Premium Wine Regions of the World

Sunday, 4. March 2012


The Bordeaux wine region is intimately connected with Cabernet Sauvignon, even though wine is rarely made without the blended component of other grape varieties. It is the likely “birthplace” of the vine, and producers across the globe have invested heavily in trying to reproduce the structure and complexity of Bordeaux wines. While the “Bordeaux blend” of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc and Merlot created the earliest examples of acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon wine, Cabernet Sauvignon was first blended in Bordeaux with Syrah, a pairing that is widely seen in Australia and some vin de pays wines from the Languedoc. The decision to first start blending Cabernet Sauvignon was partly derived from financial necessity. The sometime temperamental and unpredictable climate of Bordeaux during the “Little Ice Age” did not guarantee a successful harvest every year; producers had to insure themselves against the risk of losing an entire vintage by planting a variety of grapes. Over time it was discovered that the unique characteristics of each grape variety can complement each other and enhance the overall quality of wine. As a base, or backbone of the wine, Cabernet Sauvignon added structure, acidity, tannins and aging potential. By itself, particularly when harvested at less than ideal ripeness, its can lack a sense of fruit or “fleshiness” on the palate which can be compensated from by adding the rounder flavors of Merlot. Cabernet franc can add additional aromas to the bouquet as well as more fruitiness. In the lighter soils of the Margaux region, Cabernet-based wines can lack color, which can be achieved by blending in Petit Verdot. Malbec, used today mostly in Fronsac[disambiguation needed ], can add additional fruit and floral aromas.[2]

DNA evidence has shown Cabernet Sauvignon is the result of the crossing of two other Bordeaux grape varieties- Cabernet franc and Sauvignon blanc- which has led grapevine historians, or ampelographers, to believe that the grape originated in Bordeaux. Early records indicate that the grape was a popular planting in the Mdoc region during the 18th century. The loose berry clusters and thick skins of the grape provided a good resistance to rot in the sometimes wet maritime climate of Bordeaux. The grape continued to grow in popularity till the Powdery mildew epidemic of 1852 exposed Cabernet Sauvignon’s sensitivity to that grape disease. With vineyards severely ravaged or lost, many Bordeaux wine growers turned to Merlot, increasing its plantings to where it soon became the most widely-planted grape in Bordeaux. As the region’s winemakers started to better understand the area’s terroir and how the different grape varieties performed in different region, Cabernet Sauvignon increased in plantings all along the Left Bank region of the Gironde river in the Mdoc as well as Graves region, where it became the dominant variety in the wine blends. In the Right bank regions of Saint-milion and Pomerol, Cabernet is a distant third in plantings behind Merlot & Cabernet franc.[2]

In the wine regions of the Left Bank, the Cabernet influence of the wine has shown unique characteristics in the different regions. In Saint-Estphe and Pessac-Lognan, the grape develops more mineral flavors. Aromas or violets are a characteristic of Margaux. Pauillac is noted by a strong lead pencil scent and Saint-Julien by cedar and cigar boxes. The Cabernet wines of the Moulis are characterized by their soft tannins and rich fruit flavors while the southern Graves region is characterized by strong black currant flavors, though in less intense wines over all.[2] The percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon used in the blend will depend on terroir and the winemakers styles as well as the vintage. The First Growth estates of Ch”teau Mouton Rothschild and Ch”teau Latour are noted for regularly producing wines with some of the highest percentage of Cabernet- often around 75%.[1]

A common factor affecting the flavors of Bordeaux wines is the harvest yields of Cabernet Sauvignon. Throughout Bordeaux there is a legal maximum permitted yield of 50 hectoliters (hl) per hectare (ha). With the aid of global warming and vigorous rootstocks, many Bordeaux vineyards can easily surpass 60 hl/ha, with some estates taking advantage of the legal loophole of plafond limite de classement (“ceiling limit classification”) that permits higher yields during “exceptional” years. This has had an adverse affect on the quality of production from some producers who regularly use grapes harvested at excessive yields. In recent years there has been more of an emphasis on keeping yields low, particularly for an estate’s Grand vin.[2]

