Today let’s introduce our Wine Storage Consultant: Todd LaChance. Todd has been at Wine Enthusiast for 8 years now. He has a background in the restaurant business and still finds time to bartend Tuesday evenings at Ruby’s Oyster Bar & Bistro in Rye, NY. When he’s not working, he loves to travel and be outdoors whether it be snow skiing, water skiing or golfing. He is also a big foodie whether dining out or cooking at home and of course, loves wine!

What was your “Epiphany” wine?
It was a wine called Beauzeaux by BV which is a Napa Valley Red Wine. I don’t remember the vintage and it’s not an expensive wine, but I was at a small wine tasting and as the person running the tasting was explaining the layers and nuances of the wine it all clicked in my head (and mouth)!

What is the most memorable Wine Cellar you have built?
The most memorable cellar for me was actually a relatively small and simple room that I designed, but I installed the racking as well with my Father who installs racking all over the Northeast. It was a great experience!

 What is your favorite Wine Storage Product and why?
My favorite wine storage product would be the Designer & Vintner wine rack systems. These are series of standard sized racks containing the most popular elements from the Custom racking designs that we do. The quality is top notch and they are also available in a few different wood and stain options as well so it’s easy to make a room look like Custom at around half the cost!

How do you store your wine?
I personally have a Eurocave Performance 283 protecting 200 of my best bottles. It maintains the optimum temperature and humidity and allows me to have quick easy access to all the wines!

If you had to give 1 wine storage tip, what would it be?
The best tip is to stay on top of your wines and know when a wine is going to be at the right age to drink so you don’t have any wine go past its peak.

What have you drank lately that wowed you?
The last wow-worthy wine that I had was a 1999 San Fiorenzo Brunello. I’ve had it in my Eurocave for about 6-7 years and recently shared it with some friends… it was aged to perfection!

This week in the “Meet Our Wine Storage Consultants” series, we meet John Tucci. John has been with the Wine Enthusiast for 6 years. Perhaps his love of  home improvement projects and carpentry led him to start building magnificent wine cellars for our customers! In addition, he loves attending sporting events and spending time with his family.

What was your “Epiphany” wine?
1999 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley.  I had the chance to enjoy this fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon with family on a special occasion several years ago.  I immediately purchased a bottle to cellar for a future special occasion. Can’t wait!

What is the most memorable Wine Cellar you have built?
I had the unique opportunity to design a custom wine cellar for a former local professional hockey player.  I was very excited to not only meet, but exceed the customer’s high expectations in achieving a magnificent custom wine cellar. Needless to say, it came out unbelievably!

What is your favorite Wine Storage Product and why?
Eurocave Wine cellars, they are about as reliable as you can get!

How do you store your wine?
I store my wine in a Eurocave Compact version. Although I wish I had the space to design my own wine cellar, I do not. So, the next best thing is to keep my wine in a Eurocave that combines the perfect balance between temperature and humidity.

If you had to give 1 wine storage tip, what would it be?
Try to always store your wine in an environment that combines a constant temperature with humidity.
A constant temperature is the most important factor when storing wine.  The ideal temperature to store wine is approximately 55 degrees. Humidity is also very important when storing your wine. The ideal relative humidity for storing wine is approximately 60-70 percent. Humidity is crucial to keeping your corks moist and preventing them from drying out.

What have you drank lately that wowed you?
Recently, I enjoyed a bottle of 2000 Chateau Haut Marbuzet, St. Estephe.  This full deep red Bordeaux was amazing and certainly worth a try, especially with a nice cut of beef!

Ever since the social photo-sharing site, Pinterest, launched, our customers have been feverishly pinning their favorite Wine Enthusiast products. It’s no surprise, as beautiful stemware, cork crafts and wine pairings make the perfect eye candy. To be honest, the level of enthusiasm has been beyond belief! We love seeing customers show-off their wine lifestyle in the fantastic boards they have been creating.
A selection of products has been far and away, the most “pinteresting.” Below are the top pinned products on Pinterest. Why do you think these are so popular? Are you on Pinterest? Follow us @WineEnthusiast and show us your boards!

