The Best Wine Refrigerators for Wine Lovers

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In this article, we take a look at the highest-rated small wine refrigerators that are ideal for storing approximately 50 bottles of wine.

This type of refrigerator may appeal to any of the following wine lovers:

  • Those seeking a step up from a lower-end wine cabinet or perhaps a temporary solution before taking the plunge to a larger cellar down the road.

  • Those undergoing a kitchen remodel who are seeking a sleek, under counter wine refrigerator to fit in with new appliances.

  • Those who have collected a few bottles from their wedding year or a child’s birth year and are seeking a storage solution for those special bottles.   

  • Single people or couples who have downsized and want to age just a few special bottles.

Before we continue with our reviews and recommendations, though, a little about the KnowWines blog. We’re an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions help us pay for web hosting fees, our podcast, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thank you for using our affiliate links and supporting this independent blog!

Do you need a small wine refrigerator?

Before moving on to our recommendations, let’s take a deeper dive into understanding the benefits of small wine refrigerators. It’s important to consider the environmental factors that impact wine and why wines benefit from being stored in cellars. Ideal conditions for wine storage include cool, stable temperature, relatively high humidity, and no light or vibrations. If you drink wines within a couple of weeks of purchasing your wines, then you can get by without a wine refrigerator because the changes caused by improper storage take time to develop.

If you’ve tried some older, properly aged wines — perhaps a Mosel Riesling from the 1980s or a Napa Cabernet from the 1990s — and didn’t enjoy the aged wines, then your preferences don’t warrant investment in a wine refrigerator. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying many age-worthy wines when they are young (though we do recommend a bit of research at your local bottle shop on decanting times!).

If you do enjoy storing wine to age, however, you may already have some stored in your kitchen island, coat closet, basement, or bar. It’s not uncommon for wine enthusiasts to have wines stashed throughout their home in several places. Over an extended time, however, these wines can deteriorate if not stored properly.  

Want to learn more about wine storage? Check out our podcast interview with wine storage expert Roy Wilson.

Assassins of Wine

What Temperature Should Wine Be Stored?

Temperature variation is one of the biggest enemies of wines as it ages. Wines should be stored at around 55 F (typical cave temperature), however, a range of 50 to 58 F is often considered acceptable.

You might think, “Hey, why can’t I store my wine in my refrigerator for the long term, or perhaps in the beer fridge in the garage?” Well, a few unfortunate things can happen when the wine is stored at too cool of a temperature for extended periods. The cool temps can slow down the aging process, the cork can dry out and allow refrigerator smells to seep into the wine (gross!), or the wine can be agitated when jostling around food or beer in the fridge, thus damaging the closure or label. Also, if the wine is pushed to the back of the refrigerator, there’s the possibility of freezing which may result in the cork getting pushed out.

Storage in a dark closet also may seem ideal but will have mixed results over multiple years. If the air conditioning in the house or apartment breaks down, temperatures can escalate. Prolonged periods can lead to the wine taking on a stewed or cooked flavor. Some wines may also start to take on a vinegar taste as the aging process is accelerated.

What Are The Effects Of Light On Wine?

Like temperature, too much light can also make wine deteriorate. This phenomenon is not unique to wine, as some beers are also known to suffer from light-strike. Simply, light is a form of radiation. Ultraviolet and blue portions of the light spectrum carry more energy than the red portion.  

Wine (and beer) have naturally sulfurous compounds. When light strikes wine, unwelcome chemical reactions can occur, leading to “skunky” aromas and flavors. Different colors of glass do provide more protection than others (e.g. dark brown or amber glass), however green and clear bottles are more common.

Since wine cabinet door selection has more to do with the aesthetics of a room these days, those of us wanting to age wines want to reduce light damage as much as possible. Wine refrigerators with dark glass or a solid door significantly reduce the possibility of light getting into the bottles.

What is the Optimal Humidity Level for Storing Wine?

When storing wines, most bottles are stored on their sides. This keeps the cork moist and keeps it from drying out, reducing the likelihood that too much oxygen will enter the bottle.  

A typical food refrigerator is a low humidity environment. In there, the cork can dry out. Corks can also dry out in arid environments, like the desert southwest of the USA. The ideal humidity level is around 70%.

Once oxygen has gotten into the wine bottles due to improper storage, the wine will quickly oxidize. Oxidation causes aromas and flavors to change. This negative impact is irreversible.

Does Vibration Ruin Wine?

Like light damage, damage caused by vibration is the direct result of energy being transferred to the contents of the bottle. This time it is kinetic energy and not radiation. Vibration damage can result from storing wine on top of a refrigerator or near another vibrating appliance like a treadmill, washer, or dryer. Wine stored under stairs may also suffer from vibration damage.  

The exact biochemical causes are not yet well known, however food chemistry research shows that wines exposed to vibration can lead to a reduction in esters, resulting in dull flavors.  Additionally, wines exposed to vibration can taste sweeter as the amount of propanol and isoamyl alcohol increases as tartaric acids, succinic acids, and esters decrease.

For more on wine assassins (and how to tell if your wine has really gone bad), check out our blog on wine faults.

Advantages of Small Wine Refrigerators

Now that you understand the environmental risks to wine in suboptimal storage conditions, let’s move on to those refrigerators!

When selecting a small wine refrigerator, one of the common regrets is getting too small of a wine cabinet.  As your passion grows, some of the smaller 18-24 bottle wine refrigerators can be outpaced by your collection habit.  

Many small wine refrigerators are also targeting a more entry-level clientele and are more likely to have thermoelectric coolers rather than compressors. Too small of a wine refrigerator also makes it difficult to maintain humidity.

Alternatively, some people purchase a wine refrigerator that is too big. The best large wine refrigerators are thousands of dollars and are designed for storing wines for 20 years or more. If you move frequently, large wine refrigerators are difficult to move! Your new or downsized home may not be able to accommodate a magnificently large wine refrigerator.  

Much like the “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” story, here we review the “just right” wine refrigerators that can fit under the counter or stand-alone in a den or walkout basement.  

Things to look For in your Wine Refrigerator

Warranty

Most small wine refrigerators in the size and price category we reviewed come with a one year warranty on some components and a five-year warranty on the cooling system.  If you purchase your wine refrigerator online, through a retailer like Amazon, you can also get major appliance warranties (affiliate link) at the same time as purchase.

To extend the warranty of any durable good like a wine cabinet, consider using a premium credit card with extended warranty provisions to make the purchase. Check with your credit card company to see if they offer extended warranties with this type of purchase. In our experience, American Express, for example, offers a doubling of the manufacturer’s warranty for many electronics when purchased with their card.  

Last but not least, keep an electronic record of the customer service number in case you have any issues with your wine refrigerator.  

Wine Cooler Reliability

Most issues that buyers face when ordering small wine refrigerators have to do with the initial delivery and installation. Typical issues include damage during shipping such as scratches and dents. Delivery issues are the most frequent cause of poor reviews.

If the unit arrives in good condition and is installed properly, expect about five years of use and potentially up to ten years.

Environmental conditions that shorten the lifespan of small wine refrigerators are typically related to ambient temperature and humidity. Wine refrigerators used in extreme conditions like a garage in Florida or a cold basement in North Dakota may have a shorter lifespan. Another situation that may shorten the lifespan of small wine cabinets is frequent moving. We lost a 7-year old unit during an in-state move recently when the movers damaged the back of the unit.  

When selecting a small wine refrigerator, pay attention to how much clearance is required under the unit for optimal performance. If the unit vents to the front, it can be used as an under-counter unit or as a stand-alone unit. If the wine cabinet vents only to the back, make sure that the unit is not installed flat against a wall. Attending to these small details will extend the life of your unit and reduce the chances of overheating.

Cooling Technology and Energy Efficiency

Small wine refrigerators are excluded from the federal Energy Star energy program. Some wine refrigerators are more energy-efficient than others.  

Thermoelectric units are typically more energy-efficient and are best suited for small living spaces like a studio apartment or condo.  

Compressor units use refrigerants like standard refrigerators. They may be less energy efficient than thermoelectric units and may be a little noisier, especially at lower price points. However, they tend to last longer and work in a broader range of ambient environmental conditions. The more life one gets out of a wine refrigerator means fewer units purchased over one’s lifetime and less landfill accumulation of dead units.  

Noise and Design Aesthetic

Following delivery issues and bottle count, the third most likely source of complaints on small wine refrigerators is noise. Remember, any durable good with a fan makes noise, and sensitivity to this noise varies by person. In this price category, we found that these units will be between 25 and 45 decibels, about the noise level of a quiet conversation.  

Think about where the wine refrigerator will be located. If it will be in a living or entertaining area, or in your bedroom, pay special attention to the noise emitted by the unit. If the unit will be in an unfinished walkout basement or utility room, then noise might be less of a concern.  

Since wine is a luxury good and many of these units end up in kitchens, most wine refrigerators are aesthetically pleasing. Consider whether or not you like the color of the LED lights and trim finish (stainless or black). Also, do you prefer (or need) a left or right opening wine cabinet?

Bottle Size Flexibility

Keep in mind that bottle capacity is typically referring to Bordeaux style bottles. Chances are, most wine enthusiasts have bottles that range in size and shape. Frequently, consumers are disappointed when they can’t fit all the expected bottles in the cabinet when the sales literature notes a capacity of, say 56 bottles. Second to delivery issues, the bottle capacity count is a frequent cause of low reviews.  

Wine bottle sizes vary by wine style and region. Champagne and Burgundy bottles typically have a fuller, rounder base, while Bordeaux style bottles are more rectangular in shape.  Flute-shaped Riesling bottles have longer tapered necks.

If your collection has wines from many regions, you will likely need to spend more for flexibility in the interior shelving system, or just live with a fewer number of bottles than the labeled capacity.   

Other Considerations

We reviewed only single-zone temperature zone units, small wine cabinets. Dual-zone wine cabinets tout flexibility, however, we like fewer moving parts that have the potential to break down. We suggest keeping things simple by planning ahead: just slip that rosé or Sauvignon Blanc into your regular refrigerator or an ice bucket 20 minutes before serving if you enjoy them below 55 F.  

We have found that wine cabinets with the same capacity can vary a lot in price. Typically, higher-priced units have the following features:

  • Better shipping pallet and packaging material

  • Less assembly

  • More responsive customer service

  • More robust individual components (e.g. glass layers, more metal thickness, heavier duty compressor, shelf quality)

  • Higher-end look with trendy finishes

  • More shelving flexibility

If you have minor children in the house, or you rent out your home on platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo, we strongly suggest getting a wine refrigerator with a lock.  

Most small wine refrigerators will not need a lot of cleaning or maintenance, other than checking to see if the temperature and humidity are near the ideal conditions.  