[edit]Other French regions

The Bordeaux wine region accounts for more than 60% of the Cabernet Sauvignon grown in France. Outside of Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon is found in varying quantities throughout Le Midi and in the Loire Valley. In general, Cabernet Sauvignon wines are lighter and less structured, drinkable much earlier than Bordeaux wine. In the southwest French appellation d’origine contrle (AOCs) of Bergerac and Buzet it is used to make ros wine. In some regions it is used to add flavor and structure to Carignan while it is blended with Ngrette in Gaillac and Fronton as well as Tannat in Madiran. In Provence, the grape had some presence in the region in the mid 19th century, when viticulturist Jules Guyot recommended it as a blending partner with Syrah. In recent years, several Midi wine estates, such as Mas de Daumas Gassac have received international acclaim for their Cabernet Sauvignon blended in Hrault, with Rhne grapes like Syrah. It is often made as a single varietal in the vin de pays of the Languedoc. The influence of Australian flying winemakers has been considerable in how Cabernet Sauvignon is treated by some Languedoc wine estates, with some producers making wines that can seem like they are from the New World. Overall, the grape has not exerted it dominance of the region, generally considered less ideally situated to the dry climate than Syrah. The Languedoc producers who give serious consideration to Cabernet Sauvignon, generally rely on irrigation to compensate for the climate.[1]

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Wine And Its Health Benefits

Friday, 2. March 2012


A lot of people talk about the health benefits of wine but many doubt if this is true. In this article, you will learn about factual health benefits of drinking wine based on latest studies. Keep in mind that these health benefits come from moderate consumption. The American Heart Association defines moderate wine consumption as 1 to 2 glasses every day. A glass measures 4 ounces. Here are the health benefits of wine:

1. Moderate wine consumption can lengthen your life. It is found that there is a 34% less death rate for moderate drinkers of wine compared to beer drinkers.

2. Findings from a 16-year Harvard School of Public Health study show that wine keeps the heart healthy. More specifically, findings show that those who do not drink wine have 30% more chance of developing a heart attack compared to those who moderately drink wine.

3. Drinking wine moderately decreases the risk of developing a heart disease. Tannins, which are present in wine, contain procyanidins which protect against heart disease. This is a finding from a study done at Queen Mary University in London. The study also found that wines that have the highest levels of procyanidins are those made in Sardinia and Southwest France.

4. A study done in Amsterdam’s VU University Medical Center revealed that those who moderately drink wine are less likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. There is a 30% lesser chance of developing this type of Diabetes for wine drinkers compared to nondrinkers.

5. Moderate drinking of wine can lower risk of having a stroke. People who drink wine moderately have 50 percent lesser chance of suffering from a blood clot-related stroke. This is a finding from a study done in Columbia University.

6. Wine drinkers have lesser chance of developing cataracts. Findings from a study done in Iceland show that those who drink wine have 32% lesser risk of developing cataracts compared to nondrinkers. Also, the study revealed that people who drink wine have 43% lesser chance of developing cataracts compared to those who only drink beer.

Bill Bridges loves collecting wine. His collection is stored in elegant wooden wine racks. Get more information on custom wine racks Santa Monica California design by visiting http://www.WineCellarsByCoastalBlog.com.

Even You Can Become A Wine Enthusiast

Thursday, 1. March 2012


Become a wine enthusiast and you’ll find a whole new world opening your decision, the sector of fine wine. It is an interest shared by many around the globe and it can be a entrancing and enriching past-time. Of course, collecting wine means having the right system for storing it and understanding the fine details of proper wine storage.

Fine wine can be terribly fragile and needs particular conditions for storage. There are a considerable number of possibilities open to wine collectors, from an official cellar to a metal or wood wine rack. The route you choose to go will depend on the size of your collection and, clearly, your available space.

You do not not need to have a gigantic, fancy house straight to have a quality wine collection. You don't need a wine cellar or a room devoted to wine storage. In truth a straightforward wood wine rack in the living room stores your wine very well while at the exact same time showing it for everyone to see.

When you become a wine enthusiast, you'll find there are lots of critical factors in wine collecting, from vintage to kind of grape. And when talking of the finalized profuct, there's the issue of storage. Wine can essentially spoil quite easily if it is not stored properly, so it is vital that humidity, light and temperature all be carefully maintained. This explains why most wine basements are dark and cool, with a steadily maintained humidity level.

