“In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.” 

– Benjamin Franklin


I already have the freedom, so now…

My Search For (Wine) Wisdom

How I Feel About Wine (vs Beer) + Why I Am Going To Be Certified

Are you a beginner wanting to learn more about wine? Well, me too. So, I took one for the team (you’re welcome) + registered for my level 1 WSET Wine certification.

Read on to know all the things without having to sit in class.

facts + wines

Read on for some fun facts as well as some basic testing notes on various wines.

Red wine is made from red grapes + white wine from green grapes, right? 

Not necessarily. 

I always thought that is the case, but what I learned was white wine is made by removing the grape’s skin, which is what gives the wine its color, before fermentation.  Many white wines are actually made with red grapes.



2020 Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay
Santa Barbara County


White, dry, medium acidity, high alcohol (14.5%), full-bodied.

Aroma and Flavor Characteristics (remember, a lot of this is subjective!):
fruit: apple, pear, nectarine | oak: nutmeg, butterscotch | other: butter

Learning notes: I really thought that it was light-bodied, but due to the high alcohol content and the oak and trpical notes, it is actually a full-bodied wine.