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Personalized Wine Gifts by Personal Wine    Friends

Back to Wine School Sale!

Date: Sat, Aug 15, 2009 Winery Blogs

Its August right now, many of us are entrenched in family vacation, sports, travel, and best of all drinking great wines. We're seeing lots of great deals on wines coming this fall including some Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet, and a few others to accentuate the wine list on Personal Wine. We're very excited to prices low, service high while most importantly setting a high benchmark for quality in wine, labels, and etchings. Whether you are looking for a custom wedding gift, retirement party favor, launch party gift, or convention swag, we've got it here on Personal Wine. The results you get with Personal Wine is so good you can literally taste it.


As we roll into September, October, November, December we invite you to take advantage of pre-purchasing your holiday gifts at Personal Wine. We've got almost everything on sale, and discounted 30% off most items, even up to 50% off with free shipping on some of the higher end wine selections. Did you know we can easily send out one bottle to one customer starting under $30? In a year like this, we want to show gratitude, while not overdoing it. Its important to show business partners, employees, family and friends that we care enough to send a thoughtful gift. Even better when it doesn't break the bank and it tastes great. I guarantee you that a bottle of wine, personalized with a label or etched will impress and give you a good headstart in 2010.

Written by Alex Andrawes CEO, Founder (512) 476-9463 ext 304 (that's me on the right, glass in hand inspecting the future)
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Adventures of a Personalized Wine Part IV

Date: Fri, Aug 14, 2009 Winery Blogs

Its August, I get married in less than a month. Am I nervous? Not at all. Why? Well we've helped so many brides/grooms with their personalized wedding wines and champagnes that we kinda got a good idea about what to do. Tiramasu layered cake, a jazz band, some incredible catering and a suit (no tux) so I can wear it at my biz meeting the following week. Since we're going with halibut and filet mignon, we're choosing the Castle Rock Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Its got the beautiful color of a fruit forward, jammy Pinot. There is some nice minerality and texture with a well balanced and polished finish. The tannin levels are moderate so its diverse meaning you can eat it with cheese dishes, poultry, even meats, but its going to pair best with that Halibut Filet. Post dinner, we're cracking into the Charles de Fere Blanc de Blancs. We've got them in a mini bottle format which is great because we know we are getting exactly how much we need ($). I'll keep you posted on the events and some pics and I appreciate all the well wishes that have come our way.

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Adventures of a Personalized Wine Bottle Part III

Date: Tue, Jul 21, 2009 Winery Blogs

We're approaching 10 years in business! Personal Wine has seen some really incredible looking wine labels for just about every occasion. Celebrating the birth of a new family member, even the departure of a loved one. Celebrity singers, corporate executives and the guy/girl next door, each looking for that special occasion gift. I will tell you that I am a Personal Wine frequent customer. It gives truth to the saying that When in Rome, do as Romans would do. I come to work at Personal Wine everyday and frequently leave with a gift for a friend, just like any good citizen of Rome would do!

I am 32 years old, about to marry the perfect woman, and all my friends are wondering what will be served at my wedding? Personal Wine of course! We're going with the mini champagne bottles, personalized for the grab bags. For out of town guests, we're going to do two bottles in each room - Groom Shiraz (a beautiful 96 pointer) and the Morgan Chardonnay (a consistently dry, oaky production from Santa Lucia Highlands). The toast will be given using a Brut Rose (not personalized, from Wines.com). Email me at alex at personalwine dot com, tell me about how and why you use Personal Wine. If we feature your story, we'll give you a free gift certificate to Personal Wine! By Alex Andrawes, Founder and President

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Sauvignon Blanc - Wine Tasting 101

Date: Tue, Jul 21, 2009 Winery Blogs

Sauvignon Blanc is a white grape, originating from the Loire Valley in Central Western France. These days, SB is being produced by just about every major wine appellation, including New Zealand, California, Washington, South Africa just to name a few. Sauvignon Blanc is a dry (not overly dry like a chardonnay) white wine with distinct apple, apricot, gooseberry flavors. This wine is widely available as a single varietal or as a blend with Semillon.


SB is typically light to medium-bodied, crisp & rich with acidity that makes this a fantastic food wine. What can you expect from your typical Sauvigno Blanc? Mineral tones with notable flavors of citrus and tropical flavors like gooseberry, apricot, and a hint of earth or grass. Its acidity makes this wine a great opportunity for some interesting food pairings.

