Community Corner

A Simple Guide to the Different Types of Wine

Hey friends — Sandra here! 🍷 If you're like me and love a good glass of wine (especially with some dark chocolate on the side), you might've noticed the wine world can feel a little... overwhelming. So, let’s break it down simply. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to the different types of wine — plus a few details on some of the most popular kinds you’ll actually find at the store or your local winery.

1. Red Wine

Red wine is made from dark-skinned grapes, and the key is that the skins stay with the juice during fermentation. This gives the wine its color and tannins — that slightly dry, mouth-puckering feeling. Reds are usually richer and bolder.

Popular types:

• Cabernet Sauvignon – Full-bodied, dark fruit flavors (think blackberry, blackcurrant), often with a hint of spice or even tobacco. Great with steak or hearty meals.

• Merlot – Softer and smoother than Cabernet, with plum and chocolatey notes. It’s easy to sip and very food-friendly.

• Pinot Noir – Lighter-bodied with earthy, cherry flavors. Pinot is trickier to grow, but it’s a favorite for its silky texture.

• Syrah/Shiraz – Bold, peppery, and packed with dark fruit flavors. "Syrah" is the French name; "Shiraz" is what they call it in Australia.

2. White Wine

White wine typically uses green or yellow grapes, and sometimes even dark-skinned grapes — but without letting the skins ferment with the juice. This keeps it crisp, bright, and often zesty.

Popular types:

• Chardonnay – Can be buttery and oaky (if aged in barrels) or fresh and citrusy (if not). Pairs beautifully with seafood or roast chicken.

• Sauvignon Blanc – Zippy and grassy with flavors like lime, green apple, and passionfruit. Super refreshing.

• Riesling – Comes in dry and sweet styles, often bursting with peach, honey, and floral notes. Great with spicy food.

• Pinot Grigio – Light, crisp, and a little fruity. Perfect for summer afternoons or lighter meals.

3. Rosé Wine

Rosé is that gorgeous pink wine made by briefly letting the grape skins sit with the juice. It has a refreshing lightness like white wine but a touch of the fruitiness from reds.

Popular types:

• Provence Rosé (France) – Light, dry, and crisp with soft strawberry and melon notes.

• White Zinfandel (U.S.) – A sweeter, fruitier style that made rosé popular in the '80s and '90s.

4. Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine is wine with bubbles — simple but magical. The bubbles come from a second fermentation, either in the bottle (traditional method) or in tanks.

Popular types:

• Champagne – Only made in the Champagne region of France. It’s complex, toasty, and elegant.

• Prosecco – From Italy; lighter, fruitier, and more affordable.

• Cava – Spain’s version — dry, crisp, and a little nutty.

5. Dessert and Sweet Wine

These wines are typically much sweeter and are made either by stopping fermentation early or using super ripe, concentrated grapes. They’re meant for sipping slowly, often after a meal.

Popular types:

• Port – A rich, fortified wine from Portugal with flavors of dark berries, chocolate, and spice.

• Sauternes – A famous sweet wine from France made from grapes affected by "noble rot," giving it honey and apricot flavors.

• Ice Wine – Made from grapes frozen on the vine, resulting in a rich, ultra-sweet flavor.

6. Fortified Wine

Fortified wines have a little extra spirit (usually brandy) added during fermentation, giving them a higher alcohol content and a richer texture.

Popular types:

• Port – (again, because it's both sweet and fortified)

• Sherry – From Spain; comes in dry and sweet styles. Nutty, complex, and perfect for food pairing.

• Madeira – A Portuguese wine that's heated and oxidized for a caramelized, nutty flavor. Great for cooking and sipping.

Sweet Thoughts

There’s a wine out there for everyone — whether you like something bold and rich or crisp and refreshing. Personally, I’m partial to a good Cabernet Sauvignon paired with a square of dark chocolate. 🍫🍷 (Highly recommend.)

Here are a few great Lancaster County wineries to visit!

🍇 Nissley Vineyards & Winery Estate

Location: 140 Vintage Drive, Bainbridge, PA
Website: nissleywine.com
Highlights: Family-owned with a picturesque estate offering a variety of wines. They host popular summer lawn concerts and provide picnic areas for visitors. ​

🍷 Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery

Location: 1599 Old Line Road, Manheim, PA
Website: waltzvineyards.com
Highlights: Situated on a sixth-generation family farm, they produce premium wines and offer tastings in a beautiful setting. ​

🌄 The Vineyard at Grandview

Location: 1489 Grandview Road, Mount Joy, PA
Website: grandviewwines.com
Highlights: Family-owned vineyard with stunning views, offering a range of wines from dry reds to sweet whites. They frequently host live music events and wine tastings. ​

🏰 Mount Hope Estate & Winery

Location: 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim, PA
Website: parenfaire.com
Highlights: Historic estate known for the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Offers wine tastings, theatrical performances, and seasonal events like the Celtic Fling and Victorian Christmas. ​

