Any wine drinkers here?
 

I need some help from my fellow warpathers. I am planning a big surprise for my wife at the end of March. April 1rst(stop laughing) is the 10th anniversary of our first date and I am taking her out to a concert at Penn State. I have reserved a really nice hotel suite. I also spared no expense on this evening. I am talking, candle lit dinner, chocolate covered strawberries, champane, you know, all the good stuff. I have been getting some tips from her family on how to make this the perfect night.

Problem: I seem to remember that she tried champane a long time ago and didn't like it. I am not 100% sure about this but i think she told me this once. I don't want to come out and ask her because this whole night is going to be a surprise. About 3 years ago I took her to a wine tasing event and she bought a few bottles but really wasn't into it. She told me she just didn't like the liquor taste of wine, but was willing to keep trying new ones. What I am looking for is if anybody can recommend a nice sweet wine. I am lost when it comes to this type of thing. Some ideas of a nice wine that I could buy a bottle of to try before we go on our date. And I can have the hotel get me another bottle of it and have it in the room. Any help would be much appriciated.

And maybe some female warpathers could give me some tips on how to make this night even more special for my wife? Sometimes seeing things from a womans point of view helps. I am open to any suggestions. Thanks

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

GMScud is your man on this one, you may want to PM him.

I went to Santa Barbara CA last month and visited the Firestone Winery pretty good stuff but I don't drink wine so it could have been grape juice for all I know.

[url=http://www.firestonewine.com/]Firestone Vineyards[/url]

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

this one is super sweet! It is considered a dessert wine.

[url=http://www.firestonewine.com/index.cfm?method=storeproducts.showDrilldown&productid=9e4a9f93-1cc4-fbb6-232d-ccd5b234dffd&ProductCategoryID=2ed23997-96e8-a097-2adb-b713569a9954&WineryID=845CCEEF-1CC4-FBB6-2339-27C9A4E0C795&WineTypeID=&ProductType=&wineVarietalID=&wineRegionID=&vintage=&lowprice=&highPrice=&WineBrandID=&WineAppellationID=&lowletter=&highletter=&OrderBy=PXPC.DisplayOrder%20Asc,%20P.ProductName%20ASC&ShippingState=CA]Firestone Vineyard | Wines | 2005 Santa Ynez Valley Late Harvest Riesling[/url]

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=gibbsisgod;666115]I need some help from my fellow warpathers. I am planning a big surprise for my wife at the end of March. April 1rst(stop laughing) is the 10th anniversary of our first date and I am taking her out to a concert at Penn State. I have reserved a really nice hotel suite. I also spared no expense on this evening. I am talking, candle lit dinner, chocolate covered strawberries, champane, you know, all the good stuff. I have been getting some tips from her family on how to make this the perfect night.

Problem: I seem to remember that she tried champane a long time ago and didn't like it. I am not 100% sure about this but i think she told me this once. I don't want to come out and ask her because this whole night is going to be a surprise. About 3 years ago I took her to a wine tasing event and she bought a few bottles but really wasn't into it. She told me she just didn't like the liquor taste of wine, but was willing to keep trying new ones. What I am looking for is if anybody can recommend a nice sweet wine. I am lost when it comes to this type of thing. Some ideas of a nice wine that I could buy a bottle of to try before we go on our date. And I can have the hotel get me another bottle of it and have it in the room. Any help would be much appriciated.

And maybe some female warpathers could give me some tips on how to make this night even more special for my wife? Sometimes seeing things from a womans point of view helps. I am open to any suggestions. Thanks[/quote]

Neither my wife or I really "like" the taste of wine, but we drink it. If she's not into wine either, but you really want to serve that to her, have you thought of making some sangria? That really cuts the wine-y taste of it. My wife also drinks a Riesling too that she thinks is pretty sweet.

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=mredskins;666122]this one is super sweet! It is considered a dessert wine.

[URL="http://www.firestonewine.com/index.cfm?method=storeproducts.showDrilldown&productid=9e4a9f93-1cc4-fbb6-232d-ccd5b234dffd&ProductCategoryID=2ed23997-96e8-a097-2adb-b713569a9954&WineryID=845CCEEF-1CC4-FBB6-2339-27C9A4E0C795&WineTypeID=&ProductType=&wineVarietalID=&wineRegionID=&vintage=&lowprice=&highPrice=&WineBrandID=&WineAppellationID=&lowletter=&highletter=&OrderBy=PXPC.DisplayOrder%20Asc,%20P.ProductName%20ASC&ShippingState=CA"]Firestone Vineyard | Wines | 2005 Santa Ynez Valley Late Harvest Riesling[/URL][/quote]

Ah, I hadn't looked at your link yet before I recommended Riesling. :biggthump

Good call.

