New Year Wine Resolutions
It is time to hit a refresh button. We have a few new year wine resolutions that will help change the way you enjoy wine in the next decade.
Expand your horizons
Expand your horizons and discover the wonders of the wine world! Venture beyond your usual go-to bottles and sample wines from new regions. As any aspiring wine aficionado knows, the path to expertise lies in exploration. Only by tasting broadly - savoring reds and whites from diverse terroirs - can you truly appreciate the nuances that distinguish fine wines. You'll begin to recognize subtle flavors and aromas, zeroing in on the styles that resonate most. Soon you'll feel right at home swirling and sipping your way across the globe, your tastes refined by the journey. The wine world awaits.
Attend a food and wine pairing
Though some may dismiss it as pretentious, there is nothing more delightful than savoring a wine that complements a meal, transforming your dining experience into an exquisite culinary adventure. You may be surprised to discover that a wine's nuances of flavor and texture depend greatly on how it is paired with food.
A few pairing principles to guide you: Light, delicate dishes call for lighter-bodied wines, while hearty fare demands wines with more body and structure. Another handy trick - match acidic wines with acidic foods. Dishes with bright citrus notes will accentuate the bitter tannins in a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. However, an earthy, velvety Pinot Noir proves a pleasing partner to fish. We suggest the - the hatch 2016 Screaming Frenzy Pinot Noir paired with a fatty salmon.
Try dessert wine with dessert
No dinner party should end without a decent serving of dessert and dessert wine.
Some of the most esteemed wines in the world are sweet wines. When produced with care and quality, they can offer intensely aromatic, concentrated flavors that are perfect for slowly sipping after a meal or, is an ideal pairing with dessert.
The key is to choose a wine that is sweeter than your food pairing. This will allow the wine to stand up to the food rather than coming across as overly bitter and acidic.
An icewine paired with a pear galette or a sweet, rich, nutty fortified wine after dinner is going to impress your guests beyond belief! You can purchase a few exceptional dessert wines on our online store, including the 2007 D'oro Fortified Walnut wine which is an elegant blend of Marechal Foch, Merlot & Cabernet Franc, Fraser Valley Green Walnuts and Okanagan Brandy. 13 months in French and American oak. A truly unique offering.
Host a wine tasting party
Forget crowded wine bars and noisy restaurants. The most enjoyable wine tastings happen right at home, with a few close friends.
On a relaxed Thursday evening, set out an array of cheeses, charcuterie, and other finger foods. Pop open a few bottles of intriguing wines you've discovered through wine experts on social media or reputable reviews. Savor each pour, discuss the flavors and aromas, and find the perfect pairings with your appetizers.
The intimacy of the setting allows you to truly focus on the wines, connect with friends, and discover new favorites.
With a little planning, your home can become the perfect wine tasting destination. So grab some stemware, pick a Thursday night, and let the sipping begin!
Taste Canadian wine
Rather than a sales pitch, consider this an invitation to explore the exciting world of Canadian wines.
The Okanagan Valley stunned the wine world by earning the #1 spot on Huffington Post's list of top wine destinations in 2013. With its scenic vineyards and award-winning wines, this picturesque valley in British Columbia wowed even the seasoned wine experts. Not far behind, the Okanagan claimed the #2 "Best Wine Region to Visit" in USA Today's 2014 poll, second only to Portugal's Alentejo region.
As Forbes Magazine put it, "Canada's wines are underrated, without a doubt. Great wine regions across the country are just a short flight away for many Americans, offering hundreds of exceptional new wines to discover."
For those who can't make the trip up north, we've curated a selection of some of Canada's finest wines that can be conveniently shipped to your doorstep within days. Browse our offerings at www.kascadiawinemerchants.com to find bottles that speak to your unique tastes.
While the technical aspects of winemaking are important, what truly transforms a glass of grape juice into an unforgettable experience is the people, places, and moments we share along the way. As you embark on your own wine adventures in the coming years, remember to sip slowly, savor each flavor, and make plenty of memories together.
