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Are you a wine lover looking for a way to store your collection of bottles? If so, you may be wondering if buying a wine fridge is worth the investment. From wine cellars to wine coolers and wine cabinets, find out the key elements to consider before making your purchase in this guide. To choose the best wine fridge for you, start by asking yourself these three questions: How long do you want to keep and/or age your bottles? How many bottles do you plan to keep in general? How much space is available in your home for your new wine fridge? Why should you buy a wine cellar? If you're wondering which is the best wine cellar, it's probably because you want one for your home. Before we go any further in this buying guide, we'd like to go back over what a wine cellar is to make sure we're talking about the same thing. A wine cellar is a space that enables you to store your bottles of wine for several years, maintaining the conditions necessary for proper aging of the wine : temperature, hygrometry, ventilation, darkness and vibrations. This can be an entire room or a single piece of furniture. Very popular these days, the range of wine cellars on offer is enormous, and it can be difficult to find the best one for your needs. So it's important to ask yourself why you want to buy a wine cellar. Do you want to keep your bottles at a certain temperature before serving them? Do you want to keep a few bottles or a large collection? Or would you like to add value to your home with a made-to-measure wine cellar? This guide is designed to help you answer these questions, so you can make the right choice. But to go any further, you need to understand the difference between a wine cellar and a wine cooler. What's the difference between a wine cellar and a wine cooler? The use of a wine cellar and a wine cooler is completely different. If you tend to buy bottles and consume them quickly, then you'd be better off buying a wine cooler. This device will maintain the perfect temperature for drinking your bottle, but it won't influence the other factors that influence the long-term preservation of wine. So, if you like to collect beautiful bottles from different vineyards and release them in the years to come, then the wine cooler is for you! Choose a wine fridge based on aging or storage time The first consideration is how long you want to keep or age your bottles. If you are looking for a cooling space for serving white wine, getting a wine cooler can be a great solution. However, it is not recommended to store bottles beyond one year in a cooler, since it is only designed to chill your bottles. For short or long-term storage, a wine cellar is a better alternative! The term wine cabinet refers to household appliances designed to preserve wine. A wine cellar is rather a space designed specifically for aging wine. This aging space can be fitted with bottle racks and a cooling unit to become a custom wine cellar. In this guide, we will focus on wine cabinets and fridges. You will find different qualities of wine cabinets on the Canadian market, for different types of wine preservation. Shop our wine cabinets For short or medium-term preservation A mid-range wine cabinet will offer a good preservation in the short or medium term (about 5 years). Its compressor will stabilize the humidity level and maintain a constant and optimal temperature for proper preservation of the bottles. They are often more affordable than high-end wine cabinets. They can be practical for beginners or for those who are not looking for long term aging. 48 bottle wine cabinet, 1 zoneCabinet dimensions:21.65 x 22.44 x 33.46 inches (W x D x H) For long-term aging A high-end wine cabinet, on the other hand, is designed for long-term aging of wine. The quality of materials and insulation, combined with high quality cooling technology, make these wine fridges the closest thing to a true professional wine cellar. 141 bottle wine cabinet, 1 zoneCabinet dimensions:27.36 x 26.77 x 58.23 inches (W x D x H) 5 factors that help wine age well High-end wine cellars should meet these 5 requirements in order to properly age the bottles: LIGHT is filtered by the models that have a full door or that have windows which are anti-UV treated. It is indeed the UV rays that have a negative influence on the conservation of the wine. TEMPERATURE is stabilised between 10 °C and 14 °C, which is ideal for optimal conservation. Too much temperature range, rapid variations or extreme drops or spikes in temperature can hurt the wine. However, a slight fluctuation (a few degrees) with the change of seasons is normal and even desirable. HYGROMETRY (or humidity) is not only stabilized in order to reduce variations, but will also be optimal between 55 and 80%. This corresponds to the ideal humidity level. It is because of its intimate link with the cork that hygrometry is of the utmost importance, as the cork stopper is both a tight barrier for the liquid and a tool for letting the wine breathe in interaction with its environment. Indeed, if the environment is too dry, the cork may get damaged which can lead to a rapid deterioration of the wine. VIBRATIONS due to the movement of the compressor will be less noticeable with good quality compressors. These slower and more balanced compressors, often detached from the chest of the cabinet, allow residual vibrations to be reduced to a minimum. THE POSITION OF THE BOTTLE must be horizontal, which is generally the case in all cabinets, as we want to lock in the moisture of the cork to ensure that it is watertight. High-end wine cabinets are therefore the absolute best solution for long-term storage of bottles. Of course, a high-end wine cabinet will cost you more because of the sophisticated technology involved. The number of bottles of wine you want to store Once you know what type of wine fridge is best for your needs, you only need to think about the number of bottles you want to keep in your wine fridge, either on a rotating basis or for longer term storage.   Castel wine cabinet, 3 zonesDimensions: 72 in. Manoir wine cabinet, 1 zoneDimensions: 58 in. Loft Vintage wine cabinet, 1 zoneDimensions: 38 in.   Wine fridges are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles to suit your taste. They can be finished in wood or stainless steel, in a variety of colors and with glass, framed or solid doors. Their capacity varies from 16-18 bottles to 250 bottles. They are sometimes offered in two zones (one is colder for white wine service) and very rarely in three (white wine service, red wine service and long term storage). In general, if you have more than 200 bottles of wine to keep, you should consider installing a wine cellar directly in your home. This option is more worthwhile in terms of the amount of money to be invested and provides a better preservation of your beloved bottles of wine. Available space and dimensions of the wine fridge When buying a wine fridge, especially if it is a large one, you should always consider the space you have to be sure that the dimensions match. It is also important to think about the style of the wine fridge since some are designed to be built-in and others are not. Whether you've purchased a mid-range or high-end wine cabinet, you should always check this information. In general, long-term storage units are more often offered in a non-recessed format, which means that they require a certain amount of clearance on each side of the unit for optimal compressor operation. Need help finding the best wine cellar? Contact Vinum Design Montreal wine store, Vinum Design has specialized since 1992 in the sale of wine accessories, wine cellars, wine cellars and wine glasses. If you're interested in purchasing a new wine cellar, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we hope this guide will help you find the product you're looking for! Enjoy your wine tasting! Shop now

Discover our top 5 best martini cocktail recipes! Good tasting

Have you decided to take on the 29 days without alcohol challenge in February? Here are 5 ideas for non-alcoholic cocktails to allow you to toast with your loved ones.

