Steps for Setting Up a New Wine Brand

Did you know that there are currently over 7,000 wineries in the US? That number doesn't even begin to tell us just how many brands of wine come out of those thousands of winery sites but safe to say it is easily well over 10 times that amount. So just what is in a brand name when it comes to wine? And what do you need to know in going about setting one up if you are a winery or planning to start a wine business? There are specific steps you can follow as part of your research for creating that new wine brand you are so excited about that can save you from running into some potential road blocks down the road.

Step one: Do a search on the TTB's Public COLAs website. The cost of this? Your time. As the name implies this is a public website that can be searched by anyone wanting to look up label approval information, or in this case, do a fast & easy search to see if a brand name is already in use by a winery or wine business. Just do a search for "Public Cola registry". Once there simply enter the brand name you are planning to use in the Product Name box and then click on Search. Then peruse through the list that comes up focusing on the Brand Name column.

Step two: Do a trademark search using the US Patent & Trademark's Office website. Their site has handy video tutorials for doing this. This step can also be done with the assistance of a trademark specialist or attorney.

Step three: Once your brand name of choice has "passed" the first two steps on our list you are now ready to get it set up for use at the winery site where the wine bearing it's name will eventually be bottled. This is where we cross over into the TTB's regulations. A brand name is a required item for all wine labels, and is required to appear on the brand (front) label.

The TTB does not require informing them of all brand names you plan to use on wines you bottle, but it does require informing them of all the trade names you plan to use on wines you bottle. The brand name and trade name on a wine may or may not be the same. A trade name is what appears in another required wine label item, the name and address statement. A name and address statement is what typically appears on the back of a wine bottle and goes something like, "bottled by ABC Winery, Somewhere, CA". In my example here ABC Winery is a trade name.

Whatever names are going to appear in that specific part of your wine labels on wines you bottle must be submitted to the TTB to be added onto your basic permit. The process for doing this is simple. First you will need to have a fictitious business name statement (FBN) on file at your county level for the trade names. Next you type up on your winery letterhead a simple letter informing them of the trade name(s) you are adding to your basic permit.

The template for this trade name letter can be found on the TTB's website. *Note* If the trade names you are adding are for a custom crush client at your site then you will also need a signed letter from them giving you permission to bottle their wines under their specified trade names which they are responsible for obtaining the FBN filing.

As you may have guessed since it is common for wineries to bottle wines under multiple brand names then they also have a long list of trade names listed on their TTB basic permit. The person or persons at a winery site that are involved in filing and maintaining the label approvals should also be aware of this list, and potentially in charge of maintaining it.

Ann has been directly involved in the wine industry for over 20 years. Her background began with pouring wine and since then has encompassed all areas of wine production from lab and cellar work through developing compliance systems for several medium sized wineries. Her current business, Wine Compliance Alliance serves those in the wine industry by assisting them navigate and understand the maze of compliance requirements facing them on a day to day basis. http://ezinearticles.com/?Steps-for-Setting-Up-a-New-Wine-Brand&id=6980726

A Beginner's Guide To Bordeaux Fine Wines

Wine is the sort of hobby that for many is a daunting and intimidating one that only those with the right knowledge are allowed to dabble in. But those with the knowledge weren't born with it - they had to learn it somehow! So here is our beginners guide to wines from one of the most important in the world: Bordeaux.

Whether you want to become a wine expert and use your knowledge and expertise to host wine tastings and events, or simply want to show off to your friends and family, starting with Bordeaux wines is a good place to start. They don't have to be expensive either - Bordeaux fine wine on sale can be found at all wine merchants. So read on to see what you can find out about Bordeaux fine wines.

The History Of Bordeaux Fine Wines

Bordeaux is one of the most famous and important wine regions in the world. Its 120,000 hectares make it one of the largest wine regions in France, and each vintage on average produces 700 million bottles of wine across the region ranging from everyday wines to some of the most prestigious and luxurious wines in the world.

Almost 90% of wines produced in Bordeaux are red due to the high number of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes growing across the region. The climate for these wines is perfect, allowing the vines to thrive and produce beautifully ripened grapes all year round.

