Wine Life

Wine Country Wonders Gift Basket

2009-12-17T17:42:00.000-08:00

This gift features our Sun Fish Pinot Noir, almonds, crackers, cheese and truffles to bring the wonders of the Wine Country all in a beautiful black faux-leather box perfect for holiday gifting.

Yours for Only $69.95

Click here for other fantastic Wine Country Deals

Basics Of Winemaking

2009-12-11T14:10:00.000-08:00

Basics of Winemaking

Fine wines are often vinified in smaller lots than are tables wines produced for mass consumption. Thus, the fine wine producer works with smaller batches of grapes and processes and ages them in smaller fermentation, storage, and aging vessels. This allows the winemaker to lavish greater care and attention on the wines and utilize techniques to promote quality that would be impractical or cost-inefficient for modestly-priced wines produced in larger quantities. Listed below are the standard steps in the vinification process for white and red wines, with a brief discussion of how fine wine techniques may differ from standard vinification protocols.

White Wine Vinification

Crush & Destem

After the grapes arrive at the winery, they are mechanically crushed and de-stemmed. This releases some free run juice, and separates the fruit from the stems, which can impart bitter tannins to the juice. Some wineries forgo the crush/destem step and send the grapes immediately to tank presses, which gently squeeze the juice from the skins and minimize the extraction of tannins from skins and seeds. In general, the fine wine objective is to maintain the integrity of the free run juice, minimizing the extraction of bitter phenolic compounds from the skins, stems and seeds.

Press

In white wine processing, after crushing and destemming the grapes, the must (the mass of unfermented juice, skins, and seeds) is immediately pressed, in one of a variety of mechanical presses, to separate the juice from the skins. Some winemakers, wishing to extract more flavor and body, may allow the juice to remain in contact with the skins for a few hours, but this runs the risk of imparting astringent tannins to the juice as well as other unwanted elements, such as sulfur dust from the vineyard. The quality of the press and the degree to which it “macerates” the skins and juice, will affect the quality of the resulting wine. The best presses rely on gentle pressure to extract the juice from the skins.

Primary (Alcoholic) Fermentation

During the primary fermentation, the natural sugars of the grape juice are converted to alcohol and carbon dioxide through the action of either cultured or native yeasts. The former are bred in a laboratory to accentuate certain positive attributes while the latter grow wild in the vineyard on the skins of wine grapes. Although most winemakers employ cultured yeasts, which more reliably produce “clean” fermentations and desired aromas and flavors, some fine wine producers rely on natural yeasts, believing they promote more complex characteristics in the wine.

Most white wines, including inexpensive chardonnays, ferment in stainless steel tanks, which are inert, easy to clean, and facilitate control of the fermentation temperature. These wines ferment at cool temperatures – usually around 55o F. – to best extract their fresh, fruity qualities. However, many fine wine producers ferment chardonnay in small oak barrels, a technique long practiced in the Burgundy region of France. Fermentation of white wine in barrels (normally French oak for chardonnay), because it occurs at higher temperatures, allows air to reach the wine, and imparts phenolic and flavor extracts from the barrel, alters the aroma, texture, and flavor of the wine, in the direction of greater richness and complexity.

Secondary (Malolactic) Fermentation

Winemakers who barrel-ferment their white wines often put them through a secondary fermentation, common to virtually all red wines, in which the malic acid naturally occurring in wine grapes is converted into lactic acid. This occurs naturally or through inoculation of the wine with malolactic bacteria, which require a relatively high-temperature, high-pH, and low-sulfur environment in which to grow. Because malic acid is a “hard” acid and lactic acid a “soft” acid, the conversion creates a softening of the wine’s texture. It also produces a chemical called diacetyl, which expresses itself as the buttery aroma and flavor many chardonnay lovers treasure.

Aging

The purpose of aging is to allow a wine’s aromas and flavors to develop before it is bottled. Aging in stainless steel tends to preserve a white wine’s fresh, fruity characteristics, while aging in barrel promotes the development of secondary characteristics through slow oxidation and the extraction of barrel tannins, aromas and flavors, such as spice, toast, and vanillin. Fine wine producers who ferment white wines (usually chardonnay) in barrels (usually French), and put them through a secondary, malolactic fermentation, sometimes also age those wines sur lie (French for “on the lees”), meaning the wine is allowed to remain in contact with the yeast cells that die during fermentation and settle to the bottom of a tank or barrel. This contact with the dead yeast cells imparts a “bready” aroma and creamy texture to the wine, an effect accentuated by periodically stirring the dead yeast cells to circulate them throughout the wine.

Clarification

Virtually all winemakers want their wines to be cosmetically appealing – i.e., clear of any haziness that may be caused by residual particulate matter. Several techniques are used to accomplish this: racking (removing the wine from the sediment that settles at the bottom of an aging vessel and transferring it to another container); fining (introducing an agent such as egg white, gelatin, bentonite, isinglass or casein, which adheres to particulate matter in the wine and carries it to the bottom of a tank or barrel); and filtration (running the wine through a pad, diatomaceous earth, or membrane filter to remove suspended particles). Both fining and filtration, which are also used to remove unwanted microorganisms and reduce tannin levels, can strip aroma and flavor from a wine, so fine wine producers normally opt for natural clarification (racking), when possible, or minimal fining or filtration, when necessary.

Bottling

The winemaker’s greatest concern during bottling is to protect the wine from oxidation. Toward this end, modern bottling lines purge oxygen from the empty bottles prior to filling and automatically calibrate fill levels to minimize the head space in the bottle between the wine and the cork.

Red Wine Vinification
The production of red wine differs from that of white wine in the following ways:

Fermentation

Unlike white wines, the juice of red wine grapes ferment in contact with their skins. (The skins impart a red wine’s color and tannin.) After crushing and destemming, the must – juice, skins and seeds – is inoculated with a cultured yeast and fermentation ensues, for a shorter duration (7-10 days) and at appreciably higher temperatures (75-85o F) than for white wines, to efficiently extract color, tannin and alcohol. During the fermentation, the release of carbon dioxide pushes a “cap” of skins and seeds to the top of the fermenter, and the winemaker has several methods available to continue macerating (mixing) the juice with it. Conventionally, this is done by periodically pumping juice from the bottom of the tank over the cap. However, fine wine producers, to enhance the extraction of color, flavor, and tannin from the skins, often prefer to punch down the cap in order to submerge it in the juice, or even to drain the juice from the tank and then splash it back over the cap to encourage greater circulation of the cap throughout the juice (a technique known as “rack and return”). Whatever method is chosen, fine wine producers often extend the maceration period beyond the end of fermentation to foster the full extraction of color, flavor and tannin. Once this process is complete, the new wine is pressed off the skins and moved to wood containers, usually small oak barrels, to commence the aging process.

Aging

Red wines normally spend a longer time aging in wood – anywhere from a few months to several years - than do whites, because they take a longer time to develop. In particular, extended barrel aging allows the tannins of red wines to soften and the fruit in the wine to emerge in response to the gradual oxidation allowed by barrel aging. As with white wines, extracts from the wood itself contribute to the aroma, flavor and texture of the wine, with newer and smaller wood containers (50 or 60 gallon oak barrels) imparting more wood character (and thus dictating a shorter wood-aging period) than older and larger containers (135 gallon puncheons or larger upright tanks). The winemaker must also match the type of wood and its “toast” level to the varietal; in general, fine wine producers prefer French oak for French varietals like cabernet sauvignon, merlot and pinot noir, while American oak works well with zinfandel. The former imparts a toastier, spicier character to the wine, while the latter is associated with a sweet vanilla aroma.

Out with the Old, In with the New: Wine Trends of 2009

2009-01-09T10:40:00.000-08:00

By Courtney Cochran

As with every new year, 2009 will bring the birth of new wine trends and the departures of others. Some we'll be sad to see go (so long, cellaring for sport!), while others we'll barely miss (we're talking about you, overly alcoholic wines). No matter what, we predict you'll find lots of things to relish about the wine scene in '09, and along with them excuses for uncorking many a new bottle.

