| In the state of California it's not hard to find good | | | | and you're considering a wine tasting trip to |
| wine. From the boutique wine shops to the | | | | Northern California, make sure you schedule a |
| extensive wine selection you can find in almost | | | | reasonable number of stops per day. We like to |
| any supermarket, it's everywhere. But that's | | | | visit only a couple in a day because it can get |
| California and each state has its own liquor laws. | | | | overwhelming, and really, how much wine can you |
| But it doesn't matter is you are in one of the | | | | taste (especially if you are the designated driver)? |
| drier, less wine ample states because there are | | | | If you sign up for a tour and end up visiting too |
| other ways to partake in the joys of wine and | | | | many wineries it can be exhausting. Allowing |
| gain a greater appreciation for it. | | | | yourself only a couple of wineries in a day enables |
| Becoming a member of a winery's wine club is | | | | you to have a more in depth experience, meet |
| not only fun (picture this - the doorbell rings and | | | | other wine tasters, and perhaps meet the wine |
| the UPS person is standing there with a box of | | | | maker. Plus the grounds of so many of wineries |
| wine for you), it is also a good opportunity to | | | | are special, some are absolutely spectacular and |
| learn about the different varietals a winery has to | | | | are perfect for having a picnic outdoors, weather |
| offer. Another advantage is that most wine club | | | | permitting. |
| memberships include discounts on wine sales. And | | | | If you have the time and are visiting during off |
| you may also have access to wines not sold | | | | peak hours, you may be able to not just tour the |
| anywhere else, especially in the case of small, | | | | winery but also the vineyards to see firsthand |
| limited production wineries. | | | | where the wine is produced. Or, if they have |
| For example, Anderson Valley in Mendocino | | | | them, maybe a wine cave tour. |
| County has several small production wineries that | | | | Choosing to visit smaller wineries will also mean |
| excel in crisp whites and rich pinots that are not | | | | getting off the beaten track. And since these are |
| readily found in stores. During the summer the | | | | usually much smaller businesses, you may be |
| winery we belong to has an annual member's | | | | being served by the wine maker themselves and |
| barrel tasting party and you can buy pinot futures | | | | have a chance to learn why they chose the |
| before they're bottled. The member's party, | | | | varietals they did to make a certain blend of wine. |
| included not only great food, wine and music, but | | | | And finally, back at home, now that you have |
| was also an opportunity to meet other wine | | | | boxes of wine arriving several times a year, you |
| lovers and learn more about other wine clubs | | | | may want to consider a wine rack, remembering |
| they partake in. Plus the wine we bought that day | | | | that it's best to store wine in a cool (around 55 |
| is only available through the winery or in select | | | | degrees), dark place. Nice wine glasses, a |
| restaurants. | | | | decanter and a good cork screw are also |
| If you're state is not noted for its wine production | | | | recommended. |