Red Bordeaux Wines

Bordeaux is home to thousands of fine wines, with the majority of them being red although there are many beautiful whites also. If you're hoping to learn more about wine whilst on a budget, there are many Bordeaux fine wine on sale that can whet your palate. Besides, you may find Bordeaux wines aren't for you, although it doesn't happen very often!

Red wines are typically produced with a blend of various different grapes to give the wines their signature delicious and more rounded flavours. The most common grapes used are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot as well as Malbec and Carmenere. When paired together, particularly the Cabernet Sauvignon with the Merlot, the harsh flavours of the Cabernet Sauvignon become more rounded and easier to drink thanks to the Merlot's soft tannins. The Villa Antinori Rosso is a beautiful example of how harmonious the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes are when blended together.

White Bordeaux Wines

Bordeaux is such a large region with different parts having better soils and climates to others. The Chateau Deville Blanc is a fine Bordeaux wine, which hails from the Entre-Deux-Mers part of Bordeaux, which translates as 'between the seas'. The rich alluvial soils found here allow the growing of white grapes to thrive, which is what makes up the Chateaus Deville Blanc. Made from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes, the wine has real depth and fresh citrusy flavours.

Bordeaux's varying climates and soils makes it one of the most versatile regions perfect for producing a number of different wines. Now you have a little more information, delve into the Bordeaux wine at your local wine merchant. Whether you splash out on an expensive bottle or hunt for Bordeaux fine wine on sale you're likely to pick up a beautiful bottle of wine.Moez Smith is a wine enthusiast that enjoys writing about the best Bordeaux fine wine on sale. Visit The Perfect Cellar website for more information about fine wines.

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UK Wine Industry, Famous Wineries and Popular Brands

"Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used - Shakespeare"

Food and wine is often cast as a rather mysterious and unique division of science, but it really is not as mysterious as it seems to be. Wine in the UK can be dated back to Roman times. There were numbers of vineyards in England by the time of the Norman Conquest, most of them attached to monasteries and great houses. The areas of concentration were the coastal areas of the southeast, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The first commercial vineyard in modern times was established at Hambledon in Hampshire in 1951 but significant development in the UK wine industry has been in not much more than the last 30 years.

Climate for wine agriculture The Wine Industry is based on the farming of grapes. According to the geographical conditions, the UK is not suitable for commercial grape production, being too far north. Most of the successful vineyards in the UK are southern England and Wales where, in some parts of southern England, the subsoil is chalk or limestone and has similar geology to that of the Champagne region in France.

The main grape varieties planted in the UK are Reichensteiner, Bacchus, and Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Muller Thurgau and Sylva Blanc; very few of which are names that the average British wine drinker would be familiar with.

British Wine: English and Welsh wine must be produced from fresh grapes grown in the UK, whereas British wine is a form of 'made wine' which can be manufactured in the UK and Ireland from imported grapes, grape juice, grape must or a combination of these. Although 'made wine' products can be called 'wine' they must be prefixed with a term such as British, Mead, Fruit, Tonic etc. These products are not governed by the EU Wine Regime.

With all difficulties of climate and latitude, there are more than 250 commercial vineyards in the UK ranging in size from a few square metres run by small-scale hobbyists to large wineries run by commercially astute wine producers.

Best English Wines:

1. Nyetimber: widely regarded as one of the best English wineries.
2. Curious Grape: Brand name of the UK's largest (and probably best) producer, New Wave Wines
3. Three Choirs: Sizeable operation in the Midlands making some well priced and tasty wines.
4. Davenport: The UK's leading organic producer, making fresh, bright, full-flavoured whites.
5. Denbies: In Surrey's North Downs, this is the largest producer with some interesting wines.

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Tips in Hosting the Best Wine Tasting Event at Home

You have probably been to a number of wine tasting parties that involve wine experts and wine that cost a lot of money. That's not the type of party you want, especially if you are only starting in the world of wines. The good news is you can actually host a wonderful wine tasting event in your own home without having to spend hundreds of even thousands of dollars. In fact, you can host the perfect party without having to spend more than fifty bucks. 

How do you do that?

