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Ask the Cellar Dweller

Who is the Cellar Dweller?

Dear Cellar Dweller,
I’ve seen your around the store, but I don’t know who you are. What is a Cellar Dweller? Who are you and where did you come from? Signed, Curious Onlooker
Dear Curious,
GREAT questions! First, let me take a moment to welcome you to my feature page on pwcwineandliquor.com: Ask the Cellar Dweller. It’s about time I introduced myself. The Cellar Dweller came about very early in Personal Wine Cellar’s existence. One slow day, an employee made a little figure of a man out of cardboard, and placed him on top of the cooler to see if anyone would notice (that was me, of course). Over the next few weeks, staff made a game of hiding me around the store, to see who could find me, hidden in plain sight. Brian loved it, and thought it would be a great idea to make a promotion out of the game. And so my role as the Cellar Dweller was created!
I got a pretty sweet makeover…
(Thanks, Mountain Design Group!) I also got an official role in the store: Find me hiding in plain sight, and receive 10% off your wine purchase. Things kinda took off from there. Some customers come in and look for me every visit. Others stumble upon me by happy accident. And many kids help Mom or Dad by finding the little figure hiding in the shelves (we’ve got lollipops for helpful kids, too). Nowadays, you’ll also see me driving around town in plain sight, on the side of the PW Express Delivery Truck! Over the last six years I’ve come into my own, and learned a lot about all of the products at Personal Wine Cellar. Go ahead, test my knowledge of wines and spirits. Ask me anything! Your question could be featured right here on Ask the Cellar Dweller! Visit our Contact Us page to submit your question, or ask in person at Personal Wine Cellar! Hope that helps, Curious Onlooker! — CD the Cellar Dweller Personal Wine Cellar serves Glenville, Scotia, Ballston Lake, Ballston SPA, Burnt Hills, Clifton Park, Charlton, East Glenville, and most areas of Schenectady west of I87. Personal Wine Cellar…”not the biggest…just the BEST!”
Ask the Cellar Dweller: Why Do I Get a Red Face When I Drink?

CD Explains Why Drinking Can Leave You with a Red Face

Dear Cellar Dweller,
Sometimes when I drink, I notice I get really red in the cheeks. My ears get red too, and I feel hot. It’s kind of embarrassing. So, why do I get a red face? What gives? -Sensitive in Schenectady
Dear Sensitive,
You’re not alone! This annoying problem is quite common. It can happen to anyone, and it does, for a few different reasons… Usually, it has to do with how your body metabolizes the alcohol. Or, more accurately, how it doesn’t. Inside your body, alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde. If your body has trouble metabolizing it, the capillaries in your face will dilate, and cause that red color and warm feeling. This is sometimes called the Alcohol Flush Reaction, or AFR [1].
Sometimes AFR can indicate a bigger problem.
While irritating but generally harmless, this flush is sometimes a sign of a bigger problem, such as high blood pressure, alcohol intolerance, or even an alcohol allergy. Got a question about AFR? Ask your doctor! Being proactive never hurts. I hope this answers your question, Sensitive! -CD the Celler Dweller Visit our Contact Us page to submit your question, or ask in person at Personal Wine Cellar! Personal Wine Cellar serves Glenville, Scotia, Ballston Lake, Ballston SPA, Burnt Hills, Clifton Park, Charlton, East Glenville, and most areas of Schenectady west of I87. Personal Wine Cellar…”not the biggest…just the BEST!”

https://www.livestrong.com/article/146644-face-redness-alcohol/
Ask the Cellar Dweller: What’s the Best Sangria?

