CONNECT WITH YOUR SWEETHEART ON A ROMANTIC GETAWAY TO CHATTANOOGA, TENN

Courtesy of the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau


Chattanooga, TN (January 28, 2011) – It’s that time of year when
it’s just a little chilly outside and you’re dreaming of snuggling up next to a crackling fireplace, drinking some steaming cocoa and sharing time with your loved ones. Looking for a great place to take your sweetheart? Surprise them with a romantic getaway to Chattanooga!

Since Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year, make your getaway into a three-day weekend. Less than a two-hour drive from Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, Birmingham and Huntsville, Chattanooga’s the perfect location to get away from it all. With less travel time, you have even more time to get started on rekindling your love.

WIN A ROMANTIC GETAWAY!
Sign up for a romantic getaway at the upscale hotel and resort, The Chattanoogan Hotel. The two-night package includes deluxe overnight accommodations, bottle of champagne upon arrival, valet parking, breakfast for two in the Broad Street Grille, late check-out and a VIP pass valid at over 40 of Chattanooga’s attractions. Winner will be chosen on Monday, February 7. Enter now at www.chattanoogafun.com/win

VALENTINE’S EVENTS
Romance is in the air with intimate events for Valentine’s weekend. Stay at a cozy resort or bed & breakfast; enjoy a sunset cruise on the River Gorge Explorer; take an evening lantern tour at Ruby Falls; propose or renew your vows at Rock City’s Lover’s Leap or spend the evening dancing to the sounds of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera’s Big Band Fever. For all special events, visit www.chattanoogafun.com/events

DINING
Many of Chattanooga’s downtown restaurants set the perfect mood in which to enjoy a romantic meal like the special wine dinner at the Back Inn Café in the Bluff View Art District. Some unique dining options include taking a Sweetheart lunch or dinner cruise on the Southern Belle Riverboat; enjoying a four-course dinner aboard a restored 1924 dining car on the Tennessee Valley Railroad or eating breakfast with penguins at the Tennessee Aquarium. For more dining options, visit www.chattanoogafun.com/dining

ATTRACTIONS
Chattanooga is filled with numerous attractions that offer year-round adventures. There are few destinations that offer so much to do in such a close proximity. Park your car, start your fun downtown at a top-rated aquarium and then branch out 10-15 minutes away, where you’ll experience breathtaking mountainous views and a lot more fun. Indoors and outdoors – there’s something for everyone. Find attractions at www.chattanoogafun.com/attractions

For more information on a Valentine’s getaway to Chattanooga, visit www.chattanoogafun.com/romance

QUICK LINKS
• PLAN YOUR VISIT: Check out the maps, local weather, Chattanooga Visitors Center or make accommodations/car/plane reservations. www.chattanoogafun.com/plan-your-visit
• CHATTANOOGA VIDEOS: Get a taste of our amazing attractions, scenery, dining and more. www.chattanoogafun.com/travel-videos
• VISITORS GUIDE: View an interactive online version; or download a pdf or request a copy. www.chattanoogafun.com/visitors-guide

Holiday Events in Chattanooga

TOP TEN HOLIDAY ADVENTURES

During the holiday season, take time to clear the mind and relieve the spirit. Chattanooga’s attractions offer wonderful holiday activities for every member of the family.

1. Rock City Gardens’ Enchanted Garden of Lights/ Nov. 19, 2010- Jan. 1, 2011, nightly 6-9 pm ($) – This event was named one of North America’s top 100 Events by the American Bus Association. The light extravaganza features more than 30 holiday scenes and over a million lights that transform the gardens into a nocturnal fantasyland. Includes cookie decorating, hot cocoa & nightly entertainment. http://www.seerockcity.com/