First off, what you need to do is to invite all your interested friends and tell them you're going to host a wine tasting party in your own home. However, instead of buying all the bottles for the event yourself, ask each of your friends to bring their own bottle to the party, which you will all share and evaluate.

The things you will need for this exciting event are:

Empty Wine Bags

Wine Criteria Sheet

Wine Glass or Plastic Cups

Prizes

Note: You will need the criteria sheet for grading the wines. You can either come up with your own criteria, or download one online. For the prizes, you will need them later on to reward the individuals who brought the winning wines.

Limit Wine Bottles to 20

When inviting guests to your party, try to limit the number of wine bottles to twenty. Having more bottles than that will definitely let you consume more time. If you have couple friends attending the party, tell them that each couple should only bring one bottle. You can also divide the group and assign which group would bring which wine type. For instance, the men would bring red and the women would bring white.

Register Wine Bottles as Soon as Guests Arrive

Assign someone to receive the bottles and register them as soon as guests arrive. In the registration sheet, write the make and type of the wine opposite the name of the person who brought it.

Wrap Wine Bottles with Empty Wine Bags

Guests shouldn't be able to see the bottles so make sure you cover them with paper bags. Simply label the bags with "R" plus a particular number for the red wines, and "W" plus a number for the whites.

Judging Time

Before you proceed to tasting the wines, have a quick wine tasting crash course. Unless you have real wine experts in the house, you would want to make sure everyone knows what criteria to use to judge the wines. You can evaluate the wines using 4 simple criteria: Sight, Flavor, Aroma, and Overall Impression.

You need to understand that you can have your own criteria for tasting wine. In the end, it will all come down to which bottle of wine your guests considers best and which one they consider worst.

Finally, present the best wine to the entire group and give rewards to whom they are due.

Hosting a wine tasting party need not be expensive. Save money by bringing affordable yet find-tasting wines such as Penfolds Cabernet Shiraz.  http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-in-Hosting-the-Best-Wine-Tasting-Event-at-Home&id=7747554

Start a Wine Tasting Business For Thrills, Spills, and Lots of Money

If you want to make money at home working only a few hours a week, start a wine tasting business. This little-known home business is thoroughly enjoyable and packs a wallop when it comes to earning money. The kind of money you can make is up to you. But, consider this - for just 4 hours a week, you can bring home about US$31,200 a year. If you double your hours, you can double that take-home pay.

Here are three steps to help you make money in this home-based business:

1) Getting Started

Before you get started, check out the possibilities for wine tastings in your area. Wine tastings are usually held on weekends in private homes and clubs and at special events everywhere. They are seldom held in a restaurant. The host organizes the tasting and pays you for your service.

The current rates are $150 an hour for parties up to 20 people. Over that number, rates are negotiable. For large parties you may need to hire helpers. Include the amount you pay them in your hourly rate.

Advertise your business in the local paper. Pay a visit to clubs such as the Kiwanis Club and country clubs in your area. Be sure to speak to the manager and leave your brochure. Teach an adult education class about wine. Air a radio ad at night on the local stations.

2) On the Job

Prepare for the tasting by meeting with the host. He or she supplies the wine, food and glasses. The host also arranges for the white tablecloths, small paper spitting cups for the guests and several urns to empty the cups into.

For 20 guests, there should be about 30 bottles of wine. This includes six different types of wine with five bottles of each type. For a party of up to 20 guests, you can work from a long table and have the guests seated opposite you. For larger groups, the host should set up tables.

During the tasting, guests sample a particular wine from their glass. Fill the glass a quarter to a third full. Guests tip the glass away from them and examine the wine's color against the white tablecloth. They sniff the wine's aroma, take a sip and swirl it around in their mouth before spitting it into their paper cup. They then empty the cup into an urn.

Talk about the wine and where it comes from. Bring various corkscrews with you to show guests. Demonstrate how to decant wine with a decanter and candle.

3) After the Wine Tasting

Following the wine tasting, allow for questions. Here are some common questions followed by answers:

Q: What makes red wine red?

A: Red wine includes the skins, seeds and stems of the grape which turn the wine red.

Q: Why do you decant wine?

A: To check that the wine is clear and without settled particles.

