Top 10 Tasting Room Questions we are Most Frequently Asked

Some Charles Creek Tasting Room FAQs

At our Tasting Room, we continually are asked questions about our wines, how long they last, what temperature is best to serve wine, what type of glasses are best, etc.. So we have compiled many of the frequently asked questions along with some answers. Sometimes the answers are Charles Creek specific and other times we direct people to other sources to get an answer. Please share with us your ideas….

So, here we go with our most Top 10 most asked questions :
1.When will this wine be ready to drink?
Simple, when you are ready to open it, but I don’t suspect that’s why people are asking this question. First every wine is different, but generally Cabs or port, maybe sauternes have the longest lives. I recently had a 80 year old bottle of port which was still not yet ready. The best way to make a determination is to check the web site of the producing winery for their estimated drink by date. Take ½ of that time and try a bottle, it should be fine. Generally, wines are ready to drink in the first year or within 2-5 years and peak usually around the 5th -8th year and decline after that. Exceptions abound, but this should give you an indication. I am speaking about domestic wines in the under $50 category.
2. When I visit a region, how do I know what wineries to visit?
Go to small local wineries you have never heard of. One of our wines was discovered and was very highly rated by the Wall Street Journal in just this manner. You will be given lots more time than a big winery will give you to sip and talk with the owner or a very knowledgeable Tasting Room Manager.
3. Why do sometimes get headaches with wines?
There is no individual answer I can give you but you should consult a doctor about this if the problem persists. Generally, headaches are caused by histamines in the wines, and reactions to this are highly individual. Some people have problems with red wines, other white wines, know yourself and consult accordingly. My wife gets occasional headaches from red wines so she is mostly a white wine drinker with no problems.
4. We are asked our opinions of other wines all the time? We try to be polite and say: Our opinion doesn’t matter, it is what you like, drink what you care for and enjoy. Don’t drink what others tell you to drink, don’t be swayed by critics, listen to your friends but ultimately, your taste is KING.
5. How do I cellar this wine and what is the correct temperature? Wine should be maintained at about 55 degrees. If you have a cellar that turns over quickly, try 58 degrees as this will make your wines more ready for consumption and should not have a bad impact on your wines in the cellar.
6. Do I need a temperature controlled cellar?
No, but you do need a cool, dry room with very low or no light where the temperature stays at a constant or near constant 55-58 degrees. Some variation won’t hurt. However, if you have a very expensive collection in your cellar, the best way to safeguard the wines is to have a temperature controlled cellar.
7. Should I decant?
No usually not necessary except with older wines or wines that are very tight. We almost never decant our wines.
8. How can we save your label? Simple, just ask us for one, we always have extras that we give out to people. However, another way you can do it is to heat an oven to 350 degrees, turn off the oven, put the empty bottle in, take out the bottle with heat mittens on, and gently pry loose the label.
9. What is the best party wine? Pinot Grigio, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, for parties, maybe a rose and for real treat, try some Riesling. For reds, try a Malbec or the tried and true cabernet sauvignon or merlot. If the mood is right, the wines won’t matter. Generally wines with slightly higher acidity are best so they can stand up to all the noibblies at a party...
10. Why do you use the glasses you do at the Tasting Room?
Because they are the best size. About 18 ounces, properly shaped with a slight inward curve at the top and big enough to swirl and smell the wines.