2. Tennessee Aquarium’s Tropical Holiday Adventure; IMAX 3D Films/Nov. 19, 2010-Jan. 2, 2011 ($) – For an awe-inspiring way to get away from it all, explore the Tennessee Aquarium’s two buildings where you’ll meet exotic animals and tropical “Santa” divers. Relax within a warm, orchid-filled rainforest while enjoying holiday music with a Caribbean vibe. At the IMAX 3D Theater, the six-story screen fills with giant waves, towering toys and a heart-warming holiday classic. http://www.tennesseeaquarium.com/

3. Ruby Falls’ Deck the Falls/Nov. 19, 2010- Jan. 1, 2011; Ruby Red Christmas/Fri.; Sat. nights, Dec. ($) – The 145-foot waterfall magically transforms for the season with an array of enchanting lights and sound effects during Deck the Falls. Ruby Red Christmas brings snow outside the castle, live entertainment, North Pole Workshop and carriage rides. http://www.rubyfalls.com/

4. TN Valley Railroad’s North Pole Limited Adventures/Nov. 19-Dec. 22 ($) – Take a trip to the “North Pole” on a vintage train with refreshments, storytelling, caroling, visits by Santa Claus and other surprises. This family-fun adventure guarantees lasting memories. The Chattanooga Choo Choo offers overnight packages that include the North Pole Limited Adventures, Elf Tuck-In service and more. http://www.tvrail.com/

5. Southern Belle Riverboat’s Christmas Carol Dinner Cruises/Nov. 27-Dec. 19, 2010; Santa Breakfast/Nov. 27 ($)– Enjoy delicious food, singing Christmas carols, dancing, live entertainment and a visit from the man in the big red suit! http://www.chattanoogariverboat.com/

6. Creative Discovery Museum’s Gingerbread Workshops/Nov. 20-Dec.19 ; Winter Wonders Exhibit/Nov. 20, 2010-Jan.17, 2011 ($) – Create a new holiday tradition by constructing a delicious gingerbread house masterpiece as a family (reservations required). Explore a wintery wonderland through a blizzard, animal tracks in the snow and more in Winter Wonders. http://www.cdmfun.org/

7. Chattanooga Market’s Holiday Markets/Dec. 4-5, 10-11, 17-18 (FREE) – The Chattanooga Market, an open-air market, offers a special holiday theme with live music and over 100 vendors selling unique, locally hand-made items perfect for your holiday gifts. Markets located at First Tennessee Pavilion and Warehouse Row, schedule on website. http://www.chattanoogamarket.com/

8. MainX24 Festival – a 24 hour festival/Dec. 4, 8 am-Dec. 5, 8 am (FREE) – Celebrate Main Street & the Southside district with a packed schedule of over 70 events including a fire hall pancake breakfast, entertainment, busking, green living, fashion shows, parades, a sculpture burn, parties, music & motion. Santa will be at the Choo Choo and holiday cheer will abound. http://www.mainx24.com/

9. Downtown Winter Days; Lights: The Grand Illumination /Nov. 26 (6-9 pm on riverfront) ; Breakfast with Santa/Nov. 27 (FREE  $) – Enjoy the lighted boat parade, live bluegrass music, a holiday market, live nativity scene, warm food and drinks, singing Santa and fireworks during the Grand Illumination. Celebrate the holidays by joining Santa in a bountiful breakfast buffet with all the trimmings along with live music and entertainment. http://www.chattanoogapresents.com/

10. A Christmas Story LIVE @ the Chattanooga Theatre Centre/Dec. 10-23 ($) – Ralphie has to convince his parents and teachers that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940's. He even pleads his case before Santa Claus, all with the same response, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” www.theatrecentre.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS
Ringing in the New Year can be one of the biggest festivities of the year – if you know where to party. Celebrate in Chattanooga this year, with a variety of family-friendly and adult options.