Q: How can you tell a good corkscrew?

A: The most important part of the corkscrew is the "worm" or spiral. The worm should be hollow and have 4-5 spirals. The deeper the worm enters the cork the less likely it will break.

Q: Which is the most expensive corkscrew?

A: One made by Forge de Laguiole of France is the best. It lasts the longest but costs $150 to $190.

Q: Why are they using screwcaps today instead of corks?

A: Screwcaps shut oxygen out of the wine which is what you want because oxygen causes wine to spoil.

Q: Why is aged wine better?

Aging wine dulls the fruity flavor and leaves a more earthy tasting wine. At least 95% of wine does not need to be aged.

Q: Which wines go with which food?

A: Port is a heavy wine and goes well with dessert or alone. Merlot is a light wine and is delicious with a meal of chicken and salad. Cabernet is a little heavier than Merlot and goes well with steak, lamb, and pork. Pinot noir is a very light wine and is excellent with turkey, chicken, and duck. Beaujolais is a fruity, light wine and is good with fowl or dessert or alone.

Once word gets out about your wine tasting business, you may find yourself booked for many weekends. Start a wine tasting business now - before everyone else finds out how much fun it is and the amount of money you can make. http://ezinearticles.com/?Start-a-Wine-Tasting-Business-For-Thrills,-Spills,-and-Lots-of-Money&id=666492

Red Wine Does Have Health Benefits, Here's Five

Too much alcohol is bad for your health. It destroys your liver, causes cardiovascular disease, and increases the risk of cancer. If alcohol is bad, then why am I recommending red wine? It's because red wine is different. Red wine contains ingredients and compounds known to improve your overall health.

Prevents blood clots Red wine contains the highest level of the antioxidant called resveratrol. Resveratrol is a compound only found in red grapes. It is known to help prevent damage to blood vessels and prevent blood clots. According to the American Heart Association, resveratrol, which is found in red wine, inhibits platelets from sticking together. Resveratrol also helps reduce the viscosity of blood platelets; therefore blood vessels remain open and flexible.

Protects against cardiovascular disease and cancer There are two kinds of polyphenols -flavonoids and non-flavonoids. Wine contains both. Flavonoids are a powerful antioxidant that aids in the prevention of cancer from cellular damage. Flavonoids along with saponins help protect your heart against cardiovascular diseases. Non-flavonoids, on the other hand, help in preventing arteries from getting clogged by low-level cholesterol. When you consume wine in moderation, you are raising your level of "good" HDL cholesterol.

Slows down aging

Red wine contains several antioxidants which are known to slow the signs of aging, and prevent degenerative illnesses such as diabetes. It also helps prevent many diseases of the elderly, such as osteoporosis.

Red wine prevents tooth decay

Hardened enamel is more resistant to Streptococcus Mutans - the bacteria responsible for tooth decay. Polyphenols in wine harden your enamel to prevent tooth decay. They also prevent gum disease and reduce gum inflammation. Reduces peptic ulcers

Peptic ulcer is a condition that results in acid-pepsin imbalance. The bacteria Helicobacter Pylori is responsible peptic ulcers. Moderate consumption of red wine will result in fewer H.Pylori bacteria because the bacteria are destroyed by the acids and alcohols in wine.

How much is enough?

Drinking alcohol too much can cause more harm than good to your health, such as increased cancer risk, liver disease, high blood pressure, and addiction. So how much is enough? According to a recent study, about three to four ounces of wine per day provides enough antioxidants to benefit women. Men, on the other hand, can opt for two glasses per day.

Alternatives

If you are a non-drinker, I recommend not consuming wine at all because you may be prone to over-consumption. As an alternative, you can replace wine with several foods such as dark grapes, dark chocolate, and blueberries. All these contain similar levels of resveratrol and antioxidants as found in red wine. Also, don't overlook physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight to improve your overall health.

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Finding the Best Red Wine

If there is one primary factor you need to keep in mind when looking for red wine, it's the body type of that wine. The body type refers to the tannin structure of the wine, its alcohol content, and how the wine feels in the mouth when you drink it. The three body types are light, medium, and full.

