#oklahomawines

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HOW TO PLAN A WINE TASTING PARTY WITH OKLAHOMA WINES

With the warmer weather approaching, you may begin planning your summer gatherings with your loved ones. A great way to entertain your guests is by hosting a wine tasting. Planning your wine tasting allows your friends and family to taste Oklahoma wines in a comfortable environment. However, wine tastings are unlike any other event, and there are specific details to keep in mind when planning.

Things to Keep in Mind When Planning Your Wine Tasting

Determine a Theme

Choosing a theme for your wine tasting will help create a cohesive, fun event. Some popular themes include:

Regions – choose a variety of wines from specific areas nationally or internationally, such as France, Italy, California, or Oklahoma wines.

Variety – taste a single variety, such as Pinot Grigio, from different regions to compare.

Blind Tastings – hide each bottle of wine in a brown bag, allowing your guests to use their senses to determine the wine style and varietal.

Random – themes can be centered around anything you want, such as holidays, movies, or destinations. Be creative!

Adorning your space with matching decorations, including fun costumes, and offering themed hors d’oeuvres are great ways to liven up your wine tasting and take your guests on an adventure.

Decide Which Wines to Purchase

Having a theme can help narrow down when looking to buy local wines for your party. Do your research online to discover which wines would be best for your theme, or get in touch with a local store or winery for more personal expertise.

Likewise, ensure you buy the appropriate amount of wine for your number of guests. Each bottle is about 24 ounces, allowing you to serve 2-ounce tastes for 12 guests or a generous 6-ounce taste for four guests. As a general rule of thumb, always buy more wine than you need and contact your local winery for estimates if needed.

Do Your Research

Before your event, learning about the discover Oklahoma wines your guests will be tasting is essential. Create information cards for each wine to hand out to guests, providing information about the wine’s history, varietal, region of origin, and more.

Another important aspect to research is your desired serving method. Decide if you would like your guests to self-pour their samples, pour yourself, or hire someone to help pour. Likewise, determine which order your wines will be served. For multi-varietal tastings, hosts generally start with bubbly or light white wines and finish with bold reds and dessert wines.

Keep the Food Light

Food is an essential component of any wine tasting. Whether making the food yourself, having a potluck with your guests, or hiring a caterer, keep the menu light to ensure the wine isn’t overpowered. Research and sample which foods and hors d’oeuvres pair best with each wine. Classics include charcuterie boards, bitter chocolates, and fruits. Likewise, try to avoid serving smelly foods, as the scents can greatly affect the taste of the wines.

Discover Oklahoma Wines for Your Wine Tasting Party

Wine tasting parties are a unique way to spend time with friends and family. As such, there are many options available in Oklahoma to buy local wines. Visit our website to find a local winery or vineyard near you, or contact us for more information.

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Oklahoma Wineries - The Fantastic Place to Taste Amazing Wines

Oklahoma wineries are fantastic places to taste new wines, spend time with friends, and talk to local experts. Plan your next getaway to Oklahoma Wineries today. Visit the link today!

https://discoveroklahomawines.com/

[vinedication]

Wine and boat day hooray‼️ Perfect place to enjoy Clauren Ridge Vineyard and Winery wine is boating on WestRock Landing at Lake Maumelle Wine is Ava approved (dog approved) #cabernetsauvignon #oklahoma #oklahomawine #boatlife #pontoon #lakemaumelle #arkansas #lakelife #redwine #wine #wineandboats #dogsandwine #perfectlypawsitive #wineforall #hiddengems #wedeliver #weship #smallbusiness #veteranowned #womenownedbusiness (at North Little Rock, Arkansas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSIg0EELj1i/?utm_medium=tumblr

[thearizonawinemonk]

Behold: the only romance I'll have during the whole of my self-quarantine lockdown! Meet today's Pandemic Daydrinking bottle bottle bae, the 2015 Romance Rosé, from @whirlwindwinery in Watonga, Oklahoma. I'm honestly not sure what varietals were used to make this vintage, but if I had to guess, I would say it's a blend of Merlot with maybe Chambourcin and Cabernet sauvignon. I admit, I could be very wrong and look forward to being corrected. The nose of this vintage is musty; it makes me think of a museum after hours, with the lights dimmed. I also catch a scent of orange peel, sweet tarts, limestone, and dried strawberry. On the palate, the 2015 Romance has notes of guava, grapefruit, limestone, and strawberry. It's not overly complex, but not all wine needs to be. This wine is designed to be a mid-summer porchpounder, and I am drinking it at a very wrong time of year, on a cold, blustry day, trapped inside. So it goes. I'm pretty much grabbing bottles at random from my stash to imbibe. #oklahomawine #oklahoma #romance #romanceandrosé #wine #wineinthetimeofcoronavirus #rosé #rosébeforebrosé #roséallday #yeswayrose #winereviews #winetasting #winetime #drinkwine #pandemicdaydrinking #daydrinking #merlot #roséblend #winesofamerica #winesofinstagram #instawine https://www.instagram.com/p/B-QWnLuH_vK/?igshid=1p2008li5d2s8