OUT: Heavy, Oversized Bottles

Heavy wine bottles will continue to come under fire from climate change-conscious critics in 2009, with good reason. Developments in '08 such as popular British wine critic Jancis Robinson's "name and shame" campaign - which prompted visitors to her subscription-basis website to list wines made by wineries using heavier-than-usual glass bottles, so others could avoid purchasing them - have already led to several large wineries' decisions to begin "lightweighting" their bottles going forward. It can't happen soon enough.

IN: Inexpensive, Aromatic Whites

The economic crunch of '08 has seen demand for wines of all kinds shift to the under-$10 category, which means more of us than ever before are looking for stellar quality at a value price. Aromatic whites from the likes of Argentina - let's give it up for Torrontes! - and Portugal - we're talking about you, Vino Verde - are leading the pack for value at this price point, and - happily - American wine merchants are carrying these beauties in greater numbers than ever before.

OUT: Overly Alcoholic Wines

"Table wines" tipping the scale at 16% alcohol are fast getting on the nerves of savvy sippers who look for balance - not a blasting headache - in their glass. The new year should see winemakers taking note of the growing distaste for highly alcoholic wines and tailoring their offerings accordingly. The trend may also usher in a shift in consumer preferences towards wines made in cooler climates, which boast lower alcohol levels and more mouthwatering acidity.

IN: Sustainable/Organic Winemaking

In an era in which concern over global warming has reached a crescendo, sustainable and organic winegrowing practices are more important - and more appreciated - than ever before. We take off our hats to winegrowers who have committed to farming practices that help ensure the vitality of vineyards for future generations, and who refuse to put chemicals into our good earth. Their efforts will pay dividends for years to come, and are already showing up in the bottle.

OUT: Cellaring for Sport

With the Dow inching steadily south and showing few signs of rebound, '09 won't be the best time to buy and stash away zillion dollar bottles just for the sport of it. In fact, collectors the country over report a decided downsizing of such extravagant purchases, along with a corresponding shift towards uncorking more sober purchases, particularly when company is present. Still, should you feel the urge to splurge or spot a spectacular deal, by all means go for it - just don't flaunt it.

IN: Cutting Carbon Emissions

The new year should also see the continued uptick in wineries and wine-related businesses cutting carbon emissions for the sake of the environment. And whether they reduce their carbon footprints directly (think solar energy, more lightweight packaging and shipping materials) or indirectly (by offsetting emissions through reforestation or other means), these pioneers are to be saluted for catalyzing change by example and setting an admirable standard for our industry.

OUT: Critter Labels

If we had a dollar for every critter label we've seen...Let's just say that when it comes to wine labels bearing the likes of dogs, birds, fish or any other sort of creature, the jig is up (or at least it should be). These labels made headlines - and generated serious cash flow - as Americans shifted from drinking beer and spirits to uncorking more wine bottles in recent years. But as our experience with wine grew, so did our savvy, and these labels' pandering no longer rings true.

IN: Buying Local/Regional

Paging all locovores! The time has arrived - without a doubt - when buying products produced locally makes sense for many good reasons. Besides the obvious boost that doing so gives a region's economy, buying local also means fewer carbon emissions are spent transporting products over long distances. If you're not lucky enough to live in a region that produces great wine, consider those from regions relatively close to you - every emission avoided counts.

OUT: Overly "Manufactured" Reds

Sadly, wine's recent upsurge in popularity has led to the introduction of oceans of overly "manufactured," homogenous-tasting red table wines whose greatest virtue is often...a critter label. These wines, usually made from sub-par fruit that's tinkered with to excess in the winery (think oak chipping, tannin additions and other shortcuts to quality wine), offer consumers little real substance and even less reason to buy again. Here's to real wine coming back in '09.

IN: Wine Country Travel

At a time when international travel may seem like a splurge you'd rather not make, we encourage you to recall the many reasons why wine country travel is always a good idea. With its emphasis on relaxation and its cozy, welcoming ambiance, wine country is the perfect antidote to the recession blues. What's more, with travel of all kinds at an all-time low, deals and specials in wine country abound, making a weekend jaunt to your favorite Pinot producer a nearly effortless excursion. Just the kind of event we look forward to in '09.

2008-11-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

Just In Time For The Holidays!

2008-11-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

Savor the taste of a crisp, sparkling champagne or a fine wine paired with rich, decadent chocolate. Indulge with your choice of a full-size bottle of Gosset Champagne, Dom Perignon, Beringer White Zinfandel, J Lohr Cabernet, or J Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay.

Each bottle of wine is hand-dipped in gourmet Guittard dark chocolate for a most beautiful and unforgettable gift presentation. Simply pull the ribbon "zipper" to release the chocolate jacket from the bottle, pour the wine into glasses, and enjoy!

The fine quality of chocolate used in this gift requires a controlled climate during shipping. Overnight shipping is suggested for warm weather delivery destinations.

Chocolate-Dipped Beringer White Zinfandel..... $34.95
Chocolate-Dipped Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay....... $44.95
Chocolate-Dipped J Lohr Cabernet..... $44.95
Chocolate-Dipped Gosset Champagne.. $64.95
Chocolate-Dipped Dom Perignon.... $199.95

Quantities are limited! So call me TODAY to reserve your bottle

Cheers

Terrence Sanders
707-888-8918
Chocolate Dipped Wine Gifts & Baskets

Company Focus: Wine Shop At Home

2008-11-04T15:39:00.000-08:00

The party plan method of direct selling offers people much more than the opportunity to purchase exceptional wares. These days, home parties are a chance for friends to get together to enjoy music, food and perhaps a glass of wine or two, while their host demonstrates distinctive products. At WineShop At Home parties, it's no different-except the product that guests learn about is that glass of wine.

WineShop At Home Co-Founders John and Melissa Lynch have spent more than 10 years helping customers all over the country "discover wines effortlessly." In 1995, the couple launched 1-800-WineShop, which sold wines and wine gifts through direct mail, catalogs and its online site at the very beginning of the dot-com era. "We were that little engine that could," says John. "Melissa and I are the sole founders of the company-we initially funded it personally-and it really started to grow. You run a company a little differently when it's yours-when it's your shingle."

The pair spent the latter half of the 1990s nurturing their company and navigating the complex laws that regulate the sale of alcohol, which vary by state. But in the late '90s, two well-funded companies, wine.com and wineshopper.com, gave1-800WineShop some stiff competition and the Lynches began to consider another channel of distribution. When Wine.com became another casualty of the dot-com flameout and faced foreclosure, John was tapped to play a part in the company's liquidation. "We ended up with some cash and a giant pile of wine-just over 10,000 cases-and as a small emerging company we wanted to find a way to turn it back into capital," says John. "So we said, 'Hey, how about having a wine tasting party?' "

So beginning in 2002 the company began sponsoring 1-800WineShop in-home wine tastings. "Remember, we still had a lot of existing clients, but we knew nothing about direct sales. But the company already had the culture, we had a wine club that had a great following and our members were almost militantly loyal," says John. "We had all the parts of a direct selling company. We just didn't know it yet."

The first in-home events were so successful that the Lynches knew they were onto something and began to seriously investigate the direct selling channel of distribution. John's niece is a director at The Pampered Chef and he soon found himself hosting a party and selling (and buying) pizza stones to get a feel for the industry. The next step was joining the Direct Selling Association. "The first event we went to was in Long Beach, California, and we were pleasantly relieved that there were a number of companies asking, 'does the emperor have clothes?' " says John. "And it was wonderful to walk up to an executive with Herbalife or Tupperware and see that these people were giving us their time." At DSA events, the Lynches met a number of industry veterans who advised them on everything from their compensation plan to incentive trips to the company's Web presence.

