And that’s when I realized it is quite possible we’ve never discussed the most important thing about The Holidays (aside from what to pour, of course) – how MUCH to have on hand! Are you in this particular predicament as Christmas looms or New Year’s RSVPs flood in, too?

First things first, consider how many people in your crowd will be drinking wine with you. If you have 50 people coming but only about 30 people who you think will imbibe vinously, use that as your base number.

Next, think about how much, shall we say decorum?, is anticipated. If you have a moderate drinking crowd, figure 2.5 glasses per person. Multiply that number by your base (2.5 * 30) and achieve your total number of drinks expected (75). A healthy pour would mean 4 drinks per the standard 750ml bottle. A more moderate pour will be 5 per bottle. If you prefer to strike a middle ground, use 4.5. Carrying our example of 30 moderate drinkers forward, you are looking at nearly 17 bottles needed. It never hurts to round up, so consider buying a case and a half and you should be good to go.

The other variable we’ve alluded to above is whether you think all of your folks will be wine drinkers. Play with the ‘formula’ above to adjust accordingly (e.g. 30 wine drinkers, with 15 others more interested in beer) and make your final call on how much to have on hand. Then, put on your party shoes and fire up the iPod! It’ll be time to celebrate like it’s 2012 in no  time.

Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy and happy New Year!

Because of my connection with Ball Square Fine Wines in Somerville I’ve been fortunate to have been exposed to these wines and have tasted what I believe is the best of what Greece has to offer. And the offering is ample. There are serious, well made, sometimes even “nerdy” wines on the market. Sure, you might be lulled by the new “My Big Fat Greek Wine” that has recently come to Boston. And no, I by no means think that this is a good example of fine Greek wine; (in fact, I think it is a disservice to Grecian wine making and American consumers alike that they’ve used such a clever marketing ploy to pimp what I find is a fairly insipid wine, regardless of origin. I’m just saying…)

So why hasn’t Greek wine taken off? Well, the names are a bit of a mouthful. Greece excels at producing wines from indigenous, local varietals that you really can’t pronounce. I’m still working on it, admittedly, and I’ve been tasting them for 4 years now! Yes, there are some wineries that are blending in “international varietals” like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Syrah. But it is the Moscofilero-s and St.George’s (aka Aghiorgitiko-s) of the world that set Greek wines apart from the rest.

Moscofilero is a white grape that gets its name from the Greek words for Mosco (meaning fragrant) and Filo (meaning leaf). It is an ancient varietal for sure, but it’s aromatics are so fresh you’ll be thinking of spring in an instant. It is a wine that I often suggest is akin to Sauvignon Blanc (especially from the Loire Valley, France) or even Viura or Verdejo from Spain. Earlier this week at a Greek-themed wine dinner at Bistro 5, one of the guests said the same thing.

One of my favorite red varietals at the moment (i.e. a grape I have been showing a little “favoritism” to on the home-front, yes, something that is hard to do and admit in this trade) is St. George, aka Aghiorgitiko. (Specifically, I’m enamored with the Skouras Nemea St. George, which for a mere $14.99 is a FIND as far as I’m concerned. It definitely “over delivers” – and would be perfect with your Thanksgiving feast.)  Back to the grape, Aghiorgitiko translates to St. George and is a name change that came about back in antiquity, when the wine was known as the Blood of the Lion. It got its name St. George during the conversion to Christianity – something about the parallel between Hercules killing the lion and St. George killing the dragon…. New wine name, new religion and poof! Rebecca has a new wine find to share with universe in the making. Un-oaked styles are fruit forward and lively, yet display a truly Old World earthiness in perfect moderation. I can’t get enough.

Bottom line: Most consumers only seek out Greek wines after they’ve returned from a vacation or honeymoon in Santorini, for example. I say let your curiosity guide you home.

BSFW will be having a Greek wine tasting this Wednesday, Nov. 17. Check it out!

Are you familiar with Greek wines? Which is your favorite varietal?

Just a few days ago Wine.com launched a new version of its old self, wineshopper.com. Who does this new site benefit? Those looking for more rare, esoteric or otherwise small production, lesser available/known stuff. The site also features special deals of the day by way of email blasts. Do you think you’ll investigate this new wine buying opportunity?
We also learned this week about a specialty vinegar on the market, which apparently has chef’s jumping out of their skin. Minus 8 is an Ontario-based outfit that harvests grapes  at precisely that temperature – sort of like ice wine, but for food lovers! Check it out.

Last but not least, our friends at Divas Uncorked are gearing up for their annual food and wine fest out out the Vineyard. The event is a weekend affair August 12 – 15 and features various festivities all about the island. You can choose to attend certain events “a la carte” or buy the all-access pass. More information is available here.

But before we get into all that, check out this link to get more info about a wine and food festival fundraiser for the York Education Foundation up in Maine this Saturday, May 8th.

Ok, now it’s time to settle in to the “meaty” stuff….

Here Slate presents a piece on global warming and the world and the world of wine. Something to bear in mind as you read it: there is NO replacement for a place’s unique terroir. I’ll say it again, European nations (and specifically their respective wine areas) in particular offer a distinct terroir that is unquestionably irreplicable.

