It is true though, that when you sip your wine, brandy or martini from certain glasses it makes you feel, wonderfully special. Certain glass shapes and decanters do bring out the best in wines as they take into consideration the aerating of red wines or keeping bubbles in champagne flutes.

The choices of Wine Glasses you may purchase are many and come in a variety of quality, prices and styles. The term crystal being referred to as a colorless 24% lead more less content in the glass. This gives it a high degree to reflect light which gives it a brilliant completion we all love to see. You should always ask about the lead content. Some have more, a lot more, and if brandy or sherry is stored in decanters for a long period, some of the lead may leach into it.

You may spend big bucks on some crystal wine glasses or you may find economically fine glass ware or “stemware”, both are certainly acceptable and can be enjoyed for all occasions. I’ve put together some notes that will come in handy when considering and choosing your wine glasses or “Stemware”, possibly even for your wedding registry.

• Clear view – The appreciation of your wine comes in holding it up to the light to see the color, which gives you an idea on the red or white grape used and possibly the age. I always check out the “legs” in the glass after the first sip, remarking “look at the legs on this one”. So consequently, clear, non pattered or etched wine glasses are best. Of course, this is my opinion! Possibly the stem can be ornately scrolled though. If glasses have to be cut or etched find one with the pattern close to the bottom of the “bowl” or glass so you can totally enjoy the “legs”. I’ve changed many a wine lover over to this one. Silver or pewter or any solid color is alright for weddings or graduation toasts though.  An absolute favorite of mine is the Mouth- Blown crystal red wine goblet from the Mizu Collection, from Birks.
• Styles– There’s a lot to say about styles and shapes and just as much individual preference. Yes, it’s nice to see champagne in a chilled flute watching the bubbles rise, red wine being swirled around your glass checking out the “legs”, but probably 3 or 4 styles only need to be considered in my view, if that. Some manufactures have 6 or more wine glasses in their wine glass collection, and they don’t even include brandy snifters or liquor glasses. Not everyone will want brandy, sherry or liquor if offered, so here’s where plain, clear glasses just shine.
• A few less expensive glasses for the brandy etc. will match nicely with the plain clear wine glasses, crystal or otherwise and they don’t have to be from the same manufacture. Who will know? Have I forgotten martini glasses?
• Proper size – The size of the wine glass is a vital component, as you not only want a good portion, but you want to be able to swirl the wine gently, therefore releasing the fine aroma for your enjoyment. You probably have noticed more and more restaurants are serving wine in larger wine glasses for this reason. Of course if sherry, brandy or ice wine is served, “that’s another bottle of wine”.
• It seems it all depends on how you drink your wine.  To enjoy the full taste of the fruit, acidity, mineral component, tannin and alcohol in any wine it seems it depends on how it falls into your mouth.  The right shaped glass will act as a guide on where it will flow.  The right glass will let you taste the sweetness in front of your tongue or it may be missed with the wrong glass and you may experience only the acidity.  You may sip your wine with it going on each side of the tongue again missing the sweetness.  So the right glass will guide the wine so you don’t miss all the wonders of taste.  Depending on the wine, whether it is a full bodied red or a lighter red be careful to enjoy every sensation no matter what glass is used.
• The temperature of your hand on the “bowl” of the wine glass plays an intricate part, as a chilled wine soon looses its “chill” and room temperature soon becomes not so enjoyable. So in the interest of good wine everywhere a stem is the very best choice. Holding the stem or base doesn’t show everyone the hors d’oeuvres on the glass leftover from your fingers either.
• The shape of the bowl makes a difference as well, as the long thin champagne flutes require you to keep the bubbles in the glass flute longer. That is if you need longer! The tapering of the wine glass in at the top and wider at the bottom keeps in the wonderful aromas of full body nectar in the direction of the nose. Depending on the wine consumed or how quickly, this may be of great significance.
• Washing Instructions is a controversial subject! But to me it’s a no brainer. The manufacture instructions are always the best. Of course there’s a lot of common sense involved as well. I have found a difference though in hard and soft water with hard water leaving a film and soft water not getting all the soap off. It would be a good idea not to use scented soaps, as if left on glasses the bouquet of your wine may not smell very ideal. Washing with hot water, rinsing thoroughly, let drip dry upside down on paper towel. When dry, polish to a shine and place upright in a cupboard free from foods that may transfer odor to the glasses. Now you’re ready for your next experience with a wine glass or two.

All manner of books can be purchased, from the history of wine making in all major regions around the world, to beautiful resource books. Cooking with wine, making all those wonderful sauces and dishes, wine paring with food (which is now very popular) just to name a few. Books are available that will transport you to individual wineries in every country, telling their history and secrets through the centuries. Some of these books would make exceptional coffee table books. Even pocket guides on how to choose and buy Red, White and Sparkling Wines.

Wine specialty stores are the place for the wine accessories which may include related colorful napkins, unusual crazy wine corks, aprons for you and your wine bottle, wine tea towels, wine stationery, bar accessories, computer wine games, with some being so unusual it will make a great gift for wine lovers.

Then there are the unique wine glasses in all sizes, stemmed or stem less, including the unbreakable sets for patio entertaining and don’t forget the wine decanters for aerating that wine that has been bottled up for so long. Crystal champagne flutes are a special gift for wine lovers on a special occasion when you may be popping the question! Or not.

Putting together a gourmet basket with their favorite bottle of wine along with cheese and crackers (the bigger the basket the more can go in it) makes a terrific gift for wine lovers. Wine Storage Racks are important. Larger wineries are another excellent place to find wine related gifts for wine lovers including wine jellies. Of, course if you visit one of these places you can always do some sampling for yourself. Possibly a Wine tasting course may be offered. If your wine lover makes their own wine, an exquisite Private labeled wine would make them feel special.

