We’ve all been there: You’re out with friends or clients, the conversation is flowing and everyone is all smiles – until the bottle of wine arrives. And it’s presented … to you.

Suddenly, the conversation has ground to a halt, and all eyes are on you. All you can think is – do I sniff, then swirl? How far am I supposed to stick my nose into that glass? And what am I supposed to do with this cork?

It can be tempting to rush through the archaic seeming ritual, but don’t! According to our friend and Master Sommelier, Scott Harper, the whole point of all that pomp boils down to one simple but important question: Do you like the wine?

Let’s back up a moment. First, you’ll want to confirm that the bottle is, in fact, the wine you ordered. This is a good time to make sure you’re not presented with a $400 reserve instead of that Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay you ordered.

Next, you’ll probably be given the cork. No need to smell it – unless you want to, of course. Simply make sure it’s not crumbling, moldy or cracked, which may indicate a problem with the wine.

Before you sip, go ahead and smell the wine. A little swirl will bring out the aromas, which are generally pleasant. However, if you get a nose full of wet dog or rotten eggs, the wine may be spoiled. Issues like cork taint and unbalanced sulfur levels are rare, but easy enough to spot.

Assuming everything is sound, it’s time to taste the wine. Take your time – this is not a test. The point here is determining if the wine suits your palette. It’s also a good time to identify particular tastes that your sommelier may have mentioned. For example, in your Russian River Ranches, you might detect green apple, lime and pineapple, with touches of nougat and caramel.

If something seems off, don’t be afraid to send the bottle back – or get a second opinion. And just remember that there is no wrong way to test out a bottle of wine. It’s simply about your enjoyment.

Is there anything better than listening to live music under the stars on a warm evening with good company, a fine glass of wine and a belly full of fantastic eats? We think not.

Enjoying a live performance at a lovely outdoor venue is an enduring summer tradition that’s best enjoyed when you’re permitted to pack your own food and wine.

This summer, have a little fun filling your picnic basket by putting together a spread that complements the concert you’re going to see. Start by selecting a bottle of Sonoma-Cutrer wine that’s perfect for your particular event.

Dusting off your cowboy boots for an evening of outlaw country or banjo-plucking bluegrass? These rootsy tunes are best enjoyed with good old comfort food and a creamy white that can handle all that flavor. Think: fried chicken, deviled eggs and potato salad topped off with a bottle of The Cutrer. This fuller-bodied Chardonnay maintains enough structure and acidity to make it a fantastic food wine.

Gearing up for a little rock and roll? Stock your picnic basket with Sonoma-Cutrer’s Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. This bright, vibrant red features a slew of flavor notes that make it as complex and textured as really good rock and roll. As for the food, you can’t go wrong with a freshly roasted chicken and a big hunk of crusty bread accompanied by a selection of eclectic salads.

Perhaps your evening involves a special night out to see the philharmonic in the park. Make an impression with a bottle of Les Pierres. Distinctive and elegant, this Chardonnay is crisp and rich with a mineral essence that reflects the rocky soil where the grapes are grown. Pair the bottle with cold crab cakes over spring mix salad topped with a citrusy dressing that will bring out the grapefruit and lime notes in the Les Pierres.

No matter what type of music you’re planning to enjoy outdoors this summer, Sonoma-Cutrer has a wine to complement your concert. For picnic inspiration, find recipes and pairing suggestions here.

A summer getaway is the perfect opportunity to linger over a fine glass of wine. A bottle that suits your destination makes the experience all the more enjoyable. Whether you’re gearing up for a trip that’s been on the books since January or you’re throwing together a last-minute escape, find inspiration in these three iconic destinations.

Who doesn’t love a good beach trip? Bypass well-worn tourist favorites for a more civilized escape like North Carolina’s Outer Banks. With 200 miles of coastline along a string of barrier islands, there’s plenty of sand to go around.

There’s also plenty to do beyond basking in the sun, from windsurfing and hang gliding to touring historic lighthouses and spotting wild horses. If you’re heading to your favorite beach this summer, bring along a bottle of Russian River Ranches Chardonnay to share. Crisp, light and refreshing, it’s a great match for lazy beach evenings – and pairs nicely with fresh seafood.

Are the mountains more your speed? Opt for a rustic yet refined locale like Breckenridge, Colorado, where wine bars cozy up to outdoor outfitters along Main Street. The charming old mining town is also an ideal jumping-off point for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and fly-fishing.

Top off a busy day in the backcountry by raising a glass to the 20-inch rainbow trout you hooked. A bottle of celebratory Les Pierres Chardonnay is an ideal pair for the fresh-caught fish thanks to its elegant balance and palette-cleansing acidity.

If Wine Country is on your summer to-do list, skip the crowds in Napa for a stint in the Russian River Valley. The picturesque stomping grounds of Sonoma-Cutrer are a fine place to spend your getaway. Kayak the Russian River, unwind at a spa and, of course, tour some wineries. Start off at Sonoma-Cutrer for a crisp glass of Chardonnay and a round of croquet.

There’s no better place to enjoy a bottle of The Cutrer Chardonnay than in this beautiful corner of California. Rich, creamy and fresh, The Cutrer is the perfect wine to toast a summer sunset, no matter where your travels take you.