Handmade Vintage Oak Whiskey Barrel Coffee Table ($795) – With over 10,000 pins, this handsome coffee table is a must-have item for Pinterest users who say “Love this!” and “have to have!” Use it as a living room conversation-starter and tuck your favorite wine magazines inside it, it is as beautiful as it is functional.

Pin It

Wine Bottle House Numbers ($14.95)- If one thing is clear about Pinterest users, they love expressing themselves. These Wine Bottle House Numbers allow owners to announce their oenophile-status to passerbys. Whether for a vineyard or a new home, people are showing their style with these hand painted markers.

Pin It 

Wine Cork Lazy Susan Kit ($129.95) – Our cork kits are perennially popular but the Lazy Susan size is the favorite among Pinterest users. Our guess is that this swiveling buffet not only preserves memories, it encourages sharing! And Pinterest is all about sharing. Pin It

Wine Bottle Oil Lamp Kit ($29.95)- Crafty pinners go wild for this kit which turns an old wine bottle into an elegant candle. What’s the most popular board it goes on? “Products I Love.”

Pin It

Heart Shaped Corkboard/Cork Trivet Kit ($24.95)- Pinterest users also express their love by pinning our sweet Heart Shaped Corkboard. This was a big hit on Valentine’s Day but continues to be sought-after as a lovely keepsake.

Pin It

Wine Glass Chandelier ($249.95)- Comments like “YES” and “fabulous” are just a few of the remarks made on Pinterest about this stem-filled chandelier. And the best part, as pinners say, it’s self cleaning!

Pin It

Recycled Wine Bottle Tealight Holder ($39.95)- Old wine bottles find a new use with these recycled tealight holders, sure to light up the tables of Pinterest users across the country.

Pin It

Next in our Wine Storage Consultant series is David Moseler. David has been building wine cellars with Wine Enthusiast for 8 years. His design work has been featured on WNBC 4 New York. He enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time with his family and taking guitar lessons. He learned about wine through his history in the wine import business, taking classes at the WSET and  travels in Argentina to visit family.

What was your “Epiphany” wine?
I recall enjoying a 1998 Châteauneuf-du-Pape in Avignon France and something just clicked inside of me.  While in California, nothing compared to drinking Rubicon on their Estate

What is the most memorable Wine Cellar you have built?
A 2000 bottle cellar including redwood tongue and groove paneling on the ceiling and walls, a wrought iron door and it only took one design revision.  The customer asked me to design a cellar I would want and he loved it so much he said “I’ll take it!”

What is your favorite Wine Storage Product and why?
I love designing and building wine rooms.  It gives me tremendous satisfaction to see a basement or spare room transformed into a beautiful wine cellar that the owner can be proud of.

How do you store your wine?
Being that I live in a condo, I store about 180+ bottles inside of a Eurocave Performance 283 with brushed aluminum trim

If you had to give 1 wine storage tip, what would it be?
Enjoy your wine.  As much fun as collecting is, at times it is even more enjoyable consuming and appreciating how the wine has evolved.  I always buy at least 2 bottles at this point…one to drink now and one to enjoy in a few years!

What have you drank lately that wowed you?
To this day, I have never tasted anything that came close to the time I was dining at Gilt in the New York Palace Hotel and the sommelier offered our table the rest of an 1834 Madeira…heaven in a bottle.

Follow David on Twitter @WE_DavidMoseler !

