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A Guide to Lesser-Known French Appellations You Need to Try

Dec 2nd 2025

A Guide to Lesser-Known French Appellations You Need to Try

France is much more than just some Champagne and Bordeaux. Small villages and quiet valleys hold the true charm of France. Winemakers have poured generations of passion into bottles that barely grabbed any spotlight. These are the places that remind us why French wine is so timeless. French appellations (AOC) keep traditions alive. Each bottle is k

Wines Worth Aging: How to Pick Bottles That Improve Over Time

Nov 28th 2025

Wines Worth Aging: How to Pick Bottles That Improve Over Time

There's a very common saying that goes around: The wine's going to "get better with age". It's true in some cases, but obviously not all. Some wines are intended to be enjoyed youthful and bright. Others mature beautifully with age, showing layers of depth and character.  When a fine wine ages properly, everything shifts. Tannins tend to softe

How to Choose the Right Glassware for Every Wine Type

Nov 25th 2025

How to Choose the Right Glassware for Every Wine Type

Ever notice your wine tasting different than what you last remember? It's not your mind acting up! It's the glass that's changing things up. Everything matters while having your wine. Be it the shape, size, or rim. All affect how the wine smells, tastes, and feels. It's like tuning an instrument. A bold red needs some space to open up. A crisp whit

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Wine Pairing: How to Choose the Perfect Wine for Every Dish

Nov 21st 2025

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Wine Pairing: How to Choose the Perfect Wine for Every Dish

Thanksgiving brings a harmony of flavors: turkey, gravy, stuffing, sweet casseroles, and cranberry sauce. With so many flavors to choose from, pairing the right wine brings the entire meal together. Wine should complement, not contest, and that is what we try to achieve here at Woodland Hills Wine Company (WHWC) when considering pairing options for

Cold, Warm, Sparkling: The Many Ways to Enjoy Sake

Nov 11th 2025

Cold, Warm, Sparkling: The Many Ways to Enjoy Sake

Who knew rice was more than just a staple food? Who could’ve imagined turning it into more than a binding agent for sushi?! The Japanese certainly did.  Sake is more than Japan's national drink. Sake is one of the most versatile beverages there is, adjusting seasonally as well as to temperature and your mood. It can be served crisp and c

Dry vs Sweet Riesling: How to Choose the Right Style

Nov 7th 2025

Dry vs Sweet Riesling: How to Choose the Right Style

Riesling is one of the world's most versatile wines, but few grapes cause as much confusion. Is it sweet or dry? The answer: it can be both. A bottle of sweet Riesling can be lusciously honeyed, while another pours bone-dry and razor-sharp. The same grape creates wines at opposite ends of the spectrum, and understanding which style suits you change

South African Chenin Blanc: The Country’s Signature White

Nov 4th 2025

South African Chenin Blanc: The Country’s Signature White

Born in France’s Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc has truly come of age in South Africa. The unique grape has evolved over the years to become the national white wine in the country, representing tradition as well as innovation. South Africa is currently the largest producer of Chenin Blanc with styles that are crisp and mineral-driven, as well as

Ghosts of the Vineyard: Forgotten Grapes Making a Comeback

Oct 28th 2025

Ghosts of the Vineyard: Forgotten Grapes Making a Comeback

Hidden among today’s superstar grapes are ancient vines that once ruled the vineyards before fading into obscurity. These grapes, that might otherwise become a mere footnote in wine history, are rejuvenated by winemakers looking for a cultural artifact. Heritage wine is about bottles that are born of old, or otherwise lost, grape varieties th

Ghouls Just Wanna Have Wine: Hosting a Chic Halloween Wine Tasting Night

Oct 25th 2025

Ghouls Just Wanna Have Wine: Hosting a Chic Halloween Wine Tasting Night

Who says Halloween can’t be classy? This year, skip the cobwebs and swap costumes for corkscrews. It’s the perfect excuse to gather your closest friends for a chic, slightly spooky wine tasting night. The magic happens when great wines meet custom cheese platters and flickering candlelight: suddenly, your living room becomes a grown-up

Trick or Treat, Sip or Swirl: Pairing Wine with Halloween Snacks

Oct 24th 2025

Trick or Treat, Sip or Swirl: Pairing Wine with Halloween Snacks

Ever thought of what happens when Halloween candy is paired with a great bottle of wine? It is the perfect match! Halloween is no longer just for kids. It's the perfect excuse for adults to pair wines with some sweet treats. This year, we’re shaking things up and taking a nosedive to the playful side of fall with wine pairings that make the s

Oregon Pinot Noir vs. Washington Cabernet: A Tale of Two States

Oct 22nd 2025

Oregon Pinot Noir vs. Washington Cabernet: A Tale of Two States

The Pacific Northwest in the USA has two of the country's outstanding wines in Oregon Pinot Noir and Washington Cabernet Sauvignon. These two wines epitomize the stylistic yin and yang for the United States wine world: Oregon is elegant sophistication, while Washington is concentrated power and structure.  This is because, as wine lovers, we a

What Does Chardonnay Taste Like? Flavor Profile by Region & Climate

Oct 10th 2025

What Does Chardonnay Taste Like? Flavor Profile by Region & Climate

Chardonnay may just be the most popular white wine in the world, but ask someone: What does Chardonnay taste like? And you’re bound to get answers that are all over the place. Some attest that it's crispy and citrusy, while others describe the flavors as buttery and rich. A small percentage even claim it to be tropical and sunny. That's cause

Is Merlot a Red Wine? How It Compares to Cabernet & Pinot Noir

Oct 7th 2025

Is Merlot a Red Wine? How It Compares to Cabernet & Pinot Noir

Merlot is among some of the most well-known names, and yet one of the most asked questions concerning it is, Is Merlot a red wine? Well, yes! It sure is! It’s a classic red that is fruit-driven and perfect for just about any scenario.  Among the bigger names like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, Merlot seems to hold its spot quite well

Is Malbec Sweet or Dry? What to Expect in the Glass

Oct 3rd 2025

Is Malbec Sweet or Dry? What to Expect in the Glass

Malbec has a way of sparking curiosity. Wine lovers often ask: Is Malbec sweet or dry? The short answer is that Malbec is almost always a dry red wine, but its ripe, juicy fruit flavors can give the impression of sweetness.  That balance between plush dark fruit and firm tannins is what makes Malbec so distinctive: bold without being overwhelm

What Is Shiraz Wine? Taste, Style, Regions & Food Pairings

Sep 30th 2025

What Is Shiraz Wine? Taste, Style, Regions & Food Pairings

A bold, spicy, and one of those wines that you would savor long after the last sip, Shiraz is truly notable among wine lovers. But what is Shiraz wine, really? Is the difference just for naming purposes, or does it actually have significant differences from Syrah? Technically, a bit of both, making it such a compelling and interesting red to delve