Your First-Class Guide to Wine Glass

Here at Rubino Estates Winery, we like to appreciate wine every way we can, right down to the glass we drink it from. Basic wine glass anatomy includes four parts: a base (sometimes called the foot), a stem, a bowl, and a rim. Wine glasses stand out among cups, drinking glasses, and mugs, with a peculiar design that allows the wine inside to be appreciated for its aroma, taste, and visual beauty. The question is: with such a wide range of wine glass designs, are there ideal pairings of wines with specific glasses?

The critical task of a wine glass is to direct the characteristics of the wine to key regions of the nose and tongue. This allows for optimal enjoyment. The shape of wine glasses vary in order to accentuate defining characteristics of the wine. Because every wine varietal has different characteristics, glasses of different shapes can bring out subtle differences and enhance the experience of trying new varietals and blends. In most cases, the differences are minimal, but still an interesting exploration for a curious palate. Don't just take our word for it; findings published in Scientific American confirmed that the geometry of wine glasses had an effect on the experience and taste of wine. 

Bigger, Bolder Reds - For wines with bold flavor and structure like our Riserva Petite Sirah, look for a glass with a wide bowl and rim. The wide bowl allows the complex aroma to open up. For optimal enjoyment, look for wine glasses made from spun crystal, which have a very thin rim, which allows for a smoother flow of wine across the tongue.

Lighter Reds - These wines hold up to a range of sizes and shapes. Enjoy lighter bodied reds like our Landmark Collection Sangiovese or our Night Owl Barbera from any classic wine glass with a medium-width bowl and moderate opening. If you prefer a more casual option, stemless glasses are better suited for reds since the wine is more likely to be warmed by the hand. 

Dessert Wines - When it comes to serving sweet, port-style wines, opt for small glasses. The high alcohol content and delectable sweetness of wines like our Infinitum Dessert Wine make for a delicious sip. Glasses designed specifically for sweet wine have a smaller opening and direct wines to the back of the mouth to allow the sweetness to register without overwhelming the palate.  

Rosés - These wines, especially younger Rosés like our 2019 Salute Rosé, can be enjoyed from a glass with a flared rim. This uncommon shape brings the wine to the tip of the tongue where the subtle notes of sweetness can be best detected. This sweetness is also best experienced when the wine is freshly chilled, as the notes become more muddled as the wine warms up. 

Bigger, Mature Whites - Generally, the best glasses for white wines are smaller than those for red wines. The smaller size better preserves the delicate floral notes and the cooler temperature of the wine. Though smaller than a standard red wine glass, mature whites like our Riserva Chardonnay can shine with a larger opening which allows sweetness and acidity to come through on the palate. 

Light, Crisp Whites - Lighter white wines, such as Fume Blanc, are perfect when enjoyed from a glass with a taller, thinner bowl, as compared to fuller-bodied white wines. A smaller mouth to the glass will limit oxidation to preserve the light nuances and complexities of the wine. 

Sparkling Wine - For sparkling wines like Brut or Champagne, you can't go wrong with a classic flute. The long, tall shape of the bowl allows the bubbles to rise in picturesque columns and last longer. However, if you're savoring a more complex sparkling wine, a wider bowl will allow for more aroma to be released. 

No matter which glass you choose, we have some more tips to enhance your enjoyment. Filling a glass to about 1/3 full allows a space for the aroma of the wine to collect in the glass, as well as allowing swirling without spilling. Additionally, we think that simple and classic is the way to go. Most wine bottles are a dark green glass, but wine glasses are clear—this is to appreciate the color of the wine! Some of the most beautiful glasses have no decoration at all. After all, it's what's on the inside that counts.

If you'd like to pull out your glassware of choice and taste for a difference yourself, you may be interested in our curated Case Sales, which each offer a range of wines at a steep discount. Salute!

Bathed in Relaxation

As February winds down, we're waiting for spring with eager expectation of blossoming vines and beautiful spring days. In the meantime, we're focusing on self-care and finding time for leisure. Many of us agree that the pinnacle of relaxation is a perfect bath. We've put together some tips and tools for the best bath you can have. If you're a little on the fence, we suggest trying out some of the following enhancements!

Bath Bombs or Spa Salts

These might seem like a no-brainer, but they are the first step of leveling up your relaxation game. With a wide range of options from detoxing or muscle relaxing spa salts to fragrant, glittery bath bombs, there's an option for everyone. For the best customization, you can even make your own!

Bubble Bath Soap

There's nothing wrong with adding a little whimsy to your bath! For optimal bubble growth, try pouring slowly into rapidly running water. Watch as the bubbly blanket coats the surface of the water, looking perfectly inviting. 

Essential Oils or Bath Oil

With just a few drops, you'll be feeling amazing. Essential oils like spearmint, lavender, rose, and bergamot are known for their relaxing properties, and create a fabulously perfumed aura above the water. Bath oils also work to have your skin feeling better than ever. 

Candles

Create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation with some flickering ambience. Lightly scented candles are perfect for smaller spaces and can make a classy decoration when not in use. For bathtime, feel free to go all out and light as many candles as you please. 

Bath Caddy

If you don't have one of these already, it's a good buy, because you have to put your wine somewhere. Yes, of course, the perfect bath involves a glass of wine. In fact, if you're not bringing anything else along, you can go straight for a wine glass holder. 