WineShop at Home
Co-Founders John
and Melissa Lynch

In 2003, WineShop At Home's first consultants began hosting tastings in the state of California. By 2004, they had branched out into four states, last year nine states and currently the company has consultants in 15 states. Last year, the Supreme Court struck down a ban against interstate wine shipments, which for WineShop At Home, translates into growth. "We are careful builders but we will be in 25 states at the end of the year," says John, pointing out that his years in the wine business and operational experience helped tremendously early on. "Remember the company already shipped millions of bottles of wine prior to doing its first wine tasting party."
While having an infrastructure in place gave the Lynches a leg up, transforming a direct marketing company into a direct selling organization was not without its challenges. "We had existing clients and we had to say, 'No, really, we're in the direct sales business,' " says John. "And we had to show our consultant base that we were by no means in competition with them."

By providing their consultant base with the resources necessary to succeed, the Lynches made the WineShop At Home business opportunity attractive to prospective recruits. "We work for our consultants. I come to work every day working for our independent wine consultants and their customers. That is why this business exists," says John. "So what we did was demystify wine and make it fun, and translated that into training our sales force. If you don't make it easy for someone in Ohio or Texas to start and hold the wine tasting parties, you can't grow. Instead we put the proper tools, great products and a world-class customer service group in place, and that's why we're growing at the rate we are."

In fact, John says, because of both the products and the opportunity, WineShop At Home is drawing consultants not commonly found in most party plan direct selling companies. "A typical party plan company is predominantly women, but we're not only seeing men getting involved, but couples," says John. "At WineShop At Home, couples are allowed to sign up as a team. They get to spend time with each other, they're running this little business that they enjoy and it's like a new career for them."

John is not only passionate about his sales force; he's passionate about the wines he sells. When he and Melissa first started out, it was a struggle to procure wine from the small boutique wineries that produced limited quantities. "I remember that first buy; it was like pulling teeth to get 10-case allocations from wineries. Now we show up with the semi truck and a checkbook," says John. "We've built relationships with people who put their lifeblood into their businesses with passion and good taste and they entrust us with limited-quantity product."

Those relationships have paid off: WineShop At Home became a winery last year and has slowly introduced 18 brands that the company owns exclusively. John says the company's goal is to produce 100 percent exclusive wines by the end of the year.

With an infrastructure built from 10 years in the wine business, a loyal and growing salesforce and the ability to offer wines not found anywhere else, John is certain that WineShop at home is poised for explosive growth. Lynch believes that combining the $28 billion wine industry with the $30 billion direct selling industry is a recipe for success. "We will be the size of a Shaklee or a Pampered Chef, without question," he says.

Join Our Wonderful Team Of Wine Consultants And Start Living The Wine Country Lifestyle

Champagne Wishes

2008-11-04T13:04:00.000-08:00

Send loved ones and valued clients your best wishes with an extraordinary offering of world-class champagne accompanied by a well-rounded assortment of gourmet foods and sweets.

Savory selections include Aaron Bell Macadamia Nuts, Spicy Guadalajara Mix, Moonstruck Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Wasabi Dipping Mustard, Seasoned Pretzels, Vintage Reserve Wine Truffles, Cassil & Klein Cranberry Twist Mix, Hathaway's Fruit Pastilles, Macadams' Almond Croccante Cookies, Seattle Chocolate Truffles, and more.

Your choice of Domaine Ste. Michelle Cuvee Brut Moet & Chandon White Star Champagne makes the gift complete. See Wine Info for help in choosing between these two exceptional champagnes.

A gift that will define the moment. Gift measures 18" x 13" x 6".

Due to the alcoholic content of this gift, an adult signature is required upon delivery.

Personalize it! Complete the engraving option during check out and we'll add an engraved, silver-plated hang tag to your gift. Select one or two lines of up to 18 characters per line, or choose an elegant three character monogram. Allow 1 extra business day for processing. A nominal fee of $9.95 will be automatically added to the total when the engraving option is selected.

Gift #5061

Reserve Your Basket Today! Send an email to WineLifeAtHome@Gmail.com with the gift # and your contact information and a wine consultant will contact you!

Cheers

Terrence
Wine Consultant
www.WineLifeAtHome.com

We Love Testimonials!

2008-10-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

There is no greater feeling for a Wine Shop At Home Consultant than to have a truly successful wine tasting event. Where everyone has a fantastic time sharing new wines, delicious food, great company and conversation. Those 4 elements truly epitomize what we mean by "Wine Country Living". Take a look at what some of our happy customers have to say about our service....

Hi Terry. I thought your winetasting was great. I'm thinking of giving some kind of party as a thank you gift, but I haven't sold the house yet. It was fun! Thank you. -Joanel Z. Realtor

I personally thought the Wine Tasting event was great – and if I were a Realtor I would be doing this all the time! I have other offices that might be interested in seeing / experiencing this. I’m definitely keeping you in mind as a resource to recommend for a great closing gift. - Peggy L. Title Rep

Thanks to you and Debra for your presentation and wonderful wine selection!

I especially liked the idea of ordering wines for clients with the pix of their home on the label and personalizing it. I also liked the gift with the 2 bottles in the attractive gift box.
I'd like to have a client party or business mixer and have you present and sell the wines.
Thanks again--it was fun! - Holly H. Realtor

...And let's not forget our Wine Club Members...

I feel like I have a personal wine expert tracking an selecting the very best boutique wines. Having them delivered with recipes and stories in a beautiful box is a delightful surprise!”
L. Gardelle - Walnut Creek, CA (photo held by request)

We are always looking to bring the wine country experience experience to new clients. Call me or email me today to book your wine tasting event!

Cheers

Terry Sanders
Wine Consultant
www.WineLifeAtHome.com
707-888-8918

Love Wine? Join My Wonderful Team of Wine Consultants!

5 Tips To Starting Your Own Wine Cellar

2008-10-31T07:10:00.000-07:00

One of the great joys of wine is being able to select a bottle of wine from your own cellar, perhaps one that you've been storing for some years, draw the cork and enjoy it with friends. You can marvel at the changes brought on by maturity and, as a bonus, you can brag about the price you paid and congratulate yourself on picking up such a bargain!

However, wine is an ever-changing thing and how it is stored will directly affect how quickly and how well it ages!

Storing wine is very simple ...

It requires a constant temperature, humidity, darkness, stillness and a well-ventilated and clean environment.

INSULATION

The first essential is to create a storage environment that provides the basics of stable temperature, no light and no vibration.

In general terms 4" (100mm) of polystyrene is the equivalent to 3 ft (1 meter) of ground. So if you're trying to decide between an above ground construction and an underground cavern, you must be prepared to dig deep for the latter.

Your cupboard, indoor space or your outdoor construction must be well shaded, well insulated and with the minimum of air movement in and out.

TEMPERATURE

The objective is to provide stored wines with a constant temperature of between 50°F and 59°F (10°C – 15°C.

Seasonal changes in temperature will not harm your wine, although fluctuations greater than one degree a week should be avoided.

Wines subjected to temperatures over 77°F (25°C) are in grave danger of rapid deterioration.

Wines stored in less than ideal conditions will age at speeds quite different to those envisaged by winemakers when they offer suggested storage times. A hygro thermometer will provide you with accurate information as to both the temperature and humidity ranges within your cellar.

A well-constructed above ground cellar or a well dug underground cellar will require the minimum of additional temperature control although your climate or the position of your cellar may necessitate the use of a cooling device that will provide complete temperature stability.

Another alternative is a temperature controlled wine cabinet. Some of these can hold up to 800 bottles but note that some manufacturers' suggested bottle capacity can be misleading and the racks may be smaller than you require. Champagne bottles are larger than Riesling bottles!

Regard assembled wine as your best cooling block. A high density of wine bottles will reduce wine temperature fluctuations.

Consider keeping your long-term wines in a professional storage facility if your cellar cannot conform to the optimum temperature ranges.

HUMIDITY

A dry atmosphere is an enemy of the natural cork seal. A natural cork is compressed and forced into the bottle as a 100% natural seal.

Low humidity combined with a defective cork results in the wine moving out of the bottle (increasing ullage) and air naturally moving into the bottle.

Moderate humidity is important to keep the cork in good resilient condition and prevent it shrinking. Screw capped bottles do not require humidity.

Excessive humidity will not harm the wine but can cause the labels to go moldy. The ideal humidity for your cellar is 70%, however anywhere between 50–80% is acceptable.