Have you ever wondered how certain drinks came to be? Here we explore not only six tasty cocktail ideas, but also the surprising and often fascinating story behind each one. Get ready for an exciting journey filled with tasty ingredients, tantalizing aromas, and exciting stories. 1. The Moscow Mule: a not-so-Russian story Vodka was unfamiliar to most Americans in 1939, so John Martin, owner of Smirnoff at the time, wanted to introduce his spirit to the United States. He contacted his friend Jack Morgan, owner of a Los Angeles pub, who was also in the midst of promoting his new product: ginger beer. They partnered with Sophie Berezinski, a young Russian woman who immigrated to LA and produced copper cups. Together, they created a cocktail that is very well known today featuring vodka and ginger beer served in a copper cup! Despite holding the name “Moscow” (references vodka’s origins) and “mule” (suggesting that it would be as harsh as an animal’s kick), the cocktail originates neither from Russia nor from a Midwest ranch. Instead, it was a marketing plan from three imaginative entrepreneurs with a great idea that is still being enjoyed today. How to prepare a Moscow Mule The Moscow Mule is a very popular summer cocktail for its flavours, refreshing side and simplicity to prepare. 5 oz of Vodka ¼ oz of lime juice 4 oz of ginger beer Bitters, to taste (Angostura or ginger bitters) Put ice cubes and lemon slices in a glass, add the vodka and lime juice, mix using a cocktail spoon and top your glass with the ginger beer. Finally, enjoy the cocktail! We recommend serving it in a Moscow Mule mug. 2. The Margarita: the secrets of the legendary cocktail There are many stories about the invention of the classic Margarita, the most popular one being from Acapulco in 1948. It describes an American named Margaret Sames who went to Mexico for Christmas and got into the habit of serving her guests a refreshing combination of tequila, triple sec and lime juice. It is said to be a Mexican adaptation of the Brandy-based Daisy (Margarita in Spanish). It has since been considered a poolside afternoon cocktail and remains one of the most popular cocktails in North America. A fresh Margarita ready in a few minutes The Margarita is a classic cocktail to make and only requires a few ingredients: 2 oz of tequila 1 oz of fresh lime juice 5 oz of citrus liqueur (triple sec, Cointreau, etc.) For a frozen cocktail, you can mix the ingredients with ice in a shaker or a mixing glass. You can also add an extra touch of flavour and garnish by running a lime around the rim of your glass and dipping it in some salt. To fully enjoy all the flavours that a Margarita has to offer, we recommend serving it in Marie-Antoinette style glass or in an Old Fashioned glass. Shop our cocktail glassware 3. The Negroni: a century of Italy in one glass The Negroni is a worldwide classic when it comes to bitter and refreshing cocktails. It originated in Florence, Italy in the early 20th century. At the time, the aristocracy would meet at Café Casoni for a drink before dinner and Camillo Negroni would drink an Americano: a cocktail made of Campari, red vermouth and soda. Following a trip to London, he told his barman to add gin, a recently discovered spirit, to his classic Americano and to remove the soda to make it a stronger cocktail. This was a success, and the Negroni remains one of the best-known cocktails in the world. The Negroni, a simple cocktail that hits the spot every time The Negroni is made for lovers of bitter and strong yet refreshing cocktails. This cocktail is extremely easy to prepare: 1 oz of gin 1 oz of bitter liqueur (Campari, Amermelade, Aperol) 1 oz of red vermouth Place large ice cubes in a glass and add the rest of the ingredients. Mix using a bar spoon and garnish your glass with an orange or grapefruit wedge. 4. The Mojito: recipe and history of a classic from Cuba According to an early 16th century Caribbean legend, the English privateer and explorer Francis Drake invented the modern Mojito. Legend says that the explorer enjoyed sipping tafia, a cheap industrial rum, with crushed mint leaves between pillages. This mix was named “El Draque” in his honour, but in the 20th century, rum became a higher quality commodity and the Drake evolved. Lime was then added to the original mixture and the mojito became the emblematic cocktail of Cuban culture in 1920, with rum being Cuba’s main export. Mojito preparation secrets The Mojito is the ideal cocktail to enjoy on a patio in the summer. Its sweetness and freshness make it a cocktail that everyone loves. 2 oz of white rum ¾ oz of simple syrup or 2 tsp of sugar Fresh mint leaves, crushed Lime wedges, crushed Soda First, crush your mint leaves and lime wedges in a shaker using a muddler. Follow by adding the ice, rum and simple syrup (or sugar). Shake vigorously, pour in a glass and top it with soda to taste. Finally, for an elevated presentation, garnish your glass with a lime wedge. 5. The Pisco Sour: a South American cocktail that divides A traditional and national recipe in Peru and Chile, the Pisco Sour is a cocktail born in the midst of a nationalist feud between the two countries. Chile and Peru each claim to have invented Pisco, and therefore the Pisco Sour. This eau-de-vie produced by the distillation of grapes, like Brandy or Cognac, generally does not undergo any ageing in casks, which leaves it colourless and lacking the woody aromas of its European cousins. Whether Chilean or Peruvian, Pisco remains a high-quality alcohol made from grapes, satisfying brandy lovers in South America. The cocktail was first mentioned in 1928 during the promotion of the Morris Bar in Lima and in the 1934 novel "La Chica de Crillon" by the Chilean Joaquin Edwards Bello. These two nations clearly cannot agree on the origins of the best cocktail south of the equator! A perfectly prepared Pisco Sour The Pisco Sour is a simple cocktail to make, using unique ingredients which may not normally come to mind, like egg. 5 oz of pisco 1 oz of lemon juice 5 oz of simple syrup 1 egg white Angostura bitters To prepare a good Pisco Sour, vigorously shake all the ingredients except the bitters with some ice in a shaker. Strain the mixture into a glass preferably a wide bottom one like the Norlan whiskey glass. Add the bitters and a lemon zest garnish before serving. Find the perfect ingredients for your cocktail 6. The Martini: behind the cocktail that has conquered the world The most common theory on the origin of the Martini comes from the town of Martinez, California. According to historians and locals, the cocktail was invented in the mid-1800s during the gold rush era. A miner, wishing to celebrate his luck in his search for gold, is said to have asked for champagne at a local bar to mark the occasion. The barman, not having any, insisted on creating a cocktail with the ingredients available at the time: gin, vermouth, bitters, maraschino liqueur and lemon. Other theories point instead to the beginnings of the Martini&Rossi brand, a vermouth that is still popular today and presumably helped popularize the cocktail in the 19th century. It has evolved over the years and had its heyday in the 50s and 60s during the Mad Man era, when workers consumed it generously during their business dinners. Fortunately for our health, it is now more common to consume it after a workday or on weekends by the pool. A simple cocktail recipe Usually served very cold, the martini is a cocktail that can be enjoyed on the patio on a hot day. It is quite simple to make and doesn’t require any mixology background. 5 oz of dry gin ¼ oz of dry vermouth (white) Olive brine (for a dirty martini) Ice cubes 2 green olives Preparing a martini simply requires adding all ingredients in a martini glass and mixing with an appropriate spoon. It should be noted that James Bond, the famous British secret agent from Ian Fleming’s novels, is known for enjoying his martinis prepared in a shaker, which cools and dilutes the cocktail quicker. Shaking a cocktail creates small air bubbles in the mixture, which can be useful for milky cocktails like a Pina Colada, frothy cocktails like a Pisco Sour, or fruity cocktails. On the other hand, it is not as ideal for a Martini, where the predominant ingredients are alcohol and bitters. Cocktails, recipes and stories There you have it, 6 classic cocktails and a little bit of their history to inspire you to make them at home. We hope you found these cocktail ideas and their stories as interesting as we did. Syrups, bitters, glasses, bar tools: At Vinum Design, we have all the accessories you could need for your cocktail making, whether you are a professional or novice. Visit one of our wine and spirits accessory shops in Montreal and Quebec City or our online store to make the cocktail kit you've always wanted.