Go Alfresco: Farm-to-Table Entertaining

The season for dining alfresco is upon us, and farmers markets and gardens across the country are brimming with summer’s gorgeous bounty. Rather than planning yet another backyard barbecue this season, consider hosting an alfresco farm-to-table dinner party.

At Sonoma-Cutrer, every culinary event from wine and cheese pairings to our elegant four-course meals start with local ingredients. What can’t be harvested from the on-site seasonal garden is procured from local food purveyors that produce everything from mushrooms to cheese with the same care and attention to detail that goes into making fine wine.

Local ingredients aren’t just good for the environment and your local community: they simply taste better. There’s no comparison between produce that’s been harvested within the last 24 hours and fruits and vegetables that have spent the last two weeks traveling halfway around the world. Follow a few simple tips for a fun and easy foray into the popular locavore movement.

Plan the menu around what’s fresh. If you have a garden, start there – even if your “garden” consists of a lone potted herb in your kitchen windowsill. Next, head to your local farmers markets and nearby farm stands to stock up and be inspired.

Let the seasonal offerings be your guide, and get creative. The fun of hosting a farm-to-table meal is coming up with dishes that showcase the best of the season.

When it comes to preparation, keep it simple and let the ingredients speak for themselves. Use uncomplicated cooking techniques to allow the vibrant aromas, textures and flavors to shine through. The same goes for any marinades or vinaigrettes you use – simple, simple, simple.

Next, set the scene. Place a table alongside your garden where the produce was picked. Or, create a garden anywhere by dressing your table with fresh local flowers and herbs. Place foliage or candles in empty jam jars for an easy rustic charm.

Finally, uncork a bottle of Sonoma-Cutrer to toast your successful venture into farm-to-table entertaining. Try The Cutrer Chardonnay for a creamy wine to complement crisp and earthy summer vegetables, or opt for Russian River Valley Pinot Noir to enhance hearty meats with juicy, dark fruit flavors.

Most importantly, have fun! Let the season’s freshest offerings take center stage while you enjoy the company and savor the flavors found in your own backyard.

The arrival of crisp sunny days, brilliant fall color and, of course, football signals a very important time of year for sports fans and the gastronomically inclined: tailgating season.

Pre-game cuisine runs the gamut, from standard beer, brats and burgers to gourmet offerings that would make any food critic proud. The truth is, tailgating is a great opportunity to get creative, and Sonoma-Cutrer wines are the perfect pairing for an upscale spread.

If you’re ready to step up your tailgating game, consider a global approach, treating your friends and fellow fans to exotic flavors they’ve never experienced in a parking lot before.

While nothing says tailgate like firing up a grill, hot dogs and burgers can get old. Instead, look to Asia for a little inspiration. Uncork a bottle of Russian River Ranches Pinot Noir and throw some Korean-style short ribs on the grill. Watch heads turn as the aromas of garlic, ginger and soy sauce hit the air. Easy-to-eat chicken satay skewers served with peanut sauce and curry chicken wings are other ideas for grilling up delicious Asian flavors.

If you’re short on time, look, to Latin America for flavorful finger foods you can pick up at your local farmers market or neighborhood takeout spot. Empanadas and tamales are ideal tailgating fare, and are filled with an array of savory and sweet flavor combinations. Serve your sports fans empanadas stuffed with pork, veal and pickled onions to braised beef or spicy chorizo tamales.

If you planned ahead, add avocado fries, a popular street food South of the Border to your menu. Or, mix up a batch of scallop ceviche just before you leave, and it will be perfect by the time you park for the big game. Both make a lovely pair for a crisp glass of Russian River Ranches Chardonnay.

To round out your moveable feast, opt for a convenient screw cap bottle of your favorite Sonoma-Cutrer served in tailgate-friendly plastic stemless glasses- Always be sure to pack plenty of extras – your impressive spread may attract new friends.

Wine Fest Survival Guide: 5 Tips

The arrival of harvest time means an unofficial uptick in wine festivals happening around the country. These celebratory events offer a fantastic opportunity to taste a wide variety of wines in one place – not to mention hear live music, attend seminars and sample endless culinary temptations.

Navigating it all can all be a little overwhelming. You don’t want to miss the good stuff, but how are you possibly supposed to taste all that wine – and keep your wits about you?

First, do your research so you can plan your day(s) around any can’t-miss events. Find out which wineries will be there and hit your favorites first, before you max out on tastings.

Once you’re there, pace yourself. It’s generally best to start with white and light and move on to red and full bodied so that none of the nuances are lost in the wake of heavier flavors.

Opt for dry before sweet, as the long aftertaste of sweet wines may cause dry varieties to taste sour. For this reason, it’s not a bad idea to sample sweeter white wines after dryer reds.

Drink water … a lot of water. In addition to cleansing your palette, drinking a glass of water for every glass of wine will help you avoid a dehydration headache. If you remember one thing, make it this: hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Remember to eat plenty during the festivals. Take advantage of the local culinary offerings and snack liberally between tastings. Keep an eye out for artisan breads and cheeses (ask what pairs well with your latest taste) and palette cleansers like refreshing sorbet.

Never be afraid to spit! That’s what those buckets are there for, after all. A swirl, sniff and quick wash over your taste buds are all you need to fully experience a wine. And the more you spit, the more you can sample.

As with any event where you’ll be imbibing, assign a designated driver or a car service to make sure everyone gets home safely.