Visit wine regions around the world - Click on the "Wine Regions" button above ... Learn how to appreciate wine - Click on "Enjoy Wine!" above ... Learn how wine grapes are grown - Click on "Viticulture" above ... Learn how wines are made - Click on "Winemaking" above ... Who writes this stuff? - Click on "About CD2D" above ... Want to read interesting stuff about the wine industry? - Click on "Articles & Info" above ...

Welcome to CellarDoor2Door!

Those people who really understand good wine are conscious that wine is unlike any other beverage - you can't just whip up another batch once a vintage has depleted! Vignerons get one chance, once a year, to grow a finite number of grapes to make a limited quantity of wine. When it's gone - it's gone! That’s why people invest small fortunes [sometimes large] on collecting wines!

Viva la Difference!!

Wine is a reflection of the terroir of a region in which wine grapes are grown. Essentially this means that the composition of soil, amount of sunlight and rain, gradient of slope, daily temperatures etc all play an integral part in determining the levels of sugar, colour and flavour components in the grapes. [To learn more about this, read the "Viticulture" pages.]

That's why Cabernet from the Médoc in France doesn't taste the same as Cabernet from Coonawarra in Australia. And that's why your Chardonnay tastes a little different this year than it did last year from the same producer. Of course wineries try to maintain the same levels of quality wine output, but good wine is ultimately about the climatic and viticultural events of a place and time, not about homogenisation!

Think about it. If that's what you wanted, then you wouldn't be reading this ... and you’d be drinking beer or cola.

Raison d'être

Wine may be more complex, and more regulated, but it's also become more popular globally than any other agricultural product. That's what's made the big beverage companies take notice, and start consolidating in the early 2000's.

Consolidation meant that larger companies are able to consistently supply larger liquor chains with standardised wine from vintage to vintage, so that consumers can develop faith in brands, and make their choice easier.

However, In many instances, this has been at a cost - both to our palates and a plethora of family businesses that simply can't compete in such a market.

But wine is not beer, or cola. It is essentially an age-old craft reflecting time and place. We need these small, individual wineries to stay afloat, and keep on making traditionally crafted, unique wines that reflect the best each country, region and vintage has to offer.

This site is not affiliated with any particular brand or wine company, and seeks to support small to medium wineries in all countries by educating consumers about the intricacies of winemaking.

Choosing a wine shouldn't be stressful, it should be interesting, experimental and exciting! There more you know, the more confident you'll be about choosing a wine to suit you, your occasion and your personality. So, happy reading, and happy drinking!!

Cheers!

Note from Author: CD2D is being updated slowly. I apologise in advance if you have any problems with links etc.

If you do find errors, please email me:

dkimlin(@)gmail.com

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Last Modified: Sunday, February 07, 2010