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;666130]Ah, I hadn't looked at your link yet before I recommended Riesling. :biggthump

Good call.[/quote]


IT is basically fruit juice probably why I liked it.

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

Thanks guys. I am going to try that Riesling stuff.

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

Another choice for a really, really sweet wine is Lambrusco.

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=gibbsisgod;666115]April 1rst(stop laughing) is the 10th anniversary of our first date...[/quote]
GTFO! April 1st of this year is the 10th anniversary of my first date with my wife. Small World. It also happens to be our 5 year anniversary...

Anyway, onto wine. Check out: [url=http://www.linganore-wine.com/]Linganore Winecellars: Welcome to Marylands Premier Vineyard[/url]. They make several fruit wines, as well as sweeter than normal grape wines. Those who have had their wines rave about them (I'm a dry red wine guy, so I avoid this stuff, but several friends rather enjoy them).

White wines tend to be sweeter than reds, so if your wife isn't a big wine fan, I'd avoid most reds. As far as white wines go, Riesling and Pinot Grigio tend to be on the sweeter side as opposed to a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Blush wines (Rosé for example) will be on the sweeter side as well.

As far as sparkling whites go, my wife and I had a really nice Prosecco not too long ago.

Don't be afraid to hit a few local wine stores and ask questions. Naturally, a store that sells Mad Dog and Thunderbird might not be your best bet, there if you look, there are some quality wine shops around that will help you get what you need.

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;666235]Don't be afraid to hit a few local wine stores and ask questions. Naturally, a store that sells Mad Dog and Thunderbird might not be your best bet, there if you look, there are some quality wine shops around that will help you get what you need.[/quote]

I notice you didn't mention Boone's Farm. Now THAT'S a drink for a classy lady.

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

Try your desert whites... maybe go for some Port, anyone can drink a port

second the go to a wine shop suggestion

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=BDBohnzie;666235]GTFO! April 1st of this year is the 10th anniversary of my first date with my wife. Small World. It also happens to be our 5 year anniversary...

Anyway, onto wine. Check out: [URL="http://www.linganore-wine.com/"]Linganore Winecellars: Welcome to Marylands Premier Vineyard[/URL]. They make several fruit wines, as well as sweeter than normal grape wines. Those who have had their wines rave about them (I'm a dry red wine guy, so I avoid this stuff, but several friends rather enjoy them).

White wines tend to be sweeter than reds, so if your wife isn't a big wine fan, I'd avoid most reds. As far as white wines go, Riesling and Pinot Grigio tend to be on the sweeter side as opposed to a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Blush wines (Rosé for example) will be on the sweeter side as well.

As far as sparkling whites go, my wife and I had a really nice Prosecco not too long ago.

Don't be afraid to hit a few local wine stores and ask questions. Naturally, a store that sells Mad Dog and Thunderbird might not be your best bet, there if you look, there are some quality wine shops around that will help you get what you need.[/quote]That funny, I didn't check back here for updates but went to the store looking for myself. A Linanore wine is what I bought. I think its White Mountan. A lady at work recomended it as well as the store clerk. Gonna try it tonight with her. Thanks

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;666292]I notice you didn't mention Boone's Farm. Now THAT'S a drink for a classy lady.[/quote]

I literally LOL'd for a little while at this one. :goodjob:

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

I've always been partial to some Night Train myself

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

Nothing says I Love You like a bottle of Ripple

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

Here are some great reviews!

[url=http://www.bumwine.com/]BumWine.com[/url]

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=Mattyk;666523]I've always been partial to some Night Train myself[/quote]

I'm partial to Wild Irish Rose myself. LOL.

Gibbisisgod- If she doesn't like straight champagne, you may want to try a sparkling rose. [URL="http://www.melandrose.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=13246&utm_source=Vinquire&utm_medium=WineFeed&utm_content=Taittinger+Rose+Prestige&utm_campaign=base&v_traceback=c0224_0404_f0224_1424"]Tattinger[/URL] makes a nice one that you can pick up for about $60 a bottle. I believe Wine Spectator gave it a 90 (out of 100), which is very good.

