Modern Wine Categories: Beyond Old World and New World
Ever been thrilled to try a “Reserve” wine from California, only to discover that the term does not reflect wine categories? Nor does it guarantee anything about quality. Or perhaps you’ve found yourself puzzled over wine labels with terms that mean one thing in Europe and another in the U.S.? This labeling chaos has led […]
Wine Tasting Survival Guide: Insider Tips for Beginners and Experts
Wine tastings are one of the best ways to explore the incredible world of wine—from diverse styles and regions to unique varietals and winemakers. Yet, if the sheer magnitude of choices leaves you in a state of sensory overload, you’re not alone! Many wine lovers feel overwhelmed, unsure of how to approach such events without […]
Wine Certification Explained: Which Path Is Right for You?
Does working in the wine industry sound like a dream—traveling to vineyards, tasting incredible wines, and getting paid to do it—but you have no idea where to even begin? Or maybe you’ve heard of fancy credentials like WSET, CMS, or CWE ( wine certification ) and wondered what they actually mean. Whether you’re an enthusiast […]
Master Sommeliers Don’t Know Everything (And Neither Should You)
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by wine knowledge? Maybe you’ve binge-watched shows like Somm or Drops of God or picked up Jancis Robinson’s World Atlas of Wine, only to feel like you’ll never understand it all. You’re not alone! As wine enthusiasts, we often put immense pressure on ourselves to know everything, but here’s the truth: you don’t have to. […]
How to Understand St. Emilion wines in 5 minutes
Exploring the Diversity of St. Émilion Wines: Soil, Winemaking, and Vintages Have you ever wondered how wines from one tiny region can taste so dramatically different? I recently attended a St. Émilion wine event in Dallas, (one of several cities in the United States). As guests of Misa Imports, we tasted over 75 wines from […]
Ever wonder how to make rose wine?
Ever wonder how to make rose wine? What is a rosé? Is it Red? Is it White? Jancis Robinson, one of the world’s most famous wine educators and authors defines it as “ROSÉ IS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN WHITE WINE AND RED WINE.” I couldn’t agree more, but is that all there is to rosè? Not at all! Let’s […]
Fall in Love with Minnesota Red Wine Grapes and Other Hybrids
I know you’re all thinking Minnesota red wine grapes? You mean Minnesota actually has wine? YES YES YES and YES! In fact, Minnesota has numerous red grape varieties and white wine grape varieties. These are not only growing in the state but developed in the state! Let’s deep dive into some amazing hybrid varietals. I’m […]
Red Blend Wine Fans Will Love Field Blend Wine
In wine terms, we’ve all heard of, and most likely enjoyed a red blend wine. Some of the most well-known in the U.S. include brands such as The Prisoner Wine Company’s Prisoner red blend of red wine Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Charbono, and the unexpected Zinfandel. This proprietary red wine blend hails from Napa […]
Fall in Love with French Wine Terms
It’s easy to fall in love with French wine, but it can be difficult to fall in love with French wine terms. And, while French wine regions from the Champagne region to the Loire Valley and Burgundy to Bordeaux may make some of the best wine made anywhere in the world, they can be the […]
My good wine is now sour wine!
With anxious abandon, I cut the coil, pop the cork, pour a glass, and discover my treasure is nothing but a sour wine! How on earth could this have happened? Has this ever happened to you? You’ve saved a special bottle of wine for years. For a special occasion. For a highly anticipated event. Or, for the perfect meal. […]