Home Entertaining Ideas - The Easy Way to Become a Wine Connoisseur

(ARA) - You enjoy a glass of wine, but feel left out of conversations when words like "varietal" and "region" are thrown around. For the most part, you like the wine you choose, but let's be honest; you pick it because the label looks good. There is a way that you can experience, and learn about, great wines without becoming a wine snob. The best way to get your foot in the door? Join a wine club.

Joining the right wine club can be like having you own personal sommelier -- a trained wine steward. A site such as Bottlenotes.com utilizes proprietary technology to match your tastes with a personalized wine list from boutique and estate wineries from all over the world.

Fill out a few questions and you'll be given a free profile with recommendations matched to your personal tastes. Like a crisp, light white wine? Bottlenotes may recommend a citrusy Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or a tart Pinot Grigio from Italy. In the mood for a big, powerful red wine? A French Cabernet Sauvignon may be right up your alley.

After setting up your wine profile, browse the Winecyclopedia and become an expert on everything wine related -- from Amarone to Zinfandel (an Italian dried grape wine and a spicy California red wine, respectively). You can also track your wine preferences, connect with people who enjoy the wines you enjoy and see how your favorite wines match up with celebrity favorites.

Now that you know more about the world's most popular wine regions and have an idea of the wines that are right for you, it's time to begin your wine journey. But on this journey, the wine comes to you.

Bottlenotes offers many diverse wine clubs to choose from. The Explorers Club is a great way to discover wines from the United States, France, Australia, Chile and more. The Explorers Club is a fun and affordable way to learn about and keep track of the grape varietals and wine styles you enjoy -- without ever leaving home. Other popular wine clubs include the Connoisseur Club and the "Girls Night In" Club.

Choose your club and decide how many bottles you'd like and how often you'd like to receive them. There is no obligation and no membership fee. Check Bottlenotes.com to find out where wine can be shipped.

Have you ever been part of a book club? Wine clubs are the hot new trend in get-togethers. Gather with friends, sip some great wine and discuss its flavors, aromas and history and -- everyone's favorite part -- experiment with different food pairings to find what best complements the wine.
Visit Bottlenotes.com to create your personalized wine profile, get expert recommendations and join the Explorer's Club. You'll never look at a wine label the same way again.

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