DARKNESS

Light will prematurely age a bottle of wine. Clear bottles are most susceptible to this problem, but ultraviolet light will penetrate even dark colored glass.

Ultraviolet light will damage wine by causing the degradation of the otherwise stable organic compounds, especially the tannins found in wine. These organic compounds contribute to the aroma, flavor and structure of the wine. Without them your wine would appear flat and thin.

So exposure to ultraviolet light results in unfavorable and irreversible changes in your wine.

Sparkling wines require extra care as they are more sensitive to light than other wines.

LAY IT DOWN!

Store your wine bottles horizontally so the wine is in contact with the cork. This will keep the cork wet. If the cork dries out and shrinks it will let air get to your wine. Store it with the label facing up. This will help in three ways:

You can easily see what the wine is. You don't need to disturb the bottle to see what you've got in your cellar.

The sediment will form on the opposite side to the label and make it easier to see.

The label is less likely to suffer damage. If you're storing wine as an investment, a damaged label will reduce the value.

Follow the tips above and you'll be on your way to creating a cellar where your wine will age to perfection and a cellar that will be the envy of your friends!

This is a small sample of the wonderful tips offered in Chris Miley's book "How To Build Your Own Wine Cellar"

Cheers

Terrence Sanders
Wine Consultant
www.WineLifeAtHome.com
707-888-8918

Harvest Time Has Come To Wine Country

2008-10-12T01:54:00.000-07:00

I love harvest for so many reasons. Most have to do with the time of year--I'm a big fan of fall; the crisp air, the changing colors, the shortening days, the whole thing. But with particular regard to wine itself, harvest is an obviously interesting time of year. It's the time of year at which everything that happened in the preceding months comes to bear in the vineyards. From weather to soil quality, to farming techniques, this is more like "crunch" time than it is "crush" time.
Everything a winemaker knows is called upon during harvest--from fertilizers to fermentation and there is no margin for error. The process moves from out of nature's hands and into human hands. It's the once-a-year-only opportunity to create something that will reflect the winemaker's skill and knowledge for a lifetime.

So it is not surprising that during crush time, vineyards and wineries are exciting places to be. I've long advocated for visiting wine country during harvest time to have the quintessential wine country experience.

Though it can be difficult to find places to stay without booking well in advance, it's worth the effort to make the trip and to get an idea of what winemaking is like that you simply cannot get from one side of a tasting counter.

But you don't have to fly to California to experience the best of the 2008 harvest. WineShop At Home can send a wine consultant to your home with 6 fabulous bottles of limited production artisan wines and conduct a private presentation for you and your guest. This is an economical way to experience the 2008 Harvest from the comfort of your living room!

Contact me TODAY to book your tasting!

Cheers

Terrence Sanders
Wine Consultant
www.WineLifeAtHome.com
707-888-8918

We are currently looking to train new wine consultants! If you would like to earn a fantastic income as a wine consultant with WineShop At Home, call me and we can talk more about this wonderful business!

Love Wine? Join My Wonderful Team of Wine Consultants!

2008-10-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

Discover freedom and fun as an independent wine consultant with WineShop At Home. Be your own boss, set your own hours, and create the lifestyle you want with the rewards of working in the wine industry.

My name is Terrence Sanders, and I've been an independent wine consultant with WineShop At Home for 1 year. Being a wine consultant is a great opportunity for outgoing, fun-loving, entrepreneurial people who enjoy wine and would like to start their own business. If this describes you, I would love to have you join my team.

Here are some of the key benefits of being a wine consultant:

* Be your own boss
* Set your own hours
* Learn more about wine
* Part time or full time
* Taste a lot of great wine
* Carry no inventory
* Create the lifestyle you want with the rewards of working in the wine industry
* Have a lot of fun

WineShop At Home takes our wines directly to consumers so they can "try before they buy" without having to leave their homes. We are the company that "drinks wine and throws parties" for a living.

In addition to leading wine tastings, wine consultants also enroll new members in our wine club, sell gift baskets and personalized wines, and conduct phone and on-line sales. Building a downline team of wine consultants is another lucrative piece of the business.

To become an independent consultant, you fill out an online application and pay a small fee for your business kit. WineShop At Home's Fast Start promotion enables you to recover your initial costs in your first 45 days.

Many Elegant Options For The Holiday Gift Giving Season.

2008-09-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

WineShop At Home offers a wide array of gifts for all occasions. Choose from a full range of incredible wines and non-alcoholic gifts - single bottles, duets, trios in wood crates, baskets and much more. All featuring wines and gourmet foods direct from the wine country. We can also customize gifts with your company's logo, family photo, custom message and more. Here are some gift ideas

Personalize Your Wine and Make a Lasting Impression!

Special occasions and social gatherings call for a very special wine at a wonderful price. Our Talmage personalized wines exceed all expectations on both counts. Some of our finest exclusive wines are reserved for bottling under this special label, just waiting for you to personalize to make your own individual statement of good taste. Whatever occasion you are celebrating - a wedding, a business meeting, a family reunion, a birthday — or simply recognizing a special client, our Talmage personalized wines offer you the opportunity to express your good taste in a highly personal and stylish way.

Sampling Trio and Stems

1 sparkling, 1 white, 1 red & Stem Sampler – 1 each of our Artisan 5 Star Stems – make up the perfect Sampler for sheer tasting pleasure.

Wine Club Select Pre-Paid 3 Month Membership
Give the gift of great boutique wines from some of the finest wine growing regions delivered to that special someone for 3 months. As a wine club member, for 3 months your loved one, colleague or client will receive two incredible, limited-production wine selections in our signature gift box, vintner's notes, invitations to our annual Harvest party and other wine country events, and discounts on wine purchases.

Wine Lovers Treasure

Our exclusive red and white wines are surrounded by gourmet goodies in this veritable treasure chest. The hamper basket is filled with tasting pleasure. From crackers, cheese, mustard and salami to a spreader and special chocolate, they’ll be set for a picnic in the park or a simple tasting in the family room or backyard.

WineShop At Home, headquartered in the heart of California’s Napa Valley, epitomizes a new generation of direct sellers who serve our customers with exceptional quality, service and style. WineShop At Home is the only direct seller to offer exclusive, handcrafted artisan wines under our own high quality, prestigious brands.

Contact me today to take advantage of free shipping options and to start customizing your wine selections!

707-888-8918 or email WineLifeAtHome@Yahoo.com

Cheers

Terrence Sanders
Wine Consultant
Wine Life At Home.com

Wine Club Benefits

2008-09-16T16:42:00.000-07:00

Now's The Time to Start Planning For Corporate and Office Gift Giving

2008-09-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

As we move into the fall season, it’s not too early to start making plans for holiday gifts for coworkers and business friends. Remember, the holidays start with Thanksgiving and last until New Year’s Day. Wine and food and stemware make perfect gifts for every occasion. So, whether you are the boss, giving gifts to business associates and your direct reports, or you are part of the home office team, great gift giving can take some advanced planning and thought. To help you with your plan, WineShop At Home offers the following tips:

Whether you’re running a small business from your spare bedroom, are in charge of a large department or corporation, or a member of the home office team, you’ll want to choose thoughtful gifts that have your good taste written all over them.

Step One:

Go through that address book and identify everyone you’ve done business with this year. What vendors or associates have helped make your business a success? What clients do you have? What clients might you like to have?
Create a list of everyone you want to give a gift to, then categorize it. For instance:

VIP Gifts:

Top clients and associates who deserve a big wow and thank you!
From My Company to Yours Gifts : Associates and business friends to whom you want to say, “Hello! Remember Me? I’m thinking of you this holiday season!”

Staff & Special Vendor Gifts: Everyone who helps out all year deserves a special thank you and recognition.
Coworker Gifts: That friend in the office or cube next to yours deserves a special holiday treat expressing warmth and friendship.

VIP Gift Ideas:

Holiday Gift Baskets filled with luxury wines and foods
Double Magnums say “Wow” in a big way. Sign the bottle with a personal message for extra pop.

