Trader Joe’s has long had some of the best deals on wine in the country. If you are lucky enough to have a TJ’s in your town, you probably already know about some of their exclusive wine options. If you’re hosting a party and stuck on which to pick, don’t head to Trader Joe’s without scrolling through this comprehensive list of the best Trader Joes wines.In this list are some excellent wines that are a crazy bargain there, as well as a few of my favorites that I think you should try. Remember that prices and availability may vary depending on your state and store. Now, let’s get to the good stuff!image: Flickr / Mike MozartMore Wines to Try:How to Make Mulled WineBig House Wines Review“The Juliet” White Wine Spritzer Recipe Be a Momtastic InsiderGet Advice, DIYS, Free Samples & More! Thanks for signing up! Sliced turkey with gravy and vegetables Pinot Gris from Oregon: Before reaching for yet another Pinot Grigio from Italy, try serving the same grape — Pinot Gris — but from Oregon.

It will offer more intrigue for your feast, with slightly more weight and a spritzy jolt of acidity, often joined by a smidgen of honey or spice. Cru Beaujolais: A somewhat more serious older brother to Beaujolais Nouveau, it is light on the palate and on the wallet, while consistently charming with floral aromas and irresistibly lithe red fruit. The latest Beaujolais vintage, 2009, is especially a standout. Pinot Noir: This silky, aromatic red’s versatility with food made it popular with culinarians long before its star turn in Sideways. Its restrained frame and snappy acidity gives lift not only to poultry of all types but also to most foods associated with white wine and the majority we relate with red. Chinon: Light- to medium-bodied, this French red is a slingshot of a wine, poised to invigorate the most tryptophan-addled uncle with a uniquely tangy and herbal earthiness. I elaborate on why it is such a stimulating wine for Thanksgiving in this video. Dolcetto: This Italian red has moderate weight and cherry or raspberry aromas, with ample acidity and occasionally a bit of tannic bite that will counter the feelings of fatigue that set in after your third helping.

Zinfandel: Most people don’t realize that this all-American comes in two styles. The first style is a high-octane chest-thumper, chewy with notes of blackberry and heady alcohol, and the other is a lighter, more raspberry-inflected wine of moderate weight. Ask your wine shop for the latter and the wine will play nicely with all manner of bird — complete with trimmings.best wine trips in europe Mark Oldman is a wine expert, acclaimed author and lead judge of the hit series The Winemakers.best wine making techniques Usher in springtime with Ina's easy loaf cake, vibrant with the flavor of lemon.good cheap sweet red wine brands Don't miss the latest recipes delivered to your inbox daily. best red wine to go with indian food

Try something different with your next party and make it an interactive wine tasting! It’s the perfect way to discover a favorite new bottle and organize a fun night for friends. Read on for our tips on creating the ultimate tasting experience, from the wine to the party menu and details that make it special. First, decide which wines you want to include in the tasting. what is the best homemade wineOf course, you can serve any wines you like, but it’s fun to choose a theme or select wines that have a feature in common. best selling red wine 2013Think about your guests: how much they know about wine, and what styles they enjoy. where to buy wine downtown bostonAlso, consider the time of year and the occasion; the best of bc wines

white or sparkling wines may be more appealing served outdoors in warm weather, while heavy reds big for a cozy evening. Here are a few ideas: When in doubt, visit a wine shop and talk to someone there. Explain what you’re doing, what kind of wines you’re interested in, the price point, and let them help you build your tasting. Or, visit our Wine Shop for some of our favorite picks.wine online shopping free shipping Pour 4 to 6 wines for a single tasting so people can appreciate the flavors without being overwhelmed. Serve the wines in order of their weight: sparkling first, then dry whites, fuller whites, roses, lighter reds and heavier reds. You may want to buy an extra bottle of each wine for enjoying after the tasting — there are bound to be favorites! Wine is meant to be enjoyed with food. The perfect match can bring out subtle characteristics in a wine and enhance your tasting experience.

Here are three ways to approach your party spread. A simple, foolproof way to complement wine is with cheese. Enjoy crisp Sauvignon Blanc with soft goat cheese; pair nutty aged Parmigiano-Reggiano with a big Cabernet Sauvignon. See more tips here. There’s a reason experts always advise sipping Champagne with smoked salmon. For a fun party idea, prepare a buffet of appetizers designed to be enjoyed with each wine you’re tasting. Serve smoked salmon on toast points with sparkling wine; Chardonnay with individual cheesy gratins; Pinot Noir with stone fruits and cured meats; and dessert wine with chocolate-caramel tartlets. Find more pairing suggestions here. Classic pairings are tried and true, but it can also be interesting to enjoy wine with food more subjectively. For an interactive idea, set out a variety of foods with distinctive flavors instead of complete dishes: herb sprigs, raw vegetables, cured meats, cheese, salt and chocolate. As you taste the wines, taste them with each food and see how the flavors of each change.

This is a great way to learn what pairings and flavors you personally prefer. Unless you choose the classic pairings approach, you’ll need some party nibbles — light snacks so guests aren’t tasting on an empty stomach. Here are our menu suggestions: Antipasto Grill or Burrata with Roasted Peppers and Coppa Tomato, Zucchini and Goat Cheese Tart Creamy Herb Dip with Crudites Mini Profiteroles or Chocolate Truffles The goal of a wine tasting party is not just to discover new wines you like, but also to start a conversation about wine. To get people talking, pass out a wine tasting chart or glossary of tasting terms to help people describe the characteristics they are smelling and tasting. See the 4 steps to evaluating wine here. You can also create or print out scorecards for ranking the wines, so they remember their favorites. Pour about 2 ounces of wine per glass — a standard bottle of wine contains about 25 ounces, so plan accordingly. Serve sparkling wines very cold (42-45ºF/6-7ºC) and white wines chilled to 45-50ºF (7-10ºC).

Red and dessert wines are best served at a cool room temperature. Another fun idea is a blind tasting, where each bottle is completely concealed during the tasting so you don’t know its varietal, vintage or producer. Place each bottle in a brown paper bag and write a number on the front of each bag. Have guests describe the wines by number, and ask them to guess what they think the varietal might be. At the end of the tasting, reveal the answers — you may even want to offer a prize to those who guess correctly. Bonus points for guessing the region or year! When preparing your space for the party, here are a few things you may need: When it comes to decorating, skip fragrant floral centerpieces, which will only compete with the aromas of the wines. Same goes for scented candles. Instead, let food become your centerpiece, such as big bunches of grapes or a beautiful bread basket. Or, if you do want a natural element, arrange tall branches in vintage or glass bottles to place around the table.