Overview
The holidays are stressful enough -- why worry about the wine you're serving at a big dinner or party? We brought in sommeliers Jordan Salcito and Joe Campanale to give us a crash course on everything from turkey pairings to decanting advice.
Pairings for the Big Meal
'Tis the season for turkey dinners, but no matter what you hear, there isn't really one "best" wine for the big feast. Jordan and Joe share their favorites and give tips for what to look for in a crowd-pleasing wine for the table. - in association with Rachael Ray
Best Wines to Give as Gifts
Joe and Jordan agree that there is no single "best" wine to give as a gift, but share their own tried and true tips for picking the best bottle for whomever you have in mind. - in association with Rachael Ray
Wine Buying Tips for Party Hosts
Should I buy red or white? How many bottles do I need? Is it possible for a wine to be both elegant and economical? Joe and Jordan give tips and answer questions so you can ensure a party of perfect pours. - in association with Rachael Ray
Related: Watch Party Hosting Wine Tips in HD
Wine Party 101
Who doesn't love a good wine tasting party? While spending the evening sipping reds, whites and rosés is always classy and elegant, it can often be expensive. Before spending the big bucks, check out these tips from entertaining expert Evette Rios for saving money, having fun, and making your wine party a success. - in association with Rachael Ray
Related: Watch Wine Party 101 in HD
Red Wine Basics
Jordan gives you the rundown on the world of red wine. From Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon to Gamay and Beaujolais Nouveau, she highlights both familiar varietals and newly fashionable wine regions to help you find the perfect bottle for your next gathering. - in association with Rachael Ray
Related: Watch Red Wine Basics in HD
White Wine Basics
Traveling from Italy to California and covering wines from Riesling to Chardonnay, Jordan takes us on a tour of the regions and grapes responsible for some of her favorite white wines. By the end of the tutorial, you'll feel like a seasoned white wine drinker as you sip your next hand-picked glass. - in association with Rachael Ray
Related: Watch White Wine Demystified in HD
How to Read Wine Labels
Full disclosure: Here at eHow Food, we judge wine by its label more often than we should. We won't any longer, thanks to Joe's tips on discerning between quality details and flashy marketing. - in association with Rachael Ray
Related: Watch How to Read Wine Labels in HD
Opening a Bottle of Wine Properly
We've all been there: wrestling with a stubborn wine cork before a crowd of onlookers, hoping desperately that it doesn't break off in the bottle. Joe's here to help. After his walk through on wine opening basics and a little practice, you'll open wine bottles as confidently as a sommelier. - in association with Rachael Ray
The 411 on Wine Glasses
If you worry that your glasses won't do justice to your wine collection, take a few minutes to get the scoop from Jordan and Joe on the best vessels for white, red, sparkling and whether stemless is the way to go (spoiler alert: they don't recommend it). - in association with Rachael Ray
Related: Watch The 411 on Wine Glasses in HD
Wine Tasting 101
Between the swirling, smelling and sipping, it's easy to get lost in the wine tasting process and forget the purpose. Jordan talks through the proper way to taste wine, highlighting what scents, flavors and sensations you should look for each step of the way. - in association with Rachael Ray
Related: Watch How to Taste Wine in HD
Decanting Wine Demystified
Not just for seasoned sommeliers, decanting is something that every wine lover can (and should) do. Joe explains the purpose of "aerating" the wine and demonstrates the right way to decant. - in association with Rachael Ray
The Skinny on Sparkling Wine
Just because it sparkles, doesn't mean it shines – but you don't necessarily need to spend big bucks on a bottle of bubbly, either. Jordan gives a quick lesson on the world of sparkling wine from Prosecco to Champagne, giving you the confidence to buy the right bottle for your next celebration. - in association with Rachael Ray
Tips for Opening a Bottle of Sparkling Wine
The showy cork pop is impressive, but is it the right way to go when opening a bottle of bubbly? Joe shows the sommelier way of opening a bottle of sparkling, which keeps the pressure under control and minimizes messes. - in association with Rachael Ray
Related: Watch Tips for Opening a Bottle of Sparkling Wine in HD
Jordan and Joe's Wine Cocktails
Sophisticated yet simple, wine cocktails raise the bar for holiday refreshments. Joe Campanale and Jordan Salcito make a few of their favorites and show you how to turn your glass of wine into the talk of the party. - in association with Rachael Ray
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