This guide is a reference for both beginners and experts, and covers all aspects of wine in easy-to-use, understandable fashion. We have a true passion for wine and want to share that passion with you by helping you explore the many facets of this fascinating and historical libation.

Using this guide will educate you on the many varietals of wine, the predominant appellations, winemaking, wine accessories, and more. We'll give you some useful tips on storing, serving, and tasting wine, as well as explain wine ratings, simplify wine terms, and give you pointers on excellent vintages. But above all, this website will help you to further your enjoyment of wine and assist you in making your own explorations and discoveries. Enjoy!

By Amy Pogue

I was lucky enough to be in Oregon's famous Willamette Valley in mid-October and witnessed what can only be described as careful fervor as workers raced up and down rows harvesting Pinot Noir grapes. That Sunday was the last forecasted day of sunshine before an ominously long stretch of rain was scheduled to settle into the area. It was a simply amazing - and daunting - experience to look out upon hundreds of acres of vineyards, knowing that as many as possible needed to be harvested in the next 12 hours.

The quality of a wine is very much determined by the timing of the grapes' harvest. Ripe grapes that endure dry weather towards the end of their growing cycle will show optimal, high sugar content. This high sugar content is key for fermentation and also influences the intensity and flavor of the wine. As you can imagine, a nice heavy rain, as we are accustomed to receiving in Oregon, plumps up the grapes with water and effectively decreases their sugar content.

As a result, winemakers keep a keen eye on weather forecasts at this time of year. Ideally the grapes should be ripe with a little bit of raisining and a hint of sunburn. After the grapes are picked, usually under the threat of rain, they are quickly whisked off for inspection and then on to de-stemming, the crush, and eventually fermentation.

Overall 2009 has been an excellent growing season for the Pacific NW and we can expect to see some very fine wines as a result. We'll find out for sure when the wine is in the bottle, which should be in about 18 months. Cheers!