Riesling is a popular German wine because it can grow in stony areas that have little moisture. Thee grapes are hardy and tough and they do not require the pampering that some other varieties of grapes need which makes them perfect for German wine. And this type of German wine can last for many years due to its favorable acid levels.

The crops of the grapes used in this German wine are always plentiful. This is due in part to the great growing conditions and the grapes ability to thrive with little water as well as their tough exterior. These grapes used to make this German wine are very frost resistant. They do not shrivel and wither when it gets cold out which is great for German weather.

This particular German wine, the Riesling wine, will take a little longer to make in that the grapes need some more growing time when compared to other kinds of grapes. German wine grapes are ones that mature a little later in the year, sometimes not until late October. This is not a bad thing though because this German wine is one of the most favorable of all wines with its vital and fresh taste.

This German wine also has a very distinctive fragrance that also makes it popular among the wine connoisseurs of the world. This German wine is one to share with friends and take on picnics no matter where it is that you live. A good German wine is always welcome at any table and it will bring out the best in just about any meal it is served with.

In fact this German wine, the Riesling, is getting to be so popular that it is one of the most planted of all German wines. Of all the German wine made and all of the grapes grown to make it Riesling makes up over one fifth of all the grape plantings for German wine. This is quite a feat.

Wine regions throughout Australia have continually had high ratings especially over the past four years. Most of these regions and especially the East and South coasts (New South Wales and Victoria) are averaging 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. Second to the brilliant winemakers, and a close second, is the great climates / weather that certain regions have for cultivating vines.-Wine is very much a part of the Australian way of life, closely associated with both business and leisure.

Wine consumption is often linked to the country’s outdoor-oriented lifestyle as well as to the cosmopolitan urban way of life of the bulk of the Australian population.-Australia exports more wine than that that is sold domestically. Out of a total of approximately 919 million litres bottled, 516.5 million litres is exported.

The largest export market has been the United Kingdom and second has been the United States.-Researchers from the University College London have come up with a few very interesting facts. They found that drinking alcohol (including wine), even in small amounts, might be associated with higher cognitive ability, especially for women. You would be silly not to have a drop every night! I think Aussie are reasonably bright, it must be all the great wine they produce.

Because of its proximity to the San Pablo bay, the day time temperature is moderated by wind and fog from this body of water. This makes for excellent conditions for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Subsequently, some of the best American sparkling wine producers are located in the AVA.

You do not have to be a wine expert to enjoy tasting in Carneros. But since Carneros was awarded AVA status in 1980, the number of resident wineries in has greatly increased. So with limited time and budget, which ones do you visit?

No matter how prestigious the area is, no wine is guaranteed to be good. There are so many factors that go into viticulture and winemaking, choosing a wine based solely on the region is basically a shot in the dark. The same can be said for deciding which wineries to visit on a wine tour.

When planning a wine tasting tour, consider wineries that produce the varietals you enjoy or would like to experience. For example, if you want to taste Champagne style Sparkling Wines, Domaine Carneros should be at the top of your list. This winery is owned Taittinger Champagne House. Their stunning Chateau has become a Carneros Landmark, and is among the most beautiful wineries in Napa County. Domaine also offers a thirty minute tour of their facilities, which culminates in their tasting room with spectacular views of their vineyards.

For Pinot Noir aficionados, you cannot go wrong with Acacia Winery. If you choose to visit Acacia, I would advise tasting the 2002 Beckstoffer Pinot Noir; you will not be disappointed.

If you would like to taste a wider range of varietals, visit Artesa Winery. They have produced several wines made with several different grapes that have received 90 + points from major wine ratings. This, along with their winery’s recent 10 million dollar renovation has made Artesa a premier destination in Carneros.

Cline Cellars is also a pleasure to visit. Their tasting room is a restored 1850′s farmhouse, and they have a picnic site on the premises that overlooks their 350 acre vineyard. This makes Cline Cellars a great place to taste wine and enjoy your lunch.

Aside from the wine itself, other pleasing aspects of tasting experience lie in the beauty of the tasting room, winery and surrounding landscape. Although it does not take a beautiful setting to enjoy a great wine, it definitely adds to the experience.

The taster’s overall experience is by far the most important part of wine tasting. Most wineries in Carneros realize this, and offer whatever they can to make your trip more enjoyable. Many tastings will be hosted by a member of the winemaking team, so they can answer questions and explain the subtleties of the wines. Whichever wineries you visit, make sure to bring your tasting room etiquette.

First of all, it is not advisable to bring children into the tasting room. As far as the actual tasting is concerned, white wines are generally poured first, followed by reds, and finally desert wines. Within each of these, the lighter bodied wines precede fuller bodied ones. Between each wine, it is common practice to eat a cracker to cleanse your palate.

It is not necessary to finish each wine you taste; it is actually discouraged, especially if you are planning to taste many different wines. Wineries will provide jars to dispose of any excess wine. Additionally, do not feel obligated to try every wine that is offered.

If you ask for a second tasting, it is in good taste to buy a bottle of wine. It is by no means necessary to buy wine when tasting, but if you make an appointment with a smaller winery, it is customary to make a purchase.

If you are thinking about visiting the Napa Valley, Carneros is an excellent place to start your journey into what many people describe as “heaven on earth.”