If you are concerned about your small wine refrigerator temperature and humidity (let’s say while you are out of town or in case of power loss), you may want to consider putting one of these Moat Temperature & Humidity Wireless Smart Sensors in the wine cabinet. It will send you an alert if either is out of the specifications you set.

 
 

Now, let’s get to those small wine refrigerators!

Best Unit for Diverse Bottle Sizes:

Allavino FlexCount - 56 Bottle Single Zone Wine Cellar Refrigerator

Of all the units we reviewed in this product category, this one had the longest warranty. The cooling technology is a compressor. The noise level reported is around 40 decibels or less.

The small wine refrigerator comes well packaged and on a pallet. Minimal assembly is required and the small wine refrigerator is easy to get up and running. You can choose if you want the door to open from the left or right. The wine refrigerator is front venting and can be installed under a countertop or as a stand-alone unit.

What sets this unit apart from the others is its FlexCount shelving. It can accommodate many different sizes of bottles. This FlexCount shelving is not only practical, its sleek design makes it look premium and contemporary. The wine refrigerator comes with a lock.

Here’s your link for more information on the Allavino wine refrigerator:

 
 

Best Unit with Traditional Wood Shelving

Lanbo Built-in Compressor Wine Fridge Cooler With Reversible Door 52 Bottles

For wine enthusiasts who love the look of traditional wood shelves, this unit may suit your needs. It is also a front venting unit, enabling under-counter or stand-alone installation.  This unit comes with adjustable feet, carbon filtration, a safety lock, door alarm to let you know if the door is ajar.

The door is reversible and includes a lock.  The unit fits 52 standard wine bottles, so if your collection contains wider Bourgogne style bottles or broad-shouldered Cabernet Sauvignon bottles, you likely are not going to get 52 bottles in the unit.

Here’s your link for more information on the Lanbo wine refrigerator:

 
 

Best Unit for Basement Bars:

NewAir Built-In Wine Cooler and Refrigerator, 52 Bottle Capacity Fridge with Triple-Layer Tempered Glass Door

If you’re looking for a small wine refrigerator for your basement bar and don’t need the “wow” factor but still want a visually appealing refrigerator, this one may meet your needs.  Like the previous two models, this one also has a compressor cooler. It has a noise level of just under 40 decibels, a reversible door, beech wood shelves, and a moisture container to help with maintaining humidity.  It is also front venting, perfect for under counter or stand alone installations and has a lock. It comes with a one year warranty.

A few potential downsides: it appears as if the legs are not adjustable so one will need to use wood shims to balance the unit on an uneven floor. Some users report that the temperature needs to be reset when electricity goes out and that the bright blue LEDs are very bright.

Here’s your link for more information on the NewAir wine refrigerator:

 
 

Best Budget Option:

Kalamera 50 Bottle Compressor Wine Refrigerator Single Zone with Touch Control

This small, quiet wine refrigerator is ideal for townhomes, smaller condominiums, or office spaces.

Budget does not mean giving up on aesthetics. This small wine refrigerator has pleasing blue LED lights, a stainless steel door, and double layer glass. Unlike the other units, it has thermoelectric cooling technology, making it very quiet. At 82 lbs., it was the lightest small wine refrigerator we reviewed. The beech racks are removable to accommodate the wider bottle bases of wines like Pinot Noir and Champagne. It has a one year warranty and does not have a lock.  

Some potential downsides: if you have a lot of non standard wine bottles, you may only be able to fit about 40 bottles. The door is not reversible and the unit does not have a lock. The unit vents toward the back, so it is best used as a stand alone unit and not as an under counter installation.  

Here’s your link for more information on the Kalamera wine refrigerator:

 
 

Conclusion

We’ve four similar sized small wine refrigerators for a variety of circumstances, from a premium unit suitable for kitchen installation to a stand-alone wine refrigerator perfect for a condo or small business.

If I needed a small wine refrigerator for a home remodel or for a condo, I would select the Allavino (affiliate link). It’s a great value for those interested in something like a EuroCave, but wanting a smaller capacity at a lower price point. We like it due to its flexibility of bottle size and five-year warranty on the compressor, as well as other positive reviews we found on the internet regarding delivery and responsiveness of customer service to delivery issues.  

At the end of the day, each of these units covers the intended purpose: keeping about 50 wines cool at a stable temperature with enough humidity and minimal light exposure and vibration.  

Best of luck in selecting your wine refrigerator!

Cheers!

Unbreakable Wine Glasses

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Classic wine glasses are beautiful, but they can break easily, especially if you err on the side of clumsiness. If you want to enjoy wine without the fear of breaking glass, you may want to invest in a couple of unbreakable wine glasses. Unbreakable wine glasses are made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, silicone, and plastic.

Before we continue with our review, though, a little about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, products to test, our podcast, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

What Is an Unbreakable Wine Glass?

Typically, an unbreakable wine glass is (ironically) not made out of glass. Thanks to innovations in molds and polymers, there are several beverage sipping options that are truly unbreakable!  Typically, unbreakable wine glassware is constructed of stainless steel and plastics such as Tritan, acrylic, or silicone.

These Glasses Are Really Unbreakable?

Unbreakable glassware may be labeled as shatter-resistant or shatter-proof. What’s the difference? Shatter-resistant glassware has been coated with or made from materials that will keep the container from shattering into tiny pieces if dropped (though it may still crack and break). Shatter-proof glassware, on the other hand, will not shatter or break when dropped. You really can throw it around or knock it off the counter. It may break, but usually only in an extreme situation (like being run over by a car!).

Want visual proof?  Check out this video of two young women proving how robust unbreakable wine glasses are these days. 

Do I Need Unbreakable Wine Glasses?

Unbreakable wine glasses can be a solution for wine lovers who are afraid of breaking glasses due to clumsiness or inebriation. They can also be great in households with small children or pets who inadvertently knock over glassware.  

Unbreakable wine glasses are a great option for parties or weddings that take place outdoors in areas where going barefoot is the norm - like beaches, swimming pools, and boats.  

Finally, unbreakable wine glasses are a good option if you like the idea of having a wine glass or two stowed away in a classic large Longchamp Le Pliage nylon handbag (affiliate link) or the TUMI unisex Voyageur duffle bag (affiliate link) for a weekend trip.    

Will Unbreakable Wine Glasses Detract From the Experience of Drinking Wine?

The world of wine can be broken down (more or less) into two categories: beverage wine and fine wine. Most wines you find at big-box stores and larger grocery chains are beverage wine, designed to drink right after purchasing and without a lot of fuss.  Fine wine, on the other hand, can be found at independent wine shops and specialty boutique grocery stores as well as online retailers and select wine clubs.  

Unbreakable wine glasses will not deter from enjoyable consumption of beverage wine.  

When drinking fine wine, however, you may find that unbreakable wine glasses take away from the experience, especially when it comes to capturing the aromas of wine and the feel of a thick glass rim in their mouth (rather than the preferred thin rim for fine wine glasses).  

What About Stemless Wine Glasses?

We are not big fans of stemless wine glasses as the liquid in the glass quickly warms in the hand, causing the wine to become dull and “flabby.” However, if the stemless wine glass is constructed of insulating materials - like a double-walled stainless steel wine glass (affiliate link) - this is less of a concern. Insulated stemless wine glasses are a great fit for outdoor drinking situations like the pool or beach.  

What Are The Downsides of Unbreakable Wine Glasses?

In addition to being suboptimal for fine wine experiences, there are a few downsides to unbreakable wine glasses. One downside of unbreakable wine glasses is that many are single-use and thus, not environmentally friendly.

Cheaper unbreakable wine glasses can have visible seams on the bowl, which can be rough on the mouth in addition to being unseemly.  Also, cheaper plastics can often be cloudy. As the price of the cup increases, so does typically the quality of construction and the visibility of the wine.  

Finally, while most unbreakable wine glasses are made of food-grade materials, like the popular govino stemless wine glasses, you’ll want to double-check really inexpensive unbreakable wine glasses for food-grade material construction before you drink out of them.

Best Unbreakable Wine Glasses

We love taking wine for a walk on the beach or a ride on a boat. We’ve tried several different types of unbreakable wine glasses in these environments. In our search for the best unbreakable wine glasses, we focused our selections on reusable unbreakable wine glasses and glasses that will work in a variety of situations.

Best Wine Glass For Clumsy People

If you (or a friend you’ll be buying a gift for) are very clumsy with wine glassware, this shatterproof wine glass made of Tritan materials in the USA is a great option.

 
 

We like these “glasses” as they really do look like “real” wine glasses. They’ve got a stem and substantial foot, making them a step up from stemless glassware. They are also reusable and dishwasher safe. However, don’t place them in a dishwasher set on the highest temperature setting as they might melt or bend. We do wish the bowl was a little bit bigger. And like any molded item, quality may vary across the various lots.   

Best Silicone Wine Glass for Hot Tubbing

If you enjoy relaxing in a hot tub after a day of skiing or work, these silicone glasses may work for inexpensive wine or fun cocktails. They’re unbreakable and don’t have sharp edges in case they are crushed underfoot or fall into the hot tub. What sets this silicone wine glass apart from the others is its wider opening, making it less likely that your nose will hit the rim when imbibing.  

 
 

There are two potential downsides to silicone wine glasses. One is that they can attract dirt (like dust or fine sand) easily. This might be unappetizing to some wine drinkers. The second downside is that the glass is “squishy” in one’s hand, unlike firm glassware or stainless steel. This might not work for folks wanting the feeling of a firm glass in their hands. 

Best Shatter-Resistant Glass Wine Glass

Still want an actual glass wine glass, but need it to be more robust than expensive crystal? Then this wine glass may work for you. Most fine crystal glassware is mouth-blown, resulting in a super-thin stem and bowl. These Paksh wine glasses are made in a mold, resulting in a thicker base, bowl, and stem.

 
 

It’s important to note that these glasses are not shatter-proof. They are simply thicker and more durable than fine crystal glassware.
While these are a good solution for clumsy folks who still love an actual glass wine glass, they might be too thick for anyone looking to drink fine wine. Wine glasses made in a mold may also have small quality defects simply due to the fact that they are made in bulk. 

 Best Double-Walled Stainless Steel Wine Glass 

The Yeti Rambler Stainless Insulated Wine Tumbler is a great stemless wine glass for outdoors as the wine is not heated through contact with your hands.  

 
 

To learn more, check out our full review of the Yeti Wine Tumbler. Another wine tumbler option to consider is the Corkcicle Tumbler (affiliate link).

Best Reusable Tritan Unbreakable Wine Glass (Made in America)

Fans of Tervis for reusable water containers? You may like this wine glass made by Tervis for drinking wine at the beach or on your patio. You can purchase the tumblers with or without lids. While you can wash them in the dishwasher, we find that our Tervis tumblers hold up best when washed by hand.