Cooling units help maintain a stable temperature in your wine cellar, providing optimal storage conditions for the aging of your bottles. No matter how you use it or what installation limitations you have, the wine experts at Vinum Design can offer you many different cooling system solutions for your wine cellar. Without further ado, here are some tips on how to choose the right wine cellar cooling unit. Key factors when choosing the right wine cellar cooling unit Before choosing your wine cellar cooling unit, you should first consider certain factors: Power requirements Make sure you have the dimensions of the room (Height X Depth X Width) on hand. This will give you the cubic measurement of the space to be cooled. Wine cellar cooling unit manufacturers generally set a maximum capacity range in cubic volume for each model. However, it is important to ask a professional to make this calculation when you plan to install glazing, because it greatly influences thermal needs. Wine cellar insulation Wine cellar insulation is another important factor to consider. Without proper insulation, humidity, heat and cold air will easily get into the wine cellar, which will adversely affect the quality of the stored wine. For the best possible wine storage conditions, we recommend an insulation with a minimum thermal resistance R-value of R-20 on all the walls and ceiling of the cellar. If some walls are glazed, it is necessary to provide even more insulation for the closed walls since the glazing does not have an insulating factor. Wine cellar environment The next step is to evaluate the unique environment of the wine cellar in order to identify the physical constraints and determine which type of system will be most appropriate for the space. In some cases, you can use any type of wine cellar cooling unit, while in others, you can use only one type. Bearing in mind all these factors, the professionals at Vinum Design will know exactly which models are best suited to your needs and propose various wine cellar cooling solutions. Different types of wine cellar cooling units In addition to the various factors that need to be considered, you should be familiar with the specific features of each type of product. Installing the perfect cooling unit can only be done with an understanding of the different options available on the market. Here are the most popular: Self-contained non-ducted cooling units The self-contained wine cellar cooling unit is often the simplest and cheapest option on the market. The first type of wine cellar cooling system is installed through the wall. This type of unit resembles a window air conditioner and is generally installed in a wall between the wine cellar and an adjacent room (mechanical or other room). A word of warning is in order with this type of cooling unit, because the cold generated in the wine cellar creates heat in the room where the unit exhausts the air. This self-contained system can be easily installed in an opening in the wine cellar. All that is required is an electrical outlet and a pipe for draining off the condensation. It is essential to talk to a professional if the unit is installed in a drop ceiling before building the cellar space and choosing the unit because several parameters must be respected to ensure the efficiency of the unit. At Vinum Design, we offer self-contained wall-mounted wine cellar cooling units in a variety of sizes and capacities to fit any size cellar. WhisperKool Self-Contained Wine Cellar Cooling Unit - SC PRO 4000Cooling capacity up to 1000 ft³ (about 28 m³) Self-contained ducted cooling units In the event that a monobloc system cannot be installed in the wall, there are also monobloc units that can be installed remotely from the wine cellar and connected via air ducts. Depending on the size of the wine cellar, the air ducts vary in diameter. Four ducts are also required: a return flow for the cold section, one going to the wine cellar, and a return flow for the hot air. A technical advisor should therefore be consulted to choose the right unit. Split cooling units Using two complementary components, split systems separate the refrigeration unit (the evaporator) from the condensing unit (the compressor). Depending on the chosen model, this solution has several advantages. The cooling system can be completely hidden in the ceiling of the wine cellar and also positioned for optimal air circulation. This is often the best solution for those with large wine cellars. Another advantage is the quiet design of this type of unit, since the source of noise from the condensing unit (compressor) will be located in a mechanical room. Wine Cellar Cooling Unit MINI WhisperKool – Ceiling Mount Series H.E.Cooling capacity up to 500 ft³ (approx. 46 m³)   The split units are connected together by pipes that circulate the cooling gas. Consequently, this type of installation requires a certified refrigeration specialist since only a professional can install the two components of a split system perfectly. At Vinum Design, we routinely work with refrigeration specialists and can help you get in touch with one to ensure the proper installation of this type of cooling system. Vinum Design helps you choose the right cooling unit for your wine cellar Even if you take all these factors into account, choosing the right cooling system is difficult to do without professional expertise. At Vinum Design, we offer a wide range of wine cellar cooling solutions. Whether you wish to buy your cooling system in our shop or simply benefit from our advice, we invite you to contact us. We would be delighted to provide you with our expertise and help you choose this essential part of your wine cellar. Shop our products

Whether they are organic, natural or bio-dynamic, eco-responsible or non-conventional wines are becoming increasingly popular in Quebec. These names are everywhere: in the press, on television or at your local wine shop. It's not always easy to know what they mean. In this quick guide, our experts help you clearly understand the differences between organic wine and natural wine. What is organic wine? Organic wine follows the principles of organic agriculture both in the vineyard and during its vinification. When a wine produced in Quebec is labeled "organic", it means that it meets the quality control standards of a certification organization such as EcoCert Canada or Québec Vrai. The various standards surrounding organic wines generally ensure that the vineyard is cultivated without chemicals following these standards: zero pesticides, zero herbicides and zero synthetic fertilizers. It should be noted that a Bordeaux mixture, which is made from copper sulfate and lime, is authorized in organic agriculture to fight against the appearance of fungi. Winegrowers are also allowed to add sulfites in limited quantities (5 mg/L maximum) to ensure the proper conservation and storage of the wine. Some examples of organic vineyards in Quebec The Négondos vineyard, located in the Laurentian region, is considered to be the first organic vineyard in Quebec. Several other vineyards have also gone organic such as Clos Saragnat, Les Pervenches, Pigeon Hill, La Seigneurie de Liret and Le Domaine de Bergeville.   What is natural wine? Natural wines are mainly wines resulting from a vinification process known as "non-interventionist". This means that a minimum of interventions has taken place in all stages of its vinification. The objective is that as few elements as possible are added or removed from the grape juice. The yeasts used for a natural wine are natural. They are mainly already present on the outer skin of the grape. As for the amount of sulfite, it is minimal (up to 30 mg/L maximum). Natural wines are also free of any filtration process, which gives them their cloudy appearance in the wine glass and can generate a small deposit in the bottle. The result is a wine that is free of any artificial additives and produced with the utmost respect for the earth. It is important to know that currently, the term of natural wine is not regulated. There are no official specifications or certification. Vinum Design, specialist in wine and spirits accessories What are the differences between an organic wine and a natural wine? Organic wines are subject to a certification that attests that the winemaker follows the principles of organic farming both in the vineyard and in the cellar. For natural wines, it is more precisely a philosophy that consists in limiting the interventions in the winemaking process to a minimum. At Vinum Design, we offer a wide range of wine accessories so that all wine lovers can live their passion to the fullest. From Zalto glasses to corkscrews and even wine cellars, find everything you need on our online shop or in one of our stores.

