FINE Magazine's Sexy Wine List 2015

Wine and romance have gone together ever since mankind first figured out how to crush a grape and ferment it. Wine is first mentioned in the Bible in the book of Genesis when after the great flood Noah became drunk on wine. The oldest known winery discovered was dated at around 4100 BC and since then wine’s history was intertwined with the expansion of the human race around the world. 

About a 1,000 years after that first winery, the Pharaohs rose to power and began making wine for ceremonies from red grapes. Soon contact was made with other cultures, and wine began to spread around the world. As trade expanded across the Mediterranean, wine and grapevines became a commodity of trade. By 1000 BC the Greeks began to perfect it and wine became a status symbol for wealth and religion. The Greek god Dionysus was even named in honor of wine. By 800 BC, the Greeks settled Sicily and southern Italy and wine found its way to Rome.

Around 146 BC, the Romans defeated the Greeks and started building an Empire of their own. They were the first to create wine in cultivated vintages. Wine was so ingrained into the Roman culture that they, too, created their own god of wine, Bacchus. As the Roman Empire expanded throughout Europe, they brought with them and planted grapevines in what is now Italy, Germany, France, Spain and Portugal.

It was around this time that tales of Jesus and his miracles enter history. The Bible tells us that Jesus’ first public miracle was to change water into wine. And the ritual first practiced during the last supper, the breaking of bread and drinking of wine, the body and blood of Christ, is a ritual that is continued today in religion as communion.

 2,000 years later, what was once worshiped as a nectar of the gods now transcends across all walks of life, from the richest to the poorest. Wine is still celebrated as a life–style symbol. It’s used for religious ceremonies and still traded around the world. Grapevines now thrive in every region of the planet except Antarctica. The one fact that has remained consistent for 6,000 years: we love wine.

When you open a bottle of wine, something happens– the moment becomes special. There are few things more romantic then watching the sunset with the one you love while sharing a glass or two of wine. Or maybe that dinner, when the waiter pops out the cork and pours the first glass. 

When the moment strikes, you don’t have to fumble in your search for the perfect vintage; we’ve done the work for you and found some of our most romantic and sexy wines. So sit back and relax with your new favorite glass– it’s right here waiting for you. 

Wines are more than just an alcoholic beverage; wines are reflections of our personalities and our artistic sides. At Falkner Winery we produce a series of wines created to express fun and sexuality that we call our "Seductive Series."  These wines have a slight sweetness that delights the palate and titillates the senses. Consistent with the name of the wine series, we have named these wines Luscious Lips, Irresistible Rosato, and Risqué Riesling. The labels all express a sexual nature including large lush lips, high heels and lip stick, and female lingerie. Falkner Winery also produces a large range of high quality, dry wines that consistently win Gold and Silver medals in California Wine Competitions.

(951) 676-8231 | www.falknerwinery.com

The 2012 Sunfresh Vineyards Syrah is a juicy robust red, sourced from San Marcos vineyards that have been kissed by the Southern California sunshine. The dark fruits and velvety texture finish elegantly with hints of dark chocolate shavings. This wine pairs wells with a fire roasted tomahawk steak for two and a crackling fire. Winemaker Ross Rizzo describes this wine as "spicy, satiating and robust, making it a great date option, regardless if that date is with Netflix or not."

Available in the Bernardo Winery tasting room exclusively. Bernardo Winery, established in 1889, is the oldest operating winery in Southern California. Nestled in the inland valleys of San Diego County and family owned and operated since 1927, Bernardo Winery is an oasis of old world hospitality and relaxing tranquility. With a village of unique gift shops, local artisans and an award winning restaurant, the Bernardo Winery offers something to all of its visitors. (858) 487-1866 | Daily Wine Tasting  | www.bernardowinery.com

Beach House Winery is a small, family–owned and operated winery located on the ridgeline of the "Sleeping Indian," offering ocean and panoramic views. Established in 2005 by George and Kim Murray, it is the only vineyard/winery in the coastal region of North San Diego County. George and Kim are highly experienced vintners of both red and white wines, ranging from Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Late Harvest Merlot, to complex Bordeaux blends. Beach House Winery name is derived from where they started it at their ‘beach house’ in Oceanside. They produce 2,500 cases annually and are looking forward to their future estate wines of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Sangiovese. (760) 732-3236 | Wine Menu | www.beachhousewinery.com