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What to Expect During Oklahoma Wine Tours

As you venture on the Oklahoma wine trails, touring a winery is a great way to taste local wines and gain more insight into the local wine industry. Every wine tour will be different depending on the location. However, there are a few things you can generally expect on every wine tour.

Things to Expect on Oklahoma Wine Tours

Touring the Property

Whether you travel Oklahoma vineyards or visit local wineries, most wine tours include an in-depth property tour. Most tours will show you the different stages of their winemaking process. They usually begin by showcasing the rows of grapevines before moving indoors to their processing area. Tours typically end in the wine cellar for guests to peek at the beautiful wine barrels and rows of bottles waiting to be opened.

Learning History

Throughout your tour, the guide will share the history of their establishment. Likewise, many establishments seek to educate guests about the popular grape varieties in the area, the different types of wines they produce, and more detailed information about their unique winemaking process. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask your guide for more information.

Tasting Local Wines

One of the most fun parts of Oklahoma wine tours is tasting the wines. Most wine tours have a selection of one to six wines to sample. As you taste, the guide will give you insight into what region the grapes are from, how each wine is made, and details about its flavors and aromas. Some locations also offer delicious appetizers made from local products for an extra fee.

How to Prepare for Your Wine Tour

Wine tours are an excellent way to taste local wines and increase winemaking knowledge. When preparing to travel Oklahoma vineyards, here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure the success of your trip

1. Make a reservation.

2. Dress comfortably.

3. Practice your tasting technique beforehand.

4. Take notes during the tasting.

5. Tip appropriately.

6. Be prepared to purchase a bottle.

Discover Local Wines on the Oklahoma Wine Trails

Whether you are new to wines or an experienced connoisseur, embarking on a wine tour will surely be a treat. At the OGIC, our members throughout Oklahoma offer fantastic wine tours, tastings, and other fun experiences. If you would like more information about our organization, pleasecontact ustoday.

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WINE TASTING OKC BASICS: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SWEET AND DRY WINES

Choosing a wine to try can seem difficult, especially if you are new to the world of wine. The choices are endless, from reds and whites to still and sparkling wines. Attending a wine tasting OKC is an excellent way to introduce yourself to various wines to help find your favorites. You will also learn how to appreciate the qualities of different wines, such as their dryness or sweetness.

Sweet vs. Dry Wines: What’s the Difference?

Wines are considered dry when they have less than 1 percent residual sugar. Oklahoma wines with less than 0.5 percent residual sugar are considered “bone dry,” having been completely stripped of their residual sugar. The taste buds hardly detect the minimal amount of sugar in bone-dry wines. On the contrary, sweet wines have residual sugar amounts above 20 percent. Off-dry wines are considered somewhere in between.

How Does Fermentation Affect a Wine’s Sweetness?

The primary factor determining whether made in Oklahoma wine is sweet or dry is the amount of residual sugar left behind during fermentation. The sugars begin to accumulate in the grape while it is still on the vine, especially in warmer climates. The riper the grape, the more sugar that it accumulates.

Once the grapes are harvested and crushed into juice, active yeast is added to begin fermentation. During this process, the yeast eats the natural sugars to produce alcohol. If the wine does not ferment for very long, the yeast cannot consume and convert the sugars into alcohol, resulting in a sweet wine. The longer the wine ferments, the more sugar the yeast consumes, resulting in a drier wine with higher alcohol content.

Other Factors That Impact the Sweetness of Made in Oklahoma Wine

Although fermentation is the main factor that impacts the sweetness of the wine, the wine’s acidity, tannin, and alcohol levels also play a significant role.

Acidity

Acidity refers to the crisp, tart citrus flavors that you taste in the wine. High acidity can make a wine drier. Immature grapes and those grown in cooler climates tend to produce more acidic wines.

Tannins

People often get tannins confused with acidity. Instead of a specific flavor, tannins impact the texture of Oklahoma wines. Tannins come from grape seeds and skins. As a group of phenolic compounds, tannins bind to the proteins in saliva, resulting in a dry feeling in your mouth. The more tannins, the drier the wine will be.