We all know the traditional 750 ml wine bottle and its iconic shape with straight sides and square shoulders. But did you know that there are dozens of different sizes available? Balthazar, Salmanazar, Piccolo; they all have their own names. In this quick guide, our wine experts walk you through everything you need to know about wine bottles, their sizes and their names. Why are standard wine bottles 750 ml in size? The standard size of a wine bottle is 750 ml. This size was officially established in 1866 to facilitate trade between the French and the English (who were the main customers of French wineries). At the time, the measurement systems (in litres for the French and in gallons for the English) were a source of misunderstanding during trade. The imperial gallon is equivalent to 4.54609 litres, which made conversions from one measure to the other laborious. In order to avoid complications during the conversion, the two counties agreed that 225 litres of wine would be transported in a barrel, which is equivalent to 50 gallons when rounded up. The objective was to come up with a round number. These 225 litre barrels produced 300 750 ml bottles of wine. Setting the capacity of a standard bottle at 750 ml solved the conversion problem and facilitated exchanges. The 750 ml bottles were then standardized and introduced on a European and worldwide scale. One gallon corresponds to 6 bottles, which is why most cases of wine are sold in lots of 6 or 12 bottles. Wine bottle size names according to capacity Wine bottles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with a unique name. Their capacities are very specific, corresponding to a certain type of consumption. The smallest size is the Piccolo, which contains only 20 ml of wine, or 1.5 glasses. The next size is the half-bottle, which contains 375 ml of wine, followed by the standard bottle, which contains 750 ml. After that is the Magnum, which holds 1.5 litres, and then the Jeroboam, which holds 3 litres. The next largest wine bottles are the Rehoboam, with a capacity of 4.5 litres, the Methuselah, which contains 6 litres, and the Salmanazar which holds 9 litres. The following 3 are even bigger: Balthazar (12 litres), Nebuchadnezzar (15 litres) and Melchior (18 litres). Finally, although hard to come by, you can also sometimes find the Melchizedek which holds 30 litres of wine. Do you have a passion for collecting wine bottles and want to invest in a wine cellar ? Read our buying guide on finding the perfect wine cooler for you. Summary of wine bottle names and capacities Bottle name Capacity Number of glasses Piccolo 0.2 L 1.5 glasses Standard 0.75 L 6 glasses Magnum 1.5 L 12 glasses Jeroboam 3 L 24 glasses Rehoboam 4.5 L 36 glasses Methuselah 6 L 48 glasses Salmanazar 9 L 72 glasses Balthazar 12 L 96 glasses Nebuchadnezzar 15 L 120 glasses Melchior 18 L 144 glasses Melchizedek 30 L 240 glasses How important is the size of a wine bottle? Wine bottle size is not only a question of aesthetics and price. Beyond these two aspects, bottle size also plays an essential role for ensuring wine is kept in optimal storage conditions. The larger the bottle, the better the wine will keep. For a wine to be well preserved, it is necessary to avoid any sudden change in temperature that could alter the quality of the wine and contribute to poor aging. Therefore, larger bottles are more advantageous since the larger the bottle, the longer it will take for the liquid in it to change temperature. The wine contained in a large bottle is also less likely to oxidize than wine in a smaller bottle. This is because the effects of ambient air entering via the cork aren’t as strong when there is more wine present. Vinum Design: your wine accessories expert There are nearly a dozen different sizes of wine bottles, each with a unique name. The size of the bottle you choose will most likely depend on several factors, including occasion, storage time and personal preference. At Vinum Design, we offer a wide selection of wine accessories to help wine lovers live out their dreams. Our top products include our wine glasses, wine racks, and wine decanters. You can find everything you need on our website or in our Quebec stores.

You've imagined the perfect cocktail for your guests. There are beautiful colors and harmonious aromas, all served in refined glasses. The only flaw is that the whitish and imperfect ice cubes do not enrich your beverage to its true perfection. Making the perfect crystal-clear ice cube is within your reach. Here are 3 methods from professionals on how to make clear ice cubes. 1. Boil water to make clear ice cubes Boiling water to obtain clear ice cubes may seem counterproductive, but this trick is highly effective. It is the impurities present in the water that give the ice cubes their opacity and whitish color. Invisible in the liquid state, these small impurities appear when the water solidifies. It is necessary to boil water to make these imperfections disappear. You will need: an ice cube tray or mold (choose a silicone round ice cube tray for a stylish effect), plastic wrap, a pot or kettle and a freezer. You can also get demineralized water for a better result, but it is not necessary. To make crystal clear ice, follow these steps: Bring the water to a boil and then let it cool Once the water has cooled, bring it back to a boil and let it cool down again Place the water in your ice cube tray Cover your tray with plastic wrap to prevent air from getting into the water Let your ice cubes harden for at least two hours Once the ice cubes have solidified, run a stream of water over them to defrost their face. This will give you crystal clear ice cubes. Note that results may vary depending on the composition of the water you use, the size of the molds used and your freezer. Shop Our Bar & Cocktail Accessories Are you a cocktail lover and want to get started in mixology? Read our article to know how to assemble your mixology kit with tools like an expert at home. 2. Making clear ice cubes with a mini cooler If you want crystal clear ice cubes, another method is to slow down the freezing speed of your ice by using a small, insulated cooler and a freezer. Here are the steps when using a mini cooler and a freezer: Arrange the empty ice cube molds in a clean small cooler Fill the cooler with water until the mold is submerged Remove or open the lid of the cooler and place it into the freezer Wait until the entire block of ice is frozen and place that in a clean bowl Let it sit for about an hour and then use a saw knife to gently make cuts in the block around the molded cubes Gently tap the back of the knife with a mallet to crack the ice and dislodge your molds Once the molds are out, remove the ice cubes This second method is relatively more complex than the first method. This way has the benefits of giving an almost impeccable result! 3. Making clear ice cubes with a special mold This third method of making clear ice cubes is by far the easiest and fastest. All you need to do is purchase a clear ice cube mold from a bar accessory store like Vinum Design. This type of ice cube tray is a mold and is identical to the technique of submerging a tray in a cooler. Once frozen, the ice cubes are ready to use. You can also buy a clear ice maker for ease of perfecting your mixology. These machines are an investment of several hundreds of dollars. Tovolo’s Sphere Clear Ice Molds Create exceptional cocktails with Vinum Design’s bar accessories While ice is an important component of a well-made cocktail, it is only one of the many elements that make up the unique experience of the perfect classic cocktail. Having the right tools will make the job easier for any cocktail lover, whether they are a novice, an expert or an aficionado. At Vinum Design, we offer a wide range of bar tools and mixology accessories so that all cocktail enthusiasts can live their passion to the fullest. Cocktail shakers, cocktail spoons, bitters; find everything you need to make your cocktails perfect on our online store or in one of our locations today. Shop now

