Vinyards, Wines and other such things...

[Praeco]

Some unique bottle designs -

http://www.lairdandcompany.com/mazzetti.htm

These are actually for grappa, which is the stuff made from the stuff left over from wine-making, but the bottles are quite interesting. They make a chess set composed of grappa bottles.

 

[Heretic Apostate]

Try looking for wines from Germany. Isn't Germany prone to short summers and long winters? At least, it always seemed so in Hogan's Heroes.

 

[Gregor]

Speaking of ice wine, there is a fabulous cocktail I had at the bar during the intermission of "The Barber of Seville" (and yes I couldent stop thinking about loonie toons the whole time). It was a mix of ice wine and champagne. Im not much of a fan of either on its own, but together....quite nice if a little pricey. Ok that was OT but hey.....

 

[Arravis]

Thanks Praeco, those bottles look great! Only wish they were higher res, but it'll do .

Thanks to everyone for all the responses. I'll have to read some of this stuff at home tonight (since I'm at work right now). Anyway, keep 'em coming .

 

[Heretic Apostate]

What's the name of the fungus, "noble rot"? Butrietis, or something?

Sheesh, I'm here in the Wine Country (Napa valley, CA), and I can't remember!

 

[krichaiushii]

craft (winemaking)

Some colleges offer wine tasting courses. Either take the course (likely an upper level geography course) or talk to the instructors. Using my instructors for wine tasting as an example, they were both knowledgable, pleasent wine-lovers.

And the fact that I got college credit to get drunk numerous times is even better.

Cheers!

 

[Kryndal Levik]

I have "Elderberry Wine" IMC, an elven wine created from (slightly magical) elderberries. Elderberries have mildly curative properties, and it's possible for the wine to be distilled in such a manner that those properties are present in the wine, as well.

 

[Conaill]

You can make wine from pretty much anything that has a reasonable sugar content. In cold climates, maple or birch sap is an excellent option. So is honey (honey "wine" is called mead).

Apart from ice wine, there is also something called ice distillation. Essentially, you let your wine freeze over, then scoop off the almost pure water ice. You wind up with something that not only has a higher alcohol content, but also has more flavor!

http://cator.hsc.edu/~kmd/caveman/projects/alcohol/

 

[Shadowdancer]

I have "Elderberry Wine" IMC, an elven wine created from (slightly magical) elderberries. Elderberries have mildly curative properties, and it's possible for the wine to be distilled in such a manner that those properties are present in the wine, as well.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin thank you.

 

[Kryndal Levik]

Elton John and Bernie Taupin thank you.

LOL!