Light and temperature can have an effect on the oxidization process, so changing the flavour of a wine. And damp air is crucial to keep the cork from drying out. A dry cork will shrink in size, permitting air to dribble into the bottle, which can adversely affect the flavour of the wine. Naturally, it's actually possible to maintain the obligatory conditions for storage without using a wine basement, which is where a wood wine rack maybe a rolling cart may come in.

Actually many collectors prefer to show their wine observably so they can partake of its beauty as well as its flavour. If you choose to become a wine enthusiast, you may feel exactly the same. Luckily , there are many sizes and styles of racks available for containing and displaying wine. You'll be able to find something to fit virtually any decor, from traditional to sleek and modern.

Whether you select a wood wine rack or a piece made of metal or glass, the look can be quite enticing. The only feature required, irrespective of what style you select, is that your rack allows for horizontal storage of the bottles. Again, this permits the cork to stay in contact with the wine in order that it does not dry out and permit air to flow into the bottle.

Except for horizontal storage, the features of your wine rack are only limited by your private style. When you become a wine enthusiast you will find that there are racks that postpone from the ceiling, some that are wall mounted and still others that are free standing. This way, you can easily incorporate your collection into almost any decor.

The arena of fine wine is one of rich convention and unmatched taste. It really is an once in a life experience but it's not just limited to the extremely wealthy. Why don't you look into it yourself? You simply may discover a totally new interest that brings fun and excitement to your life.

Considering a big choice of wall wine racks before purchasing one means we are much more likely to make the best choice. Find the ideal hanging wine rack for your collection wherever you live, whether that is in L. A. , New York, or anywhere else.

Buy Wine Online Or Join the Wine Club Of Your Choice At Wines.com

Friday, 20. November 2009


It is now common for ordinary people to buy wine online because computer and internet makes it convenient. There are lots of products online, but there’s no guarantee if you are prepared to buy wine online. There are plenty of concrete reasons why you should visit this store to buy wine. Take a look to the reasons under.

Wine enthusiasts looking for the same kind of wine may have a hard time searching on many different stores and will ask many questions. It’s very obvious that there are no people online to talk to. It’s better to make a good lists of the questions that you need to ask before buying wines. Questions like appropriate combination of a certain kind of wine to a meal. Another good question would be; what is the most suitable way to serve your wine that will be relevant to the evening’s celebration. A good number of wine clubs online are willing to assist you to find the perfect wine to buy.

There is also a tremendous selection of wine to buy online. You just can’t get a better selection than the World Wide Web. But how do you choose which wine to buy? You can make comparisons based on what fine dining restaurants are serving or what the wine club of your choice is recommending. You can, of course, easily compare wines by prices and value as well. This is something that’s a bit more difficult to do in a wine shop or at a wine club meeting. Again, the web is at your service for your wine buying purchase.

If you come across online wine clubs, they have personal assistants that may be able to help you with your questions about shipping and the quality or other facts. You can buy wine online to give as a gift to a friend and they can perfectly help you to choose the right wine for your friend. It is difficult to find the wine that will make someone savor every drop of it. They can also assist in shipping and answer your questions that you might be embarrassed to ask in the actual store with a group of customers. In online shopping, you can afford to be the safety net of anonymity and can ask any questions that you are shy to inquire about.

Buying wine online is more affordable than in traditional stores. Many wine shopping sites offer sales and discounts. Wine companies do this because they can save money. They can get rid of the shipping, packaging, delivery that are usually accompanied with dealing with regular stores. When the business is done online, they can directly supply it to the customer which can save them from the added expenses.

Wine shops must maintain their shelves stocked and save overhead that an online shops would never have to take into account. It is vital to keep wine in particularly protected environments; showcasing the wines is less important. In some wine shops they have to put jointly display to keep the consumers fascinated.But did you know that you are actually paying for those displays as well. In Buying wine online this is not presented, no display fees. Online shops simply give you with the information that you need to know concerning your wine of choice. Like mentioned earlier, when you buy wine online, you’re buying straight to the supplier himself/herself. It only charges a portion of shipment fee for you. With this method, online wine shopper saves lots of cash.