Light-Bodied - this type of red wine has a few tannins present on it and has a "lighter" flavor. It's also usually low in alcohol content. Among the three types, it's the easiest to pair with food. Pinot Noir is a good example of a light-bodied red, along with some varieties of Merlot.

Medium-Bodied - obviously, medium-bodied red wines are a bit weightier than light-bodied reds. They contain a little bit more tannin and alcohol and has a lot more texture or feel in the tongue when you drink it. Most varieties of Merlot are considered to be medium-bodied, as well as Chianti, some types of Shiraz, and some Cabernet varieties.

Full-Bodied - yes, you guess it right - full-bodied reds have the most tannin and alcohol content and leave the most texture or feel in the mouth when you drink it. They also tend to be darker in color, considering the fact that most of the wine comes from the skin of the grapes it is made of. Douro Reds, Shiraz, California Cabernet, Zinfandels, Malbec, and some types of Merlot are considered to be the most full-bodied red wines in the world today.

In terms of finding the best red wine out there, it actually depends on what you want to taste. It also depends on which food you would want to pair it. In short, how great a variety of red wine is depends not on the quality of wine itself (although it does most of the time), but on the texture and flavor the taster is looking for.

The key to finding the best red wine for your taste then is to try as many brands and varieties as you can find. If you are serious about becoming a wine expert, then you really need to invest time and money, not just in the bottles you buy alone, but in travels and tours that you may have to take. After all, different winemaking countries offer different qualities of red wine and the only way to find out which one offers the best is by trying them all out. http://ezinearticles.com/?Finding-the-Best-Red-Wine&id=7462051

What Makes the Best Wine?

It may be a fascinating and thought provoking question, but does it have a good answer? In many cases choosing a good wine depends on personal taste. Some people like dry wine while others like it sweet. Then there are fruit wines and those that we all know the names of - Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon for example. But are there any common ingredients or methods that go to make up the best wine of the lot?

Is it to do with where the grapes come from?

You may think this is the case, but it isn't true. A world class wine is one that will sell for several hundred dollars a bottle. But the grapes that produce it could be just yards away from others that go into a much cheaper bottle most people would easily be able to afford. It doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the person who grows the grapes either. Some wines seem to naturally come to the fore while others languish far behind.

Is it a sense of personal taste then?

While experts have tried to find common ingredients in the best wine, they have yet to come up with anything definitive. The key ingredient here seems to be commonality in terms of how many people like a particular wine. There is no doubt that some are more palatable than others, but by the same token even the most unpalatable wines will be enjoyed by some!

The key rule to remember is this - if you like a particular wine then it is a good one, for you at least. It doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks. The only downside of course is if you happen to have expensive tastes! What about the methods used to drink wine?

Here we are referring to the ways that wine is poured from the bottle. It can be poured directly into a glass and quaffed down immediately, but this would be doing any type of wine an injustice. If you picked up a six year old bottle that had been corked up for so long, it would be prudent to let it breathe in order to enjoy it at its best. In fact this applies to every bottle of wine you ever uncork. If you don't stick by this rule you will never taste the best wine, purely because it has not had a chance to come into contact with the air.

In this sense you can get the best out of any bottle of wine you buy - red, white or rose - simply by pouring it out in the right way. If you invest in a wine aerator you can automatically aerate the wine as soon as it comes out of the bottle and into the glass. This will provide you with the best possible taste and sensations from every drop, even if you have only spent a few dollars on that particular bottle. As you can see, it's not just the winery it comes from that goes into making the best wine. http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Makes-the-Best-Wine?&id=5873681

Wine Tasting Tour Tips

Wine tasting tour is always an exciting adventure. You can have a wonderful experience when you go for such a tour. There are diverse kinds of wines you'll taste during the tour. You'll get to see famous wine presses and other unique attractions. If you really want to have a great time during the tour, there are vital tips you need to bear in mind. Here are some of them:

• Choose a good destination
There are well known destinations for wine tasting. You need to make proper inquires about them online. You have to choose popular destinations known for producing quality wine products. You can always enjoy the tour when you pick the right destination.