• Funk Ball ‘11 w/The Breakfast Club @ Chattanooga Convention Center/7 pm-1 am ($) – This year’s party is bigger and better, with twice the space. Ring in the New Year in over 36,000 square feet of space, rockin’ to the dynamic sounds of the ‘80s band, “The Breakfast Club.” There will be plenty of dancing room, ample bar service, party favors, balloon drop and more. General admission and VIP options available. Special overnight packages offered. http://www.selloutpresents.com/

• Chattanooga Choo Choo’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Party”/7:30 pm-1 am ($) – Dance the night away. Doors open at 7:30 pm, The Beaters play at 9 pm. Cash bars, snacks, prizes, & more; overnight packages available. Book early, reservations required. http://www.choochoo.com/

• Tennessee Aquarium’s “New Year’s Eve Sleep in the Deep”/6:45 pm-8 am ($) – Explore the aquarium at night. Includes tours, special activities, pizza, midnight toast & continental breakfast. http://www.tnaqua.org/

• Southern Belle Riverboat’s Early Bird/4-6 pm and Late night/8pm-1am New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise ($) – Enjoy Prime Rib & Shrimp Creole buffet dinner, live entertainment, dancing and more. Limited Reservations so book soon. http://www.chattanoogariverboat.com/

• New Years at Noon @ the Creative Discovery Museum/11am-1pm ($) – Families can celebrate together at the stroke of noon with apple juice toasts, live music, a New Year’s parade and much more. www.cdmfun.org

FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS, THANKSGIVING ; CHRISTMAS DINNER SPECIALS, PRINTABLE COUPONS, HOTEL PACKAGES; MORE, VISIT WWW.WINTER.CHATTANOOGAFUN.COM

ChattaBOOga! – WHERE THRILLING ADVENTURES AWAIT YOU…

Courtesy of the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

When ChattaBOOga transforms itself from Chattanooga in October, it’s not the typical haunted venue. There’s a haunted cavern deep inside the heart of Lookout Mountain; a killer critter craze where some of nature’s most feared and notorious creatures are explored in detail; an amazing corn maze – friendly by day, but a heart-stopping labyrinth by night and hair-raising, ghostly experiences.

October in Chattanooga offers thrilling, chilling adventure and family fun you can’t experience anywhere else.

SURVIVE THE RUBY FALLS HAUNTED CAVERN
The Cerberus Virus has been contracted by victims in the cave – and they are mixed in with the visitors. The adrenaline factor may be high when you’re facing a horde of Infectids, but leave the fighting to the Cerberus professionals who have trained for these encounters, whereas you probably have not. We recommend you stay cool and move swiftly to safety! Bring a friend or three, so long as they do not panic or cause attention. You should especially beware of the Sliders, the most underestimated of all Cerberus Virus victims.

Flashlights, cell phones, open flames and loud noises (potentially screams) will only draw the Infected to you – these items are not allowed and could be confiscated by Cerberus Agents. If someone in your group is bitten or possibly infected, our Cerberus Agents will be happy to assist you with the disposal of such members in your party. This intense event takes place both above and below ground and is considered one of the area’s best haunted attractions. www.HauntedCavern.com / 423-821-2544

“THRILLS, GILLS & CHILLS” AT THE TENNESSEE AQUARIUM
Your pulse heightens and your heart pounds as a large, toothy sand-tiger shark eases past your cheek, an alligator stares you blankly in the eyes as if you are soon to be lunch for rattlesnakes, anacondas and a boa constrictor slither right by you. Just relax and embrace the creepy critter jitters. That’s what the Tennessee Aquarium’s month-long celebration, “Thrills, Gills and Chills,” is all about!

Learn about the chilling aspects of the predator/prey relationships in the natural world by uncovering the real facts about moray eels, scorpions, alligators, sharks, poisonous frogs and even penguins evading their fearsome predators. Special daily dives, feedings and gallery programs will also focus on the myths and mysteries of some of the most notorious and misunderstood animals on earth. www.tnaqua.org or 800-262-0695

GET LOST IN ROCK CITY’S ENCHANTED MAZE OR FOREST OF FEAR
First you think trivia questions and a corn maze, can’t be too hard, right? Getting the questions right is the key in getting out of the challenging, 10-acre labyrinth of trails, answering them wrong will only take you deeper into the maze. As darkness surrounds the field, the maze turns a little spooky when 10-foot stalks are outlined in the moonlight to create a hair-raising challenge of twists, turns and rustling stalks. You can also enjoy a historic birdhouse barn, interactive haunted hayrides, bonfire, ghost stories, live music and a kiddie hay maze.