Lastly, there’s the ambiance you can create for your wine shopping experience. You can put on your pajamas, invite your spouse, light some candles and boot up your computer for a wonderful night of finding the perfect wine to buy. If you’ve never tried shopping for wine this way with that special someone you might want to do so and soon. It’s not only an educational experience, but the thought of the fine wine that will arrive soon, will surely have you both in a wonderful state of mind. It might also be the added impetus need to join the wine club of your choice.

Buy wine online and get good prices when you buy at wines.com, or join the wine club that’s best for you and sample a assortment of your favorite wines.

Living In France

Saturday, 14. November 2009


It seems common today for many British people to consider going to live abroad. And France, the Number One tourist destination, is an extremely popular country for those leaving Britain. Even in these times of continuing “financial crisis”, many U.K. citizens are still considering living in France.

The English person’s most easily accessible part of “abroad”, France is a truly beautiful country with very varied landscapes and cultures. It’s sometimes referred to as being like the England of the’50′s, but this isn’t the whole story. It’s now a very modern country with its huge telecommunications industry and wide internet usage.

British educational policies change a lot on language learning, but there are still many who get at least a taster of French at school and it’s a popular university subject. On the whole, however, we have a poor reputation for our language skills in a world where English is widely used as the means of communication.

I’ve met visitors who think I should be fluent in correct French because I’ve been living in France for many years. How I wish that did happen by osmosis. Of course it doesn’t and quite a lot of deliberate effort is required. There are French people who don’t understand the process either and who may regard us as a bit dim all round because we struggle to learn French.

It’s vital to make plans to learn to communicate in French. This isn’t about learning verb conjugations or lists of prepositions; it’s about understanding and using everyday vocabulary and phrases. The more you learn of these and some of the “etiquette” of France (such as greetings as you enter a shop, etc), the more confident you’ll become about learning and using others. Confidence is important and enables you to take some risks and to improve constantly. It will certainly get a good reception from the French who applaud attempts to learn their language.

Good intentions (and hard work) will give you every chance of learning to communicate and enjoy living in France.

Try not to be self-conscious when using French. Not necessarily simple to do, but it will make you more confident in your communication and so you’ll learn faster.

French people will be happy to help English speakers who make efforts (via gestures, sketches and other creative methods) and will usually aid them to improve their vocabulary with appropriate words and phrases.

Not all of us are naturally so self-confident and it might be necessary to really push yourself in just one situation. See how it goes and what you might do next time. Pick a situation which is vital to you personally, for instance a visit to the vet to discuss your dog’s health. Think about how you’ll describe the dog’s condition and even write a little script. This allows you to look up any vocabulary you don’t know. Include questions you need to ask. It’s often best to start by explaining you’re learning French and to ask for the vet to be patient with you and to speak slowly.

Since the French are only human, there will be times when the response is less than friendly. Just remind yourself that it’s their problem, not yours. You’re the one making great effort which is to your credit, so carry on to the next situation where you’ll hopefully get your just reward.

Apart from your attitude and effort, how else can you make progress in French language?

New language learning methods arrive as new technology develops and old favourites still remain. Some examples: – selecting an individual telephone tutor; following one of the freely available on-line courses (try Radio France Internationale or the BBC), or buying a well-established tape or CD or video programme.

You may also find local French courses, and there’s also the option of paying a local teacher to come to your home to help one or more family members.

We all vary in learning styles and it’s important to consider your own when choosing how to learn French. Your choice will be likely to work more effectively.

It really is down to your own willpower and persistence to benefit in full from the ways you choose to learn French. Having a working knowledge of the language is a great base for living in France.

French Life and the benefits of Life in France have been featured in magazine articles the world over. To find out more of French Life take a look at Amanda Lawrence’s new website at www.frenchvie.com. Lots of stories and recipes from the Quercy. It takes you right there – you’ll never want to leave. Don’t forget to register for her free newsletter. Author of White Stone Black Wine.

Delicious Cod Fish Recipes

Tuesday, 3. November 2009


Dishes made from cod fish are scrumptious, nutritious, and plain to prepare for dinner. A huge advantage is you can create a large variety, like microwave it or roast. You can garnish with vegetables or just present it alone. You will be excited to know you can add what you want to make a meal that is inimitable and luscious. With cod fish recipes nothing can go haywire.

