Wine is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world, and is produced in almost every country in the world in some form. The bulk of wines of the world come from Europe, due to the mild climate that favors high-quality grapes. In considering all the wines of the world, some  connoisseurs say French wines are the best. In France, grape variety, climate, and the growing and processing technique produce wine superior in taste and sophistication. Major regions in France that produce wine include Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy (which includes Chablis and Beaujolais), Champagne, the Loire Valley, and the Cotes du Rhone.Germany is also a major contributor to wines of the world. Most consider the best German wines to be white wines. Wine production in Germany is located mainly along the Rhine River, and is divided into three areas: the Rheingau, the Rheinhessen, and the Rheinpfalz. Wines from northern Germany come from a different type of grape entirely. Spain and Portugal are also major contributors to wines of the world. Spain is well-known for its sherry, and is a major exporter of sparkling wines. Portugal manufactures very popular dessert wines and table wines. Italy produces the world’s largest variety of wines. Popular wines from Italy include Barolo, Gavi, and Chianti. Due to the lifting of trade restrictions, wines of the world are produced by many non-European countries and can be an inexpensive alternative to European wines. Australia produces celebrated Cabernet, Pinot Noir, and white wines. Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and Romania produce table wines that are quite cheap, but good. The United States is also a large producer of wines of the world, with California being the largest producer due to its mild climate. The Napa and Sonoma counties of California host many wineries and produce some of the world’s best cabernet and chardonnay.

Learn to Enjoy and Love WineWine is an often misunderstood beverage that seems to exude an almost stuck-up or snooty quality. Those who drink it are frequently thought of as know-it-alls or over-educated people with a poor disposition. However, wine can offer a great experience for the palate which cannot be rivaled  by other (alcoholic) drinks. Nothing else can be served which so enhances the taste of a meal and thoroughly dazzle those who are eating it.The best way to gain more of an understanding of wine is to try it – a lot of it. Many liquor stores offer wine tastings in the evening or on weekends; these are great opportunities to try many different wines and/or wineries for little or no cost. Often, the wine is being poured by a distributor or independent winery which makes for interesting conversation and comparison. These types of tastings could offer upwards of 8 to 12 wines in one place. Don’t be shy about being new to wine; the people pouring can offer a lot of knowledge and advice about the different offerings. Also, ask a lot of questions – that’s always a great way to learn more! Very often, a beginning wine-drinker will gravitate toward sweeter wines. These wines are typically less acidic (if a white) or have very little tannins (if a red). Be sure to move beyond white zinfandel into some of the table whites and reds or possibly a riesling or a gewürztraminer. While there is nothing fundamentally wrong with a white zinfandel, there are so many characteristics of other light wines that it is a shame to ignore them simply because there is a lack of knowledge. Gewürztraminer, for example, is a lighter white wine that exhibits a touch of effervesance. While some may be sweeter than others, they all taste wonderful as a before-dinner drink or with a white meat-based meal. Traditional Thanksgiving celebrations are a great place to enjoy a Gewürztraminer as it pairs very nicely with turkey.

Wine Cellars Sorbet Brings a New Spin to DessertIf you enjoy the occasional wine cooler, chilled wine, and are a fan of sorbet ice cream, you’ll be in for a treat with a new line of sorbets. Sorbet ice cream is the refreshing Italian dessert that has essentially been served as a palette cleanser; sorbets are  usually fruit based, with an icy finish as an alternative to ice cream or frozen yogurt. This sweet treat can be found in many forms, including variations with real fruit pieces, chocolate, and the addition of cream for a unique taste.Both gelato and sorbet are well-loved Italian desserts, and although American versions barely come close to the originals, many coffee shops, ice cream parlors, and fine restaurants devise their own signature versions. Wine Cellars Sorbet is a new creation by a small company based out of New York; the idea spawned from one of the founders’ discovery of wine sorbet making at a California restaurant. To make this unique connection of dessert and the taste of wine, the makers offer red, white, and blush wine flavors. Sorbet lovers can choose from Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Champagne, Riesling, Sauterne, and May Wine. The wine menu is ever-changing, and the company’s website  lets you peruse through the latest flavors. The sorbet has an alcohol content of 5%, so it’s definitely not for the kids in the family! Wine Cellars Sorbet is a great ending to a heavy meal, and provides a new alternative for that post-dinner glass of wine; it’s just in a different form.