More wine perhaps?

Labels: 63 bottle wine cellar, big bottle wine cellars, charity, Discount Wine Cellars, grape wine charms

If your bid at a silent auction for a stay at a romantic B&B or a spa package is unsuccessful, what will you do? Valentine's Day is just hours away now and there's no excuse to forget, reminders are everywhere. Every tenuous connection will be made in just about every shop window, even stationers and plumbing supply stores. Make your man happy with a new ball cock for the toilet, that sort of thing.

Thankfully, there are much better options which you can explore this February and there's still time to take advantage. 'Chocolate and Diamonds' still has tickets available, so if you live in the Shuswap area check that one out. If you live the Seattle area, try the Valentine's Weekend Brunch ont he Royal Argosy. From 12-2 enjoy scrumptious food, champagne, live jazz, a red velvet cake and chocolates. While you're in the area, check out one of the Valentine's packages at local hotels including the Hilton, Alexis or Four Seasons (depending on your budget).
California is much bigger than Seattle or the Shuswap, being an entire state and all, so I just picked on suggestion out from among the many. Valentine's 'Passport 2010' on the River Road Wine Trail in Monterey happens Saturday the 13th from 11-4. Try wine in 12 tasting rooms including Pessagno, Hahn, and Ventana. For $25 each you will receive a special wine glass, a gift, and enter a draw to win even more. When you find those special flavors for your wine cellar, you can also keep one to open that weekend and serve in your new wine glasses.
Consider these options and more just like them for you and your partner, or as a gift to a couple you love or want to set up on a blind date. If they don't get along, there will at least be wine.

Labels: 192 bottle instant wine cellar, big bottle wine cellars, chardonnay glasses, Discount Wine Cellars, lead free crystal, Valentine's Day

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

In the movies, characters hold, pour, purchase and drink wine all the time. Bridget Jones gets totally plastered with the stuff in her apartment. Steve Martin is the sarcastic wine waiter to Miss Piggy and Kermit. Hannibal Lecter creeps everyone out with his pairing of human organs and chianti. Thanks to that one scene, I have never kept chianti in my wine cellar (even though the movie came out when I was barely old enough to drink).
Then there are the movies whose plots are wrapped-up in wine. I've talked about Sideways before, but that's only the most well-known. A Good Year, with Russel Crowe and Albert Finney, was adapted for the screen in 2006 from the writings of Peter Mayle, famous for A Year in Provence (a good book by the way). Russel Crowe's character inherits his uncle's estate and vineyard in Provence which he initially plans to sell, until he falls in love with the lifestyle and a woman. I wonder what seeing Russel Crowe in a Provence vineyard did for sales of French wine in the USA?
At Sachem Farm (1998) sees a character played by Rufus Sewell trying to sell-off his family's wine collection to purchase a mining interest, which of course leads to conflict (there wouldn't be a plot otherwise). The cast also includes Minnie Driver.
The 2008 film Bottle Shock goes all the way back to 1976 and a proposed contest between Napa Valley and French wines. Paris Sommelier Steven Spurrier (played by the wonderful Alan Rickman) meets interesting characters including Jim, a vintner going deep into debt as he tries to perfect his chardonnay. You might recognize Chris Pine (Captain James T. Kirk in the new Star Trek franchise) and Bill Pullman (You Kill Me, While You Were Sleeping).
Appealing leading men plus wine: sounds like a good gift to treat yourself with this weekend.