Consider your wishes before choosing among the different ways. If you are dieting, keep away from frying, as it is not good. For something savory, think of a recipe involving a jumble of vegetables or sauces. For simple one, pick a bare-bone recipe with highlight on just fish sans beautification or constituents.

Preparation time plays a major role on deciding which dish to opt. When you want it quickly, there would be no time to marinate the fish with sauces. Before finalizing the suitable dish, look through the duration of preparing all cod fish dishes. Make up your mind if you want refrigerated or fresh pieces.

This recipe is just one of many you can make for all. It tastes like what you may have at a diner or inn being easy to make and low-priced; a simple recipe entailing tomatoes and cheese, and just bare bones.

To Start here are the things that go into this: 1 1/2 pounds of cold cod bone, 1 teaspoon of butter, salt and pepper, four sliced tomatoes, Swiss cheese (as much as you’d want on the fish), and 1/2 cup of half and half.

For making this recipe, peel the fish’s coat and bones. With a paper towel dry the fish. Preheat oven at 375 degrees. Melt the butter. Keep the tomato pieces on the fish and add cheese as much as you want, transfer the cream on it, and add the butter to a baking pan. Your fish is set to get baked and takes 25 minutes or until it appears to peel off.

Replacing the ingredients is your choice. For instant, if you are averse to Swiss cheese, alternate with cheddar cheese. If tomatoes are not your favorite, add green peppers in its place.

You can find more info at our website, which is full of hot homemade recipes for you to enjoy. It’s updated daily and the best part is that they’re all free recipes.

How to Buy the Cheapest Silver Goblets

Tuesday, 20. October 2009


Wine goblets can make for a great addition to any dining set. However, they’re not the typical one size fits all type of accessory, as much of what you choose will depend on a number of factors. Price will naturally be an issue, but there are other things that you must definitely take into consideration if you want to ensure that your purchase is a successful one.

Some of the factors that must be considered when wine buying goblets involve exactly how they’ll match up with your kitchen set. While items like crystal ones go with just about anything, things like silver goblets can be very hit or miss and your current dining set must go well with these in order to make it work.

As someone with a preference for the old, you may find silver goblets quite appealing. These are a step up from pewter in terms of quality, but they still do have that traditional appeal that makes them look like they could have come from other centuries.

This will give your dining collection a refined look, and your guests are sure to appreciate the addition.

While these silver goblets are no doubt beautiful wine goblets, not everyone may have the financial means to afford them all. Much of the price will depend on the manufacturer and the grade of silver used, but these can be quite expensive.

However, you’ll be happy to know that there are far more affordable silver goblets available for purchase from a wide variety of retailers. Putting in a little time into exploring your options will result in you finding exactly what you’re looking for, at very reasonable prices.

While visiting stores can also expose you to a wide variety of options, you simply can’t find better deals on silver goblets and other wine goblets than you can online.

By looking online, you’ll immediately have access to more wine goblets after an hour than you would in a week’s worth of shopping. There are literally thousands of possible options to choose from. This will save you both time and money.

Find more places to get silver goblets and other wine goblets.

Wine Notes: Australian Wines

Monday, 19. October 2009


Wine has been around for a long time, and some areas of the world have been producing for thousands of years. Australia’s not one of them – it’s been making wine only since Europeans came to this continent. However, within fifty years of European arrival, vineyards were appearing just about everywhere, and flourishing.

Over the past century, the expansion of the wine industry in Australia has been a dramatic one. As of the mid 1910s, Australia was producing about four and a half million gallons, or seventeen million liters of wine every year. Sixty years later, that figure rose to closer to ninety-five million gallons, or three hundred and sixty million liters – an impressive increase fueled by more worldwide demand for Australian wine.

The wide range of soil conditions and climate types in this country are one of the things that makes it so good for producing wine. Many different kinds of grapes and wine are favored, with climates ranging from the hot and dry to the cool and damp, with some regions requiring irrigation. Parts of Australia’s wine producing regions are very similar to the best ones in Europe.

There’s a lot of clay and limestone in Australian soils, but the specifics vary just as much as temperature and rainfall. This means that winemakers can choose the type of grape that best fits their local soil, to get the best quality grape and the best yield for that variety.