If you don't want to go the sparkling route, try a nice desert wine. A good bottle of Sauternes (french desert wine- delicious!!) would go really well with those chocolate covered strawberries you mentioned. You could always try an ice wine as well.

Go to any decent wine store and someone there will be able to help you with any of the three I mentioned. Just my :twocents:. Good luck and congrats!!

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;666292]I notice you didn't mention Boone's Farm. Now THAT'S a drink for a classy lady.[/quote]
Nothing like a bottle of Country Kwencher or Strawberry Hill while sitting on the beach. The problem is most people do not know how to drink the stuff. First you need to wrap the bag around the bottle unscrew the top and drink it right from the bottle. If you want to step it up a notch add a couple shots of vodka.

You can find this wine at any 7/11 and to show her how special she is sign her up to the Boone's Farm Fan Club. Read some of the testimonials.
[url=http://www.boonesfarm.net/]Boone's Farm Fan Club Online[/url]

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

Bad memories coming back... drank way too much Mad Dog 20/20 and Boone's back in college. I remember we got snowed in one day and classes were canceled, we treked out to the store and bought their entire stock of Boone's and had a Boone's Farm party. What a hangover the next day, wow.

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

dang, i was drinking boones strawberry hill when i was a lil kid.

there is another "type of champagne" called something like bavo or baco. champagne is stored in dark dark cellars, i think this stuff is very similar to champagne but is not as dry and is stored in a cave in italy or spain. it is available in the US.

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=over the mountain;666634]dang, i was drinking boones strawberry hill when i was a lil kid.

there is another "type of champagne" called something like bavo or baco. champagne is stored in dark dark cellars, i think this stuff is very similar to champagne but is not as dry and is stored in a cave in italy or spain. it is available in the US.[/quote]

Are you thinking of a Cava? Also, champagne is exclusively from the Champagne region in France. Otherwise it's just a sparkling white. Just a little tid-bit there.

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

maybe cava. i know champagne only comes from a region in france. what i was talking about is like champagne and only comes from a cave in italy or spain or somewhere.

the difference is that it matures quicker (2 years) and isnt supposed to be so dry? i dont know, im out of my element talking wine but this seemed to be the next closest thing to champagne that ive heard of.

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=Mattyk;666611]Bad memories coming back... drank way too much Mad Dog 20/20 and Boone's back in college. I remember we got snowed in one day and classes were canceled, we treked out to the store and bought their entire stock of Boone's and had a Boone's Farm party. What a hangover the next day, wow.[/quote]
haha

back in HS we'd always get md 20/20 and there was always at least one person who couldn't stand it after we convinced them to get it

so that meant I always got a free bottle.. and hangover

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=GMScud;666642]Are you thinking of a Cava? Also, champagne is exclusively from the Champagne region in France. Otherwise it's just a sparkling white. Just a little tid-bit there.[/quote]

indeed.. just like "cognac" and "tequila"

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=GMScud;666642]Are you thinking of a Cava? Also, champagne is exclusively from the Champagne region in France. Otherwise it's just a sparkling white. Just a little tid-bit there.[/quote]

btw the champange you recomended for new years the veuve cliquot p was pretty damn good, good call

as far as sweet wines go count me out, i'm all in on the dry stuff, chianti is my go to these days and no one can beat trader joes, 12 bottles for under $60 doesn't get any better

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=tryfuhl;666712]haha

back in HS we'd always get md 20/20 and there was always at least one person who couldn't stand it after we convinced them to get it

so that meant I always got a free bottle.. and hangover[/quote]

the mlm crew stuck to the hurricanes, $3.14 for 80oz

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=mlmdub130;666848][B]btw the champange you recomended for new years the veuve cliquot was pretty damn good, good call[/B]

as far as sweet wines go count me out, i'm all in on the dry stuff, chianti is my go to these days and no one can beat trader joes, 12 bottles for under $60 doesn't get any better[/quote]

Oh nice! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Veuve Cliquot is so delicious. I don't normally like sparkling wines of any kind for the most part, but I love me some Veuve.

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

md was easier to steal, not that I'm proud of that

Re: Any wine drinkers here?
 

[quote=GMScud;666567]I'm partial to Wild Irish Rose myself. LOL.[/quote]
Some friends of mine created a version of a [URL="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sake_bomb"]sake bomb[/URL] called an Irish Knife Fight. Instead of chopsticks, they used plastic knives, and used Wild Irish Rose instead of sake.