Wine is a beloved alcoholic beverage that pairs well with many foods. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a winemaking expert to enjoy this grape-based drink. Use this beginner’s guide to learn about wine so that you can appreciate your next glass even more.

Common Questions About Wine

How is it made?

After harvest, the grape’s stems are removed, and the berries are crushed and put into a large vat. Yeast is added into the vat so that the mixture can ferment, which is the process of sugar converting to alcohol. Wine can be fermented for a few months or years, depending on the winemaker’s preference.

Why are there different colors of wine?

Wine is either red, white, or blush, and the color is determined by the type of grapes that are used in the winemaking process. Red wines are made with dark red or purple grapes that keep their skin during fermentation. Whites are typically made with yellow or green grapes, and rosés are light pink because the process requires only a quick usage of grapes.

Why are bottles corked?

While some wines benefit from aeration before drinking, too much oxygen can ruin their flavors. Cork is flexible, and it can fit the shape of nearly any bottle opening. This form-fitting nature makes it excellent at keeping oxygenized air out of the bottle.

Can you re-cork a bottle?

Corks expand after you remove them, making re-corking can be difficult. You can try to patiently twist the cork back into the bottleneck or store the wine in a new container. If you save it, use a small glass container so that there isn’t any leftover space. Empty spaces contain air with oxygen, and the container won’t preserve your wine as long.

If you want to learn more about this beverage, head to Oeno Winemaking in Kailua, HI. At this winery, you’ll create your own wine and design the bottle, including its label and shrink foil. You’ll also participate in a wine tasting to sample bottles from around the world and expand your palate. View their wine selection online, or call (808) 263-6366 to book a tasting.