The Cellar Dweller shares his secret recipe for the best sangria!
Dear CD, It’s been hot out, and I’m dying for a pitcher of cold, refreshing Sangria. Which is the best sangria? Is making your own really that much better? -Sweaty in Scotia
Dear SiS,
I love a good glass or three of Sangria, and making it is a breeze! I’ll let you in on a little secret though: the key ingredient to the best sangria is PATIENCE. The longer you can let the mixture you concoct stew in your fridge, the better it’s gonna taste. So, reader, if time is of the essence, my recommendation would be to stop by Personal Wine Cellar and grab a bottle of pre-made sangria. We have some really delicious ones, like Freefall, Opici, and Senor sangrias. All you really need to do with these, is stick them in your fridge or freezer (for 60 or 20 minutes, respectively) and serve– over ice, if desired. However, if you’ve got at least two hours before drinky-time and can utilize that all important ingredient PATIENCE, you will be handsomely rewarded with an easily customizable and wholly imbibable sangria that’s sure to knock your socks off.
Are you Ready to Make the Best Sangria?
All you really need is a dry-ish wine (red or white, your choice), some brandy, and some fresh fruit. Optional ingredients include herbs (mint is a good one), fruit juices, and other flavored spirits. Aside from that, the sky’s the limit. Here is my favorite, simple, white sangria recipe, just for fun! Ingredients 750 ML dry white wine 1/2 cup (or so) simple syrup 3/4 cup peach schnapps 1 LB fresh, ripe peaches, sliced and pitted 1 liter lemon/lime soda Directions Line the bottom of a pitcher with slice peaches. Add white wine, simple syrup, and peach schnapps to the pitcher and stir to combine. Let this mixture sit in your fridge for at least 2 hours, and preferably overnight. Fill wine glass 1/2 full with sangria, and top with lemon/lime soda. Enjoy! -CD the Cellar Dweller
Ask the Cellar Dweller: You Guys Have Home Delivery?!?!

Dear Cellar Dweller,
So I’m just now hearing that you guys do home delivery. WHAT NOW?!?! I hate crowds and traffic so this sounds like a dream come true. Please tell me more about how I can have my alcohol brought to my home while also having more limited human interactions. Thank you. – Tell Me More
Dear Tell Me,
You heard right! Personal Wine Cellar is one of only a few stores in our area that offers a home delivery service. If you’re lucky enough to live in the Scotia/Glenville area (and even a little bit beyond), we will indeed bring your purchase right to your door via PWXpress! One quick phone call and you could sip some sangria, party with Patron, or relax with some Relax without ever leaving your house! PWC offers delivery service on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 2pm to 7pm. There’s a $25 minimum to order, and over $75 mean no delivery fee! Give us a call at 518-399-WINE if you have questions, or to place your order. You can also learn more by checking out the PWXpress page on our website. Our delivery area is outlined there, too. And keep an eye out for the PWXpress truck– with my picture on it– driving in plain sight! – CD the Cellar Dweller
P.S.
If you’d like a sneak peak of what we have to offer, you can visit our website, pwcwineandliquor.com and click on the “wine” or “liquor” menus to browse some of our inventory online. We’re add more and more items all the time, so check back frequently. If you like a more hands-on approach, give us a call and one of our knowledgeable associates will happily shop our inventory with you. We’ve got a little something for everyone at your Personal Wine Cellar! *** Personal Wine Cellar’s mission is not to stock our shop with our favorites, but to fill it with yours! We offer more than 5,000 wine and liquor products to satisfy all tastes, all at competitive prices. Whether you are looking for that wine to pair with lunch or dinner or a nice gift for that special someone, let our knowledgeable staff help guide you to that ideal bottle of wine or liquor!” Personal Wine Cellar serves Glenville, Scotia, Ballston Lake, Ballston SPA, Burnt Hills, Clifton Park, Charlton, East Glenville, and most areas of Schenectady west of I87. Personal Wine Cellar…”not the biggest…just the BEST!”
Ask the Cellar Dweller: How Can I Drink for Free?