And if you dare, venture into the “Forest of Fear in Blowing Screams Farm” for a haunting, 3D experience. Very few people who dare trespass this mysterious and desolate place survive. This is the ultimate haunt experience! Blowing Screams Farm is an intense-scare attraction, parental discretion is advised. www.enchantedmaze.com, www.blowingscreamsfarm.com or 706-820-2531

“CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND” GHOST TOURS
What was that sound? Where did it come from? Are those lights or orbs? Be prepared to ‘jump out of your skin” while taking an evening walking ghost tour through downtown Chattanooga, hearing tales (and maybe even getting pictures) of some of the city’s TRUE hauntings! The tour begins at Walnut Street Bridge (downtown side/South), and proceeds at a leisurely pace to the Read House, home of the infamous Room 311 and its permanent inhabitant, Anna Lisa Netherly.

Chattanooga truly assumes a life of its own when you pass historic buildings, while hearing ghost stories and other tidbits about supernatural activity. Tours are conducted by actors and storytellers; however, no actors will follow, jump out, or otherwise “spook” you. Therefore, this tour is suitable for youngsters who are not overly frightened simply from hearing stories. The stories in this tour have been researched; many are supported by newspaper articles and the remainder by books. Don’t forget to bring your cameras! www.chattanoogaghosttours.com / 423-821-7125

CityScope Magazine goes to the Theatre

Don’t miss the last weekend of performances of “The Book of Liz” at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre! This “cheese-ball” comedy was written by Dave and Amy Sedaris, a brother-sister duo who are each well-known in their own rights. Leave it to them to write a sharp comedy layered with religious overtones, social undertones, and quirky characters. Leave it to the Chattanooga Theatre Centre to perform the piece with all flair and subtlety the Sedaris writers intended.

I had to see what the buzz was about and attended the performance this past Saturday. The actors and actresses that donned the stage on Saturday were on cue, hilarious, and personable. The circle theatre set-up makes for a kind of community of its own, adding to the social dynamics of the play. We laughed together, we danced between sets in our seats together, and we anticipated the plot twists to come across the room from one another.

I left the show thinking over the play as an enjoyable experience, but I also pondered some issues that were never explicitly stated. It was well-crafted and opened up room for thought and discussion even after the curtain fell.

For a complete synopsis of “The Book of Liz” visit here.

Be sure to check out one of the Chattanooga Theatre Center’s talented performers in the August issue of CityScope, coming soon!

Restaurants with a View: Dining at Water's Edge

Being seated at a window table adds a special treat to a delightful dinner out, but when that window offers a view of the river, the entire experience is enhanced. Our area is home to several restaurants that take advantage of the view afforded by the beautiful Tennessee River and its surrounding lakes. Some of these provide both window views and outdoor dining right on the water. Others give diners the chance to enjoy a meal not just at the water’s edge, but actually on the river.

Aris’ Harbor Lights
One step inside the door of Aris’ Harbor Lights Restaurant and your eyes are drawn immediately to the wall of windows that provides a breathtaking view of the Tennessee River. A shaded deck, with seating for 100, runs the length of the restaurant and sits just 10 feet above the river. Located on Hixson Pike approximately 10 miles north of Northgate Mall, Harbor Lights’ menu includes grouper and fresh oysters, as well as Greek and Italian fare, and “the best shrimp in town,” according to Aris Sklavenitis, the owner and chef who has been in the restaurant business for 44 years.
Reservations: Yes, (423) 843-2800, www.arisrestaurants.com, Dinner Entrées: $9.95 – $19.95

