Central Coast Wine Reviews - All the Best California Coastal Wines!

Top Picksaeration aervana amazon luxury oxygen vintorio zazzol

Best Wine Aerators

There’s Nothing Like Aerating Your Wine.

Whether you’re a sommelier with decades of experience or just a wine enthusiast (like us!), adding a little air to your wine can bring out so many more flavor notes. You may even want to go back and try out some of your old favorites to see if you notice anything different. But all aerators aren’t made equal. They each have different approaches to how they add air to your wine, with fans taking sides on which method they prefer. Our choice? The Vintorio Wine Aerator Pourer. But you really can’t go wrong with any of our top selections.

1. Vintorio Wine Aerator Pourer – Premium Aerating Pourer and Decanter Spout

The wine aerator is a simple, budget-friendly pourer that you can easily attach to the top of any wine bottle and quickly unlock all the brilliant flavors of your new wine. The pourer works by utilizing the Bernoulli Effect to add extra oxygen to your wine as it pours into your wine glass. It has an extra-large aerating chamber as well as an air-intake system that enables it to infuse the optimal amount of oxygen in a tight space. Click here to view on Amazon.com

2. Zazzol Wine Aerator

Now this is fancy. The Zazzol wine aerator has been recommended by Business Insider. It has a multi-stage system that enables you to get 3x the oxygen into your wine when compared with a standard wine aerator. How does it work? You pour the wine into the device and the wine is aerated as it flows through. It certainly looks fancy and is designed to be portable so you can bring it to a gathering in a bag without calling too much attention to yourself. But it has one big flaw: it requires two hands to operate: one to hold the Zazzol, and one to hold the bottle. And it requires good aim. Glass one? Sure. Glass two? It goes downhill from here. That being said, it is the most effective aerating tool in this list. Sometimes your wine doesn’t need this much oxygen, however. It depends on which type you happen to be drinking. It does come in a sleek case and makes a great gift. So if you’re getting one for a friend, the Zazzol has great presentation and works amazingly well. If you’re drinking a lot of wine at home and want something simple that gets the job done, go for the Vintorio Pourer we listed above. Click here to view on Amazon.com.

3. Aervana Original: One-Touch Luxury Wine Aerator

Okay, when we came up with this list, we factored in things like convenience and price in choosing our number 1 and 2 selections. But if you just want the coolest wine aeration device no matter the cost, this is the one: the Aervana Original. It sits on top of your wine bottle and you simply press a button on top that pours out aerated wine into your glass…and keeps the wine’s sediment in the bottle. It comes with AAA batteries that are needed to power the motor. It’s a little more hassle to rinse and keep clean, but it looks amazing, and you and your friends can just press a button and have a delicious, endless supply of aerated wine (wine not included!). Click here to view on Amazon.com

How Do Wine Aerators Work?

There’s no question that wine is surging in popularity. However, it is important to note that wine has been part of civilization for many centuries now. Many people know about red and white wine, which are the most common flavors of wine in the world today. Even though many people consume wine on a daily basis, not many people know about wine aeration. What is it? Why does it supposedly make wine taste better? Does it actually make wine taste better? Many people have heard of the term wine aeration, but not many people know what this actually means. The process of wine aeration can be simply described as exposing wine to air. There are two main reasons why wine is aerated; to allow for evaporation and oxidation. By definition, evaporation is the process through which a liquid is turned into vapor and oxidation is the process that results in the brown color of apples after they are cut. Wine is a liquid that is made up of very many compounds. Oxidation is therefore considered important to ensure that the quality of wine is maintained. However, the period for aeration of wine depends on the density and concentration of wine. The denser wines will require longer period of aeration while the less dense ones will require shorter aeration periods.

Not All Aerators Are Created Equal:

One thing to keep in mind is that not all wines need to be aerated. Different wines have different aeration requirements. In the same way, not all wines need to be aerated. Red wines are the ones that mostly require to be aerated and the white wines only require decantation. The oldest form of wine aeration is decanting. This is a pretty simple process where wine is poured from one bottle to another that is designed specifically for decanting. During the process, the wine is able to mix with oxygen and wake up.’’ This method may however be ineffective especially for old red wines. This is because they tend to have sediment that can badly affect the quality of wine when it is decanted.