Alcohol

Going back to the fermentation process, winemakers use active yeast to convert sugars into alcohol. If a wine has a higher alcohol content, fewer sugars are present, making the wine drier.

Try Sweet and Dry Wines at a Local Winery Near You

Discovering the perfect wine requires some exploration to determine what you like. At the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council, we have over 60 members statewide ready to serve you delicious local wines and provide exceptional experiences. For more information about our organization or to find a wine tasting OKC near you, please reach out to us.

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BEGINNERS GUIDE TO GROWING GRAPES IN OKLAHOMA

If you want to start a vineyard or produce your own wines, you should learn about growing grapes in Oklahoma. As is the case when cultivating any crop, there is much to consider to ensure the success of your grape-growing endeavor. Here are a few steps that can help when starting a vineyard.

6 Essential Steps for Growing Grapes in Oklahoma

Step 1: Select a Planting Site

If you frequently go on wine tours or travel Oklahoma vineyards, you may have noticed that these places share some similarities regarding their vineyard setup. That is because selecting the right location is essential to ensure the long-term success of a vineyard. Before you start planting anything in your planned vineyard, consider the:

Climate. What is the average temperature in each season? How often does it rain?

Soil. How quickly does the soil drain? Can this affect moisture around the root zone?

Slope. Is there a slope in the area? How will this impact the sunlight and drainage?

Step 2: Select a Grape Variety

Many grape varieties thrive in Oklahoma vineyards near me, so there is sure to be a perfect option for your vineyard. If you want to produce red wine, consider growing:

Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chambourcin.

Merlot.

Sangiovese.

Shiraz/Syrah.

Tempranillo.

Zinfandel.

If your vineyard will primarily produce grapes for white wines, you may want to grow:

Chardonnay.

Muscat Blanc.

Riesling.

Seyval Blanc.

Traminette.

Vignoles.

In addition to these varieties, a range of hybrid grapes grow well in Oklahoma’s climate.

Step 3: Preparing for Planting

Once you know what grapes to plant and where to put them, it is time to begin preparing your vineyard. This step may begin around a year before you start planting, as you must prepare the area by:

Cultivating the soil.

Killing weeds and reducing pests.

Making changes based on soil tests.

Marking your rows.

This process takes a lot of work, but that effort will pay off.

Step 4: Planting the Grapes

After the area is prepared, you can begin planting your grapes at the end of winter or early spring (depending on the grape variety and the area’s climate). Once you have planted the bare-rooted plants and have tied them to a training stake, you should keep them watered, weeded, and free from pests and diseases.

Depending on the grape variety, your intended use of the grapes, and the area’s slope, you may need to construct a trellis for a support system. However, this can often wait until the summer or fall, once the grapevines have grown larger. In addition to making your harvest easier, a trellis can help keep the vines away from small animals.

Step 5: Pruning and Maintenance

Once you start noticing growth on your vines, it can be tempting to let them grow freely until it is time to harvest. However, you will still need to wait to enjoy the rewards of your efforts; grapes can only grow on vines that are at least one year old. Once you reach that point, you will focus on regular maintenance.

Pruning will ensure that new growth develops. The vines will be dormant from December through March, making it the perfect time to prune them. Prime your plants for new growth by:

Cutting each vine back to one or two canes.

Trimming each cane until it has between two and eight buds.

Removing all but the two strongest shoots when growth resumes.

Occasionally pruning back more when needed.

At this point, only the main trunks and year-old growth should remain. Do not hesitate at this step; most places you see when visiting “Oklahoma vineyards near me” cut off more of the vines than they leave.

Of course, when growing grapes in Oklahoma, maintenance goes beyond pruning. Make sure that your plants are well-watered and free from weeds. Watch out for disease and pests, and have a plan in place for what to do if damage occurs. Also, consider fertilizing your grapevines.

Step 6: Harvest and Post-Harvest

The grapes will begin to ripen in July; this period is known as “Veraison.” At this step, keep focusing on maintenance, but start preparing for the harvest season. This may occur in late summer or early fall, depending on your grape variety. After your grapes have been harvested, the vines will go dormant, allowing you to repeat the process once it is time to prune your plants again.

Interested in Visiting Oklahoma Vineyards Near Me?

Whether you are starting your own business or want to enjoy homemade wines from plants grown in your backyard, starting a vineyard is a fun and fulfilling experience. To learn more about growing grapes in our state or to find exciting places to visit when you travel Oklahoma vineyards, get in touch with OGIC.