Next, go here to take in this Wall Street Journal article on cork closures. It’s a well written piece that captures BOTH sides of the cork debate. Which side do you land on? Are you pro-cork or pro-synthetic?

Turns out the UK is experimenting with a new version of city wine-making. Rather than purchasing fruit from here there and everywhere and then inviting you to come crush and blend et.al.,  a London-based company called The Urban Wine Company uses local grapes to make uber-local wine – and you are involved in the whole process. Here I am trying to keep from killing my house plant, but it sounds like these guys might even be able to help turn my brown thumb green – while giving me the chance to make my own wine. I’m terroir believer when it comes to making great wine – and am certain great grapes can make great wine, while bad grapes have no chance of doing so. But the project sounds like a great opportunity to understand first-hand how all this works, more or less. Too bad I’m Boston-bound! Would you be interested in such a project if given the opportunity?

On the trade side of life, this week we’ve been on “the trade circuit” tasting quite a bit of vino at various Spring Tastings being hosted by our suppliers to get us excited about new vintages and new wines in their portfolios. I had the pleasure of running into Mike Helman of Shawsheen Liquors. Turns out he’s gearing up for the annual “Hair of the Dog” wine/beer tasting event, supporting the MSPCA. This event features a wine and beer tasting, art show and the White Street Band. Raffle prizes will abound, too. Tickets are $30 at the door or $25 in advance. Pop over to Shawsheen Liquors to find out more! The event is scheduled for next Friday, April 30th, 6 – 9pm.

Last but not least, we have wines that are made with a bit more… oomph. There is definitely a conversation in the wineosphere about The Hot Factor… Are wines over 14% alcohol bad? Not necessarily, I believe, so long as the wine is in balance. But that’s a bigger story for another day. In the meantime, check out this Wall Street Journal article on “Wines That Pack“. What’s your opinion about alcohol content in wine?

Next up we have an article that three different friends sent to me (from two different sources), to ensure I didn’t miss it: the latest in wine health news reports suggests that women who drink have a better chance of avoiding obseity. Egad, will these studies ever cease? An entertaining read if you, like me, don’t mind another guilt-free reason to keep pouring your nightly glass of wine.

Last but not least, we have a fun Old World vs. New World showdown on The Tasting Docit! On Friday March 19 you and other foodie nerds at WGBH can enjoy the fun for a mere $25. And there will be music to further enrich your tasting experience. Check it out!

Prior to the quake, the skinny on Chilean wine exports via the LA Times.

A more humanized view of how things looked last Friday, Feb. 28th via my old fav, Dr. Vino.

And an updated, trade-oriented snapshot of where we are a week later via Decanter.

Generally speaking, do you think the buzz around the  magnitude of this quake will generate new or even greater interest in Chilean wines?

And, of course, we can’t let today go by without mentioning the biggest wine event in Boston happening this weekend: the Boston Wine Expo! You can still get tickets to this well-known event, but if you do, be sure to check out my  Survival Guide to make the most of your experience.

Last but not least, if you’re in the hood and not just a wine nerd, but also a gourmet cheese aficionado, be sure to attend Ball Square Fine Wines’ “Expansion Celebration” event this TUESDAY, Jan. 22, from 5:30-7:30pm.

Did I miss a wine tidbit or event this week? What’s on your vino screen?

Silicon Valley’s Jessica Yadegaran has a better idea… giving her opinion on what’s sure to be a hit in 2010. Check out her article on wine trends and see if you concur!

Last but not least, a man after my own heart, Dr. Vino has gotten to the heart of the matter with his recent post on appropriate wine pairings to enjoy the last of football season – with 7 Layer Dip (um, Albarino people!). See what others suggest here!

What would you rather do: get Sarah’s opinion on the trade or taste test the best pairing with 7 Layer Dip?

For those on a lower budget or who prefer the nod of something clever to something pricey, think about this idea (care of the New York Times) for the wine lover in your life.

For those on a much higher budget or those who prefer to give to charity, there are always holiday wine auctions. You too could be the lucky owner of something like a Doris Duke collectable: 1921 Ch. d’Yquem! For spirits lovers, there always unique finds like the 1788 Tour D’Argent Cognac. (LOL)

Better yet, for those on planet earth who like to be 100% absolutely convinced they’ve found THE perfect wine gift (or bottle to celebrate the New Year), don’t forget about Saturday’s 2nd Annual “Boisterous About Bubbles” Sparkling Wine Tasting at Ball Square Fine Wines in Somerville. Rumor has it not one, not two, not three, BUT FOUR tables will be uncorking several bottles of bubbly to delight you. Truly. If you don’t know what Growers Champagne is (and why it is SO darn delicious) or are a little fuzzy on the finer points of sparkling wines from around the world, you MUST attend this soiree. This is a 1-of-a-Kind opportunity I give to you, reader. Tasting is believing. Don’t miss out!

In all seriousness, which wine gift ideas are you toying with this holiday season?