Big news! Massachusetts continues to get its act together in the wonderful world of wine (whether the powers that be like it or not). It's looking like finally, after three+ years of duking it out in the courts, out-of-state wineries of any shape or size can choose to ship directly to consumers. Read Wine & Spirits Daily's synopsis (and somewhat surprising take on the matter...) here!
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?
Aerators seemed to be The Big Thing over the holidays. Whether considered the perfect gift or the best party trick going, I was entertained to find the original aerator, produced by Vinum, on hand at every holiday party I attended. I even received Metrokane’s Rabbit aerator as a gift! All of this enthusiasm got me thinking: is this little gadget worth all the fuss and, if so, which of these two products is superior?
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And.... we're back!
What better way to come back from the holidays than to find out this month's Wicked Wine picks? I figure it's worth celebrating the end of 2009 with some truly wonderful selections you can snuggle up to on the coldest nights of the winter. Pop on over to 
Chances are you’ve been tasting a bit of bubbly if you’ve been attending holiday wine tasting events or other parties around town. Sparkling wine comes in several different packages, but there are three main ones: Cava, Prosecco and Champagne – with domestic sparkling wines made in the style of French Champagne. There is literally something for every occasion!
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December is one of my favorite months for enjoying wine. Festivities abound and the cold and snow are still welcome friends. It’s also a time to wax nostalgic as we think about all that’s transpired over the last 12 months – and anticipate a new chapter soon to come. There are ample wines for gussying up and heading out the door in your “Sunday best” to enjoy the company of good friends and family. And there are wines for snuggling up by the fire because it’s just so tempting to stay in! Pop over to 
Some people hate holiday shopping. I, for one, love it. It's not the shopping part per se I like so much. It is the coming up with creative ideas to touch the hearts of the people in your life that's fun. I like giving more than receiving (though that has some perks, too).
For those on a lower budget or who prefer the nod of something clever to something pricey, think about
Even though it’s in our job description, sometimes we writers do get tired of our own opinions. And it is always fun to “step outside the bottle”, as Theresa Paopao of Cambridge’s 
I've been working so diligently on a few holiday wine projects for you, I almost forgot it was Friday... and time to update you on a few of the various holiday wine TASTING events that have caught my eye this week. Be sure to tune in the next couple of weeks for insights on holiday/December wine ideas - and in the meantime, be sure to read on to discover where bells will be ringing and wine will be tasting!
Sunday, December 6 @ Magnolia Wine Co. (2 - 5pm)
How quickly Thanksgiving has crept up on us this year! It seems like we were just talking about how great Pinot Noir is in the fall, in addition to gracing your Thanksgiving table. And yet, the big day is nearly upon us! Not to worry. For a celebratory holiday where more than one bottle is certain to be opened (and Pinot Noir is the darling dinnertime grape), we have trekked to Italy to find a real steal...
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