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Our Members | Oklahoma Grape Industry Council

From vineyard and wineries owners to hobbyists, our members stay connected and informed about legislation, education, and available resources. Learn more!

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How Is Rosé Wine Made at an Oklahoma Winery? | OGIC

When you visit an Oklahoma winery, there will be many unique wines to try, including rosé. These wines are known for their color, with varieties ranging from pinks so pale that they are almost white to deep shades of raspberry. In addition to the palette, rosés have a delicious flavor profile featuring citrus, spice, fruit, and floral notes.

Because these selections are so unique, you may be interested in learning how these wines are made. Overall, rosés are produced in the same way that red or white Oklahoma wines are. However, there are some key differences.

How Are Oklahoma Wines Made?

After the grapes are grown and harvested, they are brought to a winery. There, they are crushed into a mixture called “must” and fermented. The mixture will also be pressed at some point (before or after fermentation, depending on the type of wine). The wine is then clarified, bottled, and aged to perfection.

When making rosé, there are a few more steps in-between.

An Oklahoma Winery Can Make Rosé Through:

Maceration

The most common rosé production method is “maceration.” For this, red wine grapes are harvested and crushed. Afterward, they are left to soak for 2 to 48 hours, allowing the grape skins to start influencing the juice. This process is called “maceration” – the longer the grapes are macerated, the darker the juice. After this, the skins are strained out of the grape juice, and the fermentation process begins. Due to extended contact with the grape skins, the resulting wines have more texture and body than some other rosés.

Direct Press

The “direct press” style of rosé production is also a very popular approach. To create this wine, red grapes are harvested and pressed to extract their juices. Unlike maceration, the skins and the grape juice are separated almost immediately. While this contact is limited, it still leads to a finished wine that has a lovely pink color. From there, the winemaking process continues in the usual way until the rosé is ready to be enjoyed.

Saignée

Another method is the “saignée” approach. If you create rosé wines this way, you must also make red wine. This method involves “bleeding off” some of the juice from a vat that is being used to make red wine. (The name “saignée” translates from French as “bleeding.”) Because the removed juice had limited contact with the grape skins, the resulting wine will be pink. Saignée wines tend to be more complex and have a fuller body when compared to some other rosé varieties.

Blending

While other methods start with red grapes, “blended” rosés start with white grapes. The winemakers begin by making a white wine; afterward, a small amount of red wine is added, leading to a pink color. If you try a sparkling rosé, it was likely made with this production style. Blending may also be used in addition to maceration, saignée, or direct press. For example, if a direct press wine does not have the desired shade, the winemaker may blend some red wine into the rosé.

Enjoy Rosé on Oklahoma Wine Tours

There are many wineries and vineyards across the state, each producing a unique variety of wines – often including rosé. If you want to try quality wines, consider visiting members of the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council. In addition to creating delicious wines, many of our member vineyards and wineries offer Oklahoma wine tours, so you can learn more about the grape growing and winemaking process.

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Plan Your Perfect Trip with Oklahoma Winery Maps | OGIC

If you are preparing for a couple’s vacation, a getaway with friends, or a trip with your family, an Oklahoma winery map can be a valuable tool as you plan your travels. These lists feature winery and vineyard locations that offer unique wines and experiences – many of which may only be available locally.

When You Choose Your Destinations with an Oklahoma Winery Map:

Figure Out How Long the Trip Will Be

Whether you are visiting one winery or several, give yourself the time to enjoy the unique experiences each location offers. This will not easily be done if you are rushing from place to place. As such, before you start choosing wineries and vineyards to visit, you need to first determine how long your trip will be. Depending on the length of the trip, you may go to one vineyard or several locations.

Pick the Ideal Time of Year to Go

Many people who travel Oklahoma winery and vineyard locations do so from the late spring through early fall. At that time, the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy wine outside, and you may be able to watch the grape harvest. Of course, you can still enjoy a winery trip in the fall or winter. Because there may be fewer people at the winery or vineyard, your experience could be more quiet and personal.

Study the Available Types of Wine

Before you select which locations to visit, it can be helpful to first look into the varieties of wine that the vineyard or winery specializes in. This can ensure that, when you visit the tasting room, you will have at least a few options to look forward to. Of course, as with any wine tasting experience, try to stay open about trying new things.

Reserve Your Tours and Tastings

Many wineries and vineyards gladly take walk-in visitors, but you do not want to drive to your destination, only to discover that a reservation was required. To prevent this issue and ensure that you still have your ideal vacation experience, call before you visit the Oklahoma winery. During your call, you may learn more about available tours and tastings. You could even find out about special events before they are posted online.