Cocktails are a popular trend these days, meaning that every bar is equipped with different accessories and good quality ingredients used to create tasty and well-balanced drinks. Whether you are more of a “freepour” type or you’d rather precisely measure every centiliter of your drinks, our team at Vinum has selected the essential items you’ll need to create mixology set worthy of the greatest bartenders!

Interest in wine is primarily driven by color, bouquet and taste. For many wine lovers, the glass is not seen as an instrument that can enhance the wine or bring out its essence. Over time, the industry has amassed a wealth of scientific data on the relationship between the shape of a glass and the consumer's perception of the bouquet and taste of wines and spirits. The tasting experience can be enhanced depending on the grape variety, a key factor in determining the relationship between fruit, acidity, tannin and alcohol, the wine selected and the glass used. From these findings, the role of the shape and size of the glass in wine tasting is now much better understood. The Bordeaux wine glass The Bordeaux wine glass is best suited to bringing out the full flavor of the most tannic wines with moderate acidity. Of these, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Bordeaux will be perfectly matched to this glass for a tasting. The shape of the glass directs the wine to the center of the tongue creating a harmony between the fruit, tannin and acidity. This accentuates the power, concentration and tannins. This glass is perfect for grape varieties with a lot of structure such as Malbec, Tannat or Sangiovese. Shop Our Bordeaux wine glasses The Pure Burgundy wine glass The rounded shape of the Pure Burgundy glass allows the wine to gently settle on the tongue. It is ideal for reducing the richness of the wine and tends to accentuate the acidity. If you are unsure which wine glass to choose for your Pinot Noir, Gamay, Montepulciano or Mondeuse, this uniquely shaped glass is a great option. Shop Our burgundy wine glasses The white mineral wine glass The shape of this white wine glass is ideal for varieties such as Sauvignon, Riesling and Albarino. Its upright shape brings out the subtleties, the richness and the complexity of the wine on the palate. You will be able to enjoy all of its flavors, even the most subtle. Shop Our white mineral wine glasses The aromatic white wine glass For a more aromatic white wine, the Oaked Chardonnay Veritas wine glass is a very suitable choice. Grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat will blend perfectly with this glass. This glass is designed to accommodate white wines with rich, buttery aromas and exotic fruit notes or wines that have undergone barrel fermentation. Shop Our chardonnay glasses A myriad of shapes for wine tasting A wine glass is one of the most important elements in wine tasting, regardless of the type of wine or its varietal. Beyond the design and aesthetic appeal, it allows you to assess the quality of the wine, even before tasting it! At Vinum Design, we offer a wide selection of wine, beer and spirits glassware that makes it simple to choose the right glass for you. Our wine experts are also available to help you make the right choice. Visit one of our branches in Quebec and Ontario or contact us for more information. Shop now

When it comes to naming or describing a wine storage unit, the variations are practically endless. As a result, the terms wine cellar, wine cabinet, wine refrigerator and wine cooler are often used interchangeably. Misnamed, and especially misunderstood with regard to their functionalities and differences, we will try to clear things up a bit in this article. Wine cellar and wine refrigerator: an overview First of all, let us clarify these different terms. An appliance used to store wine with the proper preservation features is called a wine cellar. We often hear the term wine refrigerator used to describe this device. However, a wine refrigerator refers to a refrigerated cabinet with shelves, but without the conservation properties of a wine cellar. A wine cellar can also refer to a temperature-controlled room, most of the time with an air conditioning system adapted for wine preservation. Finally, a wine refrigerator is simply a small refrigerator which has shelves designed for wine bottles. This brings us to a more in-depth look at the differences between a wine cellar and a wine refrigerator . Main differences between a wine cellar and wine refrigerator It is important to note here that the differences between a wine cabinet and a wine refrigerator may be hard to perceive. Appliances that are seemingly identical in every way may have significant qualitative, functional and technical differences, and some are not designed for long-term wine storage. Generally, these differences will be better explained in a specialty shop that sells wine accessories than in household appliance stores and supermarkets, which are less familiar with the more specific aspects of wine preservation. A wine cellar is specially designed for wine storage and differs from a wine cooler in the following ways: Find the perfect wine cabinet Thermostat The thermostat regulating the temperature will be higher quality and therefore more accurate. Temperature variations will be minimized. Remember: Wine does not like sudden temperature variations. Compressor The compressor in a wine cellar is generally higher quality than in a cooler. The compressor quality not only has an effect on ambient noise, but also helps eliminate vibrations, which is a very important aspect of preservation. In a wine cellar, the compressor is mounted on dampers that prevent vibrations from reaching the bottles. Remember: Wine does not like vibrations. Evaporator The evaporator is a hidden part in the cellar’s side panel that circulates the cold air. This part of the unit is very important. Not only does the evaporator cool down the unit, it also helps prevent the loss of humidity and keep it in the cellar. A good level of humidity is important so that the corks do not dry out and remain properly sealed. Remember: Wine likes a humid environment. Insulation The insulation of a wine cellar is generally more efficient than a wine cooler due to its thicker and better-insulating walls. Since the main purpose of the wine cellar is for wines to mature in conditions that are as close as possible to a natural wine cellar, insulation minimizes mechanical influences, allowing the wine to mature slowly. Remember: Wine likes a calm environment and needs time to age well Light Light is another factor to consider. Most appliances sold on the market have glass doors, mostly for aesthetic reasons as it is nice to see the bottles. However, precautions must be taken so that the light does not alter the wines. In general, the glass door on a wine cellar will be tinted and treated against UV rays, which will not necessarily be the case on a wine cooler. Remember: Wine does not like light. Choose Vinum Design when shopping for a wine cellar or wine cooler Now you know a little more about the differences between a wine cellar and a wine cooler. For more information or to purchase one of these units, don't hesitate to contact us or come to the store to discover our selection. Our passionate team will be pleased to help you. shop now