The Cellar Dweller clues a reader in on how to drink for free
Dear Cellar Dweller- I feel like I should enjoy trying new things, but I’m poor and it’s so expensive. How am I supposed to figure out what I like? Do you give out free samples? Is it possible to drink for free these days? Signed, Frustrated Wannabe Dear Frustrated- So you want something for nothing, eh? Well believe it or not, I am in a position to help you, my friend! Personal Wine Cellar LITERALLY does free tastings ALL. THE. TIME. Seriously. Don’t believe me? Check out our calendar. And that isn’t even all of them, because we add more all the time, too. A good rule of thumb is that there is probably a tasting every Friday. For instance, THIS Friday, we’re featuring several spirits from Saint Lawrence Distillery in Northern New York. They are our featured products of the month, and eligible for 10% off your purchase throughout the month of August. So when you stop by Friday, try them for free, and decide you like them…you can buy them for LESS! That should also please your wallet! Hope to see you there, Frustrated. And maybe when you stop by we can call you something more fun, like “Totally Excited Wannabe,” or “Jeff.” Let me know what you think! -CD the Cellar Dweller *** Personal Wine Cellar’s mission is not to stock our shop with our favorites, but to fill it with yours! We offer more than 5,000 wine and liquor products to satisfy all tastes, all at competitive prices. Whether you are looking for that wine to pair with lunch or dinner or a nice gift for that special someone, let our knowledgeable staff help guide you to that ideal bottle of wine or liquor!” Personal Wine Cellar serves Glenville, Scotia, Ballston Lake, Ballston SPA, Burnt Hills, Clifton Park, Charlton, East Glenville, and most areas of Schenectady west of I87. Personal Wine Cellar…”not the biggest…just the BEST!”
Why PWC for Your Liquor Delivery Schenectady NY Search

Why you should choose Personal Wine Cellar when searching for a Liquor Delivery Schenectady NY. PW Xpress is here at last! We will deliver for free to your door any of your favorite products with in 2 hours. If you can’t make it here to shop our immense selection of liquor and wines, you’ll be happy to know we can bring them to you! Our delivery services are available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Free Delivery is available on all orders over $75.

Personal Wine Cellar serves Glenville, Scotia, Ballston Lake, Ballston SPA, Burnt Hills, Clifton Park, Charlton, East Glenville, and most areas of Schenectady west of I87. We are not the biggest…just the BEST!
Ask The Cellar Dweller: How To Taste Wine
Dear Cellar Dweller,
Whenever I attend a wine tasting, I feel intimidated by the “experts”. I don’t know ANYTHING about wine besides that I like what I like. Can you teach me how to taste wine like a pro? Thanks, Beginners Luck
Dear Beginner,
That is a loaded question!! I can certainly give you some tips on how to taste wine, but it seems to me that you’ve figured out the secret already: you like what you like!! Most of those “experts” you mentioned are experiencing wine using as many senses as possible to get the most out of it. You can do this too, but it may or may not affect your opinion on what you’re drinking.
Give it a try and let us know what you think!
- Start by looking at the wine. Notice the color. Is it opaque? Clear? Deep red? A tinge green?
  - Swirl it around in the glass and observe the “legs” (aka whether or not it clings to the side of the glass and creates streaks as it runs down). Legend has it that this can tell you any number of things about the wine, from how sweet it is, to its quality, to its alcohol content. I really can’t tell you if any of that is true or not, but it’s fun to do and you will definitely have that expert “look” down pat!
- Next, give the wine a sniff. If you’re not used to doing this, it’s gonna feel a little strange to do. And if you’re not careful, you might end up with a little on the end of your nose. It’s all part of the fun, my friend.
- Then, my favorite part: take a sip! Swish it around your mouth a little, if you like. Try and pinpoint any flavors you notice.
  - If you have heard or read that the wine you’re tasting has a certain flavor, be prepared to notice that. I once tasted a wine after reading a tasting note that it had a hint of dust, and that was all I could taste.
  - Many wines change. Throughout the sip, the longer it’s exposed to air, etc. So what you taste during your first sip may change the more you have.
There you go!
You’ve just tasted wine “like a pro”. For the full effect, feel free to then mutter stuff about tannins, appellation, and/or structure. You know, for fun! Seriously though, Beginner, the best way to learn how to taste wine, is just to keep an open mind, and keep tasting them. The free wine tastings at Personal Wine Cellar are a great way to accomplish this. You’ll be an expert in no time! Good Luck! -CD the Cellar Dweller
Ask the Cellar Dweller: What’s the Difference between Red and White Wine?