 
 

One of the downsides of this unbreakable wine glass is its size. It holds only 9 oz, while other glasses we’ve reviewed hold a little more wine. 

Unbreakable Wine Glasses Breakdown

Innovative polymers, as well as stainless steel wine glasses, provide a safe option for drinking wine in areas where conventional glassware is not allowed.  

For the benefit of durability, wine enthusiasts should expect to give up the thin rim common in crystal glassware. Other sacrifices include not being able to see through a stainless steel bowl to admire the color of a wine.  

Our experience also indicates that you get what you pay for, meaning that as price increases, characteristics like glass clarity increase and weight decreases.

In conclusion, we recommend having a couple of unbreakable wine glasses to take with you if you like to enjoy wine in venues where glassware is not allowed.  Since the type of activity you enjoy influences the ideal unbreakable wine glass for you, it’s a close call to choose a favorite.

If we had to pick just one of these unbreakable wine glasses, we would go with the Yeti tumbler. This tumbler is stylish, has a pleasing shape, and keeps wine cool in our (very hot!) North Carolina summers. Also, the lid conveniently keeps sand and bugs out of the wine while we are at the beach or in the yard (always a plus!).

Whatever you decide, we hope this review was helpful, and we hope that you find just the right unbreakable wine glasses for all of your indoor and outdoor adventures!

Cheers!

How to Pack Wine Glasses for Moving

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No matter how you approach it, moving is an exhausting undertaking. It can also be nerve wracking, especially when you’re moving valuable and highly breakable items such as crystal glassware? Well, we can’t take the exhaustion out of your moving process, but we can ease your nerves about that crystal glassware with a few tips, tricks, and ideal products for packing wine glasses.

Before we continue with our tips, though, a little about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

How to Pack Wine Glasses for Moving

Measure Your Wine Glasses

To select the right size of box, you’ll need to measure the height of your tallest glasses. You want to be sure that the boxes you select have enough room to accommodate your glassware. Attempting to force crystal glassware into a too-small box will leave you with shattered crystal glassware!

Find the Right Boxes 

The type of box we prefer for packing wine glasses is a “banker’s box.” The top is constructed of a single piece of cardboard (versus four pieces as seen in traditional boxes). Also, a banker’s box lid does not require tape to close, minimizing the amount of pressure one has to place on the box. Finally, the banker’s box can be reused after moving to store paper files or home items in your closet. 

These boxes come with dividers and cushion foam 

If you already have a standard-sized box and simply need glass dividers, you can also buy just the dividers and cushion foam online:

 
 

Alternatively, if you have only the box and glass dividers but no cushion foam, the foam can be purchased here:

 
 

If you don’t want to take on the added expense of glass dividers and cushion foam, just skip them and pack them as we describe below.  Simply make sure you have lots of packing paper!

Select Your Packing Paper

You will definitely need some kind of packing material to protect those wine glasses. Packing paper is less expensive than bubble wrap and a lot less bulky. It’s also recyclable or reusable by kids as a canvas for drawing or painting! You can get unprinted newsprint paper at most moving supply stores as well as online.  

 
 

Yes, could also use regular printed newspaper. However, some inks will stain wine glasses, which is why we recommend the unprinted paper instead.  If you do stain your wine glasses, you might want to try an overnight soak in the sink or in a bucket with some unscented denture cleaner.

 
 

Find Good Quality Packing Tape

It’s really important to get some good quality tape to secure both the top and the bottom of the box. Higher-quality tape will secure the lid to your box securely, thus preventing a box that pops open during the move, potentially damaging your glasses. These heavy duty rolls will do the trick.

 
 

Get Some Packing Labels

It’s really important to indicate to movers (or, friends and family who are helping you move) which boxes have fragile contents. We love these color-coded packing labels as they make box sorting a breeze. Included are labels indicating to not stack other boxes on top of your wine glasses and to orient the movers or your friends which end of the box is up.

 
 

Our Step-by-Step Guide to Packing Wine Glasses

This is the process we use to securely pack our wine glasses when we move. We have a lot of wine glasses (and we’ve been through several moves), so we think it’s a tried-and-true method!

Prep the Moving Box

Assemble the moving box as instructed. Don’t forget to tape up the bottom really well using that heavy duty packing tape! Taping the box well not only prevents the box from coming open, it also provides more structure and strengthens the box. If you’re using glass dividers, insert them once you have the box constructed.

Wrap the Wine Glasses

Remove one sheet of packing paper from the box and lay it out flat.  Place the wine glass in one corner of the paper, far enough from the corner that you can insert a small portion of the wrapping paper into the bowl of the wine glass. Bring up the bottom corner of the packing paper and gently wrap the stem. Then, roll the wine glass gently to use the rest of the wrap. Don’t ram too much paper in the wine glass bowl or you will break it.  Also, don’t twist the glass too much when you are wrapping it. When you’re done wrapping, carefully place the wrapped glass into the box (within layers of more packing paper OR in the glass dividers you’ve inserted).

Secure the top of the box

Tape up the top of the box really well.  Label it with all the pertinent stickers: “This End Up,” “Fragile,” “Kitchen” (to indicate where movers should take the box), etc. Be sure not to stack other boxes on top of boxes holding wine glasses. Finally, if at all possible, supervise the moving of these boxes to be sure that they are handled carefully!

How to Wrap Wine Glasses (for Visual Learners)

Check out this video if you prefer to see (rather than read!) an example of wrapping wine glasses for moving. This video will show you how to wrap wine glasses for packing, just like the pros do it!

Check out this video if you prefer to see (rather than read!) an example of wrapping wine glasses for moving. This video will show you how to wrap wine glasses for packing, just like the pros do it!

That’s a Wrap on Packing Wine Glasses!

To recap, here’s our approach in a nutshell:

Get all your supplies together (you can use the fancy boxes with dividers, or use the more economical process we show). Wrap your glasses individually. Make sure the exterior of the box indicates that the contents are fragile.  Don’t put a heavy box on top of it your box holding wine glasses.

When you’re unpacking (which is so much better than packing!), reuse your bank box for storing paperwork or other items that you’d like to keep dust-free and away from light. If you don’t have space to keep the boxes, upcycle them on Facebook marketplace or Craigslist. People are often looking for this type of box, and you shouldn’t have trouble finding takers! 

Best wishes for a great move, and happy packing!

Cheers!

What to Wear to Wine Country

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If you’ve booked a trip to wine country, you’ve likely already researched the wineries and other attractions you want to visit. Your next step is figuring out what to pack. Whether you’re visiting Napa and Sonoma, or are crossing the pond for Bordeaux or Rhone Valley adventure, you’ll want to be sure you know what to wear to a winery. Packing the right winery outfits will help you to pack minimally and purchases less during your trip. 

First, though, a little about the KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliate and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links at no cost to you. The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for using our affiliate links and supporting our independent blog!

How do I select my winery outfits? 

Whether you’re enjoying a romantic weekend, reuniting with a  group of girlfriends, or attending a winery wedding, dressing for the winery is usually a no fuss affair. Here are a few guidelines to get you started: 

  • Dark colors are a great go-to for winery attire (that way, spilled red wine won’t ruin your entire outfit!). We like to coordinate black separates with a colorful shawl or accessory. 


  • Practical shoes are essential. Essentially, you’re visiting a farm, so high heels and shoes that can’t tolerate a bit of mud just aren’t a good idea. Aim for practical but stylish boots.  


  • Plan for rain with an umbrella and a raincoat. It could be a chilly 55 degrees or lower, so you’ll also want layers for that damp cold. 


  • Plan for sun with sunglasses, a practical sun hat, and (of course) sunscreen.

     

  • Avoid excessive jewelry, floppy hats, or flowy clothes that can catch on vines or wine barrels. 


  • Dark-colored separates are ideal, as they will transition nicely from winery to an upscale restaurant, in the event that you’re dining out after your wine tasting. 

Now that you have a general guide to winery attire, here are a few of our favorite items to fill the gaps in your winery wardrobe. 

Best Shoes for Winery Tour

Tours can involve a great deal of walking, sometimes across uneven surfaces, up and down stairs, in and out of golf carts, and through the vineyards. To keep up with the terrain and the tour guide, go for dressy hiking boots. The vineyard pros often wear Blundstone. 

 
 
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Best Windproof Umbrella for Wine Country

Conditions at a winery can include bright sun, wind, and pop-up showers. This large golf umbrella comes in a variety of sizes for singles, couples and small groups. 

 
 

Best Wine Country Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential when traveling to wine country, no matter what time of year you go (it’s especially important in the summer, though!). Travel can make your skin prone to breakouts, though, so you’ll want to pack a good sunscreen that’s formulated specifically for the face and won’t clog pores. 

 
 

Best Winery Handbag

A crossbody shoulder satchel is ideal for wearing on a winery tour, as  you will want to keep your hands free. A larger handbag will just get in your way and feel cumbersome as you walk throughout the winery. Take this slim satchel instead. Then, slip the satchel into a larger bag in the evenings.

 
 

Best Scarf for Wine Country Style 

We love this classic brushed cashmere scarf by Burberry. It is warm, cozy, and stylish without being overstated. It’s the perfect accessory for pairing with elegant but practical black separates. 

 
 

Best Wine-Friendly Denim 

In wine country, basics are the best when it comes to attire. Simple, dark denim can be dressed up or down. We prefer a classic, easy-to-wear pair of Levi’s. 

 
 

Best Sunglasses for the Vineyards

No matter the season, you’re going to need a pair of shades. And when you’ve pared down your wardrobe to the basics, classy sunglasses are a great way to upgrade your look. These Prada sunglasses provide 100% UV protection and are 100% chic.

 
 

Best Rainy Vineyard Rain Jacket

The likelihood of pop-up showers and damp weather is high in wine country. You’ll definitely want to pack a sturdy but lightweight rain jacket that keeps you dry and warm at the winery. This hooded rain jacket by Levi’s also has convenient pockets for storing a phone or other items you want to bring along. 

 
 

Winery Attire & Accessories Wrap-Up

We hope this list helped you to pack a suitcase that’s primed for a perfect wine country experience. With the right clothes, boots, and rain gear, you should be all set for looking like pro at any winery you visit.

And if you love the wine at those wineries enough to take some home with you, check out our article on how to fly with wine.

Cheers!

Creative Ways to Gift Wine

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You’ve identified the wine bottle you would like to gift, but are looking for a creative way to gift it without boring tissue paper, cellophane wrap, or a single-use paper bottle bags. Lucky for you, we’ve identified and developed over ten creative ways to give the best wine gifts! 

