Any wine drinkers out there?

[Sean]

A few years ago my wife got me turn on to wine, (I was a beer only kind of guy:D .) Now I am actually becoming interested in learning about the intricacies. Just checking to see if any "brethren in bruises" have some experince or resources that I can draw from.


thanks
Sean

[yamamatsuryu]

I'm a amateur wine lover, and have worked for Stimpson-Lane Inc. (The U.S. Tobacco umbrella for the wineries, including Columbia Crest, Chateau St. Michele, Northstar, Domaine St. Michele, etc.) I’m also a home-brewer who will be undertaking wine-making this spring (When it warms up and the snow has melted). By no means am I an expert, but what is your question?

Jared Albrecht

[Sean]

Jared,

I am really very new to the whole world of wine. I am just starting and and basically just need a good place to get started. I was looking for a book or a website that can be used as a jumping off point. I am pretty much just looking for a good place to start.


thanks
Sean

[noslolo]

Hey I only know a little but my Dad has a rather large collection as well as having traveled all throughout France visiting the vineyards. You mght want to pick up any one of Robert Parkers books, or if you don't want to spend that much you can get the wine bible for around $12 from Amazon.com. The Wine Bible is not nearly as large or as well written as Robert parkers books are. Just my two cents.

Scott Lowman

[Neil Yamamoto]

Sean,
I'm not a wine drinker, it just does not agree with me. More then a few sips, I get a nasty headache started. But I can appreciate why people like wine - great aroma, flavor when you find one you like. Opus 1 for example, or Rosemont Estates Syrah for a budget minded choice.

I read "Wine for Dummies" and honestly like it for a introduction of what to look for in a wine, you might find it helpful as well.

Try these links for a good start online. I stumbled across these while searching for whisky sites.

http://wine.about.com/

http://www.alcoholreviews.com/WINES/index.shtml

http://www.tastings.com/

[yamamatsuryu]

I second Neil's post (Heya Neil I'll be up there this spring) I could never be great wine person, as I like beer and bourbon too much (The two DO NOT MIX), so some days I sip on a good Riesling, some days I sip at Bourbon with beer chasers, and some days I sip on a good Guinness. Agreeing with noslolo, I though the Wine Bible was short on info, and there are better books on the market.
As far as the internet, there are several sites available about wine.
For general info on the history of wine, go to:

http://www.history-of-wine.com/

For information on the Commercial Wine Industry, go to:

http://www.winespectator.com/

And, of course, my cheap obligatory plug:


http://www.stimson-lane.com/

Hope this helps.

Jared Albrecht

[Sean]

Thanks for the info. I am actually doing some travelling in-state when I get the family moving. We have been going to local wineries and I am tired of being the goon. I really enjoy wine, but I had never really known or know much about it.

I was doing some investigating and there are over 25 wineries in Indiana. Who knew?

Anyway, thanks to all for the help.
Sean

[hmjoe]

Originally posted by Sean
A few years ago my wife got me turn on to wine, (I was a beer only kind of guy:D .) Now I am actually becoming interested in learning about the intricacies. Just checking to see if any "brethren in bruises" have some experince or resources that I can draw from.


thanks
Sean

Hi Sean,

I got a lot out of Wine for Dummies. But, I also was able to join a wine club at wine.com. They sent 2 bottles a wine a month. Most was good, but some were pretty bad.

The thing I alway come back to though, if you like reds and Italian, is: Ruffino Cianti. I caution you, though, this wine may ruin you for life, expecially their gold label. Once tasted, you may never want another red wine.

Also, some stores have wine tasting or some vinards have tours. You may want to check it out. But first get the dummies book.

Sincerely,

Joe DiBella :p