IWA Wine Blog

Most experts agree that decanting a wine depends largely on the wine’s age and varietal characteristics. Most young wines, especially big, bold reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Barolo or Syrah benefit from decanting. Not because it helps to soften tannins, but rather by dissipating undesirable sulfer-based compounds it allows the fruit characteristics to concentrate and intensify [...]

Not everyone is lucky enough to live in or close to California wine country. But that doesn’t mean you can’t sample wines without spending a fortune. With our mini tasting kits, you can taste all of the best wines we have to offer without having to buy, and open, an entire 750mL bottle of wine [...]

Father’s Day is just around the corner. You did remember didn’t you?…DOH!  Well, you still have time to get him something—no, not another funky Jerry Garcia tie or bottle of Old Spice cologne. If dear old Dad is a wine lover, get him something he really wants. A gift from IWA shows Dad just how [...]

Picture this: you decided to try that new restaurant. You made the reservations weeks ago just so you could get the prime dinner time. The tables have embroidered linens. The menu selections sound delicious. The service is impeccable. You’ve brought two of your best wines which the server is about to pour into their cheap [...]

If you’ve shopped for stemware lately, you’ve probably seen plenty of claims for who has the strongest or most break-resistant glasses. With terms such as magnesium-infused and titanium crystal, how do you really know what to believe. Well, here at the IWA Testing Labs, we decided to put our own Ultima stemware and the big [...]