A Case of Personalized Wines with your company logo for that fabulous client.

Artisan 5 Star Stemware & Decanter – a shimmering example of your great taste.

A WineShop At Home Wine Club Membership will put you in their mind each and every month.

“From My Company to Yours” Gift Ideas:

Personalized wines – Nothing says “You” like your company logo placed on a label of exclusive wine. They’ll remember you at the holiday gathering and all year- long.

For the Home Office Team Gift Ideas:

Say thank you to the home team with personalized wines – every department with their own special label! Order wines by the case and get free shipping. Split up the case into single gifts.

Coworker Gift Ideas:

Consider the culture of where you work. Gifts should be appropriate to your particular office setting. A great bottle of artisan wine just might be the ticket. Consider a gift of stemware and sparkling cider as well!

You can contact me directly to place an order or you can do it yourself by visiting our website: www.WineLefeAtHome.com

Cheers!

Terrence Sanders
Wine Consultant
707-888-8918

What is a Wine Tasting Party Anyway?

2008-09-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

What is a Wine Tasting Party Anyway?

Because I live in sonoma county, I may take it for granted that everyone knows what a wine tasting
party is.

The best way to describe a wine tasting party is to first talk a litte about the wine tasting experience
at a vineyard.

When you visit a winery in Sonoma county you can walk around the vineyard and take in what truly makes
the wine country life style so special. The smells of the earth, the site of rows and rows of grapes
that sprawl over acre after acre.

Once you are amazed by the suroundings, it will eventually be time to taste some of the vineyards finest
selections.

The typical tasting room at a vineyard is beautifully decorated and appointed with glass wear, cook books,
gift baskets and some even have art galleries.

Walk up to the bar and the attendant will give you a menu of what is being poured for the day. The whole purpose
is for you to enjoy some of the finest wines that that winery has to offer while being educated on the varietal,
aging process and other fun facts about vinticulture. Hopefully at the end of the tasting, you will fall in love
with a wine enough to purchase it.

Well imagine doing the same thing but this time from the comfort of your living room! Wine tasting parties are
becoming the extremely popular with wine lovers across the country. It is an excellent way for you to experience
new wines from the comfort of your own home. Think of both vineyard and in home wine tastings as the ultimate try before
you buy approach to purchasing wine.

A wine consultant will come to your home with about 6 bottles of wine for you and approximately 12 to 16 guests to
try. If the consultant is any good, they will have wonderful and fun facts about the appelation, varietal, history,
and food pairing suggestions. A tasting lasts about an hour and at the end of the tasting, you and your guests will
have an opportunity to purchase your favorites.

Once the ordering process is complete, the consultant will clean up and leave the rest of the wine for you and your
party guests to enjoy!

A wine tasting party is an economical way to entertain guests at your home. Wine Shop At Home charges $60 to bring
6 bottles of fabulous artisan wine from the Napa/Sonoma Valley to your home. 6 bottles of really good wine can cost
upwards of $20 per bottle. That is $120 in wine alone. Your Wine Shop At Home consultant not only delivers fabulous
wines for half that price, but also brings an unique and interactive learning experience that is educational and
above all a whole lot of fun!

If you are interested in hosting a wine tasting party, you'll have to find a consultant in your area.
You can visit www.WineLifeAtHome.com and click the link that says locate a consultant in your area.

If you enjoy sharing new wine finds with family and friends, then a private in home wine tasting party may just be
what you have been looking for.

Cheers

Live The Wine Country dream

2008-08-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

Live the Wine Country Dream!

Discover a rewarding lifestyle that provides extra income and the freedom to work at home. As a WineShop At Home Independent Wine Consultant, you'll have the opportunity to share a taste of the wine country by representing our exclusive line of wines and gifts. You'll enjoy helping others host fun and easy wine tastings at their homes with family and friends. Our fantastic network of support and training makes it so simple to get started. Whether you want to work part-time or full-time, you can design the career you want. Join today and start living the life you've always dreamed of.

Benefits include:

* Opportunity to join the exciting wine industry

* Freedom to set your own hours and to work from home

* 15-29% commission on personal volume

* 3-5% on organizational volume

* Monthly cash bonus of up to $2000

* Wine Club membership commissions

* No inventory to purchase or carry

* Your own personal website to help your business grow

* Recognition and rewards for outstanding achievements

* Luxury trips to wine country destinations throughout the world

* FREE online order entry

* Company subsidized Host Appreciation Plan

* Convenient direct shipping to customers

* Dedicated management and customer care staff

* The opportunity to advance to leadership levels

* Only $135 to get started!

Call or email me and start to Live your Wine Country Dream!

Terrence Sanders
Wine Consultant

www.WineLifeAtHome.com

2008-08-29T09:02:00.000-07:00

Remember the name of the street where you grew up? Learned to ride a bike? Roller-skate? That fond address of childhood adventure lingers in the mind for a lifetime. Our Broadmoore Estates is named for just such a street. In fact, our Founder, John Lynch learned to ride his bike on Broadmoore Drive in San Ramon, California. Although he’s long ago given up training wheels, he dedicates this wine to all the streets in the world where new life-lessons are taught and to the spirit of adventure inherent in all of us. May it never die. Savor and enjoy.

2006 was the second year in a row for mild temperatures during harvest. The cool dry weather made for a later harvest and greater fruit development. This combination of factors along with lower crop yields than the previous year helped create wines of distinct character and complexity. The resulting balance of flavor and chemistry produces very food friendly wines.

This 2006 Broadmoore Estates Monterey Merlot has the aromas of ripe fruit. The layers of plum and cassis are followed by subtle hints of herbs and sesame. All of the aromas are framed with light toasty oak. The rich ruby red of this Merlot mirror the wine’s velvety texture. In the classic style of merlot this wine has a mouth filling soft texture brimming with fruit and followed by a smooth pleasing finish. This wine will cellar well for 2 to 4 years from release. Enjoy this wine with herb roasted chicken, beef and barley soup or grilled Portobello mushroom.

Introducing EVO!

2008-08-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

Ask your Wine Consultant about the latest addition to our exclusive artisan wine brands EVO.

With two varietals under our newest brand, EVO wines are destined to be memorable and provocative. On their labels, these wines depict beautiful creatures that are near to becoming extinct on our planet. The artist's renderings of these animals are shown in half-profile, reflecting the reality that a species may be gone from our world in the blink of an eye. Our EVO wines celebrate nature and call upon all of us to protect our environment and our world.

EVO 2007 Mendocino Chardonnay

In Mendocino, California, you’ll find a white wine lover’s paradise – especially if you favor fragrance, fruit and crispness. In Mendocino, the days are hot and the evenings cool; these temperature shifts allow grapes to ripen and still maintain acidity, resulting in wines with mouth-filling fruit and palate-cleansing crispness.

Perfect Pairing: Grilled halibut, chicken cordon bleu or a light salad with apples and walnuts.

EVO 2006 Mendocino County Cabernet Sauvignon

The Mendocino County 2006 harvest was an excellent overall vintage year. After the cool, wet spring, the vintage came to bear fruit slowly and surely. This longer than normal ripening period, allowed the vines to produce mature, intense fruit without high sugars. This perfect wine’s grapes were grown in a single vineyard in northern Mendocino. The grapes were picked fully mature for your drinking pleasure now – and to stock your cellar for several years to come.

Perfect Pairing: Rich foods such as grilled steak, rich cheeses. For casual dining, choose grilled burgers, eggplant parmesan or cheese pizza.

Join Our Wine Club Today!

Join Our Fabulous Wine Club!

2008-08-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

As a wine club member, you will be come a preferred customer, receiving some of California's best boutique wines, discounts and much more. We personally travel the various wine regions tasting hundreds of wines each year. Only wines of outstanding quality and craftsmanship are chosen for our wine club members.

Membership Benefits

Wine Club Members receive FREE SHIPPING on all case orders.*

Flexibility to choose two or four bottles of premium wines each month.

Ability to change your selections to match the tastes and seasons throughout the year.

Conveniently delivered right to your door in our signature box.