🎶 Weathered Vineyards Ephrata

Location: 900 W. Main Street, Ephrata, PA
Website: weatheredvineyardsephrata.com
Highlights: Cozy wine bar inside the Historic Smithton Inn, offering Bordeaux-Burgundy style wines, Mediterranean bistro menu, and live music on weekends. ​

🍾 Cullari Vineyards & Winery Tasting Room

Location: 2 E 28th Division Hwy, Lititz, PA
Website: cullarivineyards.com
Highlights: Offers a variety of wines, including the popular "White on White" and "Spectacullari." They have a tasting room in Lititz and the main winery in Hershey. ​

🌿 Glasshouse Wineworks

Location: 8 S Charlotte St, Manheim, PA
Website: glasshousewineworks.com
Highlights: Boutique winery focusing on well-crafted wines in a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for gatherings with friends and family. ​

🍷 Deerfoot Downtown

Location: 348 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA
Website: deerfootdowntown.com
Highlights: Satellite tasting room for Deerfoot Vineyards and Winery, offering small-batch wines in a cozy downtown setting. ​

🌼 Britain Hill Venue & Vineyard

Location: 790 Little Britain Road North, Quarryville, PA
Website: britainhillvenueandvineyard.com
Highlights: Offers a blend of country elegance with breathtaking views, making it a popular spot for weddings and events. ​

🍇 Lancaster County Winery

Location: 799 Rawlinsville Road, Willow Street, PA
Website: lancastercountywinery.com
Highlights: Nestled in the rolling hills south of Lancaster, this winery provides a charming venue for weddings and special events, along with wine tastings.

“When you buy from a small business you’re not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy his team jersey, a mom put food on the table, a dad pay a mortgage or a student pay for college.”

Good to Know

Here’s a simple breakdown of different types of home heating systems:

Real Estate Tips

What Defines a Luxury Home?

A luxury home stands out through a combination of quality, location, and design. Key elements that typically define a luxury home include:

1. Prime Location: High-demand areas, often with breathtaking views or proximity to exclusive amenities like beaches, golf courses, or cultural hubs.

2. Exceptional Design & Architecture: Custom designs with unique architectural features, such as high ceilings, open floor plans, and advanced engineering.

3. High-End Materials & Finishes: Premium materials like marble, granite, and custom woodwork throughout the home, from flooring to countertops.

4. Smart Home Technology: Automation systems for lighting, security, temperature, and even entertainment.

5. Spaciousness: Large square footage, including expansive rooms, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, and luxurious outdoor spaces.

6. Exclusive Amenities: Home theaters, wine cellars, pools, gyms, and even private spas.

7. Privacy and Security: Gated properties, security systems, and ample space between neighbors.

All these elements combine to create a home that offers not just high value, but also a lifestyle that’s above and beyond typical properties.

Inspiration

I’ve learned that we’ll never please everyone—and if we keep stopping to listen to every opinion, we’ll lose our pace in the race we’re meant to run. Be the best version of yourself, cheer others on, and ignore the noise. But here's the paradox: while we shouldn’t dwell on what people say about us, we should spend more time listening to what they say about themselves. That’s how we grow—by hearing the needs, hopes, and hurts of others and showing up with compassion. Constructive feedback has its place, but true growth comes through empathy and service. So keep running your race... and let the boo’s fade into the background.

Quote:
"Don't waste your energy trying to change opinions... Do your thing, and don't care if they like it." —Tina Fey

Sandra Burkholder

EXP Realty – Licensed Real Estate Agent since 2000

Serving Lancaster, Chester, Berks and York County PA

With a passion for connecting people to their dream homes and investment opportunities, I bring a professional yet approachable touch to every real estate transaction. Specializing in high-value residential properties and commercial real estate, I combine a sharp eye for detail with a deep understanding of buildings, honed through my experience conducting insurance inspections for commercial and high-value homes. This expertise allows me to provide unique insights to clients, ensuring they make confident and informed decisions.

My career is built on a foundation of trust, expertise, and a commitment to creating community. As a Lancaster County local with a background in urban living from my time in Philadelphia, I offer a unique perspective on rural, suburban, and city lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking your dream luxury home, exploring investment opportunities, or making your first real estate purchase, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

When I’m not working with clients, I’m a busy mom to 8 amazing kids (most are adults now): 2 biological, 2 stepchildren, 2 through domestic adoption, and 2 through international adoption. I also love baking cakes, experimenting with international recipes, and spending time with my 2 cats and 2 dogs. My new Shichonpoo, Lyric, is often seen by my side, adding a bit of charm to my day-to-day adventures. I’m also passionate about weight training, relaxing with jazz and blues music, and indulging in red wine and very dark chocolate.

Let’s work together to achieve your real estate goals with expertise, care, and a personal touch!

www.sandraburkholder.com www.wayfaringlanaster.com [email protected] [email protected]

Not intended to solicit any properties already listed for sale with another real estate agent. If your home is already for sale, then please disregard this message.