This week in the series, we introduce our Wine Storage Consultant, Adam Dunefesky. Adam grew up in the Bronx just a stones throw from Arthur Ave, the Mecca for Italian Fare. His absolute favorite in the area however, is Roberto’s, for their sublime tubettini with grilled octopus. So it was an honor when Roberto’s decided to build a wine cellar and turned to Adam for his expertise. Adam not only helped design the wine cellar but helped pick out wine glasses, decanters and other accessories giving them the full Wine Enthusiast experience. Adam has been with the Wine Enthusiast for over 14 years and is one of the top wine cellar designers in the country. You can see one of his most recent cellars at Valbella in NYC.

What was your “Epiphany” wine?
I really got into wine after tasting the 1997 Joseph Phelps Insignia. This wine had complex aromas of fruit, chocolate and oak to go with an abundance of flavors. This wine really lived up to its reputation and left me wanting more.

What is the most memorable Wine Cellar you have built?
It’s a tough choice between designing Regis & Joy Philbin’s wine cellar and helping Eli Manning purchase a Eurocave. I was able to visit the Philbin’s home and meet them but I am also a huge Giants fan so meeting Eli was a big win too. Go Giants!

What is your favorite Wine Storage Product and why?
I love the Eurocave Wine Cellar as they are truly the best storage cellars for your wines. I will say that the N’Finity is a really good value wine cellar especially if you need something built-in. I also like that they have the stainless steel option which is great for kitchens.

How do you store your wine?
I store my wines in a Eurocave and will be needing another one soon as my collection is growing.

If you had to give 1 wine storage tip, what would it be?
My wine storage tip would be to buy something you can grow into. Too many people, myself included, buy a wine cellar that they fill to quickly and need another one! Give yourself room for growth.

What have you drank lately that wowed you?
Miner 2007 Oracle, Napa valley Red

Continuing the “Meet Our Wine Storage Consultants” series, I would like to introduce Michael Dreyfus. Michael has been with Wine Enthusiast “as long as you would let a Grand Cru Bordeaux age”. He grew up and worked in the restaurant business and loves to wine and dine still. But he finds with the combined talents in the kitchen between he and his wife, plus their wine collection,  the best spot to eat is their home!

What was your “Epiphany” wine?
Some way too young bottle of Lynch Bages during the 1976 super bowl. My dad let me have a full glass with a steak during half time with my older brother. I was sixteen and remember how bitter it tasted, but now it’s a bittersweet memory!
 
What is the most memorable Wine Cellar you have built?
I have done a lot of sport, screen and musicians cellars. Fun when you see or hear them and say to yourself- I designed their cellar!
 
What is your favorite Wine Storage Product and why?
N’FINITY 50 . Great counter height with ample capacity. Reliable and practical. It’s size make it a cool place to show off my decanters on top and serve from as well.

How do you store your wine?
Upstairs in my den the N’FINITY 50 and some extra stash in a root cellar with redwood wine racks in the basement.

If you had to give 1 wine storage tip, what would it be?
All wine is best stored and aged between 50-60 degrees. Red,white or bubbly. Store in this range – take out about 30 minutes to bring to a service temp. Also wine is subjective –if you think it’s good – it is.

What have you drank lately that wowed you?
A Shiner holiday brew from Spoetz Brewery-Texas – Even a “Wine Enthusiast” appreciates a good brew now and then!

This week meet Alan Genee our Director of Sales and Customer Services who has been at Wine Enthusiast for 12 years.  Alan’s passion for building and carpentry along with his psychology background  made him a natural fit for sales and our wine cellar design department. Whether it be a single corkscrew or a 10,000 bottle custom cellar, Alan’s main focus is to enhance the customer experience.

What was your “Epiphany” wine?
It was a 5 Puttynos Tokaji from the Royal Tokaji Wine Company. I have always had a bit of a sweet tooth and this wine sent me over the top! Dessert wines are still my favorite to this day.

What is the most memorable Wine Cellar you have built?
The custom wine cellar in our Wine Enthusiast showroom. It is something I had envisioned doing for many years, even when we were in our original location. Once we moved to our new headquarters, I was able to take the space from a simple floor plan to the lavish cellar that you see today. It’s wonderful to have our customers come through the door and marvel at this cellar while envisioning something similar in their own home.