Consider Transportation and Lodging

While these trips are meant to be enjoyable, it is important that you enjoy everything responsibility. As you plan your trip, remember to consider your options for transportation and lodging. If you visit a tasting room or a wine tasting event, you could hire a taxi or bring a designated driver. If the winery or vineyard is far from your home, it can be best to book a hotel room.

Travel Oklahoma Winery and Vineyard Locations with OGIC

If you want to enjoy unique wines and fun traveling experiences that you can only find in our state, consider visiting some of the winery and vineyard members of the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council. To learn more about OGIC’s members and our industry as a whole, please contact us.

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Oklahoma Winery & Wines | Oklahoma Grape Industry Council

The Oklahoma Grape Industry Council promotes the entire wine industry in the state; to encourage camaraderie among the hobbyists, viticulturists & vintners alike.

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7 Tips For Traveling Oklahoma Wine Trails | OGIC

If you are searching for a unique way to venture across the state, consider journeying on one of many Oklahoma wine trails. Wine trails are the perfect way to visit beautiful wineries and vineyards, drink delicious local wines, and see Oklahoma’s unique landscape on display. If you are traveling on a wine trail for the first time, here are a few helpful tips to maximize your experience.

What To Consider When Journeying On Wine Trails

1. Dress Accordingly

Wine trails often involve lots of traveling and touring, so wear casual and comfortable clothes. Avoid wearing heels and dress shoes so your feet won’t get sore, and dress accordingly for the weather conditions. Likewise, many Oklahoma wine tours involve tasting local wines, so avoid wearing lighter colors to hide stains if a spill occurs.

2. Schedule Ahead

Whether you want to taste local wines or visit a vineyard to see the growing grapes in Oklahoma, planning ahead of your trip is crucial to ensure it goes smoothly. Many establishments require reservations to prepare for your visit, especially for larger groups. Make arrangements for your party beforehand, and inquire about their pricing and menu so you are prepared.

3. Plan For Other Stops

Wine tours are the perfect way to explore new places and enjoy Oklahoma’s gorgeous landscape year-round. As such, when traveling a wine trail, plan to make stops at other local spots. Try customer favorites at a local restaurant, shop for unique gifts at small boutiques, and explore fun events and landmarks near the wineries to get a feel for the local culture.

4. Practice Your Tasting Technique

The proper tasting technique can enhance your experience on the Oklahoma wine trails. The 4 S’s is a simple yet popular guide for wine tasting:

See – Hold your glass to the light to view the wine’s color and clarity.

Swirl – Gently swirl your glass for 5-10 seconds, as the added oxygen will release the wine’s flavors and aromas.

Smell – Inhale the delicious scents from the wine and note what aromas are present in its bouquet.

Spit – Take a small sip of the wine and roll it around in your mouth, coating your tongue. The heat from your mouth will unlock even more flavors. Once you have a good taste, spit out the wine to avoid the effects of alcohol.

5. Ask Questions

As you are tasting wines, feel free to ask your server any questions about the selections. The staff can provide details about its flavors, aromas, preferred food pairings, and more. Likewise, ask questions if you are touring a winery or vineyard. The staff may give you historical background or insight into their winemaking process.

6. Take Notes

Many winery attendants will provide background information about each selection, such as the type of growing grapes in Oklahoma used or where the wine is made. Carry a small notebook to write down important details about each selection. Take notes on which selections you enjoy so you can purchase again in the future.

7. Pace Yourself

Depending on the wine trail, you may visit several wineries within a day. Pace yourself when tasting wines and touring facilities so you don’t tire yourself before reaching all destinations. If you are new to wine trails, aim for 2-3 wineries per day to relax, enjoy the wines, and make memories with your loved ones.

Discover Local Wines On Oklahoma Wine Tours

At the OGIC, we have over 60 members dedicated to serving delicious local wines and providing exceptional experiences. Contact us today for more information or to find a wine trail near you.

[oklahomawines]

Oklahoma Wineries - A Fabulous Place to Try Amazing Wines

Oklahoma wineries are fantastic places to taste new wines, spend time with friends, and talk to local experts. Plan your next getaway to Oklahoma Wineries today. Visit the link today!

https://discoveroklahomawines.com/

[oklahomawines]

If you want a wine that tastes like juice, you want a wine that tastes sweet and fruity when you choose to go wine tasting OKC. Here are a few tips on what to look for when you are out. Click to learn!