First a little about KnowWines blog. We are an Amazon.com affiliates and we do receive a small commission if you purchase items through our affiliate links.  The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, products to test, and other costs associated with running this site. Thanks for supporting our blog!

Gift Wine With a Pair of Socks

We love to gift wrap wine bottles with a pair of novelty graphic crew socks.  Simply insert the wine bottle into the first sock, then place the second sock over the top of the bottle.  Add a finishing touch like a raffia bow or decorative hat from a craft store to dress it up a bit.  

Some of our favorite food and drink novelty socks come from HotSox. These socks are super-comfy without being too thick. They really do feel like premium socks one would find at a high-end store like Nordstrom.

There’s a variety of novelty socks available online with humorous themes or hobbies to pair with your friends’ interests.  Don’t know what the gift-recipient is into? Simply default to these wine themed socks.

 
 

Stage Christmas Wine With LED Lights

If you’re looking for a fine wine gift presentation that’s more elegant, consider decorating an end table with a few wine items - decanter, glassware, corkscrew, and another empty wine bottle.  Then, place the gift wine in front of the festive decor. Check out our list of our 50 favorite wine accessories to accompany your fine wine gift.

 
 

You may also consider placing the wine in a single bottle wine holder and decorating around it. 

Books and Wine - Always a Perfect Pairing

If the wine lover in your life is also a book lover, we have the perfect gift! This handmade book-strap carrier by Hide & Drink comes with a handle that you can loop around wine.  It is constructed of full-grain leather and comes with a 101 year guarantee!

 
 

Not sure what book to get?  Check out our recommended wine books or this new release from fellow North Carolinian Elizabeth Schneider.

 
 

Gift Wrap Wine With a Scarf

Another two-for-one gift idea is wrapping a bottle of wine with a scarf.  There are a lot of options you can consider: vintage, re-gifting an unused scarf, or a white elephant scarf.  

Here’s a helpful video on how to gift wrap wine with a scarf.

Note that the scarf does not need to be small.  One could use a blanket sized scarf like the one below and simply fold it in half twice before following the video instructions.  

This burgundy, black and gold scarf would complement many red and white wines.

 
 

Gift Wine With a Luggage Tag

If the wine gift recipient travels frequently, placing a new luggage tag or two around the neck of the bottle may be a good way to connect their love of travel with wine. With so many luggage tag color options, one can select a tag that matches or contrasts the wine gift or complements the recipient’s luggage.  

 
 

Gift Wine In a Suitcase

Does your New Year’s resolution include cooking more at home, exploring a new cuisine, and trying some new wines?  Stop by your local wine bottle shop and have them select six or twelve wines that they’d recommend to try with the cuisine you’ll be exploring in the new year.  

Perhaps you also plan to travel to a wine region in 2020 and want to do a little wine homework.  Place those bottles in a VinGarde Valise and place the valise under the tree.

 
 

And if travel is in your new year, check out our blog on traveling with wine for more wine travel tips and tricks!

How to Gift Wine in a Gift Basket

While you could purchase a ready-made wine gift basket, it is often more personal to build the basket yourself, especially if the gift basket includes customized corporate items. Additionally, many off-the-shelf wine gift baskets include salty or sugary items with artificial preservatives. Making your own gift basket allows you to tailor the food items to the preferences of the recipient.  

When selecting a gift basket, we prefer to get our basket from a craft store or a thrift store.  We look for baskets with a sturdy upright carrying handle. Place a tea towel in the bottom of the basket. There are a number of funny tea towels available online. If the gift recipient is more conservative, this tea towel might be a good choice, especially for corporate clients.

With a tea towel in place, secure the wine to the basket in an upright position, and tie the neck of the bottle securely to the handle. Then arrange gift items around the wine centerpiece.  You may want to use double-sided tape to secure some items to each other to prevent contents from flying out of the basket or being crushed if the basket tips over.   

Gift Wine in Slippers

Keep your toes and your insides warm with this combination of wine-themed slippers and two bottles of wine. These applique slippers have grippy bottoms and the inside of the slippers are super soft!

 
 

Dress Up Your Wine in a Wine Outfits

While we prefer to gift items that will be re-used or re-gifted by recipients, we understand that sometimes you want to just have fun with dressing up wine bottles. These wine bottle outfits can be re-used year after year.   

Ugly Christmas Sweater

We’re big fans of an ugly holiday sweater party - why can’t wine partake as well?

 
 

Swedish Gnomes

And of course, there are wine outfits for gnome-loving wine enthusiasts!  

 
 

Holiday Formal Wear

Add a little formal whimsy to the corporate open bar.

 
 

What are some ways you have gifted wine?  Let us know in the comments box below.

Cheers!

Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux

During one of our annual visits to the Bordeaux region of France, we fell in love with the village of Saint-Émilion. Feeling felt that this village and its surrounding area warranted a deeper dive, we went back in October 2019 as Saint-Émilion celebrated 20 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Here, we cover our favorite Saint Émilion restaurants, St Émilion Hotels, off-the-beaten-path recommendations, and tips and tricks for getting the best Bordeaux. While some of the most expensive wine in the world is from this region, the number of small, independent producers still make it one of the few places to find great values, including some of the best red wine under $30 in the world.

First a little about KnowWines and this blog. We paid for all of our wines, visits, dinners, and tours on this trip.  We are Amazon.com affiliates and we do receive a small commission if you purchase guides or maps through our affiliate links.  The commissions we receive help us pay for web hosting fees, products to test and other costs associated with running this site - thanks for supporting our blog!

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What is Saint-Émilion?

St Emilion, Saint Emilion, orSaint-Émilion? So many spellings for this unique place! It took us awhile as Americans to figure it all out!

Saint Émilion, the Person

In the 8th century, a Breton man left his home area of Vannes and wandered this region of France (before it was France) and came upon the Ascumbas area, which is where the village of Saint-Émilion is today.  Looking for peace and prayer, he lived in a cave and was later joined by fellow Benedictine disciples.  Later they carved a church out of a single piece of limestone, a site you can still visit today. After his death (late 8th century), the village was named in his honor.  Since then, several different religious orders have inhabited the area, contributing to monastic life and religious architecture.  In fact, some of the wineries touch the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route.

Saint-Émilion Area and History

The village of Saint-Émilion is surrounded by 22 villages and communes, each with its own history and activities.  It is located west and north of the city of Bordeaux, by about 40 kilometers (25 miles). 

Saint-Émilion limestone has been mined for centuries, resulting in a labyrinth of caves. One can combine a cave visit and wine tasting at Châteaux Franc Mayne. This limestone, mined by hand and chisel, was used to build a number of monuments and walls.  Many of the structures in the area were built for defensive fortifications, religious reasons, symbols of power, and later for aesthetic purposes.

The Libournais and Saint-Émilion Wine Region: Terrior, Soil, and Vineyards

 
 

This region has a unique microclimate due to its location between two rivers (the Dordogne and Isle rivers), the abundant presence of limestone, rolling hills, natural springs, and soils comprised of limestone, iron-rich clays, gravels, and sand.  Its close proximity to the Atlantic ocean and all the rivers in the area keep the temperatures fairly constant and moderate.  

Merlot and Cabernet Franc grow well in this region.   And where the soils are a little warmer, vignerons will plant Cabernet Sauvignon as well. 

When perusing wines at Saint-Émilion bottle shops, you will find an array of wines from one of ten Libournais regional AOCs as well as other, less restrictive AOCs in the region.  These are Fronsac, Canon-Fronsac, Pomerol, Lalande de Pomerol, Saint-Emilion, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion, Lussac-Saint-Emilion, Montagne-Saint-Emilion, and Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion.

(An AOC, or Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, s a system in France to clearly define the area of origin from which a specifically labeled appellation product like wine can be created and labeled under specific production methodology.)

What we found unique in this area is that grapevines were growing on all different aspects (meaning that vines faced north, south, east, and west).  In many of the world’s grape growing regions, the vines might just face south or southeast or southwest. These viticulture practices, as well as highly variable soils, mean there is a lot of diversity of expression of Merlot and Cabernet Franc and there are lovely blends of these two wines to explore in the glass.  

If you want to learn more about the Saint-Émilion wine classification system, the folks over at Wine Cellar Insider have a good resource on this topic including the current Châteaux classifications. 

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What to Do in Saint-Émilion

Travelers and religious pilgrims have flocked to Saint-Émilion for centuries to view the rolling hills, valleys and plateaus, natural water springs, caves, medieval limestone churches and chateaux, and yes, to enjoy the wine.  

Today’s travelers will find the following sights and activities in the greater Saint-Émilion area :  medieval monastic limestone ruins, limestone buildings reflecting over eight centuries of architecture, Roman ruins, grape growing and wine production, fine wine tasting and bottle shops, fine dining and gastronomic delights like macaroons and lampreys (scary looking but tasty aquatic animals), fishing, hiking in rolling hills, driving on winding roads, and pockets of forest. 

When to Go to Saint-Émilion

Late March through November are peak times for visiting Saint-Émilion.  Many shops, inns, and restaurants close in January and February, or are only open on the winter weekends to attend to weekend-trippers. 

How to Get to Saint-Émilion

How to Get to Saint-Émilion from Paris

This rural wine region is fairly easy to get to, especially from CDG Airport in Paris.  One can fly on Air France several times per day from CDG to BOD or take the train from CDG Airport to the Bordeaux St-Jean train station.  

How to Get to Saint-Émilion from Bordeaux

From BOD airport, you can take a taxi or Uber to Saint-Émilion.  You could also take a bus, taxi, or Uber from BOD to St-Jean train station.  

From the St. Jean train station, you can take a regional train to the edge of Saint-Émilion and walk up the hill 1.5 km to your hotel or Airbnb. Have luggage? Contact the Tourism Office, which is open every day of the year except Christmas o arrange a taxi or Tuk-Tuk to ferry you to your hotel or room.

If the regional train is not running that day (construction, strike, etc.) you can take an Uber from the train station to Saint-Émilion.  To make yourself easy to find, order your ride near one of the small hotels across the street from the train station.  Last, you can rent a car online or over the phone from the Bordeaux airport or at the St-Jean train station.  

Parking in St Émilion

While there is not a lot of parking available in Saint-Émilion, there are spaces around the churches and near Place Bouqueyre in the lower part of the village.  As we visited in October, we had no difficulty finding angled parking west of the Tourisme Office for the cost of about 2€ per hour.  Those seeking free parking or parking an RV will need to park outside the village - this is also where free parking is available.  

What to Wear in St Émilion

It is a pre-requisite to wear very sturdy shoes.  Also, you will often see people in dark jeans or dark slacks, raincoat or jacket, scarf, dress shirt.  In the evening you might see dresses with low-heeled shoes (cobblestones, steep streets).

When visiting vineyards, go business casual with hiking boots, walking shoes, or dressy but sturdy boots.

