FLY HIGH!: THE WINEMAKERS BLOG TOUR - AUTHOR GUEST POST, FAVORITE WINE GADGETS BY JAN MORAN & GIVEAWAY

Every wine aficionado has favorite cache of tools, so I thought I’d share mine on this stop on The Winemakers

novel tour, though none of the high-tech gadgets were available in the 1920s or 1950s when the story takes place. I’ve had my share of frustrating moments wrangling corks and fishing floaters from fine wine, or stashing and rotating white wine in the freezer for a quick chill. With these implements, those trials are a thing of the past.

So, what are my favorite wine-related gadgets and accoutrements? Here’s a list of items I can’t live without:

1. The Vertical Rabbit wine bottle opener, fast and easy, and lovely in red

2. Soft-sided wine botas for the beach, such as GSI Outdoors Soft Sided Wine Carafe

3. Vinnebago or Corkcicle chilled wine holders, great for poolside

4. Wine gems or wine pearls to freeze for pretty, ice-free instant chilled whites

5. Erasable wine pens, such as Schmancy pens, to label guest wine glasses

6. Coravin for those who like to savor one fine glass with dinner, and that’s all

7. A plain winged corkscrew… always good to have

8. Beautiful vintage wineglasses; every glass holds a story

9. Unique decanters, unique vintage ones, or Ashcroft, Riedel, or the easy-to-pour Decanter America from Bottega del Vino Crystal

A fine wine is cause for celebration in itself, but anytime is special with the right wine—and lovely friends and family. When do I like to enjoy a fine glass of wine? Here are some of my favorite times and places:

1. Relaxing at the beach

2. Soaring through the sky—Business or First Class preferred, or a hot air balloon

3. Lounging beside a crackling fireplace, especially après ski with good friends

4. Soaking in a bubble bath surrounded by mountains of bubbles

5. Attending joyous celebrations

6. Soaking in a outdoor hot tub, surrounded by snow or the scents of spring

7. Watching the sun set—did you see the green flash?

8. Spending time with good friends and family

9. Reading a great book

10. And at booksignings, of course!

I’ve really enjoyed visiting on The Winemakers blog tour, and thank you to my lovely hostess. Where do you like to raise your wineglass? And what are favorite wine accoutrements?

JAN MORAN

About the Book

1956: When Caterina Rosetta inherits a cottage in the countryside of Italy from a grandmother she's never known, she discovers a long-buried family secret -- a secret so devastating, it threatens the future of everything her mother has worked for.

Many years before, her mother's hard-won dreams of staking her family's claim in the vineyards of California came to fruition; but as an old murder comes to light, and Caterina uncovers a tragic secret that may destroy the man she loves, she realizes her happiness will depend on revealing the truth of her mother's buried past.

From author Jan Moran comes The Winemakers, a sweeping, romantic novel that will hold you in its grasp until the last delicious sip.

Buy the book: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Kobo ~ Chapters ~
Books-a-Million ~ Bookdepository ~ iBooks

About the Author

Jan Moran is a Rizzoli bestselling and award winning author. She writes historical women's fiction for St. Martin's Press (Scent of Triumph, The Winemakers), contemporary women's fiction (Flawless, Beauty Mark, Runway), and nonfiction books (Vintage Perfumes, Fabulous Fragrances). Her stories are smart and stylish, and written with emotional depth. Jan often draws on her international travel and business experiences, infusing her books with realistic details.

The Midwest Book Review and Kirkus have recommended her books, calling her heroines strong, complex, and resourceful. She likes to talk to readers at www.janmoran.com and on social media. She lives in southern California and loves lattes and iced coffee, anything chocolate, and Whole Foods Double Green smoothies to balance it all out.