The Top-End Aerators Use Pressurized Air:

The more advanced aerators have a funnel through which pressurized air is forced to ensure the wine mixes with the air. As mentioned above, aeration and evaporation are the two reactions that take place during aeration. The different aerators have different abilities to aerate wine. There are some that are allow very little interaction of the wine with air and there are those that leave the wine too exposed to air. Irrespective of the kind and flavor of wine, it is bound to flatten upon exposure to too much oxygen. Many people do not enjoy the maximum flavors of the wines they buy and consume. This is because not many people know about wine aeration, and the right way to aerate wine. To increase the flavor and general goodness of wine, aeration is very important However, it is also important to know that too much aeration may damage the wine and end up ruining the taste. There are different types of wine aerators with different mechanisms for aeration. The choice of the wine aerator to use should depend on the type and age of the wine you want to aerate.

Tips Top Picksbounty hunter limited edition rare wines wine society wine.com

Where to Buy Rare Wines

Where Do You Buy Rare Wines?

Collecting wines is a lucrative passion. If you are a collector of vintage bottles of wine then you must always be thirsty and in the lookout for rare wines. Each bottle of vintage wine has its unique taste and value. Rare wines are for rare occasions and can be a special gift on weddings, birthdays or anniversaries. We know, hat you drink speaks for your character’.

If you are a lover of rare wines, your search has only begun, as we share multiple auction websites from around the world where you can get the world’s best vintage wines.

Wine.com

Wine.com has a huge selection of wines for every wine-lover of the world shipped right to your doorstep. It has one of the largest collections of vintage liquors, whether it is champagne or red wine. You can also save by using coupon codes from a site like DiscountGo‘s Wine.com page. Click to view their homepage.

Visit: Wine.com

Sotheby’s Wine Auction:

Sotheby’s wine auctions are world renowned and they take pride in providing some of the finest and rarest bottles of vintage wine on the planet.

Sothebys.com

The Old & Rare Wine Company

The Old & Rare Wine Company is a highly reputable importer, wholesaler and Internet-based retailer located in Santa Monica, California. They buy vintage wines from all around the globe to satisfy your demands of cellared old and rare wines. They save you time and money, as you can find some of the best bottles of vintage wine from their website. Also, they ship them to your desired location or address.

The Wine Society:

The Wine Society also provides a diverse collection of both old and new wines. From either sweet or white wines, you can choose a variety of wines from different locations ranging from New Zealand to Chile or South Africa. Their high-quality service ensures that you get that special bottle of vintage wine at your own convenience as this is most important ever to a number of people.

Bounty Hunter:

Bounty Hunter is well known for its collection of vintage wines. They have wines from Napa Valley, California to Uruguay. At Bounty Hunter, you will find wines that are not easily available anywhere else. They are also well-known for scouring the world on behalf of you, to get the best vintage wine experience.

Collecting vintage wines is not only a passion but can also be a very profitable enterprise. As wine ages to its unique character and complexity, it fetches more money and gets your customers a more delightful experience.
We also have to remember that finding a bottle of vintage wine is a rare occasion for a wine lover which is difficult to reproduce. Vintage wines are not only difficult to find but if you do not know the right location or the right place to look, you will be searching forever and losing your patience and valuable time as far as it is cincerned.

Whether it is for profit motive or pleasure, vintage wines are perfect for all occasions, which are special to every wine-lover in the world. So, why wait any longer? You can now get your rare wines from these suggested locations and celebrate.

jersey mikes coupons

Tips Wineriesbrunch hotels.com malibu wine safair mimosa tasting tours wild animals wines

Hotels.com Coupons and the Malibu Wine Safari

Adventure seekers are all invited to explore the wonders of nature at the 1,000-acre Saddlerock Ranch and Vineyard, Malibu in California. Riding in custom-built, open-air Safari vehicles and feeding a variety of exotic animals in the wild are some of the adventures that await visitors. At the same time, guests get the opportunity to taste local wines – Yes, the best of Malibu wines!