We did see a few people more dressed up, usually on their way to weddings or celebrations, or fine dining at the two-Michelin star Hostellerie de Plaisance.

What You Won’t Find in St Émilion

Saint-Émilion has a population between 2,000 and 3,000 people, and the surrounding villages and communes in the area are fairly small as well. You will not find any of the following in this village:

  • Fast food chains

  • Retail shopping

  • Nightlife after 9 pm

  • Close parking during the summer and around harvest

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Where to Eat in Saint-Émilion

Each time we’ve been to Saint-Émilion, we’ve made the time and budget for lunch at Hostellerie de Plaisance.  Here, one can choose menu items a la carte, go for a three-course menu that is choice of the chef, or take a longer multi-course menu.  Plan two to three hours minimum for this experience.

If you want something more casual, a little cozier, and have one to two hours for lunch or dinner, try L'Envers du Décor.

For those wanting views of vineyards in nearby Pomerol, the Terrasse Rouge Brasserie Restaurant was lively and modern.  

Those looking for a romantic, quintessential, small village dining experience with fireplace and exposed limestone walls might try Réserve de Presbytère, an excellent value for the money.

In the village, you can find a small grocery store selling fresh fruits, bread, French cheeses, snacks, and milk.  Next door is a butchery selling fresh cuts of meat and a variety of charcuterie. 

Where to Stay Near St Émilion

There are a number of hotels, inns, and rooms available in Saint-Émilion which are great for one or two nights in the village. For those wanting to stay near vineyards and away from the village, or who wish to take a longer look at the entire Libournais region, look east to the region of Castillon.

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We enjoyed our stay at Chȃteau du Palanquey in nearby Sainte-Colombe. This recently opened five-room establishment is run by a family and features a wine cellar, spa, spacious parking, vineyard views, and contemporary yet cozy rooms. Throughout the Chȃteau (formerly a winery) there are various nooks for reading, playing billiards, or enjoying wine and snacks by the fireplace. Outside you can walk around the grounds or take a stroll on gravel roads through the vineyards. Gracious hosts Melanie and Laurent will also help you with restaurant reservations, wine visits, and drive recommendations, and will also offer you breakfast, lunch, or dinner with 24 hour notice. One can also purchase wines from their cellar to enjoy.   

Wine Tasting in St Émilion

After visiting for three years, our favorite wine shops for tasting and making purchases are ETS Martin and Vignoble and Chateaux. Both offer shipping to the United States. I’ve used both for shipping and have had better luck with ETS Martin. We’ve always received our shipments in North Carolina within 5-7 business days.  

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When tasting at any of the bottle shops, be aware that some wines are only available to purchase in the region, while other wines are imported to the United States and can be purchased stateside at a lower cost. We chose to purchase wines at these establishments that can only be obtained in the region or older vintages that are very expensive here in the States. 

If you prefer not to ship, and simply want to purchase a couple of bottles from bottle shops or a winery, check out our article on how to fly with wine if you purchase wine from the vineyard and want to carry it back with you.

Wine Touring and Tasting in St Émilion

A few short years ago, not many wine estates were open for tasting and tours. Today over 130 wine estates are open to the public! Wine tour operators in many wine regions are little more than drivers shuttling drinkers between chȃteaus. Upon arriving at chȃteau, the host may be the winemaker or an intern or family member tasked with guiding tourists through a facility.  

To increase the odds that you have a good experience, we recommend knowledgeable tour guides who have years of experience in several areas of the wine industry to connect you to real winemakers and small, independent producers like Chȃteau Guadet.

Alternatively, if a guide is not in your budget, we highly recommend the Bordeaux Right Bank guide. This is an excellent resource with one-pagers on many chȃteau in the region, and includes the relative quality of the wines, history of the chȃteau, whether or not you can buy wine, and if they accept visitors. This guide can also come in handy for when you are shopping at bottle shops in the area or back at home.

 
 

Have you been to Saint-Émilion? Did you have a favorite wine, restaurant, hotel, tour, or experience?  Please, let us know in the comments below! And if you are looking for more travel tips, drop us a line at jolene@knowwines.com.

Cheers!

What To Do When the Nose Goes

So, you’ve saved up for a trip to wine country and made it to your destination - only to be stricken by seasonal allergies or a cold, leaving you with a stuffy nose and a limited (or no!) ability to smell and taste food or wine.

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Here are a few of our favorite travel tips, having fallen prey to the impact of recirculated air, traveling during cold and flu season, and also having lifelong issues with hay fever.  

Packing medicine for smarter getaways

It’s a good idea to pack some basic over-the-counter medicines for trips to prevent time wasted driving to a store during your stay. Also, if your wine travels take you to Europe, you’ll find that most stores are closed on Sunday, or the dosage is in a language you can’t read. 

Start with this re-usable TSA Approved Transparent Waterproof Cosmetic Bag with Zipper for storing medicines

 
 

We like this three-pack as you can use one for liquids, one for dry goods, and the third for electrical adaptors and chargers.  We try to minimize the liquid medicines we take on a trip or place them in our checked luggage.

OTC Medicines and supplies to make travel easier

To prevent potential overdose and to treat only the symptoms we have, we prefer to shy away from all-in-one “cold and flu” or “allergy” medicine and purchase independent components separately.  

Pain Reliever

All over-the-counter pain relievers are not created equal.  While these products are available without a prescription, they are still medicine. By avoiding combination products, you reduce the chance that you take the same active ingredient twice when combining medications. If you aren’t sure which OTC pain killer is best to have with you for travel, check with a pharmacist or your doctor for a recommendation.  

Our personal favorite pain killer is Advil. Available in travel sized two-packs, these travel packages slip easily into your carry-on or checked bag, and you don’t need to carry a bottle around.  

 
 

Facial Tissues

Hotel facial tissues (unless you are staying at a 4-star resort) are just a step above sandpaper. Don’t forget to pack facial tissues like these.    

 
 

Eye Mask

If you are a seasonal allergy sufferer, remember to pack one of these warm eye masks that helps in reducing swelling due to hay fever.  This type of eye mask requires a microwave for activation, so if there is no microwave in your room, check with the front desk. Many heatable eye masks don’t have washable covers.  While these may look less fashionable than velour eye masks, these eye masks are re-usable and washable.  

 
 

Bkr Water Bottle

If you don’t travel a lot, you might not know that it is just fine to take an empty water bottle on the plane with you. Simply fill it up once you pass through security.  

We like this Bkr bottle since it has a screw-on top, making it perfectly safe to throw in your favorite handbag without worrying about leakage. We also like that it is dishwasher safe. And since Jolene’s day job is a scientist, she thinks the whole “beaker” thing is kind of cool!

 
 

Why can’t I taste or smell anything when I’m sick?

Temporarily losing your sense of smell or taste is normal when one has hay fever (seasonal allergies) or the common cold. Nasal passages become congested with mucus or are inflamed. These symptoms may be accompanied by pain behind or below the eyes.  Removing the mucus and reducing inflammation is key to getting your nose back in tip-top wine tasting shape. If you are experiencing more than a temporary loss of your sense of smell, then see a physician as this might be a sign of something more serious.

Mucus relief for wine tasters

If you have a wine tasting coming up that you can’t reschedule or you have a blind tasting exam as a student of wine, having a cold or allergies is going to be stressful! Your primary objective is to get that gunk out of your nose and chest and to get the Eustachian tube cleared up and draining properly so that you can get back to smelling and tasting wines as soon as possible. You may be tempted to run directly to the box of drugs with the most active ingredients. However, there are a number of home treatment options that you can try instead of (or along with) OTC drugs.  

Our recommendations below are for home (or on-the-road) treatment of sinus congestion due to cold or allergy. As always, if you suspect that you have something more serious, call a physician. The front desk of your hotel is a great place to check for medical options and hours. If you are not at a hotel, send a message to your AirBnB or HomeAway host for a recommendation.

Hot Shower For Cold or Allergy Relief

Your first line of relief is a long hot shower. Your stuffy nose from cold or allergies is due to inflammation and swollen blood vessels. The steam from the shower helps open up the nasal passages to make it easier to expel mucus. Ten to 15 minutes should be enough to yield some relief, and this treatment can be repeated up to 3 times per day. Though a hot shower won’t cure the underlying cause of illness (cold virus, allergen, irritant), it will provide relief.  Don’t make the shower too hot or you may scald yourself.  

Get a Steam Inhaler

If a hot shower is not available, or you are in an area where water use is restricted, there are a few tools available for intense steam therapy.  

First is a steam room, which may be available in resort-type areas.  If traveling, ask if there is a steam room available at your hotel or gym. As with the hot shower, a steam room can be used 2-3 times per day, 15 to 20 minutes maximum per visit.

Staying somewhere less plush? If your accommodations are AirBnB or HomeAway, there might be a pot available to heat water in the kitchen. Simply heat the water and then turn off the heating source. Lean over the pot, and cover your head with a towel. It will take a little figuring out to find the best combination of face distance to pot and percent of towel coverage. Keep in mind that when utilizing this method there is some risk of scalding yourself. Be careful!  

Whether you are at home or traveling, check to see if a humidifier is available to borrow. There are some travel humidifiers on the market, however, I’ve not found one yet that disperses a steady stream of fine mist. When traveling domestically (say, in California’s wine country), consider taking one of these personal steam inhalers along if you are prone to congestion while traveling. It is TSA compliant. These value electronics often work only on 110 V, so they are not worth the hassle to take overseas.

 
 

Drink More! (Water, That Is!)

The wine can come later (once you can smell it again). It is important to drink a lot of water and other liquids including soup and decaffeinated tea, to help reduce inflammation and replace liquids lost during coughing and sneezing.  

Best Saline Nasal Spray

Traveling with a Neti-pot can be cumbersome, so leave it at home. While congested in Europe, we came across this product called Sterimar. It is now our pick for best nasal spray! We love it’s angled applicator, the fact that it is all natural salt water from France, and that is has a super cute dolphin on the front.  This product is available online and is widely distributed in Europe.  

 
 

How to Use a Nasal Spray

If you’ve had poor experiences using saline nasal sprays (or OTC or prescription sprays), check out this short video explaining how to position your head to receive the spray. 

 
 

Best Expectorant if Stuffiness Comes With a Cough

While many “cold and cough” multi-purpose products contain guaifenesin, we prefer to take it by itself and add in other medications (only if needed!), reducing the likelihood that you overdose on OTC cold medicines. How does guaifenesin work? By thinning the mucus making it easier to get it out of your system by coughing.

 
 

Is it even possible to sleep with a stuffy nose?

