Valentine’s

BY RICCARDO TARABELSI

Here’s a twist. I know that this is etc. for her magazine, but this is what I’d like you to do: after you read this article, leave the magazine open to this page, put it someplace inconspicuous so that your significant other stumbles upon it, and then sit back and enjoy your special Valentine’s Day. Here is my Top Ten List of wine-related things your man can get you this Valentine’s Day. But first, one of my favorite quotes:

“Men are like fine wine. They start off like grapes, and it’s a woman’s job to stomp on them and keep them in the dark until they mature into something you’d want to have dinner with.”

Men, play close attention… and good luck!

10. Wine Charms

These little decorative items are a hit with women who like to throw dinner parties. Wine charms are little ornaments that attach to the stem of the glass as an identifier. That way, after all the women go to the bathroom together and come back to a table full of glasses, they know whose is whose.

9.

Wine Diary

Here’s a good one if you know your significant other is a writer or wants to learn more about wine tasting. This diary allows her to take notes on all of the different wines she samples. By taking detailed notes, you can learn how to hone your palate and become more fluent when describing wine.

8.

Cookbook

Pick one that focuses on a certain type of cuisine or regional cooking, for example Tuscany or Napa Valley. Make sure that the book includes lots of recipes that offer the option of cooking with wine. That way you can offer her the option of the two of you cooking together and drinking the leftover wine. I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food…

7. Tickets to a Wine Dinner

I love wine dinners. Wine dinners are the best way to access a wide variety of wines at a good price that includes food and service too. You usually get to sample at least four different wines and a variety of food. Take her out to a wine dinner, instead of just dinner, and show her you care.

6.

Riedel Stemware for Two

A must for any wine drinker, regardless of expertise. Buy her a pair of Riedel wine glasses so that every time you drink wine with her, you both are getting the most out of your experience. Riedel is a company that designs and hand-makes crystal glassware meant for specific types of wine. Visit your nearest wine store or visit www.riedel.com.

5. Cooking and Wine Pairing Night

That’s right, fellas. It’s time to roll up your sleeves, do some research, and prepare a meal. No experience, no problem. You don’t have to be a professional to know how to boil water, drop some pasta, and make your own tomato sauce (or you can consult with Jim Mathis’ food article in this magazine.) She’ll melt when she sees you in an apron, and she will be really impressed when you pour the appropriate wine with your homemade meal. For ideas and help with your meal, talk to a chef. There are lots of great chefs in Sioux Falls, and they are always willing to help a guy in need.

4. Room Makeover

Room-what?! You heard me. Women love makeovers, especially if it’s one that will enhance the aesthetics of a room in the house. Offer to do a Wine Theme room for her. Convert a guest room, den, four-seasons room, or even a small part of a living room into a room full of wine paintings or prints, wine themed wallpaper or trim, a wine lamp, anything made out of corks (wreaths, coasters, etc.,) burgundy-colored candles, and if you’re going all-out, they even make chairs that are upholstered with fabric that has wine bottles and labels on it. Men like wine cellars, women like wine rooms. There’s a reason why she watches HGTV while you’re watching ESPN. I’m sure you can think of another four letters to insert here, but it’s Valentine’s — explore your feminine side.

3. Trip to Wine Country

I recommend visiting Napa Valley and experiencing the awesome tasting rooms that are at your disposal, not to mention my personal favorite (and South Dakotaowned) Jessup Cellars. If you’re cutting back on expenses this year (did you resolve to listen to Dave Ramsey?) then you can always rent the movie Sideways and take a trip to a local South Dakota winery. There are more around here than you might think.

2. Case of Wine

There is nothing more impressive to your loved one than knowing what she likes. You not only know what brand of jeans she likes, but you also know the cut, style, and fit. You not only know what flavor of ice cream she likes, but you also know what toppings she likes and what kind of cone to get. You not only know what genre of music she likes, but you also know her favorite bands. This one is about knowing what she likes and going above and beyond just buying her a bottle of Riesling. Find out her favorite winemaker, winery, label, or whatever her most favorite is, and then buy her a case of it. It’s that simple. Impress her by knowing her.

1. Moscato d’Asti

When all else fails, when you can’t think of something romantic, or you don’t know exactly what she likes, go with a Moscato d’Asti. There are too many different names of producers of Moscato to list them all, but if you go to your preferred wine store, they will be more than happy to help you out. Then you take that bottle to the one you want to be with, and you uncork for her. And as you are pouring this sweet, sparkling Italian wine, you say, “I love you, let me count the ways…”

Carpe Vino this Valentine’s Day!

Riccardo will be counting the ways with his wife, Marybeth, while they count their blessings with their three sons, Dante, Berent (fiancée Molli,) and Jaxon. Riccardo and Marybeth own R Wine Bar & Kitchen, Brix Wine Bar, Maribella Ristorante, and Vespa Catering. Contact Riccardo at riccardo@rwinebar.com.