Sauvignon Blanc loves to be accompanied with appetizers like spinach artichoke dip, garlic heavy foods, or Italian creamy dishes. Try a SB with a Greek or Caesar salads. Thai foods, fish (sushi), and poultry dishes pair well and its always refreshing to drink poolside with no food at all! Got a question about Sauvignon Blanc or any other wine varietal? Visit our Wine Forum for tips, suggestions of just to talk wine! We're not snobby, we just love wine!
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Favorite Things for Father's Day - By The Succulent Wife

Date: Fri, May 22, 2009 Winery Blogs

The Succulent Wife's Favorite Things by Audrey van Petegem, Contributing Editor

I realize I may be getting ahead of myself worrying about Father's Day (June21), since Mother's Day just past, but I tend to do this when I’m looking to buy a meaningful gift for father of my children. I know that I'm not the only one who thinks “what do you get for the man who does not seem to need anything!” Being married to him for 23 (blissful) years and having his three children makes me think I know him pretty well, but when it comes to buying him something, for any occasion, I still panic!!! He is truly the hardest person to buy for. One thing I do know about him is that he loves great wine. So I was thrilled to discover www.personalwine.com. I loved the idea of personalizing a bottle of wine, just for Father’s Day.Their selection of wines is impressive; from high end to moderately priced. They carry a wide variety of reds, whites, blush and sparkling wine from the US, as well as a selection from Italy, Chile, Spain, Australia and France. I liked that all their wines have great descriptions with suggested meal pairings, so that although I am not a Wine Spectator reader, I know that I’m making an“educated” selection. Someone has done their homework and I get to take advantage of it! Some wines have their points rated with dates of maturity...
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Adventures of a Personalized Wine Bottle II w/ Coupon Code!

Date: Mon, Mar 30, 2009 Winery Blogs


Spring is held dear by the guys and gals here at Personal Wine simply because we understand the importance. We honor family and friends, in particular the ones we hold dearest, our Mothers and Fathers. Our parents love small gifts, in particular ones that hold meaning, not ties and golf balls. They love things with taste and class, but they want it to come with the message of love and care. Check out our labels this year for Mother's & Father's Day, simply put it is the coolest and most cost effective gift to give this year.

If you are headed to a wedding this year, think about giving a gift of customized wines. We now etch wines as well as label them. For under $15 per bottle, we can deliver a nice bottle, custom labeled with your greeting, sure to be enjoyed by the bride and groom. For a few bucks more, we'll etch those bottles.

GET FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $500 using coupon code XWXNGJ. Call us for bulk deals and don't forget we have mini bottles as well for give-aways!

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Adventures of a Personalized Wine Bottle Part I

Date: Tue, Mar 3, 2009 Winery Blogs

As Personal Wine approaches its 10 year anniversary, I invite my customers to share what memories were created with their custom label wine.  Here are two stories that stand out in my mind.  

First, a CEO of a Texas based company was approaching a big milestone, over 50 years in business.  Even after the company morphed into a large multi-franchise environment with hundreds of employees and assistants, he personally ordered a 50th anniversary company gift.  It was a two bottle custom label wine set with the Delicato line that was beautifully packaged in a custom etched wood box.  When he came to pick up his personalized wine, I saw pride in his accomplishments and excitement about his order. Personal Wine enjoys helping others celebrate joyous occasions.  

Second, I spoke to a wonderful lady who vacationed with her husband in Florida every summer.  A few years ago, a hurricane destroyed her home.  Luckily, two of her prized possessions were salvaged.  One is a bottle of 1982 Chateau Margaux, which is considered to be one of the most collectable years of the 1980's. The other is a bottle of personalized wine bottle that we created to commemorate her 60th wedding anniversary.  

This is why I love my job.  Personal Wine helps people celebrate memorable events. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day.  