You’ve made some progress against the gunk in your sinuses and lungs the night before your tasting or special meal. Now, it’s time for some sleep. In fact, rest is one of the best ways to get back into the tasting action. But nothing is as frustrating to wake up to an even stuffier head in the morning! During the day, we are typically walking or sitting upright, and any post nasal drip gets swallowed (I know, gross!).  Well at night, that swallowing is minimal, leaving one with typically a very stuffy head and bad cough in the morning. To reduce the chances of this happening, collect as many pillows as possible to prop your head upright. If you sleep well in a recliner, this could be another option.  If you experience ear pain in the evening or at night due to blockages in the ear’s Eustachian tube, sleep on your side with the painful ear “up” to promote drainage.  

How do I cancel my reservation if I just can’t make it to the tasting?

We’ve been in your shoes. You’ve done all you can to increase the likelihood of success so that you can show up with a cleared out nose and ready for a day of tasting. Still, sometimes the allergies or cold virus gets the best of us and we should not be out in public spreading our germs.

If you paid a deposit, call the winery, restaurant, or host where your tasting is taking place and inform them that you are not feeling well. Most often, they understand and can rebook you. You may not get a refund though they will often transfer your deposit to the new date of your rebooking, frequently within a year.  

If you are a student of wine sitting for a tasting exam, call the instructor or test auditor and let them know that you are unwell.  There may be options to re-sit the exam at a later date.  

In all these instances where a deposit has been made, check with your credit card company (if you used a credit card to hold a reservation). The card may have insurance for travel disruption as part of your annual fee. It is worth a call to check it out!

Finally, if you get sick on your trip and end up not being able to taste any wine at all (so sad!), consider getting recommendations from a winemaker or travel companion for a few great wines to take home with you. Here’s our guide for checking wine when you fly.

What are home remedies for when the nose goes?

If you travel to taste wines or are in the wine trade, what other tips or tricks do you have to share regarding unplugging the nose?  Let us know in the comments below!

Here’s to healthy travels! Cheers, from KnowWines!











































The Best in Wine Clubs and Wine Subscriptions

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The internet, investors, and changing interstate commerce laws have come together to bring innovation to the areas of wine clubs, wine delivery, and wine subscriptions. While we love to frequent local wine shops, we also appreciate that consumers are no longer limited by the wine selection in their immediate market.  

Here, we use our experience with wine clubs to outline the pros and cons of the wine clubs available today, as well as the positives and negatives of wine delivery.  Join us as we dig deeper into wine clubs, wine subscriptions, and wine delivery services.

What is a wine club or wine subscription?

There are many different types of wine club aiming to secure wine lovers as monthly customers. Typically, there is some incentive for signing up - a free wine tasting, a shipping discount, or some other enticing benefit. Before delivery, an agreement is signed detailing the number of bottles per month or year, the corresponding monthly fee, and the length of time one must remain in the club (or how many bottles to receive before canceling).

When you join a wine club, an expert is curating your wine collection, eliminating the burden of decision making.  However, the ease of delivery may not be quite as easy as it sounds because delivered wine can’t be left on your doorstep - you have to be at home it. (More on that later!).

There are plenty of reviews claiming that this or that wine club is the best, but the truth is that wine clubs are not one size fits all. While wine clubs attract a good deal of consumers, many of them opt out of wine clubs within two years. Why? Because the consumer may not have taken the time to find out whether a particular wine club will be a good fit.  So, if you’re considering a wine subscription, take some time to identify your wine profile.

What is my wine profile?

Wine consumers fall into six general categories (or genome segments) as identified by Bauerhaus.com. These are Image Seekers, Everyday Loyals, Enthusiasts, Engaged Newcomers, Price Driven, and the Overwhelmed. We have taken the liberty of adding another category: Wine Obsessives.  

Image Seekers like to look over wine lists and wine scores. Perhaps we want to impress friends or clients with wines. Image Seekers also like the look of labels and feel of bottles. They may be up on wine trends but aren’t overly concerned with the details. Image Seekers might spend a little more per bottle than other wine types. However, if there’s a new trend in craft beer or artisan spirits, they are likely to leave wine behind momentarily to chase after the next great thing.

Everyday Loyals are consistent lovers of particular wines. We all know someone like this - the mom who loves Rombauer Chardonnay, the uncle who loves Chablis or the brother who brings Apothec Red home by the case. These loyalists know what they like - and this can be a wine brand, a grape variety, wines from a region. While sommeliers might be frustrated that Everyday Loyals always want to drink the same thing, research shows that this group makes up the largest group of wine consumers by sales.  

Enthusiasts are the folks thirsty for wine knowledge. They love to get multiple inputs before purchasing wine, either from critic scores, shelf talkers (shelf tags), wine merchants, books, or magazines.  Enthusiasts like to check out what is new in the wine section of stores or visit bottle shops while traveling for work or vacation. Enthusiasts may stay enthusiasts for life, or they may become wine obsessives (like us!). They may also someday switch their enthusiasm to spirits like bourbon.

Engaged Consumers are consumers with an interest in learning more about wine, and are typically new wine consumers. They know they like wine. These consumers may become enthusiasts or they may just enjoy wine occasionally with friends.

Price Driven consumers are fairly straight forward. We all know someone who loves a sale, has all the discount codes, and likes to choose the least expensive wine from the list. Nothing wrong with a great value!

Last is the Overwhelmed Consumer. If you like wine but feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices in store aisles, online, or on a wine list, you can count yourself among the Overwhelmed!

Wine Obsessives!  We’re not included in the Bauerhaus assessment, so I add us in as a seventh type of consumer.  We may have started as an Enthusiast or even an Everyday Loyal, but somewhere along the line we jumped to being an Obsessive. We love reading about wine, visiting wine regions on holidays, purchasing wine storage or wine refrigerators, and collecting a broad or specific wine type. We might also subscribe to multiple wine magazines and follow one or more wine bloggers on social media.  

What type of consumer are you?  Let us know in the comments below.

There are wine clubs or wine subscription services that cater to each of these consumer types.  

What type of wine club is good for me?

The best type of wine club for you is the one that matches your wine consumer profile. You may remain a specific type of wine consumer for a short or long time, or you may shift across different consumption types as you pass through various life stages.

Now that you know your current wine profile, you can start to sift through the many wine clubs out there and find one that fits your needs for the next 12 - 24 months. Why 12 - 24 months? This is the time frame within which one can typically get the best bang for the buck. If your wine profile changes, one can typically opt in and out of wine clubs. Just remember to read the fine print before signing us, as there may be a minimum number of months before you can opt out.

What types of wine clubs are there?

Wine Clubs for Cheap Wine

We get it.  You want a grape-flavored beverage containing alcohol without all the fuss and at a low price, with free or low-cost shipping.  And bonus points for not needing to leave your house! You are likely a Price Driven consumer and are interested in wine clubs with a focus on value. 

These wine clubs scan the wine market and look for something different than what is available in your average big-box store. They focus on wine in the bulk market or value wines available for private label wine branding. Alternatively, the wine might be purchased on the bulk market and vinified by a well-known winemaker. 

If you’ve ever purchased (or been gifted wine) and could not find any information about an actual winery, chances are the wine is from one of these types of wine clubs. The online description will instead focus on key flavors, region, and perhaps farming practices. And importantly, value!

Some examples of these types of wine clubs are Winc and Naked Wines.

Famous Store Brand Wine Clubs 

You may be Overwhelmed by all the wine choices and are thus interested in wines that come from trusted brands. Famous store and media brands you have grown to trust look for ways to strengthen their fan base by offering products and services to help consumers stay with a brand. One of these services is wine clubs.  

Without subscribing, it is hard to tell if you will get private label wines or wines from independent winemakers. Based on an extensive online review, it looks like a lot of these wines are private label bulk wines with a few independent winery offerings included.  

Some examples of these types of famous brand wine clubs are The New York Times Wine Club, WSJ Wine Club, and the Williams-Sonoma Wine Club.

Wine Clubs for Wine Discovery

Engaged consumers looking to build upon their wine knowledge might be interested in wine clubs that are a blend of independent producers and private label wines with a focus on education.

Wine clubs for discovery have an emphasis on learning basic wine concepts through sampling many different types of wines grouped by wine color, style, and agriculture practice. Trendier versions use quizzes or algorithms to direct you to a package you might be interested in.  You can expect to learn the basics around wine varieties, regions, and flavor profiles. In addition to targeting Engaged consumers, these clubs also target the Overwhelmed consumer because the level of detail provided is not overwhelming. If winemakers are mentioned, it is because they are well known.

Examples of discovery wine clubs include Vine Box (for wine drinkers wanting to have a taste before committing to a bottle!), Plonk, and First Leaf Wine Club.

Curation Clubs for Enthusiasts

A number of wine clubs aimed at Enthusiasts curate wines from select wineries. These curation clubs may aim to do any of the following:

  • Introduce wine lovers to new wines based on old favorites (e.g. lower alcohol wines from Bordeaux)

  • Introduce wine lovers of a specific wine style (e.g. Northern Rhone red wine blends) to new wineries that make that style

  • Target specific demographics of wine growers or wine makers (e.g. Women owned wineries or Small Independent producers)


These clubs differ from previous wine clubs mentioned as they are typically grower and winery focused. The information on the website, email, and subscription sign-up is very specific to the wineries highlighted. There will be comparisons between the offered wines and how they differ from other producers in the region or growing the same variety. Specific winemakers and importers may be highlighted, and the club curators may explain why they chose a specific wine over another.  

Some characteristics of these types of curation clubs are engaging emails describing the wines in detail, highlights of winemakers, storytelling about the wine, and dedication to customer service. Local versions of these wine clubs may offer local pick-up to save money on shipping. They may even provide delivery (though delivery options may be limited if it is a smaller wine club).

Take a look at these curation wine clubs: Acme Fine Wines Club, Kermit Lynch Wine Clubs, Women Owned Wineries Sonoma Wine Club, and the SIP Wine Club.

Winery Wine Clubs

If you enjoy the same wines year after year, winery wine clubs are a good way to support your favorite winery as well as getting access to wines similar to your favorite(s). Many of these clubs offer special pricing or shipping discounts around the major holidays. Wine clubs also offer benefits to members which may include free tasting, exclusive events, and travel with fellow wine club members.  Accompanying many winery wine club memberships are details not easily found online, such as in-depth stories about the estate, profiles on the winemaker, vintage challenges, even updates on the cats and dogs at the winery!

Many wineries have online wine club information on their website, and you don’t even need to go to the winery to sign up.  One potential drawback is that your favorite winery may not ship to the state you live in - simply check the fine print! 

Some examples of popular winery wine clubs are the Hall Wines Wine Club, the Ridge Vineyards Wine Club (be sure to also check out our detailed review of Ridge Vineyards!), Biltmore’s Vanderbilt Wine Club, and the Schramsberg Wine Club.