The Back Inn Café
From its opening in 1993 as a sandwich shop, the Back Inn Café has evolved to include both inside and outside dining, with charming views of the river from the sun porches and terrace. The restaurant’s menu includes Asian-inspired and Italian dishes, but focuses on American entrees. Favorites include the Martin House Steak and The Rembrandt, a 10 ounce New York strip steak coated with a House Blend espresso rub. While the Back Inn Café is often chosen for romantic evenings and special occasions, it also offers a relaxed bar atmosphere as well.
Reservations: Yes, 800-725-8338 ext. 1, www.bluffviewartdistrict.com,
Dinner Entrees: $14.00 – $28.00

Blue Moon Cruises
Climb aboard this 70-foot cruise boat and prepare for a totally relaxing experience. Starting at Ross’s Landing at the City Pier, the 17-mile, 3 ½-hour tour takes passengers through the Tennessee River Gorge at a comfortable pace. The naturalist crew is adept at pointing out birds and animals in their habitats. Shuford’s Smokehouse caters the barbeque dinner served on the Blue Moon; additionally, there is a full-service bar. The dual-deck Blue Moon offers passengers the choice of being outside on the upper deck or enjoying the sights from the climate-controlled, enclosed lower deck. Operating year-round, the Blue Moon not only offers a regular dinner cruise, but also a fall color cruise, the Grand Illumination cruise, holiday cruises and private charters.
Reservations: Required, 1-888-993-2583, www.bluemooncruises.org
Dinner Cruise: Adults $39; Youth $32; Children $25

Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar
Lawton and Karen Haygood brought the best of their favorite Gulf Coast flavors home to the Tennessee Valley, establishing a restaurant that takes full advantage of its riverside location and a menu that keeps customers coming back for more. The recipes that receive rave reviews – such as the Poblano Peppers and Matagorda Bay Fire Roasted Oysters - are often Lawton’s own. Lotta Lotta Garlic Chicken, a House Specialty, and the Wood Grilled Tilapia are also customer favorites. The Boathouse offers 20 outside tables that can be used most of the year because of the fans, shades and outdoor heaters that moderate temperatures. The location of the Boathouse not only offers a view of the river, but also a perfect venue for watching river traffic, sunsets and downtown fireworks shows.
Reservations: No, (423) 622-0122, www.boathousechattanooga.com, Dinner Entrées: $9.95 – $26.95

Dockside Café
Located next to the marina at Harrison Bay State Park, the Dockside Café offers a family-friendly, casual dining experience. Dock space allows boaters to tie-up, and diners may enjoy their meal at tables inside or out. Owner Sam Welton says, “Friday’s all-you-can-eat catfish is a great draw for customers, but the tilapia and grouper are also popular menu items.” Welton believes the restaurant’s t-shirt slogan sums up what the Dockside Café has to offer, “Great Food, Beautiful View.”
Reservations: Yes, (423) 344-9998, www.dockside-cafe.com, Dinner Entrees: $7.99 – $13.99

Fox Cay
The reality of Fox Cay (pronounced “Key”) began as a daydream in the Bahamas. Owners Jimmy Taylor and Dave McDonald brainstormed the concept while on a fishing trip and opened the restaurant in 2006. Located adjacent to Island Cove Marina and Resort and only 15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, the restaurant is open year-round. Taylor says that menu selections reflect what he has experienced in travels with his business partner and interpretations of dishes they enjoy. Most of the seafood is flown in from Honolulu, particularly the tuna and blue marlin. Another menu favorite is the pork tenderloin, but according to Taylor, everybody says they have great burgers and wings, too.
Reservations: Yes, (423) 648-2800, Dinner Entrees: $9.95 – $29.95 / Market price for fresh fish