Tip: Get a Room Near The Vineyards using Hotels.com Coupon Codes:

After visiting a few vineyards, you’re likely not going to want to do much of anything. There are some great hotels and AirBNB properties in the area, with some even on the vineyards themselves. And of course you shouldn’t pay full price: use a promo code from CouponFeed and Hotels.com

All About the Malibu Wine Safari:

It’s not every time you get the chance to explore such beautiful natural scenery and meeting rare animals you only see on National Geographic, while being treated to the tastes of the finest wines in California. Malibu Wine Safari offers these great experiences and many more. However, trips to the Ranch are packaged under different tour arrangements each with its own peculiarities and take-homes.

Explorer Tour: On this 90-minute adventure, you stand to enjoy SaddleRock Ranch’s exquisite beauty and splendor as well as the amazing wildlife. During stopovers, you will savor 6 of the best wines in Malibu and also get to meet and feed some of the exotic animals in the Ranch.

Giraffe Tour: For those who want a fun-filled afternoon in company of exotic animals, this is the tour for you. On this 105-minute trip, visitors get to clear view of the Ranch’s variety of wildlife.

Two wine-tasting stops and feeding rare wild animals is a nice way to embrace your adventurous side. Won’t you love to meet the retired Hollywood veteran called Stanley the Giraffe?

Mimosa Tour: This 105-minute tour provides fun lovers to add a wild streak to their picnic.

Kick off the brunch by visiting the exotic beasts in the Ranch. You will see alpacas, llamas, Spanish highland cattle, water buffaloes, yaks, and zebras. Adventurers will also taste the delicious mimosas of Malibu which are made from recipes of fresh fruit juices, lemonade, and sparkling local wines.

Vintner Tour: This 2-hour tour gives visitors the opportunity to explore SaddleRock Ranch from one uppermost side to another lowermost side, while sampling fine wines with a charcuterie board.

Vineyard Lunch Tour: This is a VIP Wine Safari trip packaged for guests to enjoy the great sites of SaddleRock Ranch, while still wine tasting, feeding and meeting those exotic animals in the park.

After the exciting 2-hour trip, visitors will be provided with a boxed lunch and platter, and more wine will be served!

Among other tour packages, tourists will visit the famous Chumash Cave paintings as well as meet and feed Stanley the Giraffe. They will also receive a complimentary lunch as icing.

Location:

SaddleRock Ranch is located on the breathtaking hills of Malibu in California.

Address: Malibu Wine Safaris,

32111 Mulholland HWY,

Malibu, CA 90265.

Getting There:

You can engage any of the available independent transportation providers to reach the place. However, Malibu Wine Safaris also offer visitors two direct means of transportation to the Ranch:

Performance Limo LA – This runs an hourly shuttle service between West LA and Malibu Wine Safari place on Saturdays and Sundays.
Swoop Transportation – This provides transport for holiday parties or large off-site meetings holding on the Ranch.

You are guaranteed of no dull moment on Malibu Wine Safari tours. Just endeavor to book your trip well in advance.

Winerieschardonnay dessert hearst hearst ranch winery tours wineries

About the Hearst Ranch Winery

Historical Background:

The name Hearst and Winery are synonymous these days due to the popularity of Hearst Ranch Winery and its products. The most famous Hearst, William Radolph Hearst, was an American media mogul with a penchant for politics and fine wines. W. R. Hearst was an avid collector who kept an impressive collection of European spirits and wines in the Hearst Castle Cellar.

The Founders:

Hearst Ranch Winery was established in 2010. The winery was a brainchild of Steve Hearst, W. R. Hearst’s grandson and Vice President and General Manager of the Hearst Western Properties, and Jim Saunders, owner of The Saunders’ Vineyards. They met when Mr. Saunders went on a tour of the Hearst Ranch. Jim already owned the Saunders’ Vineyards which he and his wife had purchased in 1994. Such was The Saunders’ desire to be involved in the wine business that they immediately began testing the soil for its viability to grow wine grapes.
Mr. Hearst, on the other hand, had the love for wine ingrained in him by witnessing firsthand his grandfather’s passionate wine collecting habit.

