A lot of people ask me what type of wine opener I use. My answer is: "it depends".
When on a picnic or if I have brought wine to a hotel it is usually just the Aso prong type opener. It's easy to pack and easy to use.
When at home though, my approach is a little more elegant. I am a tool person! My garage is filled with the latest power tools. I'm a handyman so I enjoy rechargeable power tools and saws.
Would I ever use a reciprocating saw to open a bottle of wine...no! That's for trimming studs out of a wall and other rough cut situations.
For wine opening at home, I prefer the Rabbit. It is quick, easy and hardly ever (once in 5 years) destroys a cork - unlike the old cork screw! I highly recommend this tool kit sold at Amazon and if you have any wine connoisseurs with birthdays or anniversaries coming up, this is a great affordable gift.
It comes in it's own hinged box case, has a foil cutter, drip ring, bottle sealer, was remover and an extra cork screw "worm". I've added a convenient link to Amazon below.
Since I am a power tool guy, I might add another wine opener to my "tool belt". This next one is an electric spin on the Rabbit type opener. I like it because most of my power tools have NIMH rechargeable batteries and that is what powers this jewel. The specs say it opens as many as 80 bottles with one charge and opens synthetic corks as easily as natural cork. This one is in stainless steel which will look great on the counter of most modern kitchens. It's from Waring which is a great brand you can rely on. Here is a convenient Amazon link:
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Wine bar list in Houston, TX
I ran across this gem today. It is on a new entertainment site that was something I clicked on off of the Chron site.
I have visited a few wine bars in Houston and surrounding areas. A few of my favorites is Cru in The Woodlands, Dave's Wine Dive in The Heights and Cork in Webster/Friendswood. I'll be hitting some of these and blogging about them soon.
And now, The List...err I mean link:
http://www.29-95.com/bars-clubs/list/favorite-bars-glass-vino
Take a look and enjoy. If you have experiences and feedback from any of them please add your comments. It really does not have to be in Houston either. You can rant about your favorite wine spot anywhere in the world!
I have visited a few wine bars in Houston and surrounding areas. A few of my favorites is Cru in The Woodlands, Dave's Wine Dive in The Heights and Cork in Webster/Friendswood. I'll be hitting some of these and blogging about them soon.
And now, The List...err I mean link:
http://www.29-95.com/bars-clubs/list/favorite-bars-glass-vino
Take a look and enjoy. If you have experiences and feedback from any of them please add your comments. It really does not have to be in Houston either. You can rant about your favorite wine spot anywhere in the world!
12 Zins of Lodi - Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel
This is one of my favorite wine sites and the article is about the selection process for the 12 Zins of Lodi. Zins of Lodi
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Swirll Winery and Wine Bar Dallas, TX
Swirll Winery and Wine bar - Great place in old downtown area of Dallas.
We recently spent a night in Dallas and wandered around the old town area of Main Street.
The area is populated by nice restaurants, hotels (We stayed at The Joule, which was fantastic!) and a great winery and wine bar called Swirll.
We wandered and found a delightfully upscale decorated wine bar. At the time we were there they were having a special book signing party but were still open for the public.
We sat at a cozy candlelit table near the fireplace and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
One of the wines we had was surprising very close to Lodi Vineyards Earthquake Zinfandel. Swirll buys famous appellation grapes and makes their own private label wine from the grapes. The wine we had was called "Old Vines Zinfandel" and it was really fantastic. They did a great job replicating one of my favorite wines.
Service was very good, the prices are great and we highly recommend a visit. We bought a bottle of the zin to enjoy on the pool deck of The Joule and also bought an ice wine to bring home with us. The ice wine was also very good but, hey this is a Zinfandel blog!
When in Dallas, you must stop by Swirll. Check out their website too as they do sell to some states online.
Cheers!
We recently spent a night in Dallas and wandered around the old town area of Main Street.
The area is populated by nice restaurants, hotels (We stayed at The Joule, which was fantastic!) and a great winery and wine bar called Swirll.
We wandered and found a delightfully upscale decorated wine bar. At the time we were there they were having a special book signing party but were still open for the public.
We sat at a cozy candlelit table near the fireplace and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
One of the wines we had was surprising very close to Lodi Vineyards Earthquake Zinfandel. Swirll buys famous appellation grapes and makes their own private label wine from the grapes. The wine we had was called "Old Vines Zinfandel" and it was really fantastic. They did a great job replicating one of my favorite wines.
Service was very good, the prices are great and we highly recommend a visit. We bought a bottle of the zin to enjoy on the pool deck of The Joule and also bought an ice wine to bring home with us. The ice wine was also very good but, hey this is a Zinfandel blog!
When in Dallas, you must stop by Swirll. Check out their website too as they do sell to some states online.
Cheers!
Michael David Lodi Vineyards Lust Zinfandel
Lust Zinfandel has to be one of my favorites!
We opened a couple bottles of Lust Zinfandel for Christmas and New Years. It always amazes me how delicious this wine is!
Fruity and silky smooth is the way I describe it. Strong chocolate flavors with cherry and other berry notes. It is on the sweet side so besides dinner, we have it with desserts. Last night it was with apple pie a-la-mode. Delicious compliment with the apples.
This is a highly recommended wine in the $35 price range. Not cheap but, definitely worth it.
Here is a link to their winery store.
We opened a couple bottles of Lust Zinfandel for Christmas and New Years. It always amazes me how delicious this wine is!
Fruity and silky smooth is the way I describe it. Strong chocolate flavors with cherry and other berry notes. It is on the sweet side so besides dinner, we have it with desserts. Last night it was with apple pie a-la-mode. Delicious compliment with the apples.
This is a highly recommended wine in the $35 price range. Not cheap but, definitely worth it.
Here is a link to their winery store.
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