Tasting notes about the wines plus information about the varieties, vineyards, and wine makers. Expand your knowledge of wine as you enjoy the selections at home.

Recipes matched to specifically pair with each wine.

Invitations to our incredible member only wine country events.

Discounts on featured wine selections.

No membership fees and cancel anytime without obligation.

Join Today!

*Cases must be ordered in 12 bottle increments to receive discount equal to case shipping amount. You must log into the shopping cart during checkout and must already have an active membership to receive your discount.

Stretching Your Wine Dollars

2008-08-19T22:52:00.000-07:00

These days as we all look for ways to stretch our dollars and while gas prices continue to cut into our expendable income, we wine lovers don’t have to sacrifice quality. These 4 easy steps will go a long way in stretching your wine dollars.

Step 1:

Look for great wines in your price range, also known as “value.”

James Laube, Wine Spectator’s Napa-based senior editor, often criticizes Napa for not competing in the value market. Of course, the high cost of Napa real estate and the overhead of running palatial tasting rooms means that more money goes into marketing than production. But today, wine lovers want to pay for what’s in the bottle. Thanks to John Lynch’s vision of turning living rooms around the country into Napa tasting rooms, WineShop At Home's cost goes into the bottle. “I don’t believe that wine is a lifestyle reserved for the rich and famous. My job is simply to create wines that real people fall in love with…”

Step 2:

Taste before you buy.

Many shoppers stand in front of the great wall of wine at their grocery or box store and choose a wine based on affordability and an attractive label. Even if a salesperson has recommended their favorite to you, you have no way of knowing if you will like it until you get it home. Sometimes we get home and are delighted and sometimes not. Remember, life is too short to drink bad wine, and monies are too precious to waste on so-so bottles. With WineShop At Home, we let you taste, discover and shop for wines all in the comfort of your home and you never have to waste your wine dollars again.

Step 3:

Start a collection.

Think of that bottom of your closet or pantry with 20 or more bottles tucked away as “building liquid assets.” Did you know that most wine purchased in the United States is consumed within 2 hours of purchase? Wine lovers often miss out on the grand adventure of drinking great wines after they have grown and matured in the bottle. Many of WineShop At Home's wonderful reds will continue to surprise and delight wine lovers 3-6 years after purchase. So the wonderful Pied Violet Merlot or McKenna Trilogy, so drinkable and complex today, will be even more amazing next year, and the year after that, and the year after that. These affordable wines will easily rival their $100 cousins 2-3 years from now. How many bottles do you have tucked away?

Step 4:

Take your own wine with you when you dine out.

Wine is a major source of markup for restaurants, especially wines by the glass. A recent trend for many restaurants, even those who market themselves as “Wine Bars,” are charging outrageous prices for their wines by the glass. They may have 1 or 2 really nice wines at $20 a glass and the rest are undrinkable. Recently, I took 2 bottles of WineShop At Home's Sangiovese, both under $20, to an upscale Italian restaurant to meet 2 other couples. The least expensive Chianti on the menu was $43 a bottle and not a great one at that. We paid $15 a bottle in corkage fees. The money we saved more than paid for coffee and dessert!

Corkage fees range from $0-$20 at most restaurants. Inquire before you go and always bring a bottle that is worthy of their wine list. Offer your server or sommelier a taste and spend some time discussing the wine’s characteristics with him or her. If by chance the corkage fee disappears from the bill, thank them by adding it into the tip.

Cheers!

LOVE WINE? FIND OUT HOW TO START YOUR OWN HOME BASED BUSINESS AS A WINE CONSULTANT AT WineLifeAtHome.com.

Choose The Right Home Based Wine Business

2008-08-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

Deciding to start in direct sales is a big decision, choosing a product you are passionate about is usually the first step. I imagine most of you are passionate about wine, you like trying new wines and probably think attending wine tastings is extremely fun. So now you are looking at the different companies that are available to work with, and wondering which company you become a wine consultant with will be the most profitable and which will help you reach your goals. So let's look at a few things.

The Wines

It may seem like a small thing. Obviously they all have great wines or they wouldn't be in business. But maybe you are looking for a variety of wines, or just wines from a single region. You of course want to know if the wines are available in stores and restaurants so you aren't competing with retail establishments. Some questions to ask:

Where are your wines from?
How many wines do you have?
What is the average cost of the wine?
Is the wine exclusive to the company or available in stores?
How often do you get new wines in?

The answers to some of these questions can become extremely important after you've already chosen a company. Maybe you love California wines but you find that your community prefers Italian or French. While you may enjoy a $35 bottle of wine, how many bottles will your clients order?

Who Pays for the Wine For The Tasting?

Wine home businesses are a bit different than most other direct sales businesses in that our product is consumable, and must be finished the night of the tasting. While other wine consultants do have to pay for the products they show during parties, most of them can use the same products over and over, in this business we can't do that. It's important to understand who pays for the wine and how that will affect your ability to book tastings. Some companies have the host pay for the wine which may limit the number of tastings you can book and affect how well the host will encourage her guests to place large orders. Other companies you pay for the wine yourself and so you need to have the money upfront and know that you can market enough wine so that you earn that money back. Other companies have you pay for the wine but then reimburse you, so you need the money upfront but it may be easier to book parties since the host doesn't have to pay for the wine. Some questions to ask:

Who pays for the wine for the tastings?
How much is the wine?
Is there any reimbursement?
What is the average cost of a tasting for the consultant?
How much is shipping?

The Training

Training in direct sales is important like any business. However unlike working at a law firm or marketing company, in direct sales you have a lot of different people to learn from. Corporate will likely have conference calls, seminars and conferences. Your team or upline will also probably have their own training. In some companies the top leaders will also offer training. Some questions to ask:

What initial training do you offer?
What type of training on each of the wines do you offer?
How often are conference calls?
Are you available for personal training?
What written materials are available?

The Kit and Marketing Materials

Typically in direct sales your kit will include some product plus your first set of order forms, brochures, manual etc. Finding out what is included in your wine kit is important. Some companies have wine included in their kit while others do not. Some provide an online kit where you print everything off yourself while others have professional brochures and materials printed. Some companies don't really have marketing materials, you have to create your own. Some questions to ask:
What does the kit include?
What printed materials does the company provide?
How costly are new marketing materials when you reorder?

The Earning Potential

This is what we really want to know right? Keep in mind when asking these questions that all earnings are really dependent on how much you work your business, as well as taking into account all the answers to questions you've already asked, like how affordable the wine is and how easy it is to book a party. Some questions to ask:
What is the commission rate?
Are there different commission rates depending on leadership levels or sales goals?
Are there bonuses?
Do you earn on wine clubs?
Do you earn on reorders?
Do you earn on website orders? Phone orders?

The Fun Stuff

Direct sales companies are notorious for providing incentive trips for wine consultants. So ask about the fun places you can earn your way to! Ask about the annual conventions, are they in great locations? Do you get to try new wines? What other ways are consultants rewarded for doing a great job?

Screwed!

2008-08-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

According to studies, wine corks represent at least two thirds of the cork industry, which is a $1.3 billion industry. It is feared that with the reduced amounts of wine companies using corks in their wine bottles, the industry will dramatically reduce and the forests used to manufacture the cork will be unprofitable and could be subject to destruction.

So, why is it that has made these wine companies change from corks to fake corks and screw caps? After all, corks have been used to seal these bottles of wine for thousands of years and all good French wines have been using them for at least four hundred years, so why the big change?

The answer to that question is simple. The technology for sealing bottles of wine has evolved as everything in life has. They aren't top of the range technology anymore and to be frank, they aren't even particularly good at what they are meant to do. Ok, they stop the wine from escaping, but, and this is quite a big but, they are subject to a chemical called 2,4,6-trichloroanisole. You may have no idea what this chemical is, but it is estimated to affect 3-7% of all wines that use natural corks. It is a foul tasting chemical and it can severely ruin a wine's flavor. This defies the point of using it, especially if you are planning to age the wine for several years.

