Do’s and Don’ts for Entertaining with Wine

If you’re entertaining with wine this summer, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Don’t:

• Don't store wine upright, as the cork needs to be kept moist.
• Don't fill your glass - you need to have room to swirl the wine to release the aromas.
• Don't store unfinished wine in the refrigerator door; the opening and closing motion fluctuates the temperature and ruins the wine.
• Don't get overwhelmed by food pairings; trust your instincts and your own taste.
• Don't run out of wine!

Do:

• Keep your wine out of direct sunlight.
• If you are grilling, make sure your red is not overly oaked; the combination of oak smoke and spices will overwhelm your taste buds.
• Chill your wine - especially the whites, though rosés and some reds (such as Beaujolais) benefit from some chilling, too.
• Keep a back-up corkscrew on hand - just in case!
• Bring a bottle of wine if you’re invited to a summer barbecue - make sure it’ll be a hit, bring a selection from The Traveling Vineyard Wine Club!