Riverside Catfish House
The Massengale family has owned and operated the Riverside Catfish House since 1963. Sitting above the Tennessee River, diners can enjoy the river traffic, as well as the restaurant’s popular offerings. Eyes roll with pleasure at the mention of their homemade coconut cake or buttermilk pie, but it’s the farm-raised all-you-can-eat fried catfish that is the mainstay of the menu. Este Massengale explains, “As far as I know, we’re one of the few restaurants serving grain-fed catfish from Mississippi.” The menu also includes frog legs, tilapia and grouper. Sides of cole slaw and hush puppies are also musts.
Reservations: Yes, for parties of 10 or more, (423) 821-9214, Dinner Entrees: $8.95 – $14.95

Steve’s Landing
Steve Russo is from New Orleans and opened Steve’s Landing in 1996. He says right away that he is not a chef but “If you’re from Louisiana, you had better know how to cook!” Located next to Pine Harbor Marina, the restaurant’s wooden boardwalk leads customers to the large tree-shaded deck where they may enjoy their meal, but then continues inside where they will find a comfortable, casual atmosphere. Steve’s Landing boasts an eclectic menu. “The ribs are our calling card,” says Russo, “but the fried shrimp and catfish are just as popular.” This busy lakeside restaurant serves many made-from-scratch sauces, dips and desserts. In fact, Russo’s grandfather provided the recipe for their New Orleans-style bread pudding.
Reservations: Call-ahead seating, (432) 332-4098, Dinner Entrees: $7.25 – $17.99


Southern Belle Riverboat
Choose a night of the week to visit the Southern Belle Riverboat and find yourself not only enjoying a paddlewheel journey on the Tennessee River, but also the featured dinner fare and accompanying music. Beginning at Pier 2 at the Landing, the Dixieland Cruise is the best-known for its popular country music and delicious prime rib and shrimp creole. The 2 ½-hour dinner cruise takes passengers around Moccasin Bend to Brown’s Ferry and then back upriver around McClellan Island. Recent renovations include the addition of a 2,500-square-foot kitchen, which allows food to be prepared on-site by Executive Chef Jack Martin, who oversees preparation of the regular menu and also caters private parties.
Reservations: Required, (423) 266-4488, www.ChattanoogaRiverboat.com
Dinner Cruise: Adult $21.50 – $36.50; Children $10.50 – $18.50

Healthy Wines from Organic Vines

By Alison Matera, DWS

The supply and demand for organic wines is growing at a rapid pace worldwide. Organic wine is both good for the environment and good for our bodies.

There are several reasons why I have always been an advocate for the promotion and consumption of this enticing, aromatic, fermented goodness we call wine. First of all, it’s yummy and secondly; it has many health benefits. When consumed in moderation and as part of a healthy diet, wine has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. It has also been shown to slow the progression of neurological degenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and improve lung function, to name a few.

Organic wines are becoming increasingly more popular, but much confusion still exists about what the term organic means. When a label says organic, it means the wine has met certain standards that are set by a government agency. Different nations have their own certification criteria, so what’s organic in one country may not be so in another.

This topic is in constant debate as the various organizations concerned with this matter study the subject in detail. However, farmers share a common belief that the purpose of growing organically is to bring about a healthy soil, as well as to produce the highest quality product, that is beneficial to consumers and the environment. Some of the terms used to describe organic wines are: organically grown, certified organically grown and biodynamically grown.

An organic vineyard is one where grapes are grown without harsh chemical fertilizers, weed killers, insecticides or other synthetic chemicals. This method of growing grapes tries to eliminate the use of chemicals in favor of natural cures to vineyard problems. Several problems plague vineyards, but one in particular is the presence of pests that can ruin a vintage. Organic farmers combat this problem by using organic viticulture. This involves locating insects that will eat problem bugs that are feeding on their plants, such as ladybugs.

Organic farmers also aim to maintain healthy, biologically active, fertile soil using plants that fix nitrogen from the air. In a vineyard this means planting cover crops between the vines instead of applying herbicide.