The Cellar Dweller explains the difference between red and white wine.
Dear Cellar Dweller,
What’s Up? Maybe this is a dumb question but I have always wanted to know: what is the difference between red and white wine? And why is some wine pink? Thanks in advance, Avid Reader Dear Avid, What’s Up, you ask? Well, it’s been 25 years, and my life is still trying to get up that great big hill of hope, for a destination. Hey, side note: remember that song, What’s Up? by 4 Non Blondes? Great tune. Excuse me while I indulge in a random-90’s-nostalgia moment. And yes, I am aware that I have only been around for 7 years, and that a seven-year-old cannot remember the 90’s, nor legally drink, and thus probably shouldn’t be giving drinking advice. But luckily for you (and for me!) Cardboard-Cutout years kinda work like dog years. So trust me, I’m an expert! Returning to your next question (which isn’t dumb, by the way), the difference between red and white wine is mostly in how the wine is made. For instance, even though there are thousands of grape varieties, most grape juice looks pretty much the same. The reds come from fermenting the juice with other parts of the grape, like the skin, pulp, or even the stems. Neat, huh? The fruit particles affect the flavor of the wine, too. The amount of time during fermentation in which the grape parts are in contact with the juice is called “maceration,” which is a pretty boss word if you ask me. Save that one for the next time you play Scrabble, or impress that kid you knew in middle school on Words with Friends.
The “pink” colored wines you mentioned are Rosés, or blush wines.
Their pigmentation happens one of two ways. Either the maceration time is incredibly short, imparting just a hint of the color, or, the blush color comes from blending white and red wine. And White Zinfandel? That’s a fun one. Zinfandel is a grape varietal that is typically used to make a red wine. Red Zinfandel is typically very bold and flavorful. When the Zinfandel grapes are processed with a short maceration period and fermentation, White Zinfandel is the result. It’s a lighter, often sweeter wine. And it’s pink. Thanks for asking an interesting question, Avid Reader! I hope you’re satisfied with the answer. Enjoy the earworm, too. Your Friend, CD the Cellar Dweller
Ask the Cellar Dweller: What’s the Difference between Vodka and Gin?

The Cellar Dweller explains the difference between vodka and gin.
Dear Cellar Dweller- A friend and I recently had an argument about gin. Friend says that gin is just a flavored vodka. I say they are different spirits because gin is made from juniper berries. Who’s right here? Sincerely, It’s Me, Right? Dear Right, First of all, wow. You guys always ask me the BEST questions. Seriously, I’m impressed. My short answer is, you’re both kinda right. Let me explain though, because it’s neat. And also, because this is what they pay me to do. Pull up a chair!
Vodka and Gin have a lot in common.
Both are distilled, clear spirits made predominantly from grain. They both start with neutral grain alcohol for a base. They are often used interchangeably in a wide variety of cocktails. That’s about where it ends, though. Vodka, in its essence, is what it lacks. The word “vodka” itself denotes that: it is derived from the Russian word for water (voda). So to make vodka, you need two ingredients: neutral spirits and water. That mixture is filtered and treated until it is odorless and flavorless. The perfect base to provide your favorite flavors with a little kick! On the other hand gin, in its essence, is what it is. To make gin you can start with that same neutral spirit base, but then add in botanicals. Or even add the botanicals right to the mash. In order to be official though, it must have at least some juniper in it. So my own personal take, is that if Vodka is a ghost, then Gin is the Ghost of Christmas Present. Same basic principle, but Gin has a bit extra (in a good, non-Jacob-Marley-creepy sort of way).
And the US government has a say, of course.
Of course! And they say there IS a difference between vodka and gin. According to the Tax and Trade Bureau, Vodka is classified as “distilled from any material at or above 95% alcohol by volume (190 proof), and if bottled, bottled at not less than 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof)“. YUM, right? Gin, on the other hand: “main characteristic flavor derived from juniper berries produced by distillation or mixing of spirits with juniper berries and other aromatics or extracts derived from these materials and bottled at not less than 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof)“.
So There You Have It.
Gin can be made like a flavored vodka, but it’s official definition states that it is in a separate category. According to the US government, there is a difference between vodka and gin. Take that for whatever it’s worth, gentle reader. If nothing else, the government agrees with you! Sincerely, CD the Cellar Dweller
Have a burning question for the Cellar Dweller? Send us an email, or stop by Personal Wine Cellar and ask! You just might see your question featured here on Ask the Cellar Dweller.
PW Xpress for your Liquor Delivery Glenville, NY Search