Australian wine was unknown to most of the world for the majority of its existence – in the late 19th century, some judges insisted that the Victoria wines they had just rated so well couldn’t possibly be Australian! However, by the fourth quarter of the twentieth century, the wine world had taken notice, and the first big boom occurred. The highest quality Australian wines got noticed, and production skyrocketed.

Another boom on the lower end of the price scale occurred recently – Australian imports were seen just about everywhere, offering decent, low priced wine in major retailers. These wines have fallen out of fashion somewhat, making them a little less popular now, but they still have a lot to offer. Take the time to check out some of the high quality wines Australia has to offer – you might be surprised.

As the fourth biggest exporter of wine in the world, Australia can offer a lot, and it sells to some of the world’s biggest wine producing countries. In fact, this country has been called the most powerful influence in wine, and is well known for GSM blends made from Mourvedre, Shiraz and Grenache, well balanced wines that stand up well against the competition. Australian wine shouldn’t be overlooked.

If you’ll be taking a holiday to Australia, you shouldn’t forget to look at some of its great wine regions, or just try some local vintages. Even if you can’t make it to this country, try an Australian wine next time you buy for your table. Some of the options out there are really incredible – all you have to do is find them.

For top Margaret River Wine, Howard Park’s single vineyard concept highlights the distinctive regional characteristics of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon from Western Australia’s leading grape growing regions

Wine Cellar Builders Are Easy To Find On The Net, But It’s A Good Idea To Take Your Time.

Sunday, 4. October 2009


If you’re a lover of all things related to wine then you should consider the option of a wine cellar for your home. A lot of people have spare room in their basement and you could turn this into a wine storage area. You don’t even have to use a basement if you have a spare room elsewhere in your home. There are plenty of options available on the web so you should have no problems finding what you need.

Your best bet would be to start by looking for information about the things you’re interested in. You should use Google to start off with and have a pen and paper with you so that you can make a note of anything as needed. Just remember to take your time and don’t rush into anything before you’ve had time to think.

There are lots of options to choose from and you may find it difficult to make up your mind. Well, if that’s the case then you should read on to learn how to choose the right services for your needs. You will also need to set yourself a budget so that you don’t overspend and waste your money on a deal that’s not worth it.

The first thing you should consider is the type of purchase you’re planning on. This will be an important aspect of your decisions so make sure you understand what you’re looking for before you buy or pay for anything. You will need to be aware of everything available on today’s market so take your time while you’re browsing the web.

You will then need to think about the wine cellar you’re looking for. There are a huge range of options available on the web but you will need to consider your specific needs. Take your time while you shop online and make sure that you don’t end up wasting money on a deal that’s not worth it.

There are lots of wine cellar options available on today’s market – you just have to know where to look. Have a browse on a few websites and see what you can find. If you perform some searches in Google you’ll more than likely be confronted with several offers and deals that are worthwhile.

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Wine Charity Tour

Saturday, 3. October 2009


How can a bottle of wine help the world? And how can the wine world come together, to change the lives of those in the greatest need? How can those in the wine industry really help the lives of those less fortunate?

In January of 2010 Anja Cheriakova and Georges Janssens will be starting a world wine charity tour. The pair will be visiting over 300 wineries around the globe, inviting them to donate a bottle of their best wine for the cause. Upon completion of their journey, which will include most wine growing regions of the world, they will hold an auction of the wines in the Napa Valley of California, donating all proceeds to charity. It will hope to raise 150, 000 USD.

To make this remarkable humanitarian project possible, the World Wine Tour 2010 project is seeking sponsorship, in return for marketing and exposure throughout the mission. The sponsors will be promoted through media broadcasts, and also directly through visits to wineries and other wine related businesses. For those interested in becoming a sponsor, see contact below.

The proceeds will support the Lao Rehabilitation Foundation Inc. (LRF). There the funds will go towards a special interest in education for children, by rebuilding a school in Simmano Village that was destroyed in 2008 by massive floods.

Average income per year in the destroyed schools village is estimated to be $16 US. LRF is one of the few foundations that works specifically in Laos to improve conditions there.

Aside from the sponsors to promote, the wineries to showcase, and the charity to raise funds for, the pair hope to motivate young people of their generation to combine their passions and dreams with humanitarian goals, which is what this world needs most.

World Wine Tour would like to thank Wine-Bag.co.uk for its contribution to the furthering of the project’s success.

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