Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 23, 1994 TAG: 9411230087
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BETH CRITTENDEN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Catalog shoppers can browse through the International Wine Accessories (IWA) Gift Catalog for a variety of bottle openers, wine racks, books, simple and elaborate wine storage systems, crystal stemware - even furniture. The IWA "Wine Wear" section features wine-making T-shirts, grape motif vests, ties, aprons and beach towels. To order a catalog or to inquire about some of the merchandise available, call (800) 527-4072 .
The Wine Enthusiast Catalog offers a similar variety of stemware, books and wine storage systems, plus some unusual ideas such as a live Bonsai Grapevine, Bentley the Butler (a wooden figure with an outstretched tray from which to serve wine) and package tours of Bordeaux, Italy or Burgundy and Champagne. You can also find basic winemaking kits, pasta makers and other gourmet specialty products such as a Virgin Olive Oil Set and Garlic Survival Kit. The Wine Enthusiast features fashions and travel accessories designed by wine (and more) artist Nicole Miller, and the holiday issue has a good selection of grape- and wine-related Christmas ornaments, cork or grape vine wreaths, wine bags and other gift ideas. For a catalog or more information about specific products, call (800) 356-8466.
If you are interested in purchasing a subscription to a wine-lovers magazine, the choices are many. The following are just a handful of the most popular wine buying and collecting guides.
Wine Spectator - flashy, fun and interesting - is the most widely read of all the wine periodicals. The Spectator features regular columns by a battery of wine experts covering topics such as travel, food and wine, wine storage and collecting and in-depth reports on various wine regions. Each issue has a buying guide with wines rated on a 50- to 100-point scale. Call (800) 752-7799 for subscription information.
The Wine Spectator Magazine's Ultimate Guide to Buying Wine is produced annually for use as a reference source for information about particular wines.
The Wine Advocate is a more serious publication, produced by Robert M. Parker Jr. Parker created the currently used 50- to 100-point rating scale for wines and is known for his incredibly accurate palate and incorruptible method of rating and judging wines. The Wine Advocate is a hefty, bimonthly magazine with page after page of wine descriptions and ratings. There are no flashy articles or advertising, not even any color, as a matter of fact. But it is jam-packed full of information for the serious wine lover. Call (410) 329-6477 for subscription information.
Parker also produces a Wine Buyer's Guide Book, which is 1,158 pages of information about winemaking regions, wines and wine producers worldwide. It is available in many local wine retail shops and through the catalogs listed above.
Wine Enthusiast magazine is similar in format to the Wine Spectator, with feature articles on wine regions, food and wine, etc. It also gives more in-depth coverage to specialty products offered in the Wine Enthusiast catalog and contains its own buying guide with ratings. Call (800) 356-8466 for subscription information.
Wine & Spirits Magazine is a good source for basic information about wine for newcomers and experts alike. Much is done through the magazine itself, special issues and other programs sponsored by Wine & Spirits to increase wine education among the general public. Good solid writing, great information and interesting topics on wines and foods are hallmarks of this publication. Like the others, it rates a variety of wines in each issue. Call (609) 921-1060 to subscribe.
When shopping closer to home, many local retailers cater to wine lovers with gift baskets, special bottles and wine accessories.
International Gourmet at Cave Spring Corners, Roanoke, offers an extensive selection of wines, specialty foods, home brew and winemaking supplies. Gift baskets using any of these products are available for the holidays, and International Gourmet's deli or catering services may serve you well to make holiday entertaining easier.
Macado's has a smaller selection of wines, but still creates some gift baskets and offers catering services for the holidays and year-round.
Market Square Wine Shop in the Roanoke City Market offers a great variety of wines from around the country and around the world, plus many wine accessories featured in the Wine Enthusiast catalog. Market Square also has available several wine accessory catalogs for customers to look through. Owner Barry Corswandt will even let you use the phone if you decide to call in a toll-free catalog order.
Montano's at Townside Festival on Franklin Road offers a variety of wines and specialty food products and some custom-made baskets. Montano's deli and catering services can provide relief for frantic holiday planning, and the new Wine, Jazz and Coffee Bar will provide a great meeting place for a holiday treat with friends.
Provisions Gourmet in Hunting Hills Plaza has a great selection of wine accessories. The store also offers a selection of wines and will custom create gift baskets or bags.
Wertz's Country Store, also on the historic Roanoke City Market, offers a new wine shop featuring a wide variety of wines displayed on beautiful antiques in the cellar of Country Store.
Vintage Cellar offers Blacksburg's largest selection of wines, plus an extensive home-brew department for those interested in making beer. Keith and Shelor Roberts and Gordon Kendall offer knowledgeable assistance.
Roanoke entrepreneur Marvin Randolph can be another resource for wine gifts with his custom-made ties. Marvin hand-sews ties in any length, width or fabric for very reasonable prices and a fast turnaround. He will take your favorite wine- and grape-related fabrics (or shop for them himself) and turn 1/4 yard into a stylish, one-of-a-kind tie. Marvin can be reached at 343-1252.
To kick off your holiday season and sample some gift-giving possibilities, join the Roanoke Valley Wine Society on Dec. 1 in the upper room of Corned Beef & Co. for a holiday party and Champagne and sparkling wine tasting.
Cheers!
THE WINE LIST runs once a month in the Extra section. Beth Crittenden is director of the Roanoke Valley Wine Society, which usually meets for wine-tasting programs the fourth Thursday of each month. Call 992-3285. Crittenden also is a Virginia wine wholesaler and because of this affiliation will not make specific brand-name recommendations. Address your questions about wines to The Wine List, Features Department, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010.
by CNB