If you’re searching for Liquor Delivery Glenville, NY, look no further.
Don’t feel like making a trip for your favorite wine or spirit? PW Xpress has you covered with best liquor delivery Glenville has to offer! Personal Wine Cellar will bring your order right to your door. Available Thursdays through Saturdays, 2:00pm to 7:00pm, with FREE delivery available on orders over $75. $25 minimum to place order with a $5 delivery fee. Contact us for details, and browse some of our most popular wines and liquors right on our website. Find all your favorite wine and liquor at Personal Wine Cellar in Glenville, NY. We’re known for our huge selection and vast industry knowledge. When you visit us, you can count on a great overall experience and leave with the libation that best suits your palette! Personal Wine Cellar’s mission is not to stock our shop with our favorites, but to fill it with yours! We offer more than 5,000 wine and liquor products to satisfy all tastes, all at competitive prices. Whether you are looking for that wine to pair with lunch or dinner or a nice gift for that special someone, let our knowledgeable staff help guide you to that ideal bottle of wine or liquor!” Personal Wine Cellar serves Glenville, Scotia, Ballston Lake, Ballston SPA, Burnt Hills, Clifton Park, Charlton, East Glenville, and most areas of Schenectady west of I87. Personal Wine Cellar…”not the biggest…just the BEST!”
Ask the Cellar Dweller: What’s the Best Wine for Thanksgiving?

CD the Cellar Dweller shares his recommendations for a great wine for Thanksgiving Dinner.
Dear Cellar Dweller,
Thanksgiving is coming up in a couple of weeks, and I am hosting for the first time! I am really excited because my parents will be here, as well as my sister and her husband and kids. What are your suggestions for a great wine for Thanksgiving dinner? I’d like to impress without spending a fortune, say maybe under $30? Thanks! Sincerely, Cranberry Sauced Dear Sauced, You’re in luck! There are literally hundreds of great wines– impressive wines, even– that you can get for $30 or less. And double down on your luck: picking a wine for Thanksgiving Dinner isn’t nearly as restrictive as you might think. Many folks like Pinot Grigio with their Thanksgiving dinner, and for good reason. Pinot Grigio is light but acidic, with a seriously varied flavor palate, so it’s good with almost anything that isn’t tomato-based. Beaujolais Nouveau is another popular choice. A celebration of the harvest, Beajolais Nouveau is released every year a few weeks before Thanksgiving. It’s a “green” wine, meaning it’s not been aged very long, and so the quality and taste changes from year to year. Honestly, I think it usually tastes like feet. But if feet is your thing, you might want to give this a go.
My personal suggestion if you really want to impress?
Go with a wine that’s a little unexpected. Everyone knows the old adage that white wine goes with poultry or fish. So, try a red! Just remember to stay clear of anything that’s going to really overpower your meal. A good place to start would be with a Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir tends to be earthy and a little spicy, but a bit less robust than many other reds. Pinot Noirs pair really nicely with traditional Thanksgiving flavors like turkey, squash, and stuffing. My favorite: Meomi Pinot Noir. It hits all the talking points and comes in several dollars below your budget. The bottle looks classy, too. We’re actually going to have a bottle open to try on Wednesday November 21st— the day before Thanksgiving– if you like to live dangerously and wait until the last minute to shop! And so hey, while we are on the subject, did you know that you can browse a good chunk of the inventory at Personal Wine Cellar right on our website? You can even filter items by price, region, and varietal. There’s a shop for spirits, too. Pretty cool. I hope you floor them with your culinary skills and wine selection this Thanksgiving, Sauced. Good Luck! Yours Truly, CD the Cellar Dweller
Ask the Cellar Dweller: How Many Glasses of Wine?

The Cellar Dweller helps a reader plan for a holiday party by determining how many glasses of wine to have on hand.