Another reason why the change has been introduced is because the demand for wine has increased dramatically over recent years. This has meant that more bottles of wine need corks, and the supply of good quality corks are becoming hard to find to meet the demand. Cork trees cannot be harvested for the first time until they are 54 years old! After each harvesting you must then wait another 9 years before cork can be taken from the same tree. That is one reason why synthetic cork substitutes are being used. However, these aren't particularly brilliant for stronger wines and have been proven to be harder to remove than real corks.

It is this reason why screw caps are becoming more and more popular amongst wine companies. They do not leak and therefore do the same job as the cork, but with more practicality. They are cheaper and easier to produce and the styles and makes of screw caps made ensure that the metal in the cap do not affect the wine in any way. Australia is leading the way in screw caps with almost 50% of their wines being closed with them.

Screw tops have proven to be more practical than corks or even synthetic corks, but some people argue that it takes away the romance of a bottle of wine. Can a good quality, well-aged bottle of wine really be respected and enjoyed with a cheap and nasty screw top? Different people have different answers to that question, and it is one that is left to the drinkers preferred taste. The question you have to ask yourself is, how long will it be before all bottles of wine are sealed in this way?

What to Look For While Tasting Wine

2008-08-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

While you are tasting wine, your mind will be racing to connect all the senses to determine whether or not you like the wine. So what should you be paying attention to?

There are only four tastes you can perceive, sweet, salty, bitter, and sour. Wine contains no salt, so you should not taste perceive any saltiness so we can really only determine sweet, bitter and sour on our tongue when tasting wine. Any sour flavor will usually indicate acidity while bitterness is produced from tannins and high alcohol. You can usually tell this if you are a new wine drinker by what I call a "bite" when you take your first sip, tannins are not a taste, it's a sensation. Sweetness occurs in wines that have sugar leftover in them.

Sweetness will be tasted on the tip of your tongue and will usually be tasted right away. Any sour or acidic flavor will appear on the sides of your tongue against your cheeks and possibly at the back of your throat, while bitterness will grip you on the back of your tongue. The aftertaste of wine is important to think about in terms of how balanced the flavors remain in your mouth after swallowing. Aftertaste of excellent wines usually lasts 1-3 minutes.

As you combine what is happening to your taste buds with what you smell in the wine, you will begin to be able to differentiate between varietals and understand which wines you will like better.

Where Will You Be September 13th?

2008-08-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

Doing the same old same old? Listen up! When Harvest comes to Wine Country, you have to be here. Our exclusive Harvest Party, created especially for you, our Wine Club Members, is every wine lover’s dream come true. It's the “wine insiders” event of the year. Founders John & Melissa Lynch will be on hand to personally greet you and share an experience you’ll never forget.

The Monte Rosso Vineyard in the famed Sonoma Valley is where it’s all happening on September 13th from noon to four. You’ll enjoy a guided vineyard tour. You’ll taste newly-released wines and share in an Italian feast under the arbor.

How about a barrel tasting in an 1886 old stone winery? How about a relaxing game of bocce ball? How about new friends and old and some memories to last a lifetime? Come savor the wine country lifestyle and celebrate this special harvest season with us.

Don’t miss out on the very special Wine Club Membership advantages.

Cheers

Terrence

Wine Life At Home

Join The Revloution

2008-08-13T22:47:00.001-07:00

SIGN-UP SPECIAL!

From now through the end of August you can join Wine Shop at Home for only $99 (regularly $135), or upgrade to our Premium Business Kit for only $139 (regularly $175) that includes a 6-bottle tasting sampler!

You don’t need to be a wine expert!! We teach you everything you need to know to be successful! All you need to do is purchase your business kit:

FREE Consultant Website (set-up and hosting included for the first year)
Comprehensive Consultant Training DVD and Manual
Wine Shop At Home Insulated 6 bottle wine carrier
Premium wine accessories
Step-by-step wine tasting guide
Reference book
Catalogs
Marketing materials
Immediate access to company training
We are currently signing Wine Shop at Home Consultants in the following states:
CA, CO, FL, ID, LA, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, OH, OR, SC, TX, VA, WA, WI, . We are constantly adding new states of operation. Check back often to see if the Wine Shop At Home opportunity is available in your state and be one of the first to build a business in you area.

Contact me for more information! You can even sign-up as a Consultant on my Website http://www.wineshopathome.com/jenniferhickman and your own Consultant Website will be activated upon sign-up so you can start your WSAH business immediately!

Wine Tasting Events Are Sweeping the Nation

2008-08-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

Wine Tasting events have never been more popular. In California’s wine country, tasting rooms are packed with the 20-somethings, 30-somethings, 40-somethings and the 50+ crowd.There seems to be no age barrier to the quest for, and the enjoyment of wine. The Wine Tasting experience has also become more and more expensive with some Napa and Sonoma Valley tasting room prices topping the charts at upwards of $25.00 per tasting guest.

Many people are interested in becoming wine enthusiasts, yet are intimidated about wine tastings because they often seem to be complicated rituals in which only the well-informed, wine connoisseurs can participate. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The most important thing to know about wine tastings is that they should be fun and accessible to everyone with a desire to discover more about the world of wine.

WineShop At Home is revolutionizing the way wine is discovered, enjoyed and purchased. At in-home Wine Tastings – where a living room, family room or patio – serve as the tasting room, you will guide your Hosts and their guests through six wines –a $120+ value for only $59 – serving up to 16 guests. Where else can you serve up the wine country lifestyle and entertain your family and friends for under $4 a person? Your Hosts and guests will have the opportunity to learn about wine, talk about wine, sip and shop for wine from an ever-changing menu of well-priced, exclusive artisan wine brands found nowhere else on earth.

WineShop At Home Also offers health insurance for their consultants!

For more information on becoming an Independent Wine Consultant with WineShop At Home, click here

Cheers!

Become a Wine Consultant

2008-08-03T22:25:00.000-07:00

Many a wine lover has thought about making their own wine, maybe owning a small vineyard, or just working in a vineyard wine shop on the weekends in order to learn more about wine. Taking on such an endeavor is of course intimidating, and quite often costly and time consuming. As an independent wine consultant with a direct sales company, you have the chance to learn about wine while earning a significant income. Best of all, as a business owner you get to set your own hours. So what exactly does an independent wine consultant do?

Try New Wines - Okay while this isn't an official job description, it is the BEST part of being a wine consultant. You have to know the wines you are serving, and the best way to do that is TASTE! If you are a consultant with a company that has a large assortment of wine that changes frequently, it can be interesting to have your first taste with your guests, but either way, you will definitely be tasting lots of wine as a consultant. WineShop at Home also has annual conventions where you will be able to taste the wines, as well as local training with other consultants.

Tasting Technique - One of the most important aspects of your job as a wine consultant is teaching proper wine tasting technique to your guests. Most guests will have either never attended a wine tasting or have only attended them in large groups at a festival. The guests may have seen others swirl their wine but have no idea WHY you are supposed to do it. They may know they should look at the wine but have no idea what they are looking for, it's your job to go through each of the steps so they can have a better appreciation for the wine they are tasting.

Wine Pairing - One of the most intimidating aspects of wine for your guests will be what to pair the wine with. As an independent wine consultant you will explain in simple terms what the wines you are tasting will be best paired with, and you may even have the host prepare some of these foods so the guests can taste the difference in the wine when paired with an appropriate food.

Collect Orders - Some companies call orders by other terms, but your quest is to sell or market as much wine as possible at a tasting, as that is how you earn your income. You will be responsible for collecting orders and payment and submitting them to the company to be fulfilled. After that you will make sure to follow up with your guests to ensure they are satisfied customers and everything was received.

Learn More About Becoming a Wine Consultant

Welcome To WineShop At Home

2008-08-02T23:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to WineShop At Home,

The premier direct seller of exclusive, handcrafted artisan wines, headquartered in California’s famed Napa Valley. Our independent Wine Consultants throughout the country present in-home Wine Tastings that make discovering and purchasing great wine effortless and fun. We invite you to come for the taste and stay for the lifestyle. Come taste with us as a Host or as a guest. Then stay for the wine country lifestyle as a Wine Club Member or as a customer. For the ultimate lifestyle, we invite you to join us as a WineShop At Home Consultant and discover the rewards of a career in the world of wine. We look forward to sharing the WineShop At Home experience with you.