Labels: 48 bottle wine cellar, big bottle wine cellars, chardonnay glasses, chianti, Discount Wine Cellars, movies, napa valley, Sideways

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

Though you may not hear the subject of 'wine in the Bible' tackled by your priest or pastor, the pulpit is where only a portion of the talking at church happens. Much is discussed before we move from lobby to sanctuary to hear the worship music. Over the pouring of coffee or the signing-in of children to nursery or Sunday School, a whole week may be reviewed between two parents. Even Monday to Saturday our church is a busy place, where I am often asked by someone 'so you're a writer? And what do you write about?'
Since I'm in church, the answer makes me blush. Not all folks of faith are sanguine about the topic of alcohol consumption, even within the same denomination. For this reason, when I was asked this question recently, my response was mumbled and I made no eye contact.
'Why are you so shy about it, dear? Wine is found throughout the Bible! I mean, it was Jesus's first miracle, turning water to wine!' In fact, this lovely lady told me that wine was among the topics in their most recent Bible Study series. She got very excited about the subject.
Phew. Then maybe she won't mind that I sometimes hand my friend a partially drunk bottle of wine on Sunday mornings before the service, to take home of course, and totally wrapped-up. Not to drink on the spot, we meet at 9:00 am for crying out loud. And, I mean, it's not like I have plans to install a wine cellar in my church basement or sell wine racks in the lobby.
Perhaps I should propose a series of wine tastings in the church library, see what kind of reaction that gets. I wonder if the Deacons have a sense of humor.

Labels: 222 bottle premium glass holder wine rack, 48 bottle wine cellar, big bottle wine cellars, church, Discount Wine Cellars

The clerks at the BC Liquor store I frequent must be getting really tired of me always asking them questions.
'What do you think of this one?' 'What about that one?' 'Would you drink it?' 'Just so you know, I don't drink all of this wine myself.'
Yeah, yeah; they've heard that one before. Oh, and with a cold, my nose red, eyes all glazed over: sheesh, I must have looked like I'd already hit the bottle.
I headed towards a wine which was on my 2010 tasting list, but the clerk said that to be honest, she hadn't liked it. She did, however, like the Gewurztraminer from the same vineyard: Calona, out of Kelowna BC; that is, the famous Okanagan Valley. This bottle fell between two other versions of the same grape in terms of price, all from BC vineyards, so I decided to give it a try since I had heard lots about Gewurztraminer but tasted none. Descriptions made this white sound much like a cross between Riesling and Ortega.
Such a comparison would not be too far off: there is the definite tang of citrus on the nose with a touch of something floral - perhaps lavender - plus apple. I was told to look out for lychee, but I don't know what that tastes like since lychees always make me think of eyeballs and I can't look at them without feeling sick. Fruity, but not overly so, and definitely not sweet. Off-dry would describe this wine well, a touch acidic for my liking, though not astringent. Full-bodied, I would say this is a drinkable wine, though best paired with food for my taste. The ideal pairing, according to the label, is Kung Pao Chicken. The finish is smooth with citrus resonating on the palate after the liquid has gone down my throat. Do not keep the Gewurztraminer in your wine cellar for long: it is ready to enjoy right away. Drink this cold or the apple notes, as I've mentioned before, can smell like stale pee.
Oh, by the way, this bottle comes from the Artist Series and the painting displayed on the label is by Brittani Faulkes', entitled 'There Ain't No Morning Like a West Coast Morning.' I think the Ogopogo is cheekily depicted in the distance, even though it supposedly resides in Okanagan Lake. Maybe he's touring West Coast wineries. You'll enjoy her artwork here, though. Classy and bright, like Okanagan wines.

Labels: 48 bottle wine cellar, big bottle wine cellars, Discount Wine Cellars, gewurztraminer, Okanagan, wine display kit

I've pulled out my Shoe Fetish Wine Charm Set in honor of my first purchase of environmentally sustainable shoes. They are called Simple sneakers and are made from eco-friendly materials. I opted for the retro looking "Satire" which look like Converse Chuck's but are made out of hemp, recycled organic cotton lining, and recycled car tire soles. One caveat is that they were a bit more pricey than regular brands. However, I'm a shopping wizard when it comes to finding great deals. Of course, you are already a bargain shopper if you are here at Discount Wine Cellars!

Labels: bargain, big bottle wine cellars, discount, Discount Wine Cellars, Shoe Fetish Wine Charm Set, shoes, wine bottle glass recycling