A very wise person once said “money can't buy happiness, but it certainly can buy wine!” If you are looking to learn more about wine, chances are you're in good company. If you enjoy wine or are curious about it, you have no doubt wondered whether or not you're supposed to be swirling. Or maybe you've received a wine glass that looks different than every glass of wine you've ever had. Or maybe you're trying to tell your guests what they're drinking but can't quite remember the name.

Whether you are a total beginner or experienced wine aficionados, we've rounded up 12 of the most frequently asked questions about wine and laid out the answers for you so you can enjoy your next PEC wine tour like a pro.

Should I Choose Red Wine Or White Wine?

Here is a quick glance to help you determine which wine is right for you:

Red Wine

• Made with dark-skinned grapes
• Ferments the whole crushed grape (skins, seeds, stems, juice)
• Color ranges from opaque ruby to deep purple to brown
• Offers intense, complex flavors
• Typically enjoyed at room temperature
• Usually aged in oak barrels
• Longer aging time
• Full of antioxidants
• High tannin content
• Less acidic
• Less sugar content

White Wine   

• Produced with green and dark-skinned grapes
• Ferments only the grape juice
• Color ranges from pale yellow to gold to pale green
• Offers light, simple flavors
• Typically enjoyed chilled
• Typically aged in steel vats
• Shorter aging time
• Contains fewer antioxidants
• Low tannin content
• More acidic
• More sugar content
  

What is Rosé

Despite a common misconception, Rosé is not a specific type of grape — it's a genre of wine, just like reds and whites. While it’s produced very similar to other red wines, the time it ferments with grape skins is cut shorter. This reduced skin contact is what gives rosé its signature pink color that we all love.

This wine is usually a blend, meaning it can be made from a variety of different grapes. The most common types of red wine grapes used to make rosé are grenache, sangiovese, syrah, mourvèdre, carignan, cinsault, and pinot noir.

What is the best type of wine for me?

The type of wine you will enjoy is dependent on a number of things, but mostly taste and preference. We broke down the differences of each wine to help you decide what you might like best in this blog post here!

What is the best way to learn about wine?

Some of the best ways to learn about wine are:

• (We may sound biased) but join us on a Prince Edward county wine tour to visit local wineries. 
• Ask questions! There's no substitute for going to tastings, meeting the people who work in these wine regions, and asking questions. 
• Taste as much as possible! Most sommeliers agree that tasting as much as possible is the best way to learn about wine. 
• Take a class online or in person!
  

Which Good Time Tour Co. wine tour package is right for me?

Good Time Tour Co. offers a wide range of pre-planned wine tour packages and the option to create your own custom group tour! Let us know where you would like to go and we will plan the day for you with a set itinerary. New spot you want to check out? Just ask - we'll take you anywhere. Check out all of our pre-planned wine tour packages here!

Why does wine give me headaches?

A common misconception is that sulphites are the  main cause of headaches from drinking wine. Sulphites can cause allergic reactions in a small number of people, but they aren’t the typical cause of headaches. Wine headaches are a serious issue, but the causes range from person to person. Some people get headaches only from red wine and some get them just from white. It more likely has to do with histamines and all sorts of other factors. It really is best to talk with your doctor about this if you are struggling to enjoy wine without the pain of headaches.

What are the most important things to consider when pairing wine with food?

According to winefolly.com, here are 9 things you should consider when pairing wine with food:

1. The wine should be more acidic than the food.
2. The wine should be sweeter than the food.
3. The wine should have the same flavor intensity as the food.
4. Red wines pair best with bold flavored meats (e.g. red meat).
5. White wines pair best with light-intensity meats (e.g. fish or chicken).
6. Bitter wines (e.g. red wines) are best balanced with fat.
7. It is better to match the wine with the sauce than with the meat.
8. More often than not, White, Sparkling and Rosé wines create contrasting pairings.
9. More often than not, Red wines will create congruent pairings.

Check out our blog post here where we cover what you should pair with different types of wine!

How long does wine last once opened?

Here are a few guidelines to follow depending on the type of wine you are looking to enjoy fresh once open:

Sparkling Wine

Once you pop that bottle, Champagne, Prosecco, Sparkling Whites and Sparkling Reds quickly lose their carbonation or fizz. Use a Sparkling wine stopper and store it in the fridge for no longer than two days.

White Wine & Rosé

When sealed with a screw cap, cork or stopper and stored in the fridge- white wines and Rosé can remain fresh for up to a week.

Red Wine

When sealed and stored in a cool, dark place or a fridge, red wines should last for around two days. Keep in mind, red wines with higher tannin and acidity tend to last longer once opened.

Fortified Wine

Vintage fortified wines, Tawny, Muscat and Topaque can stay fresh for up to 28 days once opened. Like full-bodied reds, ensure the bottle is sealed tight with the screw cap or original cork and store the wine in a cool, dark cellar or cupboard.

What types of wine is in Prince Edward County?

Prince Edward County is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay! It is slowly but surely solidifying itself as one of the best wine regions in Canada. The weather and soil are part of what makes county wine so unique. There are over 35 winemakers, all carving out their own unique niche with different types of wine/product offerings.

What are tannins?

Tannins are responsible for that bitter taste that leaves your mouth feeling dry after you take a sip of a high tannic wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon. They typically come from the grape skins, seeds, stems, and oak, and get stronger the longer the skins are in contact with the juice as it ferments.

If you're thinking of starting to drink wine or just learn more about it, this article is the perfect place to start. Wine is an exciting beverage that many are drawn to through its complexity and diversity of flavours

If you’re on the hunt for great wine that hits all of the right notes, we’ve got you covered. Book your next Prince Edward County wine tour with us and we’ll take you to all the hot spots with some of the best wine that the county has to offer. You can check out our wine tour packages here!