By Jim Marks   Published Oct 18, 2000 at 3:51 PM

Choose your weapon

Jim MarksSelecting the right glass for the right wine does not have to be an expensive affair.

Stemware can range from $1.50 to over $20.00 a glass depending on your preference.

Stemware, of course, allows you the opportunity to swirl the wine to release the aroma. A wider glass is usually used for reds, allowing you to get your nose right into the glass.

While most people think of France and California as producers of the world‚s best wine, Wollersheim Wines are producing some very good vintages right here in Wisconsin.

Located in Prairie du Sac, owner Bob Wollersheim's 26 acre vineyard is producing wines that out state can be proud of.

Search for the Prairie Fume either in area restaurants or at your local wine store. Pop the cork and enjoy a glass of Wisconsin.

Starting a wine cellar for less that $100


Want to start a collection of wines to explore and enjoy without breaking the budget?

  • 6 bottles of White-Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Johannisberg Reisling
  • 4 Hearty Reds-Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel
  • 1 Blush-White Zinfandel
  • Your server will bring you the bottle of wine you selected. You should check the vintage year and the type of wine to make sure this is what you ordered.

    After he opens the bottle, the server will hand the host the cork to smell. Most are fine. If the cork smells musty, generally the wine may have turned bad.

    Then the server will pour the host about l oz. to taste. Smell the wine, swirl it, check the color, and taste. If it's okay, sit back and enjoy.

    There is plenty of domestic Champagne available at modest prices. French Champagne will be more expensive and a little more difficult to find. Don't wait too long if you are going this route.

    To open, make sure the Champagne is well chilled. Don't shake or bump the bottle; take off the foil and the wire holder carefully. Hold the bottle at a 45 degree angle. Grip the cork firmly and pull out.

    When pouring the Champagne, tilt the glass at an angle to reduce the amount of bubbles and the chance of overflowing. Enjoy!

  • Purchase a wine pump - they are modestly priced - $12 - $15
  • Follow directions:
  • Pump out air - Keeping air away helps to preserve the wine (single use). The most popular vacu-vin can be used on several bottles. There are 2 rubber stoppers provided. More are available.
  • You can even take the red or white wine that you have vacu-vined and store it in the refrigerator - it can last up to one week.

    When you take this wine out of the refrigerator, bring it up to room temperature, slowly open, and enjoy.