• Be Yourself
You don't need to be afraid or intimidated when you go on a wine tasting tour. You have to be 100% free. You should feel free to ask questions. Your tour guide will always be there to assist you. There are no formalities during the adventure. You can crack jokes, eat and drink as you move along.

• Dress Casual
There are no official dress codes for the trip. However, you have to dress casual. If you're a man, you can be on your casual jean and shirt. Ladies can be on prom dresses and other simple wears. You need to put on dresses that can give your enough freedom during the trip.

• Play Good Music
You can make the tour more exciting by playing nice music on the way. You can use a good MP3 player, iPod or other devices. You have to select the best music that can make the adventure rich.

• Pick an affordable tour package
Wine tasting tours are all over the place. You can easily search for them online. You don't need to spend much when going for the trip. You can always locate affordable tours that will meet your needs.

• Drink with Caution
When you get to the actual destination, you have to follow the rules. You have to taste the wine according to instructions. You'll be served with several varieties of wine products during the event. You don't have to be drunk. You have to drink with caution. In all, you can only enjoy the wine adventure when you liaise with a reliable travel firm that offers such trips. You need to make proper inquiries when looking for the right trip. You can always locate the best travel firm online.

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The Ancient History of Wine

It is very obvious that wine and history have greatly influenced each other. The earliest scientific evidence of grapes is the Fossil vines which are millions of years old. The first written account of wine vines is in the Old Testament of the Bible. It states that Noah had planted a vineyard and made wine.

An ancient Persian tale tells the story of a lady of the court who discovers wine by accident. The princess, had lost favor with the King so she decides to attempt to poison herself by eating some table grapes that had spoiled in a jar. After eating them, thinking that this would kill her, instead she became intoxicated, giddy and quite sleepy. After waking from her nap, she discovered that she felt very different about the stresses that had been making her life miserable. These spoiled grapes had become a source of relief for her and she became a changed person with a mild and favorable demeanor. She regained her favor with the King and shared with him her discovery who inturn ordered the increased production of these spoiled grapes. It was established that grape cultivation and wine drinking had started around 4000BC. The first developments were in Mesopotamia, Persia and around the Caspian Sea, also writings were found in the ancient Egyptian tombs proving that wine was being consumed. The Egyptians had recognized the difference in wine quality and had cultivated the first arbors and pruning methods.

Wine came to Europe during the spread of Greek civilization around 1600BC. Wine became very important to Greece's economy and was used by physcians, including Hippocrates, for medicinal purposes. The Greeks also started to add herbs and spices to curb the bitterness of the spoiled grapes. The spread of viniculture in Western Europe was primarily due to the strong influence of the Romans. Starting around 1000BC, the Romans made strides in the classifying of grape varieties and colors. They identified diseases and the preference of different types of soil. They may also have been the first to use glass bottles, as glassblowing had become more common during this period.

The Roman Empire started exported the wine in barrels to Spain, Germany, England and France. It wasn't long before these countries began developing their own vineyards and exporting their own barrels. To eliminate competition with the local wineries, the Romans forbade the import of French wines. Over the next few centuries France dominanated the world wine market. The Monks became responsible for establishing many vineyards in Burgundy, Champagne, and the Rhine Valley.

During the Reign of Henry II, England had been the principal customer of Bordeaux. At the end of the Hundred Years War in 1453, their was little to no trade of wine between England and France. Ultimately political conflicts limited the export of French wines and England began importing their wines from Portugal. They discovered and developed a great love of Port wine.

Explorations and conquests brought wine to Mexico, Argentina and South Africa in the late 1500's. Although there were many attempts to grow wine vineyards along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, after 2 to 3 seasons the vines would die off and no one took the time to investigate why they were dying in these areas. Mexico and California vineyards didn't seem to have these problems.As in Europe, vineyards were under the care of the Church missions and in 1769, a Franciscan missionary Priest planted the first California vineyard in San Diego. From there Father Serra established eight more missions and vineyards until his death in 1784. Since then, he has been proclaimed the "Father of California Wine" The variety he planted from the original Mexican plantings became known as the "Mission Grape" that dominated the California wine production until the late 1880's. Part I of 2. http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Ancient-History-of-Wine&id=7657766