David White

When the Weather Warms, Keep Wines Cool

Most of the nation is still recovering from a brutal heat wave that shattered thousands of records and forced millions to stay indoors and crank up the air conditioning. The impact of such weather on wine was on full effect last weekend, when I attended an outdoor party on a 100-degree day.

Standing Up for Sauvignon Blanc

Poor Sauvignon Blanc. For years, some of America's most prominent wine critics have bashed the grape. In Slate Magazine, Sauvignon Blanc was once described as "maddeningly dull." Wine Enthusiast's West Coast editor has criticized the grape for failing to elicit "profound excitement."

Five Tips For Selecting The Perfect Wedding Wines

The arrival of summer means the arrival of wedding season. For many couples, the walk down the aisle is less daunting than planning the reception.

This Summer, Drink Pink!

With Memorial Day behind us, summer has officially arrived. This means more time outside, and consequently, a different cocktail menu.

For Value, Look to South Africa

Value-conscious wine consumers know to avoid marquee regions like Napa Valley and Burgundy.

Drink Local Wine!

Thirty-five years ago, a British wine merchant named Steven Spurrier organized a wine competition in Paris, where he pitted California's best Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons against the best wines that France had to offer.

Celebrating Malbec

On April 17, wine enthusiasts across the globe gathered to celebrate World Malbec Day. For novices and oenophiles alike, the celebration was a great opportunity to sample some of Argentina's flagship varietal.

To Learn Is To Taste

Until five years ago, I assumed that wine fanatics were crazy. Sure, I enjoyed wine. But it was simply a drink -- a beverage to enjoy with dinner from time to time.

Wine Appreciation—It Just Takes Practice!

"Aromas of cassis and boysenberry are accented by soft black tea and anise notes, while the palate is defined by caramel, vanilla, Baker's chocolate and intriguing layers of toasted bread and pie #."

Five Tips for Navigating a Wine List

Navigating a wine list can be daunting. Even wine geeks are intimidated by the leather-bound tomes that so many restaurants hand out. When the wine list doesn't land on the table with a thud, patrons are still met with unrecognizable regions and producers. Plus, no matter where you dine or how much you know, prices can be senseless.

The Charm of Oregon’s Wines

There's something special about the wines from Oregon.

Wine Consumers’ Grape Expectations

Imagine if your state legislature, in a bid to protect mom-and-pop bookstores, barred Amazon.com from shipping into your state. Or if your town council, worried about local dairy farmers, prohibited grocers from selling milk. Or if lawmakers banned the sale of potato chips and candy bars on Sundays in an effort to shrink our waistlines.

Syrah: The Perfect Wine for Winter

All wines are appropriate for all seasons. There's nothing wrong with enjoying a simple white or crisp rosé in the winter, and big reds work all year long.

Simple Wine Resolutions for 2012

Early January is the perfect time to reflect on the previous year and make resolutions for the new one. For those of us who take wine seriously -- or at least want to -- it's smart to include wine in our New Year's resolutions. So here are three simple resolutions that'll heighten your wine appreciation in 2012.

Pop! Goes the Cork on New Year’s

There's nothing like popping the cork on a bottle of Champagne when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's. For good reason. Sparkling wine makes every event a bit more glamorous. That's why it's been the go-to beverage for celebrations for over 150 years. As New Year's approaches, it's important to understand the differences between sparkling wines -- and figure out which ones you're going to stock up on for the big night.

Dreaming of a Wine Christmas?

The gift-giving season is in full swing. For those looking to impress a wine enthusiast, it's a daunting time. Department stores offer little that would please an oenophile, and the staff at Best Buy doesn't know a thing about wine. The internet, meanwhile, presents too many options!

This Thanksgiving, Drink Easy

Turkey Day is notoriously terrifying for the at-home sommelier. Suppose you're into food and wine. Should you flaunt your connoisseurship and create precise pairings to wow the palate? Absolutely not. The cousin who only drinks Budweiser will get annoyed, and everyone else will think you're a snob.