Often performed at festivities to amaze the crowd, sabering champagne involves striking the neck of the bottle with the back edge of a saber or similar object. The neck then breaks off easily due to the accumulated pressure in the bottle. Champagne sabrage is far from being a conventional way of opening a bottle, but it is still impressive during big celebrations. Learn more about the origins of champagne sabering and how to successfully saber a champagne bottle. The origins of sabering champagne Legend has it that sabrage became popular during the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century, where Napoleon’s army celebrated their victories over the Austro-Hungarian Empire by breaking out the champagne. The Hussars then used the back of their sword, the cavalrymen weapon of choice, to quickly open the bottles with a grand gesture. They celebrated by toasting to victory, strength, virility and... to ladies! Several cavalry regiments around the world adopted this technique to celebrate their victories on the battlefield. This is probably why sabrage is now associated with joyful and festive events. What you need to know for successful champagne sabering Contrary to popular belief, a sharp object isn’t necessary for sabering champagne. What object should you use to saber a champagne bottle? The pressure in the bottle will try to eject the cork from the neck. With contact, the cork pushes pressure against the neck and slightly weakens it. The part of the bottle directly under the neck is a weak spot on the bottle as it is thinner than the neck itself. It cannot break under any type of impact but remains a crucial weak point in the art of sabering. Another weak point of the bottle is the junction between the two half-bottles, called the seam, simply because it is an irregularity in the glass. This information should make it easy to locate the exact spot that the object needs to strike to saber a bottle. For successful sabrage, a micro-fracture needs to be created at the junction of the seam and the neck, the bottle’s double weakness. A sharp object isn’t necessary because the bottle gets “decapitated” rather than cut. Any object strong enough to absorb the shock can therefore be used, from the reverse side of a classic Napoleonic-style sword to the base of a champagne glass. Shop Our champagne sabres Should you prepare the bottle for sabrage? Some recommend cooling the bottle to create a thermal shock, but this is not entirely necessary since a reduction in temperature also leads to reduced pressure in the bottle. Others mention rubbing the bottle with the saber to help create thermal shock. In reality, thermal shock is unlikely because the friction speed and the small contact surface do not allow for significant heat exchange. The best technique is to saber the bottle at serving temperature. How to saber a champagne bottle Sabering a bottle can be quite dangerous as the cork releases quickly and could seriously injure someone. Make sure to point the head of the bottle away from any person, animal, plant or fragile object. The first step is to remove the foil and wire cage from the bottle. Make sure to do this carefully because the pressure can result in the cork being propelled without having been sabered. Next, hold the bottle from the bottom, keeping it at an angle between 30 and 45°. This gives you an optimal striking angle without too much spilling when it opens. You then need to locate the seam, which is the weak spot you want to hit for a clean cut of the head. Place the back of your champagne sabre blade flat on the seam of the bottle, bring it back towards you, and hit the neck of the bottle without hesitation. Be sure to bring the blade to the neck at a slight angle, then continue the movement to the end of the neck. If you stop the blade too abruptly, it may not give the desired result or may only partially break the neck. Of course, it can take several tries before you get a perfect cut! The final step is to serve the champagne. Cheers! Treat yourself to exceptional champagne tastings Do you occasionally enjoy a glass of champagne? Some accessories are essential to enhance your tastings. Vinum Design offers many of these, including glasses, buckets or corks to preserve the bubbles when your bottle is not finished. If you prefer to reserve sabering for special occasions, some accessories such as champagne openers, offer safe and easy opening. Discover our champagne accessories today and treat yourself to exceptional tastings. Shop now

Glass is an essential element of our tables, whether for drinking water, wine, a cocktail or any other beverage. However, not all glasses are made alike and serve the same purpose. In fact, beyond their visual aspects, glasses play an essential role in tasting. Their shape, size or the material used can have an impact on the development of aromas and sensation on the palate. Learn more about the history of glass, its emergence and evolution, as well as the different types of glass materials used and their unique features. The emergence of glass and its different materials The ancestor of present-day wine glasses originated in the Egyptian Empire around 3000 BC. However, it was not yet made from the glass material we are familiar with. It was not until 1500 years later that this material could be found on the table, with the appearance of the first glass tableware. Glass goblets became widespread in Roman times with the technique of blown glass, which was highly coveted by the wealthy inhabitants of the Empire. The less affluent were content with metal or terracotta containers. Indeed, at the time, glass was as expensive as precious metals. For several centuries, the Romans continued to use cups made of lead, silver or pottery, while container technology was refined and shapes diversified. At the dawn of the 14th century, manufacturing methods became more democratic and prices fell, making glass a prime material for making wine glasses. This is also when the first standing glasses appeared. These were not widely used until much later, at the court of King Louis XIV (1679 - 1682), during the Affair of the Poisons. Following a series of murders by poison, the king required the servants to carry the glass by the foot, which prevented them from pouring poison into the drink. Discover our wide range of elegant glassware The history of glass across Europe As early as the 15th century, Venetian glasses dominated the market with the cristallo of Murano. This glass is the closest to today's crystal because of its brilliance. One of the reasons why this material was highly coveted is that it becomes soft when melted, allowing for more refined shapes and ornaments. This feature made it a European favourite. The "Venetian way" of glassmaking is prevalent in all glassworks. At the end of the 16th century, the prestige of Venetian glass began to decline, as its work required huge quantities of wood to heat and melt the glass. This led to the migration of skilled labour to forested areas, such as Bohemia. This is when Bohemian crystal appears and competes with cristallo. The glassmakers of this region were recognized all over Europe. Among them was Johann Christophe Riedel, born in 1673, who learned the art of glassmaking and trade. Today, after 13 generations of perfecting techniques, the name Riedel is synonymous with quality wine glasses all over the world. In 1676, real crystal appeared in London through the use of a mixture of coal and lead oxide. The English then gained a monopoly on luxury glass, which they maintained for nearly a century. The jealous French King Louis XV supported the foundation of a glass factory in Baccarat, then the Royal glass factory in Saint-Louis, giving birth to the first French crystal in 1785. The evolution of glass shapes for unparalleled tastings In the 19th century, industrialization made glass a household object. From then on, glass appeared in homes for cups and carafes, as well as containers for food preservation. Glass was no longer considered a luxury material and its use became commonplace. The ingenuity of the craftsmen does not stop there, however. Claus Riedel was the first to recognize the impact of the glass shape on wine tasting. His Sommeliers Collection, which was launched in the late 1950s, was the first to present a variety-oriented range of products. Each glass shape is perfectly matched to its grape variety. Several companies followed suit, which today allows us to have such a varied selection. Glass: a modern object with an ancient history The history of glass goes back to antiquity. This common object in our daily lives has undergone many evolutions over the centuries, with many changes in its materials and shapes. If you are looking for the ideal glass for tasting wine or spirits, we invite you to contact our team. We have excelled in the domain for many years and have the knowledge to recommend the perfect glass for your beverage of choice. Shop Now

