Have you tried a themed tasting? Just recently, I decided to ask the stores to create "themed" tastings, which is more similar to the MW program in which students are given 12 wines grouped into "themes" and asked what the wines are. So tonight we had one of our first themed tastings of three Pinot Noirs. MORE >>

Of course, I did come to the rescue with a Cabernet Franc Rosé just brought home from my recent Keuka Lake Wine Tour and a visit to McGregor Vineyard and Winery. I'm letting mine sit for a few more years, but what I tasted on the visit were just extraordinaire. The watermelon aromas and taste were like those of watermelon life savers. MORE >>

And here in Manhattan, this is a special challenge, because in this jaded city most everyone dabbling in the world of wine has tasted pretty much everything the world has to offer. It can smell and taste like hot buttered popcorn, apple pie a la mode, or like mineral water with a squeeze of lime or lemon. Irrigation is mandatory. MORE >>

SPIT: stems on Air France. Air France has introduced a new line of stemless wine glasses in Business and First (aka Affaires and La Première). Tags: American wine Australian wine tasting sized pours Random House will defend the lawsuit. The Billionaire’s Vinegar is also being made into a movie. Image: The Daily Mail). MORE >>

knowing the wines that will increase in value is especially important now, as I have just returned from Bordeaux to taste the 2011 vintage. first met Hristo a few years ago, either at the five star restaurant Jean-George where he was a sommelier or at a tasting. Creating a wine collection that reflects one’s personal tastes and values. MORE >>