Wine Clubs for Wine Obsessives

Wine obsessives tend to purchase bottles independently and may participate in specific winery wine clubs or subscribe to email lists that offer sales on recognized wine.

Wine Obsessives interested in blind tasting will probably like the Somm Select.

Wine Obsessives interested in sales on known wine brands may like Last Bottle Wines.

What should I know about wine delivery?

Here are some key things to know when it comes to receiving your wine shipments.

Minimum Age 21

In the United States, someone age 21 or older will need to sign for the wine.  

Home Delivery of Wine

Wine won’t be left on your porch or stoop in the United States. You will need to be at home when the wine arrives or you will need to travel to a location indicated on your door tag (e.g. FedEx, UPS). One way to reduce this hassle is to have the wine shipped to your workplace. Some businesses may restrict alcohol on-premise, though, so check your workplace policy. Delivery to work might be a convenient option if you travel for your job and want to prevent the shipping company from returning wine to distribution center because you did not pick it up in time. 

Wine Shipping Laws Vary By State

Wine laws are constantly changing. The amount of wine that can be shipped and whether or not your state even allows wine to be shipped are variables. Also, be aware that the wine retailer needs to do paperwork for each state to which their business ships wine. While it might be perfectly legal for the wine club to send you wine, the business may opt out of shipping to your state if there aren’t enough customers to justify the work required to ship.

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Weather and Wine Delivery

Wine clubs may not deliver year round due to extreme temperatures. It is more expensive to ship during the summer as special care is needed to prevent wines from getting “cooked.” Additionally weather disturbances like snow storms or hurricanes can disrupt delivery and delay your shipment.  

How do I store my wine?

Regardless of which wine club you choose, you might find that it is hard to keep up with consumption. This is a common reason why people stop subscribing to wine clubs.  Check out our article on wine storage to learn more about how to store your wines.  

How do I cancel a wine club?

It is important to keep documentation regarding wine club signups. Some wine clubs allow you to cancel at any time. Others require a minimum number of shipments or wine bottles purchased before cancelling.  

Our Wine Club Wrap Up

Wine clubs are a great way to explore the world of wine. It’s important for customers to find a club that’s a good fit (fitting their wine profile). (Also, it is critical to read the fine print before signing up!) If you have a poor wine club experience, it is likely because the wine club does not meet one of your needs. Either it doesn’t fit with your consumption style, the shipments are too frequent and pile up, or you find it inconvenient to coordinate shipment pickup.  

Wine clubs are probably the best fit for Loyal and Engaged wine types. For the Loyalists, getting your favorite wine over the course of the year might be a great way to support your favorite brand or winery, and ensure that you don’t miss a vintage in case your local bottle shop stops carrying your favorite wine. Wine clubs are generally great for Explorers, though Image Seekers may get bored before the year is up. Value wine seekers might find better values at places like Trader Joes and Costco. Enthusiasts might find that some of the detail is lacking, and may wish to seek out wines from sommelier selection services or regional wine clubs highlighting specific wineries.  Obsessives are more likely to purchase from a variety of sources.  We might like to purchase directly from the winery or from traditional bottle shops or online wine sellers by the bottle versus as part of a wine club.  

We’d love to hear about your wine club experiences in the comments below!

Cheers!

Shark Week Themed Wine Party

Shark Week Shenanigans

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July of each year means…. Shark Week!  You’ve had enough time to recover from the 4th of July and school will be back in session soon. We know you’re looking for the perfect excuse to host a party in that summer stretch between 4th of July and Labor Day.

So, why not host a Shark Week party and combine your love of wine and all things sharks? The wines covered in this shark party blog have Maritime or Mediterranean influences, with wine styles ranging from fine sparkling to refreshing whites to intense reds. We’ve also thrown in a few fun discoveries like Tasmanian sparkling wines and popular favorites like New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs. 

Last, we’ll cover wine accessories - from shark wine glasses to shark cheese platters to nautical - to make your Shark Week celebration fun and with a hint of beachy elegance, perfect for summer parties! 

When is Shark Week 2019?

Shark Week 2019 runs from July 28 to August 4 on the Discovery Channel. Now in its 31st year, the Discovery Channel annual tradition of week-long programming featuring at least 20 hours of new shark-themed programming each year.

Coastal Wines Perfect for Sharky Celebrations

Wines in coastal regions typically have Maritime or Mediterranean climates.

Maritime climates don’t experience a lot of change in temperatures.  They also don’t have rainfall in just one season - the rainfall is spread throughout the growing season.  As a result, the growing season can go for quite some time into the autumn, with grape harvests well into October for Northern Hemisphere grapes.  Cooler temps often mean that wines from these regions are lower in alcohol, higher in acidity, and more restrained in fruit aromas and tastes, as these grapes often struggle to reach physiological maturity before harvest.

Mediterranean climates also don’t have a lot of temperature fluctuations, except in summer months. These months can be warm and dry - quite often hot. With long, hot growing seasons, wines from these regions can be higher in alcohol and lower in acidity with fruit forward aromas and tastes as the grapes have an increased likelihood of reaching physiological maturity before harvest. 

Why not celebrate Shark Week by selecting party wines from lands close to famous shark-infested waters? Read on for our favorite selections.

Shark Week Wines

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Sonoma Coast AVA

This American Viticulture Area is home to some of California’s best cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  One will also find some Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. With around 2000 acres of vineyards, there are actually few wineries in the Sonoma Coast AVA.  The fruit is typically purchased and then conveyed to wineries in Sonoma Valley or elsewhere for vinification and bottling.

Sonoma Coast has a Mediterranean climate with Maritime influences.  Also, there’s quite a lot of diversity in soil types and the topography of the region lends itself to many microclimates.  As a result, there’s not a “typical” Sonoma Coast style. When exploring the Sonoma Coast wines, we rely on up-to-date information from local wine bottle shop owners in selecting these cool climate Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.  

In addition to vineyards, Sonoma Coast is also home to dairy herds and over 30 artisan cheese producers.  Check out this guide for selecting some Sonoma cheeses for your Shark Week cheese plate!

Just off the Sonoma Coast, in the cool salty waters, find the Red Triangle.  This region is where about 40% of great white shark attacks occur in the United States (yikes!). One could imagine that these sharks are on the prowl for a crisp Chardonnay to pair with some Bodega Bay oysters, however these magnificent creatures are more likely the search for tasty marine animals that frequent the area (as well as the occasional unaware San Francisco day-tripping surfer).

Tasmania

Tasmania, with its Maritime climate, is a recognized producer of sparkling wines as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  Tasmania is home to over 200 wineries, many of them small and independently owned. Tasmania produces less than 1% of wines coming from Australia, however it has a very good reputation as a producer of fine sparkling wines.  These sparkling wines are exported in small quantities and are available at various on-line wine retailers and by special order at many independent wine bottle shops.  

While there are over 140 shark species in Australia waters, most don’t pose a danger to swimmers with the exception of great whites, bronze whalers, and the rare tiger and bull shark.  For those wanting to learn more about the history of sharks in Tasmania, the book White Pointer South is regarded as one of the best illustrated books on sharks. It has detailed information about sharks and a history of shark and man together in the Southern Hemisphere. 

New Zealand

Sauvignon Blanc is quite popular these days.  In fact, its popularity has led to the doubling of vineyard production between 2003 and 2010, with Sauvignon Blanc making up more than 50% of new plantings.

The Marlborough region of New Zealand is home base to the style of Sauvignon Blanc that put New Zealand on the map.  This style of Sauvingnon Blanc is known for its strong grassy, herbal aromas, as well as those of gooseberry and lemongrass.  

Since winemaking is fairly new in New Zealand, this region was able to implement many of the most modern viticulture and winemaking techniques.  One of these innovations is the use of screwcaps. The use of screwcaps for these wines enables the pure flavors and aromas of these wines to be transported thousands of miles to their raving fans (plus, they’re convenient for wine consumers!).

Most of New Zealand’s wine regions are within 80 miles of the ocean and the climate is Maritime.  These oceans are home to over 70 shark species including Shark Week favorite, the Mako Shark.

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Spain

Wine has been produced in Spain since at least Roman times.  Spanish wines are increasing in popularity here in the United States due to their lower price point (value) and a growing interest in younger generations of Americans wanting to try grape varieties indigenous to Spain.  Since the mid-1980s, a lot of money has been invested in Spain to bring modern viticulture and winemaking practices to the region.

Two regions of Spain for American wine lovers to explore are the Rias Baixas in Northwest Spain and the Priorato in Northeast Spain.  These regions have Maritime and Mediterranean climates, respectively.

 “Green” Rias Baixas is home to Albarino, which is growing in popularity  in the USA as a wine to drink with mild fish and shellfish.

At the other end of the spectrum are the wines from Priorat.  The Priorat is a rugged hilly region of Northeast Spain where significant investment has been made in the past 30 years.  These dark colored wines, made typically from Grenache, Carinena, and Cabernet Sauvignon possess high levels of alcohol and tanin and have raisin-like aromas and flavors.  

In the Mediterranean, there are almost 50 species of sharks.  The species dangerous to humans inlcude the tiger shark, the bull shark, and the great white shark.  While there are a large number of species, the shark population in the Mediterranean Sea around Spain is quite small due to over-fishing.  

Shark Week Party Accessories

If you’re going to have a Shark Week party, you may as well go all out! Check out these shark themed entertaining accessories.

Shark Wine Glasses

At KnowWines, we prefer a thin-rimmed crystal universal wineglass.  However, we’re not above tasteful nautical decor for Shark Week! Note that you may want to avoid stemless glasses, as Shark Week is in the hottest part of summer - stemless wine glasses held in the hand typically raise the temperature of a wine quickly, which can make many wines taste flabby. 

We like these Made in USA shark bait wine glasses as they have discreet etching and the bowl is a nice shape.  Alternatively, one could use these glasses for serving sangrias or water. 

Shark Wine Glass Markers

Already have glassware and looking for just a little something for your shark-themed event?  Consider these Shark Wine Glass Markers so that guests can tell their wine glasses apart as the afternoon or evening progresses. 

Shark Attack Snack Bowl

This fun and festive snack bowl holds 20 ounces of your favorite shark week snacks.

Shark Glass Bottle Stopper

This handmade glass shark bottle stopper makes a nice hostess gift for Shark Week parties.

Shark Wine Bottle Holder

The perfect hostess gift for Shark Week Fin-atics and fun for displaying at your own party, too!

Shark Salt and Pepper Shakers

Looking to add a little bite to a shark-themed party? Here you go:

Shark Week Cheese and Fruit Platter

This beachy-elegant cheese platter can be used time and again. 

Have a Jaw-some Shark Party

We love the idea of a Shark Week-Themed wine party. After all, why not learn more about wines from coastal regions while also learning about sharks?  