Drinking glasses, whether for water, wine, a cocktail or any other beverage, are an essential part of our tables. However, not all glassware is the same and not all glasses have the same purpose. Apart from their visual aspects, drinking glasses play an essential role in tasting. Their shape, size or even the material used can have an impact on the development of aromas and the sensations on the palate. Learn more about the different types of drinking glasses, their history and uses. The history of the martini glass The martini glass has become iconic, thanks in part to the martini cocktail history and its distinctive silhouette, and is now associated with sophistication and style... often attributed to the famous British secret service agent James Bond! Created in the 19th century, this glass was first simply called a "cocktail glass". During the 1920s, at the time of Prohibition in the United States, it became exceedingly popular because of its style, but above all because it could be quickly and discreetly discarded during surprise searches in clandestine bars. The unique looking glass was later categorized as a "martini glass" to reflect its signature drink, the Martini cocktail. The martini glass offers many advantages for this type of cocktail. Its small capacity makes it ideal for enjoying strong alcoholic cocktails. Another advantage is the good thermal insulation provided by the long stem. This encourages a grip that will not affect the temperature of the cocktail. Finally, its wide rim effectively diffuses the aromas and its large surface area causes tension in the glass which allows the bouquet of the spirits to be released efficiently. Find the perfect martini glass The goblet and the flute for champagne tasting Many legends have it that the champagne glass was modeled after the bosom of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France under Louis XIV or the Countess of Pompadour, aristocrat and mistress of King Louis XV. In fact, the champagne glass as we know it would have been created in England in 1663, a century before the French aristocrats. The goblet is a unique type of drinking glass with a shape that allows carbon dioxide to escape more quickly, a desired effect in this era to reduce bubbles in the drink. Since then, customs have changed and so have the glasses! The champagne flute first appeared in the 1930s. This much narrower type of drinking glass was, according to wine lovers, better suited to the tasting of the champagne of the time, which was drier than the previous era. The shape of the flute, having less surface area exposed to the air, limits the loss of bubbles and consequently the drink’s aromas. Today, the shape of the flute continues to evolve towards a more rounded shape that is closer to traditional wine glasses, also known as tulip glasses. Shop our champagne glassware The cognac glass: a history dating back to Ancient Rome The cognac glass is a special type of drinking glass shaped like a balloon on a short stem. It has changed somewhat over time to better adapt to its signature beverage, cognac, and offer a better tasting experience. Its shape has evolved to provide a better grip, allowing the beverage to be slightly warmed for optimal release of alcohol and aromas. It has been used since Roman times in its simplest form and is therefore an improved version of the commonly used cup of the time. The round shape of the glass ensures a deep inhalation of the liquor during tasting. This shape, whether the glass is small or large, awakens the senses, from touch to taste, sight and smell. This is why this type of drinking glass is still used today when tasting brandy, Armagnac and Cognac. Some connoisseurs prefer tasting in a tulip glass, which is less round and above all more flared at the top for a sharper direction of the aromas on the palate during tasting. Moreover, its high stem prevents the cognac from warming up when you hold it in your hand, as it should be served at room temperature. Its round shape also allows for good aeration while intensifying the aromas at the top of the glass. Shop Our cognac glasses The Glencairn glass, specifically designed for whisky The Glencairn glass, now a big favourite among whisky lovers, made its appearance long after the other types of drinking glasses. It was only created in 2001, by the Scottish-based company Glencairn Crystal Ltd. The aim was to market a glass created specifically for whisky tasting. According to Glencairn and its director Raymond Davidson, it was high time to make a glass worthy of this beverage available to the general public. The shape of the glass is remarkably similar to the tulip glass, called a Nosing glass, which was then used in Scotland's whisky laboratories. With the help of master blenders from the 5 biggest distilleries in Scotland, the design of the Glencairn glass was finalized. Its open and easy drinking allows the aromas to travel easily to the nose during tasting. Its wide and solid base offers easy handling and its rounded shape allows good aeration and a clear view of the whisky's colour. In 2006, this type of glass won the Queen's Award for Enterprise, which rewards companies for innovation, international development and commitment to sustainable development. The Glencairn glass can now be found in all the distilleries in Scotland and Ireland, as well as most of those in America. Whisky finally has its own glass! elevate your drinking experience with a whisky glass Choosing the right drinking glass for your beverage The different types of drinking glasses are not a marketing gimmick aimed at pushing consumers to acquire more and more glasses, but rather a genuine desire to offer the best possible tasting experience. If you want to get the most out of the aromas of your beverage, it is highly recommended to use the appropriate glass. Simply tasting the same wine in differently shaped glasses will be enough to convince you. Have we piqued your curiosity? Contact us now! The Vinum Design team will be pleased to guide you through the wonderful world of glasses and tableware that will enhance your knowledge and improve your tasting experience. Shop now