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Pretty and Pink from the Penedes

Date: Tue, Feb 3, 2009 Winery Blogs


The Penedes wine region in the Spanish province of Catalonia is that nation's epicenter of art, literature, philosophy, gastronomy and culture. More importantly, for wine drinkers, it's where Spain's famed cavas are made. Cavas (named for the caves within which they are aged) are Spain's methode champenoise sparkling wines and can often be uncomfortably sweet. They are largely inexpensive, and of varying quality levels. Every once in a while, we come across a diamond in the rough that makes us jump for joy. We've secured a nice lot of the Marques de Monistrol MPX Brut Rose' Cava. While this pink sparkler is certainly not expensive (On Sale for $11.99/bottle), it is a shining example of the overall wine value potential available from Spain. Pink and pretty from the Penedes, the MPX Rose' Cava has a soft, creamy style with a well-integrated mousse. This Cava is crisp and elegant on the palate with intense red berry fruit flavors. While the fruit is there, this is no sweet affair. Minimal residual sugar on the back of the palate shows a restrained "dosage", or extra sweetness added to the sparkling wine. This Cava really surprised us. There really is a lovely bright cherry note woven into the fabric here. Sure to pair equally well with Salmon, Lamb or the heart-shaped chocolates that fill the loving hands of those near & dear during this season of Love. On sale through Winter, offering Free Shipping on a 12 bottle cases. Happy Valentine's from Wines.com!


Cheers, Buckley Wineholt
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Luxe Riesling

Date: Wed, Jan 28, 2009 Winery Blogs




With Valentine's Day fast approaching, we're in the thick of Sweet Wine Season. We've been huge fans of crisp 21st century rieslings here at Wines.com since they started pouring into the states at the dawn of the new century. Today's wine du jour hails from the Moselle River Valley in the sleepy state of Luxembourg. We've come across a nice parcel of the Clos Rochers Mussbaum Vineyards Grand Premier Cru 2005 Riesling, & we've even put it on sale! This is no sweet apple-bomb. This gem is an atypical riesling, to be sure. Here there's ample mineralized lemon zest, even zingy lemongrass. As a food pairing, Spicy Grilled Snapper comes to mind. NOT sweet, just bracing and refreshing. Food-friendly, crisp, mineral-focused, unlike any riesling you've ever tasted. This rare and unique wine is available for a limited time here at Wines.com. FREE SHIPPING by the case, while supplies last. Please take this wine away before we drink it all.


Cheers, Buckley Wineholt
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Cult Wines of '09

Date: Thu, Jan 15, 2009 Winery Blogs


Isn't this where you want to go? Must we not strongly adhere to some kind of cult, especially in these wild and crazy times? Searching collectors yearn to find certain "Cult Wines of '09". They can be found right here at Wines.com, at prices below their regular release costs, available for a short time with FREE SHIPPING. Wine Spectator "Top 100 Wines of 2008" #16, the phenomenal Super Tuscan from Sette Ponti, the 2006 Oreno, is here for you searching collectors. We've got your Cellar Stockers here at low low prices. Did I mention FREE SHIPPING? We're offering a dozen "Cult Wines of '09" on our FREE SHIPPING page for a limited time, while these limited supplies last. San Guido Guidalberto 2006, Tom Eddy 2001 Napa Cab, Gargiulo Money Road Estate 2005 Cab, Vilafonte Series C 2005, Roda Cirsion 2005 & many more. Big Wines for Big Times! We're feeling particularly cultish these days, so check out Wines.com & join the cult. No funky robes or headdresses necessary.

Cheers, Buckley Wineholt
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Wine Warms the Heart

Date: Tue, Jan 6, 2009 Winery Blogs


At the home's hearth, deep in the feelings of family and friends, lies satisfaction. Warm-hearted, fulfilling satisfaction - that feeling is drawn from many sources and they're all good. Be it mother's long-braised beef stews, a close encounter with someone special, or simply sharing a hearty bottle of red wine with those near and dear to you. Big, rich, lusty red wines set the tone so well, there is no substitute. Bordeaux, Super Tuscans, monster shiraz, spicy zinfandels, reserva malbecs - truth be told drinkin' wine never gets old. Happy New Year from PersonalWine & Wines.com!

