Consider the space you have to work with, the size and weight of the unit and make sure to add the additional weight for the wine which averages about 3 pounds per bottle. When building a new home the best time to think or install a wine cellar would be when the home is being [...]

Suggestions from Champagne to CabernetNot long ago, I started throwing wine-tasting parties for my friends. They raved about them so much that I turned it into a small business. Last year, I launched www.wine-tasting party.com, which offers my consultation services for people who wish to have a  professionally run wine-tasting party for their friends, family and colleagues or to conduct a fund-raiser. I bring the wine, the glasses, the tasting notes and a fun, educational way to learn about wine. But, anyone can throw a wine-tasting party in his or her own home inexpensively. First pickFirst, decide how many wines you want to taste. I recommend a total of six wines — three whites and three reds. Now, for those of you that don’t know much about wine and are asking yourself how you’re going to pick out six wines for a party, don’t panic. Pick up a copy of a reputable wine magazine such as Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiast and see what wines they have rated for the month. Try some of the wines that they have rated more than 80 points. Be adventurous and try wines from countries other than our own. You also can ask your wine merchant to help suggest some wines for you. Budget bestsSet a budget. You’ll be surprised to find that there are good, quality wines for less than $20. Many of the wines in these magazines can be found in this price range, and there are a lot of stores you can buy from that will give you an additional discount on a mixed case of wine. Tasting totalsSo, how many bottles do you need? One bottle of wine from a standard 750ml bottle will provide enough wine for 15 people. Remember these are tasting sizes (about one or two shots worth), not full or half glasses filled with wine. But, of course, once the “tasting” portion is over, you want to have some wine left over for your guests to go back to their favorites. For a party of 15 to 20 people, you will need three to four bottles of each wine. If your guests are not heavy drinkers like my friends are, go for three. Two of each wine will suffice for the tasting portion. You can mix up the extra bottles however you like. Paired off