What is your favorite Wine Storage Product and why?
I love the simplicity and efficiency of the Silent Wine Refrigerators. They are a perfect gateway for the novice collector into the world of wine storage. Also being close to NYC we have many customers who live in apartments that don’t have the room for the bigger units and are looking for the quietest solution possible.

How do you store your wine?
I have a modest collection that I store in our N’Finity Wine Racks with an N’Finity Cooling Unit. What I love about this system is that as my collection grows I can simply add on racks to my current cellar. It’s also fairly easy for me to assemble/install and I do enjoy the process.

If you had to give 1 wine storage tip, what would it be?
Whether it’s a basic wine refrigerator or a custom built wine cellar with all the trimmings, having a temperature-controlled environment for your collection is an invaluable investment. We have many customers who have lost wines over the years because they thought their basement or pantry closet would suffice. The truth is there are few places in the world that can maintain a steady 55 degree temperature year round without the use of some form of temperature control.

What have you drank lately that wowed you?
I have always been a Dolce fan, so one of my colleagues (Marshall) introduced me to Moshin Vineyard’s Moshin Poshin. It is another Sauternes-style dessert wine from California and it is simply delicious. It’s my new go-to after dinner treat.

This Sunday is notorious for being the biggest party day and hedonistic gorgefest of the year. With the big game imminent it’s time to start thinking  about what you’ll need on hand for all the football fans that are about to invade your home. We have compiled a list of the essentials necessary to make your party the best on the block! The only downside may be that after its great success, you may unwillingly be labeled as the pinnacle of all football party hosts. So if you are able to handle that responsibility, we present you with the Top 10 Necessary Accessories for your SB Party!

10. Microbrew Peanut Brittle – This salty sweet treat is perfect for beer , wine and football fans alike. It was crafted in the heart of California wine country and made with a hint of hops. Beer and peanut butter all in one delicious mouthful… who wouldn’t love that?!

9. Wine Cork Cheese Spreaders – Whether cheddar, blue or mozzarella are on the menu, these spreaders are perfect for your game day appetizer cheese platter.

8. Wine Chicken Cooker – It’s as easy to use as it is attractive and will cook one of the best birds you have ever tasted!

7. Vintage Oak Party Chiller – The best way we know to keep all your white wine, champagne, beer, soda and water cold and ready to serve a big party.

6. Wine Glass Writer Metallic Pen – The ideal tool to make sure no one snags your glass of vino!

5. Silent 28 Bottle Touchscreen Wine Cellar – To ensure all your wines are being properly stored prior to the game, as none of your guests are going to want to drink warm wine.

4. Spiegelau Classic Beer Glasses – Choose from the Pilsner, Lager or Wheat style depending on what kind of brew you are serving for the game.

3. Giant Red Wine Stem Cooler – Because it’s… GIANT!!!

2. Stainless Steel Champagne Bucket – The perfect vessel to chill down the bubbly for the post game victory celebration!

And the #1 absolute necessity for your Football Fiesta……

1. Wine B’gone – Quickly fix any couch or carpet casualties with our handy wine stain remover. It’s a long game and let’s be honest…your guests are going to spill some wine!

Of course we can’t forget that even with the necessary accessories, you still need something to drink. So as a special bonus  from our wine shop partner:

The Top 5 WineExpress.com Gridiron Selections

5. Enamore 2009 Mendoza, Allegrini & Renacer – Both Amarone and Malbec fans will go nuts for this joint effort. A big wine on all fronts!

4. Archstone 2008 Chardonnay, Napa Valley – For under $15 it’s tough to find a better Napa Chard that will pair up with all those spicy and greasy finger foods.

3. Seghesio 2010 Zinfandel, Sonoma County – A consistent 90 Pt + Zin, this is a perfect match for those hot Buffalo wings or BBQ spare ribs.

