Most of us have been staying home since early this year to be extra safe. You've likely minimized trips out, not interacted much with friends except via online e-numans and your social media site of choice, and eating sushi bake or cookies you've gotten delivered. But the Holidays are finally here again, and this is more than enough reason for you to make nights at home a lot more festive and special. There is no better way to do this than opening a wonderful bottle of wine. 

For those of you who may be a little intimidated by wine, we can't stress enough how much you shouldn't be. We will show you how it's not only effortless to serve wine but that having a bottle (or two) also brings a special spark to even the most ordinary night at home with a few friends and family.

Here are some tips for starting your wine journey!

Red or White?

While some of you may have noticed that reds are infinitely more popular than white wine in this part of the world, this doesn't mean you need to go with the majority. White wine is usually light, fruity, and refreshing. It is especially good with light meats such as fish or chicken. Don't forget to chill before serving!

Red wine, on the other hand, is usually rich and dark. It may be paired with pork, but also great with steak, local bistek, or barbecue.

Whichever you decide on, don't let anyone--even us--give you any strict rules on what you should eat with your wine. What matters most is what you like, and if you want your white wine with a juicy steak or potato chips, then you go right ahead!

Picking up wine to drink before or after dinner is also a great idea. These beverages are called "apéritifs" and "digestifs." Enjoying sparkling wine or dessert wine is a great way to celebrate or sip before or after a good meal.

Do We Need Wine Glasses? 

If you want to get real fancy, wine glasses aren't just called glasses, but stemware! 

"Hon, can you kindly put the stemware on the table?"

Now, doesn't that sound fancy? 

While you can drink wine out of any glass, we ask you this: Would you take your beautifully dressed date to a fast food place? We are certain you wouldn't. If you've taken the wise steps to drink wine at home, you should also get the stemware to go with it. 

Among its advantages, wine glasses allow for the proper flow of the wine's aroma to come through to you, the drinker. Based on its particular shape, wine glasses also enable the wine to hit the right spot of your mouth, so you get the fullest and best flavor. Our stemware is labeled according to the wine it's for, so it should be quite easy to pick the right wine glass for the wine you've decided on.

Food, Glorious Food

As previously stated, the food you plan to pair with your wine is really up to you. However, we recommend adding to the festive air wine brings by having something special to go with. Not prepared? No problem! We have some pretty good recommendations to bring the glam to a wine night at home.

Here are a few great ideas: pate with warm crusty bread, Fabada Asturiana, a flavorful bean stew popular in Spain, or a quick home-made pizza topped with tomatoes, garlic, and olives.

With wine, wine glasses, and food, you'll soon be on your way to countless memorable wine nights in the comfort (and safety) of your own home.  

Winery.ph makes wine, stemware, and gourmet delivery to your home completely effortless. Simply look through our selection, make your choices, and we'll do the rest!