Wine defined, demystified

For Monica Chappell, wine isn't just a beverage -- it's a social unifier.

Wine is a great agent for bringing people together to talk about wine they love as well as wine they don't, Chappell said.

Since people who appreciate wine generally like to share their opinions on what they've sampled, simply stating their likes and dislikes may not be enough. So delving into a more passionate conversation using specific terms may liven up the discussion, she said.

"Your preferences help you articulate what you like from what you don't like," said Chappell, a Lafayette resident who started her career by running the marketing department of her family's winery, Stony Ridge in the Livermore Valley.

Chappell, who worked as a wine buyer for a national specialty chain, started a wine tasting group within her moms club which led to teaching her first wine class. She's been teaching wine-tasting classes at local recreation centers ever since.

"I love to demystify some of the complicated concepts of wine for students," she said. "I love explaining wine in easy-to-understand terms. Through a class, people can learn basic building blocks of wine -- tools they can use to describe the wines they like and dislike. It will also help them navigate their way in a wine shop."

Some of the terms people can use to describe their preferences include body, acidity, tannin and alcohol level.

Cathy Giroux of Lafayette said she recommends taking a wine class whether you are a novice or a sophisticated wine aficionado.

This article first appeared in the Oakland Tribune, Apr 15, 2009 | by Janice De Jesus

Savoring the Season

As the holiday season approaches, I begin to feel the need to stock the wine cupboard with a variety of wines. A selection of wines with great taste in elegant glasses can add that special touch that transforms any event into a truly great celebration. Whether you're entertaining a large group of friends or planning a night just for two, the perfect wine can go a long way. Not sure where to begin? No worries, these entertaining with wine tips can help you along the way.

Pick Affordable Sparkling Wines - Celebratory alternatives to pricey Champagne include cava from Spain and Prosecco from Italy.

Buy Great Wine Values By The Case - Finding good wine and then socking away a case of it (typically 12 bottles) saves money as many wine shops offer case discounts.

Select Food-Friendly Wines - Big holiday meals tend to involve multiple side dishes, which puts a lot of competing flavors on the plate. Well-balanced wines that are not too oaky or tannic are the most versatile when it comes to pairing.

Use Value Wines for Punch - Seek out inexpensive wines that would be just as delicious in a bowl of punch or sangria as on their own. Look for bottlings from Spain and South America.

Pairing wine with those wonderful holiday foods can be a bit tricky. A winning wine and food combination is the pairing that makes both the food and the wine better in combination than either would be alone. Here are some tips for those common foods we all enjoy and the wines that go well with them.

Classic Holiday Turkey; Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Sauvignon Blanc

Holiday Roast Beef; Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Syrah

Holiday Ham; Dolcetto, Viognier, Off-dry Riesling, Dry Sparkling Wine

Sweet Endings; Port, Late-Harvest Wines, Ice Wines

The holiday entertaining list is made and checked twice so wrap your mittens around the season and celebrate with ease.

Holiday Entertaining with Wine

Wine Tasting 101 – Holiday Entertaining With Wine
Love wine but still need a bit more help in choosing a few bottles for the holiday table. Wine can add a perfect festive touch to holiday gatherings, but selecting what to serve can be daunting. So how do you choose the right wine? Come join us for an informative evening and discover some new and fun wines suitable for the holiday wine line-up. We’ll also cover some creative entertaining tips. Class includes wine and food tasting, take home materials and 2 1/2 hours of instruction. Please bring 5 wine glasses to class. Next Class 10/29/09 and 11/6/09.