How To Really Enjoy...
Sure, this a book blog. However, there are many factors that may influence how much a reader may enjoy a book. Enjoyment could be influenced by setting, ambiance or socialization. For some individuals, sharing viewpoints of a book consists of making phone calls, posting to a discussion board, or attending in-person meetings. Getting together is probably the most personal option. Time shared amongst friends, or fellow book lovers, before or after a book club discussion, often involves eating good food, and sipping on a nice glass of wine. For these reasons, I joined forces with two fabulous experts to sort out questions regarding how to enjoy wine and book club meetings a little better. In essence, A Bit Of Wine offers a one stop shopping experience.
Katie Childers is the owner of A Bit Of Wine (www.abitofwine.com). The Divas of the Serengeti Book Club have chapters that are located in Nashville, Tennessee and Maryland. Although I could recieve a discount for posting information about A Bit Of Wine, my review of the website is no less valid. It's honestly a website that I regard as fun to click around, while imagining how I could become a more creative entertainer.
I hope that you--someone who may enjoy a bit of wine and a good book--will visit the website. To make this post as fun and informative as I possibly could, I decided to list my top five issues that some of my customers struggle with. Ironically, I have worked part-time, representing various wine brands, for the last 4 years, so this post resonates exponentially for me. Moody corks, ambiance, searching for cocktail recipes, questions regarding what to pair with a wine selection, and wine recommendation requests are some popular topics that come to mind, when I consider my collective work experiences. I have dealt with a stubborn wine cork, while customers waited for me to remove one from an unopened bottle. Even last week, someone I know broke the cork while trying to remove one at home. Today, I would like to share 5 fabulous selections from ABitOfWine.com. Whenever you enjoy your next glass of wine, maybe you will reflect on our visit together online.
5 Hot Picks
1.My first hot pick from the website is a rechargeable, electric helper (http://abitofwine.com/item_1183/Stainless-Steel-Electric-Push-Button-Corkscrew.htm). If you don't want to fight with a stubborn cork, you don't have to suffer. Ruined clothes, or a ruined bottle of wine is frustrating, but when you let this handy machine do the hard work for you, there's no reason to get frustrated, embarrassed or risk hurting your arm. Problem solved. Plus, it looks cool.
2. At the moment, rain in certain regions of the country may limit appreciation for this next hot pick, but when you're headed out to enjoy a sunny vacation, you're planning to picnic in the park, or if you want to surprise your honey with a romantic touch during an outdoor adventure, consider investing in a High Stakes Picnic Table that's crafted from food safe bamboo (http://abitofwine.com/m/item_1293/High-Stakes-Picnic-Table.htm). This nifty, portable gadget holds 2 wine glasses and small snacks. After sticking it in the ground, your company will most likely be tempted to compliment you for thinking of nearly everything. I saw this and gave it the thumbs up right away, since I love romance and the outdoors. There's an option that's made like a serving tray. That one would also work well inside or outside. Cute, right?
3. Moving right along, the rest of the items mesh well with entertaining at home, or during the upcoming holiday seasons. A Bit Of Wine offers a solution to any hostess or host who openly admits that he or she could use an on-call bartender's assistance. Wine Stuff's Bar Master (http://abitofwine.com/m/item_953/The-Wine-Stuff-Bar-Master.htm) is designed to find any cocktail recipe by name, type of spirit, or even by the type of serving glass used. It also is decribed as being able to "find any cocktail recipe, along with tips, tricks, terms, measurements, and even a collection of drinking games. Also The Bar Master shows you how to calculate blood-alcohol levels. The database contains over 500 drink recipes which include measurements and techniques to help you get the most out of your mixing."
4. This next issue is a very common one. What do you drink with what you eat? There's a book listed on A Bit Of Wine's website that may serve as a handy reference tool. It should also help a hostess or host plan the best wine to serve at party, or even help to determine party friendly wine food. It also includes pairing recommendations beyond wine, although learning more about how to pair wine with a meal or hors d'oeuvres can turn a simple gathering into an extremely memorable affair. Sometimes, finishing touches and preparation can be worthwhile extra steps. Do you agree?
http://abitofwine.com/m/item_1278/What-To-Drink-With-What-To-Eat.htm
5. Many customers that I've encountered asked for a wine recommendation on the way to a party or gathering. Giving one may sound simple, but it all depends on the hostess' tastes, as well as those also attending. Some may feel Moscato is too sweet. Some may feel that red wine is too heavy. Others may deem either of them to be just right. ABitOfWine.com offers another option. You may also purchase a gift certificate, when you're not sure what kind of wine to buy for a wine lover. The website offers everything from charms to wine refrigerators. The options are endless and will fit mostly any budget. If you're like me, you also browse websites from a mobile device. ABitOfWine.com is also mobile friendly, if you're constantly on the go.
Bonus pick:
Football season is now upon us. As we consider decorating for football parties and gatherings, we can remember to accommodate everyone's tastes. ABitOfWine.com can help you welcome football lovers into your space with novelty items like a touchdown pro cutting board. Mostly anyone can make entertaining with wine fun! This is one simple example.
http://abitofwine.com/item_114/Touchdown-Pro-Cutting-Board.htm
How can book clubs enjoy a bit of wine better?
The Divas of the Serengeti Book Club's Nashville Chapter meets once a month, either at the host's home or at a restaurant, to discuss books.
"Our meetings are always social. We eat, drink wine, discuss life, family, current events and always promote and support any business ventures the Divas may have going on. We also celebrate birthdays for that month, " Tasha Smith, President of Divas of the Serengeti Book Club explained.
With those tidbits in mind, I shared Ms. Smith's top two questions with Katie.
Tasha asked," What is the best wine to serve at parties?" and "What is the best wine to drink with chicken or red meat?"
Katie replied, "Great questions. For parties, I play it safe with Chardonnay for my white selection and a medium bodied Cabernet Sauvignon for my red selection. These will appeal to the largest selection of people. Both pair well with cheese hors d'oevres or light canapes if you are not serving a full meal. If you are hosting wine parties, grab a fun selection of wine charms to keep everyone's glasses clearly marked and use our Host CHILL Aerators to keep the bottles of white wine cool while they sit on the counter.
For chicken and red meat, the standard rule of thumb is chicken (or white meat) pair with white wine. Red meats pair with red wines. Of course this is not a required rule. I usually base my pairing based on the seasonings and flavors of the meal. I like a glass of Pinot Noir with sushi or a Reisling with steak. Its very subjective, so I always say to drink what you like regardless what you are eating. If you like it, it's good.
News and Special Offers
10% of all wine gift sales will be donated to Susan G. Komen North Carolina, during the month of October.
For U.S. readers, A Bit Of Wine will offer free shipping for orders over $49, until the end of October. Remember the code "FREESHIPFALL," if you decide to place an order. Also keep in mind that 5% off purchases are given for newsletter sign-ups, although the discount cannot be combined with other offers.
I would also like to mention that ABitOfWine.com is close to wrapping up their 500 fan giveaway on their blog, http://bitofwine.blogspot.com.
Keep in touch through their Facebook page facebook.com/abitofwine or Twitter (twitter.com/abitofwine).
I hope that you learned a little more about wine, and enjoyed reading about a very nifty place to buy any accessory that you could need for enjoying your bit of wine. I would like to express special thanks to the lovely ladies of The Divas of the Serengeti Book Club. If you want to connect with them on Facebook, you may locate them at www.facebook.com/divasoftheserengetibookclub,or via Twitter at @DivasSerengeti.
Andrea
Founder, The Reader's and Author's Nook
Grove Street Ezine
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