Mom's Escape: Enter The World Of Wine

Wine.

Whether it's a glass of a hearty, robust red or a crisp refreshing white variety, wine tasting and learning about the wine you are drinking is fun, informative and interesting.

How was the wine made? Where does it come from? What is its history? How can I pair this wine with food?

The answers to these questions can fascinate the expert and the novice alike. Particularly since Washington State and the rest of the West Coast boast such a rich and great experience in wine history and wine-making.

And wine is personal, too. Every person  has a different and unique experience with wine. What tastes like pear notes to one person may be a little different to someone else. It's fun to discuss the different possibilities and take away your own experience at the same time.

What else is fun about wine? Moms, you know the answer to this one. Relaxing and enjoying good conversation and good food with your partner or friends over a great glass of wine is pure bliss.

So, let's capture some places and ideas to get some of that bliss, shall we?

We are lucky. The South Sound boasts many fantastic wine bars and restaurants that offer wines and tastings. Let's go off the beaten path, though. Here are some wine merchants that can give you a some great wines, an interesting experience, and some good knowledge.

Click on the merchants name for more information.

Wine Bank

This local jaunt is University Place's premiere wine spot. At any time, this shop carries some 1,500 wines on its shelves. Offering tasting every Saturday, this store advertises a motto of "Great Wines, Great Prices." Wine lovers can't beat that. The fact that the Wine Bank is located in a quaint building off 27th makes the wine taste that much better.

Tacoma Wine Merchants/Enoteca

Tacoma Wine Merchants, located right in the heart of Tacoma's historic Stadium business district, has been bringing Tacoma fine wines for many years. This wine shop has a variety of great wines and the owner really knows his business. Pop next door to the charming and cozy Enoteca wine bar to have some tastes (and terrific food too).

 21 Cellars

Two local families make some great wines, right here in our own back yard! 21 Cellars is located in Tacoma's cool Old Bridge business district. This terrific boutique wine maker offers tastings on a regular basis.

Azarra Salon and Wine

More than just a hair salon, this merchant has some intereesting and awesome wine selections. And they know their stuff! The salon, located in the Harmon Building in downtown Tacoma, hosts some terrific and festive wine tastings (paired with some really yummy food). See link and the salon Facebook page for more details.

Vino Aquino

Vino Aquino is located on Tacoma's terrific 6th Avenue. Owned by a local family, this wine merchant creates special and custom labels, been a long time supporter of local charities, and even has wine making supplies. Check out their wine tasting possibilities with the link above.

 Inspired?

So, why don't you have your own wine tasting? Thanks to Wines at Home by Jackie, a hot, new local wine concept and business, you can do this with ease whether you're an expeienced wine taster or a newbie. Here's how it works.

Contact Jackie (see link above for contact information or check out the Wine Shop at Home With Jackie Facebook page). Pick a date, gather friends, make sure you have plenty of glasses and have some simple appetizers. That's all. Not sure what kind of appetizers? Not sure about what wines you want to try? Don't worry! That's what Jackie is there for. She'll help you with all your planning needs and she'll come to your home and conduct the tasting. You then, sit back , relax, and simply enjoy.

What are you waiting for?

Happy sipping, Moms.