Cocktail Therapy + Wine = A Good Time!

Contrary to popular belief, good wine doesn't have to break the bank (all the more important in these uncertain--at best--financial times).

So please allow the Cocktail Therapy ladies to extend our reach into the world of wine and offer a few tips for enjoying it. You'll be an oenophile (or at least appear as one) in no time!

How to have a good time with a bottle (or two, or three!) of wine.Ask

• Like Socrates said, true wisdom is admitting that you know nothing, so find a funky wine store, and after describing your tastes and budget, ask for recommendations.

Speaking of Budget

• It's a fallacy that the more expensive the wine, the better it is. You can find great wines in the $12-20 range in a store.

Educate Yourself

• We're not calling you a dummy, but Wine for Dummies is a great and useful book that is easy to navigate. You can purchase it via Amazon.com, or check out Dummies Online to begin your education!

Take Note

• If you're at a party or restaurant and come across a bottle of wine that you particularly like, jot down the name, grape, and vintage (year) for simpler searching online or in a store later.

The Great Thing About Wine

It's the easiest entertaining tool you have in your arsenal

• When you've found a couple of great bottles, invite over some friends, and put out some cheese and crackers.
• Arrange some glassware on your table, open up some of your favorites, and let everybody serve themselves.

As we always say...

• The most important thing about wine, or any entertaining for that matter, is the prevalence of your own taste (so to speak).
• If you're enjoying it, and your guests are having fun " that's all that matters!