What does a carafe do? Do all carafes serve the same purpose? Which carafe is best suited to my favorite wines? These are all questions that come to mind when we think about buying a carafe. They are also questions that our sales consultants at Vinum often hear, which is why the Vinum team has decided to dedicate this post to carafes of all kinds. They can be small or large, round or square, made of crystal or glass, and even take on shapes as original as a work of art. First of all, it is important to know that there are several types of carafes, all of which have a very specific function. The first type of carafe is used to oxidize the wine, whether it is a white or red wine, while the second is rather used for decanting, i.e. the separation of sediments deposited at the bottom of a bottle of older wine. Finally, you also have spirit carafes. The decanter: a type of carafe used to serve an older wine The decanter is useful when opening bottles of old wine. Unlike other types of carafes, the decanter is not used to oxygenate a wine, but rather to remove sediment that has formed in the bottle throughout its aging process. Decanting is only done shortly before serving an old wine, as the purpose is not to aerate it. On the contrary, care must be taken not to over-oxygenate this type of wine, as it will evolve rapidly once opened. Prolonged exposure to air can even damage its aromas. Use with caution! The decanter has a "duck" shape, which makes it easier to use because it is naturally tilted. Purists will place their bottle in front of a light source (candle), which will allow them to see the deposits in the shoulder of the bottle more easily. This will help them avoid pouring deposits into the decanter. Discover our wide range of wine and spirit carafes The carafe used to aerate wine The carafe used to aerate wine is available in different styles. Each wine glass company generally has its own line of carafes, sometimes going so far as to create one carafe per collection in order to maintain a similar aesthetic. However, regardless of style, all of these carafes serve the same purpose: to eliminate reduction aromas, to soften tannins (in the case of red wines), to release sulphur odours and volatile acidity, in short, to "open" the wine and prepare it for consumption. Often used when opening young wines, the carafe will allow the wine to let out its real aromas and the best version of its structure. Aeration is done in three key stages. Pour the wine into the carafe. You want to pour by aiming at the inside wall of the carafe, because the wine must be in contact with the air as much as possible while transferring. Allow the wine to aerate for about 30 minutes. The waiting time varies according to the surface area of the carafe. The larger the carafe, the shorter the waiting time. Pour the wine into a glass. Again, when pouring wine into the glass, you want to aim for the side of the glass for complete aeration. Reading step 2, one might think that the best carafe will be the biggest, with a larger aeration surface. However, you also have to think about the practical side of your carafe. It is important to be comfortable with the one you use. You should pick it up, handle it and test it before you buy it. You also need to think about cleaning and storing it, as well as where it will be placed on the table. A smaller carafe can be much more convenient to handle if you're not used to manipulating glassware or if you have smaller hands. A small carafe will also be easier to store in cupboards or place on the table without cluttering up the guests. An extra 5 minutes of waiting time will compensate for the smaller ventilation surface. The white wine carafe A white wine carafe has the same role as a normal carafe, and one can often substitute the other. The big difference is that a carafe for white wine will have features that allow temperature management. Indeed, in order not to let the wine warm up throughout the meal, we have to think about keeping it fresh. Some white wine carafes will therefore have a cooling rod in the center, while others will be in two parts, allowing the addition of ice cubes in one of the parts. Others will simply be taller so that they are wide enough to fit in an ice bucket. This is often what restaurateurs prefer. The raw material of the carafe Carafes have different qualities depending on their raw material. This will not affect the aeration of the wine itself, as the principle of the process remains the same. On the other hand, the finesse of a mouth-blown crystal will reflect the colours of the wine much more elegantly than a glass carafe will. The glass carafe, however, will be much stronger, which makes it a good option for clumsier users. In between those two materials is lead glass, which is clear and pure while being more solid than crystal. We often turn to this material for an affordable and solid carafe with a pleasant texture and transparency. The spirit carafe Since the introduction of TV shows such as "Mad Man", there has been a resurgence in the demand for spirit carafes. These are a wonderful tool for serving spirits, especially whisky. Often clear and lightly chiselled, they give the connoisseur a better view of the colour of the spirit. However, they are not recommended for long-term storage, as the spirit will tend to fade when kept for several weeks in a carafe. As you do not want to aerate a spirit, the carafe remains a serving tool and will not have a short-term impact on the drink. Wine and spirit carafes, much more than simple jugs No matter what your intentions are, remember that it is relevant for anyone to use a carafe, whether you are an expert or a novice. Don't forget that it's always a good idea to purchase certain tools along with your carafe for its maintenance. For drying, you need a carafe dryer. As for cleaning, you have several options: cleaning beads, a magnetic brush, a regular brush, etc. If you wish to buy or offer someone a carafe, you can find the one you need on our site. Don't hesitate to visit one of our shops for expert advice! shop now

Every wine lover has wondered how wine is made. The winemaking process involves several crucial steps, from the grape on the vine to the drink in the bottle. Throughout the entire process of winemaking, the in-depth expertise of professionals such as the winemaker, oenologist, cellar master, sommelier and sometimes even the wine merchant is required. Each of them contributes their savoir-faire and passion to make a unique wine. This is the hallmark of great wines! Discover the key stages of vinification to better understand how wine is made. Winemaking starts with the harvest As we know, grapes are the main ingredient in wine. Harvesting takes place when the fruit has reached the desired ripeness, that is, when its sugars and acidity have stabilized. This period is commonly known as the harvest season. While in Europe, the harvest begins in September or October, in the southern hemisphere it is more likely to take place around March or April. The starting date of the harvest changes depending on several factors, namely altitude, climate, production area, grape variety, desired maturity, or the type of wine sought. In France, once this date has been determined, the town councils of wine-growing regions publish a harvest ban that authorizes the harvesting of the grapes. Nowadays, this ban often means a big winegrower's festival in the village. In the majority of cases, the harvest is done by a harvesting machine, however it can still be done by hand. This is the case in the Beaujolais region, where combine harvesters are forbidden, since they tend to burst the berries, which is not approved for the production of Beaujolais appellations, which need their whole fruit for the type of winemaking used afterwards. The important and crucial vinification stage In winemaking, the vinification stage is the process of transforming grape juice into wine. Many factors are decisive at this stage. Depending on the crushing, de-stemming, pressing, maceration or even the chosen alcoholic fermentation, the wine will either be white, red or rosé, sparkling or still, dry or sweet. The winemaker's experience and craftsmanship are therefore essential at this stage. From fruit to juice Destemming, which is not done systematically, consists of separating the berries from the stalk, i.e. the backbone of the bunch. If this is kept, it accentuates the tannins of the wine. Next, the skins of the grapes are broken by crushing. In the past, this stage of winemaking was done with the feet. Nowadays, mechanical crushing and destemming machines do the work. From juice to wine Depending on the type of wine, the steps of pressing, maceration and alcoholic fermentation* follow one another in a different order. Certain other actions may be included, such as pumping over or punching down to reinfuse the must with the marc (the solid elements); settling to remove the solid elements from the must, and sometimes even adding sulphite to protect certain wines from unwanted oxidation. There is also carbonic maceration, which consists of keeping the bunches whole and placing them in a vat filled with carbon dioxide gas. This process is used in the Beaujolais region and brings characteristic aromas and a certain suppleness to the wine. Wine maturing for a unique character An important step in the winemaking process is the maturing process. This differs tremendously from one product to another. Wines like Beaujolais Nouveau, which have had a marketing date for decades (the third Thursday in November, regardless of harvest time!), sometimes only have a month and a half to go through all the steps of the winemaking process. This is a very short period of time, which means that the wines will not have time to age before bottling and consumption. Consequently, some wines will be placed in stainless steel vats or barrels, sometimes a little of both, in order to develop new aromas and let the structure evolve to get as close as possible to the desired character. Some wines can be left to mature for several months, or even several years. Wine can be blended before or after maturing and will be filtered and sulphited, if necessary, one last time before bottling. Bottling: the final stage in winemaking? We might think that bottling is the last stage in winemaking, however, wine will continue to evolve in the bottle, hence the importance of conservation. Some appellations even ensure bottle ageing before marketing, since the wine will then have reached the desired character and will be ready to drink. In the Rioja region, we find several of these appellations such as Crianza (1 year in barrel, 1 year in bottle), Reserva (1 year in barrel, 2 years in bottle) and Gran Reserva (2 years in barrel, 3 years in bottle). These mentions are a proof of controlled ageing. Let's all take a moment to reflect on this work the next time we pull the cork out of a beautiful bottle! If you would like expert advice on anything to do with wines and spirits, please contact our team. Happy tasting! Looking for the best Wine Accessories? Visit our shop * Alcoholic fermentation: in winemaking, alcoholic fermentation aims at converting sugars into alcohol using yeast. The grape must, more commonly known as the juice, is then transformed into wine.

Looking for the perfect wine for your next dinner? Here are a few tips to help you guide your choices in order to make the perfect food and wine pairing.