Along with cars and boats, wine is yet another inanimate object that is often anthropomorphized, meaning it is ascribed to human characteristics. People frequently describe wine in terms that evoke human qualities, such as calling a wine "elegant," "bold," or "youthful." This anthropomorphism can enhance the enjoyment and appreciation of wine, as it adds a layer of personality and character to the tasting experience.

National “Pinecone” Day! Well, sort of … May 17th was national Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris Day, so it seemed fitting to highlight! Pinot is the French term for Pinecone. Okay, so why has it been associated with a wine grape? Well, most “Pinot” wines—Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, etc.—grow in very tight clusters that resemble the shape of a pinecone.

The world of cocktails is rich with history and creativity, offering a diverse array of drinks that reflect cultural influences and innovative spirit. Among these are the Bellini, Pineau Spritz, Kalimotxo, and Vermouth Cassis. Each has unique stories and flavors that have contributed to their enduring popularity.

There are wine varietals that you find to be most common, when you plunk down at a restaurant, open the menu, and turn to the wine selections. The normal, everyday suspects that grow anywhere and whose names just roll off the tongue—Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Grigio. Sure, there are differences by regions, and even differences by producer. But do you get bored by the same five or six kinds, regardless of where they are from? Is the world only in eight-bit color to you? There are more than 10,000 grapes in the world that have successfully fermented into wine, most even produced commercially. This week at City Vino we are exploring the obscure varietals.