Milk Powder

It may sound strange, but milk baths have a long history of being praised for their skin-enhancing power. The lactic acid in milk is a gentle exfoliant, and the skin is enriched by the natural vitamins, minerals, fats, and proteins in the milk. For individuals with sensitive skin or who prefer a vegan alternative, coconut milk baths are an excellent substitute!

Music Playlist

Whether you opt for a curated playlist or put one together yourself, mixtape-style, take a moment to immerse yourself in your favorite tunes. Let the music add to the ambience and put a smile on your face as you listen. 

Plush Bathrobe

With this last ingredient, the comfort doesn't end once the water is drained. Let the robe be the cherry on top of your experience and you can feel refreshed and fabulous all evening. Our philosophy goes: the more plush, the better. 

A Bottle of Wine

We reccomend selecting a lighter-bodied wine to savor with your hot bath. White wine lovers can unwind with our Fume Blanc, and our Landmark Pinot Noir or Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon are perfect if you prefer something red. 

We hope we've encouraged you to incorporate one or more of these ingredients as you look to enhance your self-care rituals. It's release weekend here at Rubino Estates Winery, so it's the perfect time to treat yourself to a new bottle and luxuriate awhile. If you'd like to stock up for your new nighttime relaxation routine, please take advantage of our curated case specials! We're offering a case of Reds and a case of Whites. You can choose your favorite, or just get both!

What do you need for the perfect bath? Let us know on social media, @rubinoestates

Rom-Coms and Wine, the Perfect Valentine!

Valentine's Day is almost here, and we're in love with good wine and good times. This weekend, we're looking forward to savoring our favorite wines alongside some iconic romantic comedies. Whether you love Valentine's day or not, these films are a great excuse to grab a glass, some popcorn, and a box of chocolates (and maybe tissues too) and settle in for a lovely Valen-wines weekend!

 

Say Anything and Night Owl Barbera

We love the full-bodied feel and perfectly acidic fruitiness of this Barbera. Our Night Owl is as unforgettable as John Cusack holding up a boombox playing "In Your Eyes", making it the perfect pairing for this iconic film. 

Sleepless In Seattle and Landmark Proprietary Red

Our Landmark Proprietary Red is a special blend, the components of which are known only by our head Winemaker. Enjoy this mysterious and luxurious wine alongside Sleepless in Seattle, as the characters search for the perfect person to complement and complete them. Like the Proprietary Red, love may come as a surprise!

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Riserva Chardonnay

This movie chronicles a comedic series of bets and misunderstandings, perfect for lovers of classic "unexpected romance" stories. For us, the standout of the film is Kat Hudson's unforgettable pale yellow dress. To commemorate the fashion of the film, we've paried it with our golden, buttery smooth Riserva Chardonnay. 

13 Going on 30 and Salute Rosé

If you would like a feel-good celebration of all things pink, this pairing is for you. The wild strawberry and watermelon notes of the Rose come to a satisfying, clean finish and will have you feeling "thirty, flirty, and thriving!"

The Notebook and Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon

The brooding nose of dark fruit, flavors of berries, plum, and baking spices, and long finish of our Cabernet make it timelessly enjoyable. Paired with the captivating and persistent romance of the Notebook, you can enjoy a duo of classics. 

Love Actually and Infinitum Dessert Wine

Though generally identified as a Christmas film, we think that Love Actually is never out of season. Enjoy the complex and heartwarming interplay of the star-studded ensemble cast alongside our Infinitum Dessert Wine. Our Riserva Infinitum incorporates multiple vintages and varietals and is crafted in a traditional "Solera" process, allowing the wine to blend and age over time. The result is a luxurious dessert wine as enthralling and sweet as Love Actually. 

Our Riserva Infinitum is available for a special price of only $25 for a limited time. Place an order now!

Set the Table for Love

Roses are red, violets are blue, it's time to set a table for two!

Here at Rubino Estates, Valentine's day is a day for loved ones and loved wines. A little touch of romance or fun is the perfect compliment to a glass of wine. If you're looking at a special night in, we recommend playing with the option of beautifying your table with a themed place setting! We've put together some ideas for Valentine's day spreads inspired by Rubino Estates Wines.

Rose of Nebbiolo - This classic Valentine's spread has us feeling the love! Inspired by the deep pink of our Rosé of Nebbiolo, we built a setting around a heart placemat. We've added some airy tulle, satin ribbon, and a white napkin with scallped edges for extra flair. Of course, it wouldn't be Valentine's Day without chocolate, so we added our favorite hazelnut truffles!

Moscato - It may still be winter, but California has many blooms to offer. Our sweet, bubbly Moscato is perfect decadence for Valentine's day. We've filled our setting with decorative flowers for a flirty touch of romance. Looking at these gerbera daisies and stargazer lily has us smiling like looking into the eyes of a special someone. 

Landmark Collection Sangiovese - Lean into the luxuries of love with deep Rubino Red. We'll admit that our Landmark Sangiovese makes our hearts go pitter-patter. Simple white china, red roses and petals, and a gold-rimmed glass make the perfect setting around a boquet of a dozen velvety red roses. 

Salute Rosé - We're proud to be a Cal-Ital winery, so we've incorporated white, red, and green into this setting while celebrating the pink hues of our Salute Rosé. Nothing says "I love you" quite like flowers and a bottle of wine. Who says the bouquet needs to stay in a vase?

Whether you make a home-cooked meal or support your favorite local take-out eatery, you can set the table with love. We hope we've inspired you to come together with a loved one and enjoy a celebration of togetherness!

If you'd like to visit the tasting room on Valentine's Day, dont forget to make a reservation!