Wine-making Process:

The wine made by the Hearst Ranch winery comes from the grapes grown on Saunders’ Vineyard; a sprawling 65-acre vineyard located in Paso Robles, AVA (American Vinicultural Area). The vineyard is characterized by a unique clay, loam composition. It produces 5 varieties of grapes. When the grapes are ready for harvesting, they are handpicked and tested for sugar, acidity and a host of other factors before being sent to the winery. At the winery, the grapes are prepared then crushed before they are sent to the fermentation tanks.
Hearst Ranch Winery conducts an extended fermentation process in stainless steel tanks. It involves cold soaking the grapes for 4 to 5 days to bring out the color and tannins before adding yeast and sufficient oxygen to convert the sugary pulp into alcohol.
After the fermentation process, the wine is stored in oak barrels for 24 months to mature. Then it is packaged and allowed to sit for several months (prevent bottle shock) before being sent to the customers.

Tasting Rooms:

The Hearst Castle Winery has two tasting rooms where thousands of visitors flock every year to sample the famous wines they produce. The first and more famous one is located in San Simeon at Sebastian’s Deli which is located off the Coastal Highway 1, just beneath Hearst Castle.

Sebastian’s in San Simeon’s Hours: Open daily: 11am-5pm

The second tasting room is found in Paso Robles at the winery. The two tasting rooms are open to the general public for those who want to learn more about Hearst Castle Winery as well as do a wine tasting of their own.

Paso Robles’ Hours: Open daily: 11am-5pm.

Wines Produced:

Hearst Castle Winery produces over a dozen wines that include Malbec, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bourdeaux-Style Blend, Cabernet Frac, Tempranillo, Rose, Red Blend, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Red Rhône-Style Blend, White Rhône-Style Blend, Zinfandel, and Dessert.

Awards:

The winery has received accolades that have given it global recognition and a gilded reputation amongst the elite wine producers. They include the Sakura Japan Gold Medal won by Pergola Petite Sirah (2011), a winning 93 point tally for the Pergola Petite Sirah (2013) courtesy of “Wine Enthusiast”, a 92 point tally for the Zinfandel Carpoforo by “Wine Enthusiast”, among many others.

Explainersbottles calories red wine

How Many Calories in Wine?

Exploring the Average Calorie-counts of Wine Beverages.

Wine enthusiasts certainly love their wine drink and would never stop for whatever reason as long as they live. Nevertheless, one would want to be cautious with their wine taking customs if at all they want to live a healthy lifestyle.

Wine drinkers, at a certain point, may start to wonder about the question “How Many Calories in Wine?” at some stage. There is a great reason for asking this question as wine may easily increase your calorie consumption to unhealthy levels though depending on your drinking rates. This article will positively shed some light on the number of calories present in wine.

How many calories in a bottle of wine?

This will depend on the type of wine. Wine, as you might know, comes in thousands of varieties. The calorie count will vary from bottle to bottle although it might be a safe bet to say that a bottle of wine will contain anywhere from 300 to 500 calories. The general understanding when we talk about a bottle of wine is that the bottle will hold 750ml of wine. You will, however, find some bottles that are smaller or larger and you will need to judge the calorie count accordingly.

How many calories in a glass of wine?

A common wine glass will contain about 125 to 150ml depending on its form. A glass of wine will, therefore, hold about 80-100 calories in them. There are a lot of different glasses as well. There are even some red wine glasses that can hold an entire bottle. Thus, you have to be concerned about the size of the glass as well.

Calories in the different type of wines

Various wines have varying calorie content and so you may find a rather big variation in calorie counts of wines. For instance, fortified wine like Port or Muscatel can contain calories in excess of 1,000 in a bottle. On the other hand, red wine can contain as little as 500 calories in a bottle.

One good thing about calories in wine is that they hardly contain any fat. This does not mean that you can consume lots of it without putting on weight. The calories will count against you and if you burn fewer calories than what you consume, wine can be one among many food items that can increase the fat in your body.

Wine, however, has a lot of benefits as well and it is definitely a good drink when taken in moderation. Red wine is the best choice when it comes to wine as it is low in calorie count. It will enhance the taste of food and some studies have also linked a moderate consumption of red wine with the prevention of heart diseases.

More than being worried about how many calories in a bottle of wine, one needs to consider their overall diet. If you have a thick steak of red meat every day, it might not make much of a difference if you just cut down your wine intake. Try to address the real problem areas of your diet. A good way to do that would be to write down your meals over the past week and look for high calories culprits that you can try to eliminate. Everyone will have at least a few meals that they can do without or at least substitute with healthier ones.