Wine is the fermented juice of grapes. Only one species of grape, Vitis Vinifera, is used for nearly all the wine made in the world. From this species as many as 4,000 varieties of grape have been developed. Of the many varieties, only about a dozen are commonly used for winemaking around the world. The chief varieties are: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio, and Shiraz. Impress your friends. . . Click on the information on the right to learn more about certain types of wine, wine regions, and wine terms so you are a more informed wine consumer!
If you are a novice wine drinker, our Virtual Tasting Room will get you started on the basics of wine tasting. To take it a step further, visit our Wine and Cheese Pairing guide for some simple pairing ideas, particularly for the opportunities you have this time of year for entertaining friends and family. Finally, for a more integrated aid in pairing food and wine, visit our Food & Wine Pairing Wheel, for some exciting new ideas on what to pair with your holiday feasts!