Live the Wine Country Dream!

2008-08-01T01:19:00.000-07:00

Discover a rewarding lifestyle that provides extra income and the freedom to work at home. As a WineShop At Home Independent Wine Consultant, you'll have the opportunity to share a taste of the wine country by representing our exclusive line of wines and gifts. You'll enjoy helping others host fun and easy wine tastings at their homes with family and friends. Our fantastic network of support and training makes it so simple to get started. Whether you want to work part-time or full-time, you can design the career you want. Join today and start living the life you've always dreamed of.

Benefits

* Opportunity to join the exciting wine industry
* Freedom to set your own hours and to work from home
* 15-29% commission on personal volume
* 3-5% on organizational volume
* Monthly cash bonus of up to $2000
* Wine Club membership commissions
* No inventory to purchase or carry
* Your own personal website to help your business grow
* Recognition and rewards for outstanding achievements
* Luxury trips to wine country destinations throughout the world
* FREE online order entry
* Company subsidized Host Appreciation Plan
* Convenient direct shipping to customers
* Dedicated management and customer care staff
* The opportunity to advance to leadership levels
* Only $135 to get started!

Career Plan

Our generous career plan allows you to earn income many ways.* Whether you are interested in supplementing your existing income or making this a lucrative career, you can design the business you want. See our career plan to see the many ways you can earn income in the exciting wine industry including:
Wine Tastings
Downline Team Volume
Wine Club Residual Income
Corporate Gifts & Custom Label Wines
Annual Dream Vacation Incentive Trips

Health & Insurance Plans

Wine Shop At Home is also proud to offer optional health insurance through the Direct Sales Association and liability coverage for our Independent Wine Consultants.

* WineShop At Home Independent Consultants are marketing agents and not direct sellers of wine. Therefore, our consultants are not required to purchase inventory of any kind, except the initial Wine Consultant Business Kit. All resulting customer orders are processed and shipped directly from WineShop At Home's licensed winery and retail facility in California to the end consumer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money can I earn?

The WineShop At Home opportunity offers many ways to earn income. Depending on the effort you put into your business there is unlimited earning potential through wine tasting sales, team sales, and monthly wine club shipments. Your commissions increase as you are promoted in the organization. Please refer to the career plan for more information. Whether you want to earn $500 part time each month or build a successful business with unlimited earnings - a career as a WineShop At Home Consultant will fit your lifestyle.

Do I need to be a wine expert?

No, WineShop At Home tastings are meant to be fun, not technical. Consultants share the stories of our featured wines and exclusive food pairings. We teach you wine basics & provide details about each wine and delicious recipes to share with guests.

Do I need to pay for my host gifts?

No, we include the host gifts as our complimentary gift at no additional cost to the consultant.

Is there an up-front fee?

The only investment is for your WineShop At Home Business Kit which includes professional wine tools, business supplies, training materials required to run your business and a personal business ready website. You even have the opportunity to earn back the investment right away with our Fast Start Program.

Do I need to pay for business supplies?

We provide initial supplies as part of your Wine Consultant Business Kit. You can purchase additional business supplies at a special price for Wine Consultants.

Are there legal issues with wine sales?

Our program has been carefully structured to accommodate in-home wine sales. Wine Consultants simply collect wine orders and are not responsible for processing and shipping wine to customers.

Do I have to buy inventory?

No, our Wine Consultants collect orders and the corporate office takes care of all the processing and shipping. For added convenience we ship every order directly to the individual customer, not the host.

Incentives & Trips

WineShop At Home offers the opportunity to travel and experience wine country living first-hand. Never before has the opportunity to join the wine industry been so easy AND rewarding.

Luxury Incentive Trips

WineShop At Home celebrates the achievement and success of our Consultants with exciting vacations each year. Our annual incentive trip is always held in resort areas rich with wine, food, relaxation and pampering. From the beautiful resorts in Napa and Sonoma, to exciting trips to wine regions abroad, our incentive trips reflect the class and style of WineShop At Home.

Annual Conference

As a Consultant with WineShop At Home, you can experience the fun, friendship, and excitement of our National Annual Conference each and every year. This event, held during the summer months, offers hands-on wine tasting workshops, free gifts, and in-depth training to help Consultants build successful WineShop At Home businesses.

Leadership Retreat

WineShop At Home offers leaders the chance to participate in exclusive events held at the new company headquarters and at beautiful wineries. Retreats included advanced wine and food pairing education, personal coaching, career development, and of course lots of fun.

Success Stories

Finding WineShop At Home has been a dream come true for me. I was an accountant for most of my life but always had a love for wine and a yearning to be part of the glorious world of wine . It started out for me as a fun, social outlet. I was intrigued to work with a company that dealt with numerous small production vintners in the top California wine regions. When my son graduated from college I decided to do something for myself and make this my career of choice.
I was fortunate enough to become WineShop At Home's 1st Director and also earn my way to their 1st international trip to Italy! My top consultant also earned her way and together we got to share in an amazing trip to Tuscany. I can't think of a better way to have your own business - learn about great wine, build a team of lifelong friends and share it all with others!
Cheers,
-Sharon Bacchetta

"I was an elementary classroom teacher before starting my first successful direct sales business over 20 years ago. As a mother of all boys, currently ages 9 up to 24, I love the benefits of being home based. I have always worked my business as a career choice and have personally experienced the full time income that comes along with that option. From swimming lessons to college tuition and fabulous trips this business provides so much for my boys. I still love to teach by training and helping new consultants become successful. I made the decision to move to Wine Shop at Home for many reasons, including the fresh new concept of Wine Tasting Parties and the diverse marketing options. I knew that this was going to be a huge success! With new states opening this is the perfect time to be in this fun, simple and successful business. I encourage you to come and celebrate with us!"
-Phyllis Huesman

"After leaving a demanding career in banking, I searched for something fun and flexible to do with my husband Dick. WineShop at Home was a perfect fit because it combined our love for wine, with an opportunity to build a team of people we love to spend time with. Now we travel and play with friends creating memories in a new wine country lifestyle. Our business is thriving, our retirement fund is growing, and I'm actually smiling all the way to the bank."
-Renae Thue

"When I first joined "WineShop at Home," I was exploring the opportunity to make a little extra money while doing something I've always enjoyed...tasting and sharing great wine. Little did I know that it would become such a rewarding part of my life! In addition to gaining extra income I have earned trips to the wine country for behind the scenes tours not available to the public. Through these trips I've learned a great deal about the science and art of winemaking. Best of all, however, are the people I've met through WineShop at Home - the company team, my fellow consultants, and the scores of new people I've met at tastings. They are now among those I consider good friends."
-Maureen Corr

"WineShop At Home is the perfect way to turn a hobby into a profitable past time. Not only do I get to sell great wine, but I also get to be apart of the wine country lifestyle while living hours away from Napa & Sonoma counties. I am able to balance my wine life with a toddler and encourage other mom's to get involved in starting their own business. I have been able to turn a love of wine into a great income along with amazing trips to the wine country. WineShop at Home has always encouraged me to reach for high goals and I have been able to be a leader in sales even with my busy schedule. This business allows me to gain a great income while still having all the time I need with my daughter."
-Kelly Cesa

"I joined WineShop At Home to turn my passion of wine into a career. Being a wine consultant has given me the opportunity to learn more about wine, meet some wonderful people and make new friends in addition to getting paid for doing something I love...sharing my passion of wine and the lifestyle that comes along with it". I feel extremely fortunate to have the team that I do for many reasons. They are generous, extremely supportive of myself and each other, creative, and fun-loving. I'm blessed to say that they are my friends". "This year I was able to earn my way to the conference all expenses paid and VIP treatment from my team sales. I love the opportunity to go to events with my team and encourage others to enjoy a fun and fulfilling wine life.
-Mary Jo Ryan

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