A handy sectioned cloth bag holding 4 to 6 bottles of wine for the environmentally sensitive is another option for a gift for wine lovers, and for those undecided there is always the gift certificate to that specially store or a gift certificate to the many excellent wine magazines ….There is no end for Gifts for Wine Lovers ……Don’t forget the wine opener!

I have walked through the deep cellars in Bordeaux where monks made their wine and today they are still being used, and traveled to the Napa Valley, and Sonoma where wines are naturally stored in wine storage racks under ground in cool mountain cellars. I have also walked through thematically controlled dark rooms above ground in wineries in California and across Canada and they all have that same common denominator; temperature, humidity, light, vibration. We do not have all these facilities but we sure can come darn close!

A bit of organization is the key to a successful wine storage rack, wine cellar or wine cabinet. It matters little if you are a wine connoisseur or just dabbling with the idea of storing a few “good bottles”. It also matters little if you prefer red, white, sparkling or pink wines, the wine storage is critical.

It would be nice to have your wine storage rack out in view to impress the boss or your visitors or even use it as part of your color decor. But there are a few rules that should be adhered to for storing this nectar which you have diligently paid for and keeping for that special occasion. If your wine is not consumed right away, it should be stored properly according to its own ritual and benefit to you on a Wine Storage Rack. Some essential thoughts to keep in mind would be temperature, humidity, location and light.

Lets Get Started!

If you are lucky enough to have an area set aside which I will call your “wine cellar”, it should be of a size and design to hold all sizes of bottles you wish to store. Again, it should be kept in the coolest part of your home whether it is simple wooden or metal wine rack in the corner under the sink or closet or an elaborate ornate climate controlled cellar or cabinet for all to see.

Wine Storage Racks come in all price ranges, and are made from wood to metal and in every size and shape imaginable. Wine storage racks and cabinets can be purchased in almost any store or there are plans to build them yourself if your so inclined. There are companies that will design any manner of wine storage racks and cellars to suit your every need. If you are building a rather larger rack or cellar yourself you may want to consult one of these companies for tips on cooling and racking. It will be your investment that will be lying on the wine storage rack!

Temperature should be a constant if possible. Any fast change of temperature will harm the wine, aging it rapidly. So gradual changes of degrees between seasons is what you want. Ideally, try to have a constant temperature in a cool, dark place and slightly humid. Temperatures should range from 13 C – 15 C (55F – 58F) but 5C – 18C (40F – 68F) will work quite well as long as it is at a constant.

Humidity should be watched, you definitely don’t want the corks to dry out as the air will quickly get into the bottles and your wine will deteriorate quickly. Of course here is where some of the data differs. It is said that some oxygen is needed in such minute amounts and I mean minute amounts, to let the wine breath. Then there are the wines that are “corked” if you will, with metal caps. There lies the controversy. If your wine will be stored a very long time I would consult the winery.

Storing left over wine and Nitrogen Sealing. If you do happen to have left over wine and it is hard to understand why, some tips should be considered. Of course if you did have a large gathering and there are many bottles with wine left behind, try to find the correct cork and finish the wine in the next few days. There are also rubber stoppers available which serve as a cap in which air can be pumped out. This will give you a bit of time to finish the wine as well.

As oxygen will destroy your nectar of the gods, a nitrogen wine storage unit can be purchased. It consists of a cylinder of nitrogen attached to a hose which is fitted to the bottle of leftover wine pressurizing it with nitrogen gas. This protects the wine from oxygen in the air.

Of course, instead of storing the left over wine, you can always invite a few friends over the next day and start the party over again. Isn’t that the reason you bought it?

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Despite wines being a delicate product, properly caring for and storing your wine can essentially enhance its’ aroma, flavor, texture and complexity as it ages.

How Long can Wine be Stored?

The first choice to make is the length of time you want to store the wine. Normally short term storage means 3 to 6 months and should be your cheaper, less treasured wines, where as long term can mean decades and should be held in reserve for your quality, precious wines.

Correct Storage Conditions

Whether you are storing your wine for a short or long time the same rules apply. The first and the most critical thing is to lay the bottles on their side instead of upright, this will ensure that the cork remains moist and doesn’t dry out.

Where they are stored is also important. The wine needs to lay still and not move about, so it is important that the storage area be free from any external vibration forces.

Temperature can also have an effect of the wine that is being stored. Ideally the wine should be stored at a constant temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12°C). The bottles should be protected from sudden temperature changes and if it does change it should be gradual.

Light can also affect the wine negatively. This is precisely why the wine bottle is made of colored glass, any light such as direct sun light will react with the proteins in the wine forming a haze and bad aromas.

Additionally light can negatively impact on a wine, which is why some wine bottles are made of colored glass. Wine must be kept out of direct sun light, since too much light can react with proteins in wine, thereby forming a haze and bad aromas to spoil its’ flavor.

If the wine is to be stored for a long time then precaution has to be taken to ensure that the humidity is maintained at a high level (approximately 70% or more). This will help prevent the corks drying out which in turn reduce the chances of the wine evaporating. Also, care must be taken to ensure the storage area is for wine only. Aromas from other foods or liquids stored in the same area could be absorbed by the wine itself.

Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor!

When the time has come and it is time to open the bottle and enjoy your hard work. Remember you should drink responsibly but you should also finish the bottle of wine in a few days of opening as when the wine is exposed to the air it will mix with the oxygen causing oxidation and altering the essence of the wine.

For the serious wine lover, enthusiast, or hobbyist storing the wine correctly is of the utmost importance. The wine cellar is the ultimate place in which to store wine since it can hold numerous bottles and the temperature, light and humidity can be easily controlled.