The first step, after choosing your wine, is to remove the end of the capsule, which hides the cork. It is not necessary to remove the whole capsule. Take a knife and slit carefully round the top, just above the ridge on the bottle neck

Wine is the fermented juice of the wine grape --vitis vinifera. It is a drink that has been known for many thousands of years and, like so many great discoveries, was probably found by accident. Fermentation occurs when yeast and sugar combine to create alcohol, gas (carbon dioxide) and heat.

Some wine drinkers declare that a red wine should be allowed to ‘breathe’ in the bottle before it is poured. Frankly, this doesn’t do much to improve the wine.

Remember that wine should delight ALL the senses. It should not only taste and smell good, but look good as well. Serve wine in a thin, clear glass that shows off the colour and clarity to best advantage. Avoid coloured glasses.