So, if you are looking for a mid-summer excuse to throw a shark themed party, we hope you enjoyed our shark-themed accessory recommendations. 

And just so you’re extra prepared, here’s more from KnowWines on how to throw an amazing wine party.

We hope you have a great Shark Week!

Cheers!

How to Check Wine When You Fly

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KnowWines has flown with wine bottles, beer bombers, liquor, and wine cases domestically (US) and internationally since 2000. Out of about 1000 bottles, we’ve had only one small beer bottle break! Here we give you the lowdown on 20 years of flying with booze (on any budget!).

Before we dive in, here are some reasons you might fly with wine:

  • Souvenir from business trip

  • Momento from a vacation

  • Traveling to a location with poor wine selection

  • Moving your household domestically and/or internationally

Planning to Travel with Wine

Before booking your airfare, here are a few things to consider:

  • Traveling one way with wine?  Use stackable luggage to reduce luggage fees.

  • Concerned about luggage weight on return flight? When flying domestically on an economy or premium economy ticket, the luggage weight limit is likely 50 lbs (if you go over this, there are additional fees).  If you are flying business or first class, the baggage allowance is typically 70 lbs per bag. Consider upgrading on your return flight for a larger luggage allowance.

  • Traveling with wine when it is over 70 F at your origin, connection, and destination?  Consider shipping as your wine might get “cooked” on the tarmac.

  • Do wines fly free? Some airlines like Southwest Airlines always have two free checked bags allowance. Other airlines, like Alaska Airlines, have Wines Fly Free promotion for Mileage Plan™ members only. In this promotion, one case (12 bottles) flies free in a cardboard box. Check with your airline for freebies and restrictions!

Start with a Hard-Sided Suitcase

You’ll be placing any wine you’re taking home from your wine country experiences in your checked bag (along with any other liquid over 100 mL or 3.4 ounces). The first step in protecting the wine bottle is the construction of your suitcase.

We strongly recommend a hard-sided suitcase. Why? When there is a luggage showdown in the belly of an airplane, a soft--sided bag versus golf clubs, golf clubs will likely win. Not good news for your wine!

If you are planning to travel regularly with six or more bottles of wine, consider investing in one of these VinGard Valise suitcases.  We’ve had ours for three years and love it. We also frequently loan it out to wine-loving friends.

 
 

Another option available online and at wineries are wine boxes with wheels and handles. Our experience is that these are much better than transporting a standard box of wine, but they are not as convenient as they could be. In general, they do the trick to get wine home safe and sound, but they have limitations. For a solo traveler they can be tricky to handle. Also, the wheels and strap combination are tricky - it’s a lot like adding an unwilling 50 lb toddler to your luggage! If you have a partner or driver who can help you maneuver luggage and the box (or are using a luggage cart) they are a great option.   

How to Keep Wine Cool When It’s Hot

Once you have arrived in wine country, check the forecast. If temperatures are over 70 F, you will need to find a way to keep your wines cool while you drive between destinations.  

Take a frozen food bag with you in your checked bag, or pick one up at a grocery store at your wine destination. This type of insulated bag with robust handles and foldability is great to take with you in the rental car if you plan to purchase a few wines each day.

Prevent your labels from getting wet by placing ice in a ziploc bag and wrapping that bag with newspaper or a towel from the hotel or AirBnB. Don’t place wine in the trunk of the car unless it is in a cooler. We love these two gallon freezer bags and always keep them with us in our suitcase for wine travel and any other travel needs.

So, you’ve kept your precious selections cool in the car. Don’t let them go to ruin on the airport tarmac! If the weather in your departing or connecting city will be over 70 F, have your wines shipped.  

Will Wine Freeze During Travel?

Flying with wine when it is cold?  A bottle of wine will not freeze until it is about 15 or 20 degrees F, and it will take a little while for wine to freeze, especially if it is insulated by your clothes in a suitcase or in a box containing styrofoam.  

However, if your travels take you to extremely cold climates, you may want to have it shipped professionally.  If you do travel to someplace like Alaska with a few bottles of wine and your luggage is delayed a day and or two, check the cork when it arrives to determine whether or not the wine has been compromised.  If the cork is pushed out a little bit then the wine likely froze during transit.

How Much Does a Bottle of Wine Weigh?

Wine bottles vary in size and weight, and unless your AirBnB or hotel room comes with a scale, estimating the weight can be tricky.  Bottles vary in size and weight due to a variety of factors, including marketing purposes or traditions in the region of origin.

As a rule of thumb, wine bottles weigh between 2  and 4 pounds. However, we know that when it comes to luggage fees, every ounce counts!  

Here are some wine bottle sizes and wine bottle weights you will come across.  I include some craft beer bombers, liquor examples for comparison.

  • A half bottle (or demi) of Riesling at 375 mL weighs 1 lb 9 ounces (708 grams)

  • A bottle of Whiskey at 700 mL weighs 2 lbs 9 ounces (1162 grams)

  • A Bordeaux-style bottle at 750 mL weighs 2 lb 10 ounces (1190 grams)

  • A bottle of Riesling at 750 mL weighs 2 lb 12 ounces (1247 grams)

  • A Belgian Beer bomber at 750 mL can weigh 3 lbs 6 ounces (1531 grams)

  • A bottle of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay in a Burgundy bottle at 750 mL can weigh 3 lbs 9 ounces (1616 grams)

  • A bottle of luxury cult Cabernet Sauvignon at 750 mL can weigh 4 lbs 5 oz (1956 grams)

 
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Invest in Wine Bottle Bags

One of the best wine travel hacks is to travel with wine bottle bags. They don’t take up space when empty, many are reusable, and most weigh under 2 ounces. The best wine bottle bags are reusable, and can accommodate liquor and beer bombers as well.  We’ve also used them to transport non-alcoholic bottles like olive oil and vinegar. Things we look for in a good wine bottle bag are a non-adhesive seal (reusable), a cushion of some sort, absorbent pads, material that is not transparent, and no sharp edges.  

We’ve used wine bottle bags for over ten years and find that you can get about three years of use out of them if you are traveling three to six times per year.  You can get some more life out of them if they separate at the seams by taping the edges with clear packing tape.

Here is our favorite wine travel bag.    

When Traveling, Don’t Buy Wine You Can Buy at Home

Don’t mess with flying with or shipping wine if you can get the same wine at home! In the tasting room, always ask, “Can I get this specific wine at home?”.  Most tasting room staff are happy to look up the availability of a wine in your country, state, or city.

Wines you should buy at the winery and consider taking home with you:

  • Wines you love and can only get at the winery

  • Wine you love that is sold at a discount at the winery

  • Wine that is not distributed to your state, or is only available in very small quantities or in a city far from your home

  • Wine from older vintages that may not be available at your hometown wine bottle shop

Economy Wine Carrier

No extra funds for luxury luggage or wine bottle bags?  No wine shipper near where you are traveling? Didn’t plan on buying a wine and came unprepared?  Never fear.

Simply place a couple of socks around the bottle and insert it into any bag (trash bag, Ziploc bag, hotel laundry bag).  With the remaining space in the bag, fill it with absorbent material like underwear, diapers, or clothing to provide some shock absorption.

Packing the Suitcase

Whether you are using wine bags or socks, we take the same approach to packing wines in our checked bags. Here’s our step-by-step guide:

  • Lay your empty suitcase on the floor, bed or other level surface.

  • Line the perimeter of the suitcase with shoes and other bulky items.

  • Place wines in the center of the suitcase.

  • Place clothing/soft material around the neck of the bottle.

  • Make sure the bottle won’t move around in the suitcase freely.  Loose wine in luggage is how the neck can get snapped.

Checking the Bag

Your bottles are safely secured inside your luggage and you are on your way to the airport.  Here are some tips based our previous experiences traveling with wine.

Rental Car Logistics

Traveling with a friend? Have them drop you off at the check-in station so that you don’t have to juggle heavy luggage on the rental car shuttle.

Traveling alone with a rental car?  I’ve had luck tipping the rental car return agent to drop me off in my rental car.  This option might not be available if the rental car return is very busy.

We don’t know how much it helps, but we always ask for a fragile sticker at the airport to put on the bag.  

Insurance

Check with your credit card and airline for insurance options. Some airlines will cover wine up to a certain value when it is checked in a cardboard box with styrofoam, however most will not.  

Fragile Sticker

I’ve noticed no difference in how my luggage has been handled when someone places a Fragile sticker on my bag.  However, that bright sticker can bring some temporary psychological relief during a hectic time!

Don’t Drink Your Wine As Soon As You Get Home

Once you get the wine home, your wine may suffer from temporary bottle shock (or bottle sickness).  This means that the wine might temporarily taste muted. Let the wine sit on its side for a week or two and it should return back to normal.  

While we don’t necessarily know what causes bottle shock, we do know that there are a lot of complex components in wine that can be negatively impacted by heat and shaking.  

Bottle shock does not occur with all wines. A younger wine might recover quickly, while an older wine or wines heavy in sediment might take longer to recover from bottle shock.

Know the Rules and Pack Cash or Check when Flying Internationally

When flying domestically and into the United States, TSA rules do not limit the amount of wine you can check, with one exception: if your wine has more than 24% alcohol. Since most wines have less than 24% alcohol, this is not a problem with the TSA.  

Some states do have regulations on the amount of wine you can bring in to the state for personal use.  It’s best practice to check your state law online especially if you live in a “control state.”

If you are flying into a “dry” country, or country that limits alcohol import due to religious regions, check with that country’s equivalent to TSA for rules and regulations.  

We always declare wines when we are traveling internationally.  Simply declare the items on your customs form (paper or electronic) or at the Global Entry kiosk.  Enter the amount of goods. If the amount is under the exception, the customs agent will wave you through.  Sometimes the customs agent will not charge you if the amount is near the exception. If it is over the exception, they will calculate the charge and you can pay with US currency or with a personal check.  The charge is typically about 4%, so for $1000 in wine this could be $40.

Shipping Wine

So you’ve found a great wine while traveling.  Ask the winery about their shipment options, as they can vary significantly between wineries.  Costs may vary due to the distance the wine needs to travel, whether the wine is being shipped to a home or business, how many wines are in the shipment, and the rate negotiated with the shipper. Most wineries will ship directly to you when temperatures are cooler, or will use refrigeration during hot months.

If you’ve purchased bottles from several different wineries and want to ship those, use a wine shipper like the ones listed below for temperature controlled shipping options:

If you’re worried your wine may not have been shipped properly, here’s an article to help you determine if your wine is bad.

Summary

We hope you find that collecting wine and bringing it home from your travels is a fun and rewarding adventure. It’s provided us great pleasure, especially the part when we share our finds with friends and family.

Cheers!