Cheers, Buckley Wineholt
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Wine crazy for the Holidays

Date: Thu, Dec 18, 2008 Winery Blogs




What are you drinking right now? If it's wine, I bet that you're having a good time, enjoying yourself. During the Holiday Season, we in the Wine Game tend to drink even more than usual (as if that were possible!). Big, lavish reds and celebratory sparklers set the proper holiday tone. Some of our favorite big reds this year have been the Flora Springs Trilogy, D'arenberg's "Dead Arm" Shiraz, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Merlot and the Cape Mentelle Cabernet Merlot. Our favorite red of '08? The gorgeous 2004 Gagliole Rosso Super Tuscan. Blending cabernet sauvignon and sangiovese, this lush powerhouse truly defines how great wine can be. Spicy and meaty, with just the right amount of dark red berry fruit and well-stuctured tannins. Our favorite sparklers of 2008 were the Scharffenberger Brut (actually a Blanc de Noir, loaded as it is with pinot noir) from Anderson Valley. Check out my blog on this fantastic Cali sparkler dated 10/16/08. Our favorite French Champagne today is the Deutz Brut, a medium-bodied toasty classic, ripe with lemon & grapefruit notes. It would surely be the hit of any New Year's Eve celebration. It's been a wild ride getting Wines.com 2.0 off of the ground, and I must send out my warmest appreciation to the hard-rocking staff here at Wines.com for helping to make all of this work. More importantly, it's you, our loyal customers who make it all happen. Without your support, we couldn't exist. Look for big things from Wines.com in 2009, including an expansion of our Free Shipping program and many more specials. We will be making some major acquisitions in the coming months, so stay tuned. The best is yet to come!

Cheers, Buckley Wineholt
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Let's All Go Wine Clubbing

Date: Wed, Dec 3, 2008 Winery Blogs


Groucho Marx once said, "I don't care to belong to a club that accepts people like me as members.". The joy of joining a Wine Club is that there are no meetings to dress up for, you never have to meet other members and your anonymity is retained. There seem to be a gazillion Wine Clubs out there; every winery and online wine retailer offers them. As we here at Wines.com were setting up our Wine Clubs, we were determined to provide subscribers with exciting, over-delivering wines. What on earth does "over-delivering" mean? Most of our Wine Clubs deliver wines priced to our members in the teens. If you were to find these wines in stores, they would cost you much more. At their price-points, the wines deliver more than what you would expect, based on what you paid. We have hand-selected, through extensive tastings, a collection that is guaranteed to please. Wines representing a wide range of varietals from a vast array of wine growing region from around the globe. It's tough to recommend any one particular Wines.com Wine Club, better that you check out our offerings on the website. Feel free to call us at (800)690-9463 x308 if you have any questions about the Wine Clubs or any of our wines. They make great gifts! Let's ALL Go Wine Clubbing!

Cheers, Buckley Wineholt
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As Good As Chardonnay Gets

Date: Wed, Nov 26, 2008 Winery Blogs


Located at the foot of Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley (RRV) has become the source of some of Cali's finest chardonnay. While the chards coming from Monterey Cty. and the Central Coast seem to be tasting more on the tropical side, the RRV wines tend to exhibit more traditional fall and stone fruit flavors. The over-riding theme here is lean, Burgundian restraint. This is in part a result of the blanketing, cooling fog drawn inland from the Pacific. Two really stunning StealDeal RRV chards that we have recently aquired here at Wines.com hail from Rutz Cellars. The 2004 Maison Grand Cru is fat and rich, showing honeyed vanilla notes. This wine went through complete malolactic fermentation and over six months maturation resting on lees. For the layperson, the ultimate effect of all of this is a big, lovely, lush chardonnay. Toasty oak notes weave through the spicy pear, honey, apricot & nectarine flavors. This full-bodied wine is nonetheless perfect with elegant poultry dishes, say, roast turkey. It's half priced at $15 per bottle. The 2005 Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay comes from Wente clone vines planted in the fog belt of the RRV. These low-yielding vines produce fruit of great intensity and focused minerality. The fresh, crisp acidity of this wine surrounds a midpalate rich with vanilla and peach. The understated oak component serves as a delightful, enhancing counterpoint to its natural, refreshing, lengthy finish. This vintage truly is one of Cali's best efforts. This is how good chardonnay CAN be. While this wine is usually priced in the $60-$70 range, we have a nice chunk of it at $29 per bottle. Call us for Case Price Specials & FREE SHIPPING on this wine.


Cheers,Buckley Wineholt
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