Certified organically grown designates that the grapes in the wine are not only grown and certified by a government or private certifying organization, but that the wine has been produced and handled without adding color additive or any prohibited materials. Many wineries that are producing organic wines choose not to be certified because of the added expense and bureaucracy of registering. As a result, there are a number of organic wines in the market that are not labeled “organic.”

Biodynamic farming treats the whole vineyard as an ecosystem. This process is guided by natural cycles that rely upon both plants and animals for success. The farmers also pay close attention to the rhythms of the earth and the solar system. The wine making process is accomplished as naturally as possible.

The label on your bottle of wine may say “organic wine” or it may say “wine made from organic grapes,” and this can be confusing. In the United States, wines labeled “organic” are produced without added sulfites; wines labeled “made with organic grapes” can add sulfites to the wine. Sulfites are a naturally occurring compound found on grapes, onions, garlic and many other growing plants. They are nature’s way of preventing microbial growth and also act as a preservative in wine. For those of you that are more sensitive to sulfites or have sulfite allergies, please read the label carefully, and as always, “drink what you like and like what you drink.”

Dessert in a Glass

By Alison Matera, DWS

If you love wine and you love sweets, boy, do I have a treat for you … dessert wine. Are you the type of person that feels like a meal just isn’t quite complete without that eagerly anticipated and always satisfying sweet ending? Then may I recommend experiencing the delight and sweet nectar that is dessert wine.

I have always felt that dessert wines far too often fly under the radar, and that they are not appreciated like they could be - especially in restaurants. Sweet-style wines can occasionally be viewed as unsophisticated by some, but that notion could not be farther from the truth in the glorious world of wine.

When I dine out, I usually prefer to drink my dessert; it is definitely less filling and still satisfies that small urge for a hint of sweetness at the end of a good meal. Dessert wines are much sweeter and richer than table wines and are typically served in three to four ounce pours.

Dessert wines come in many different shapes and sizes as far as how they are produced, where they are produced, and the different styles of the end product.

Generally speaking, wines taste sweet or dry depending on the amount of residual sugar present in the wine. Of course, there are other important factors that lend a hand to what you are actually tasting and feeling on the palate, such as levels of acidity, tannins, alcohol, carbon dioxide and even the temperature of the wine when it is served. There are several production methods involved in making a sweet wine, and a host of different regulations worldwide concerning those methods.

Port and Sherry are perhaps the most well-known of the dessert wines. These wines are fortified wines, as are Marsala and Madeira. Fortification is the addition of brandy or a neutral spirit in order to raise the wine’s alcohol content. This process also arrests fermentation and leaves plenty of sugar and sweetness in the wine. Fortified wines generally have between 17 percent to 21 percent alcohol.

Other methods of production include concentrating the sugars in the grapes (wine made via this method is my favorite). This can be done by removing water from the process to concentrate sugars, such as drying grapes, freezing grapes, or encouraging a fungus called “botrytis cinerea,” in its noble form, to attack the grapes.

Botrytis cinerea, or “noble rot,” can produce some of the most stunning wines in the world, such as Sauternes. This fungus causes the grapes on the vine to shrivel, concentrating and intensifying both sugar and flavor. The grapes’ acid levels remain high, resulting in a wine that is not cloyingly sweet. These are very elegant, full-flavored wines - I call them “liquid gold.”

My other favorite dessert wine is Eiswein (or ice wine). This is a special style of wine that requires very cold temperatures to produce. Ice wine is made by picking grapes that are frozen on the vine and pressed before they thaw. Because most of the water in the grapes is frozen, the resulting juice is concentrated and rich, high in sugar and acidity.

Dessert wines (like ice wine and botrytis wine) can command a hefty price tag due, in part, to the difficult production methods. But there are plenty of affordable, delicious sweet wines on the market, made with several different grape varieties from around the world.

Sweet, luscious wines can be enjoyed by themselves or paired with cheese, dried fruits and nuts. To achieve the ultimate thrill of food and wine pairing, try a glass of Sauternes with foie gras, or a rich glass of port with Stilton blue cheese. Quite the experience!