2. Moonlighters 2007 Red Blend, South Australia, Red Heads Studio -  This innovative Cabernet blend is a tremendous value and will pair with everything from cocktail weenies to  Filet Mignon.

And the #1 Wine for this year’s Gridiron Gathering is…

1. Silver Oak 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley – Because YOU will be the MVP at the end of the game for serving this iconic Napa Cab.

Tell us what you plan to serve on Sunday! And what are your necessary accessories for the big game?

With Valentine’s Day only weeks away, it’s the perfect time of year to appreciate the people (and wine!) we love. No doubt we will all be opening a special bottle on the 14th, but I’d like to highlight some of the products that will heighten your love of wine all year round.

Here are some personal favorites. Which wine gadgets and wine accessories do you own that tell your wine, “I Love You!”?

Label Savers – One of our all-time best sellers, label savers are a quick and easy way to make lasting memories from a special bottle.  Sold in sets of 10, these nifty laminators work by separating the front printed surface from the adhesive back of the label.

Cork Kits – Another classic product, we have offered cork kits in all shapes and sizes from coasters to barrel hoops for decades. And with our new heart-shaped option, there is truly love in the air!

Riedel Black Tie Bliss Decanter – An elegant wine decanter is the perfect way to let your wine breathe. Your love of wine is perfectly represented in Riedel’s unique design with its heart-shaped cutout which also serves as a pouring assistant!

Eurocave – One of the most infinitely rewarding wine investments you can make, a Eurocave will cradle and protect your wine for years to come. Show your collection some appreciation with the world’s finest wine cellars, crafted in France.

WineHug Self-Inflating Protective Travel Pouch – If you love your wine, the last thing you want is for it to fall victim to the bumps and bruises of travel! The WineHug acts as a life jacket for your wine, so you can take it with you everywhere you go!

Good Wine Glasses – Wine needs to express itself and the best way to do that is with the proper stemware. Our Fusion line is not only beautiful , but break-resistant! Your beloved bottles will be at their best in these glasses.

Bathtub Wine Bottle Chiller – Your wine gets to relax as it chills in our whimsical bathtub wine chiller. White wine lovers, this one is for you!

An Aerator – Whether a finer, a breather or a funnel suits you, aerators allow your wine to mix and mingle with the air around it! Improved aromatics and softer tannins will be the end result. Your wine will thank you!

Last week we introduced you to Marshall Tilden, one of our expert Wine Storage Consultants who doubles as a Sales Manager here at Wine Enthusiast. This week meet Lou Ann Hesch who has been building beautiful wine cellars and helping customers here for 15 years! Lou Ann grew up in a very Sicilian family and developed a love for “the fruit of the vine” by selling tomatoes by the pound as a kid. She also enjoyed visiting her Grandfather’s grapevines.

What was your “Epiphany” wine? 
Historically my frame of reference has been homemade Italian red wine. Shortly after joining the Wine Enthusiast, I had the pleasure of joining our team at a famous New York steakhouse for dinner and a bottle of PETRUS was opened and I was mesmerized!

What is the most memorable Wine Cellar you have built?
I built a 1,300-bottle wine cellar complete with racking, artwork, custom doors and cooling. I was elated when I heard these words from the happy owner: “It exceeded all of my expectations, and I can’t help but smile each time I enter the room.”

What is your favorite Wine Storage Product and why?
Of course I love custom racking! The building environment for wine excites me! I especially enjoy creating a cellar that reflects the homeowner’s style and taste.

How do you store your wine?
My Eurocave is 12 years old and in mint condition. I am so proud to sell our products and I am reminded of this each and every time I walk up to my unit.

If you had to give 1 wine storage tip, what would it be?
It will taste better if you store it right and storing it right will change your life and passion for wine.

What have you drank lately that wowed you?
I adore big reds, particularly from California, but I make it a priority to be wowed each time I drink wine !