Dear Cellar Dweller,
I’m in charge of drinks at our company’s holiday party this year. There will be 15 people, so how many glasses of wine should I plan for? Thanks! Thirsty Thursday
Dear Thirsty,
Ooh, math! My favorite. Nothing makes my little cardboard brain heat up like figuring out serving sizes. Since you haven’t mentioned your workplace culture or if you have designated drivers in place, I am going to assume that everyone will partake, but that it would be frowned upon for y’all to get hammered. So, maybe one to three drinks per person? Great. A standard sized bottle of wine is 750 ml, and contains approximately six glasses. Fun fact: did you know that you aren’t supposed to fill your wine glass to the rim? It’s true. The pour should only come up one third to one half of the way, which leaves plenty of room to aerate the wine. Although this is something that literally no one does at holiday parties. For fifteen guests at three drinks per person, you’ll need 8 bottles of wine. This should account for some people drinking more and others less. But you know your coworkers better than I do, so adjust as you see necessary. If Cindy from accounting is a bit of a lush and your boss called an Uber last year, you might want to up that number a tad. You didn’t ask about what kind of wine to bring, but for a crowd pleasing variety, try to get at least one sweet, one dry, and one blend, in reds, whites, and blush. And there you have it! The perfect amount of wine for your holiday party. For those of you following along at home, feel free to adjust my formula for your own purposes. And if you’re planning on talking politics with your uncle, might I suggest vodka instead? Your Friend, CD the Cellar Dweller
Does Personal Wine Cellar offer any discounts?

We offer case discounts along with military, veterans, first responders, and senior’s discounts. Mix or match 6 bottles of wine, you’ll save 10% with our reusable bag. Mix or match 12 bottles of wine, you’ll save 15% on throwback Thursday’s. No need to ask because our staff will automatically give you the discount. For our military, veterans, and first responders please show your ID and our staff will reduce the price of your purchase. We like to give a discount to our seniors who are generally in their mid 60’s and are retired or otherwise on a fixed income. Come see us and we’ll reduce the price of your purchase.
Use your reusable bag to save 10%
We also offer a reusable bag for purchase. Every time you fill it with just 6 bottles you get 10% off.
Find the Cellar Dweller
And hidden in plain sight somewhere different every day is the Cellar Dwellar! Find him and bring him to the register and you will receive a discount on your wine purchase.
Do you offer any special services?

Yes we do! If you’re having trouble handling your purchase, one of our staff will carry it out to your car. Know what you want and are in a hurry? We have curbside service! Call ahead and we will meet you at your car. Personal Wine Cellar of Glenville and Scotia now offers home delivery. For more info, please go to PW Express.
I don’t know much about wine or liquor. How can you help?

Personal Wine Cellar of Glenville and Scotia is here to help. Our knowledgeable staff can help without making you feel like you don’t know much. They are trained to find that perfect wine or liquor for your meal or special occasion. After all, the best wine is the one you like!

Dear Cellar Dweller,

Dear Sensitive,

Sometimes AFR can indicate a bigger problem.

Dekuyper Peppermint Schnapps Liqueur

Glenville’s and Scotia’s favorite Wine & Liquor Store

Dear Cellar Dweller,

Dear Curious,

I got a pretty sweet makeover…

CD Explains Why Drinking Can Leave You with a Red Face

The Cellar Dweller shares his secret recipe for the best sangria!

Dear SiS,

Are you Ready to Make the Best Sangria?

Dear Cellar Dweller,

Dear Tell Me,

P.S.

The Cellar Dweller clues a reader in on how to drink for free

Dear Cellar Dweller,

Dear Beginner,

Give it a try and let us know what you think!

There you go!

Dear Cellar Dweller,

The “pink” colored wines you mentioned are Rosés, or blush wines.

The Cellar Dweller explains the difference between vodka and gin.

Vodka and Gin have a lot in common.

And the US government has a say, of course.

So There You Have It.

Have a burning question for the Cellar Dweller? Send us an email, or stop by Personal Wine Cellar and ask! You just might see your question featured here on Ask the Cellar Dweller.

If you’re searching for Liquor Delivery Glenville, NY, look no further.

Dear Cellar Dweller,

My personal suggestion if you really want to impress?

The Cellar Dweller helps a reader plan for a holiday party by determining how many glasses of wine to have on hand.

Dear Cellar Dweller,

Dear Thirsty,

Use your reusable bag to save 10%

Find the Cellar Dweller

Contact Us

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