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Lifestyle

For the Connoisseur
  • If the only rose you've ever tried is White Zinfandel, you're missing out on a world full of excellent wines. There's a lot of variation when it comes to rose wine, so no matter what your tastes, you're sure to find something that's up your alley. Rose can be sweet or dry, one-note or complex, flat or bubbly. In fact, some of the best Champagnes are roses made from Pinot Noir grapes. Rose can be made in a number of different ways, but the vast majority of best rose wine in 2022 is made from 100% red wine grapes. Rose wine is sometimes made by fermenting the wine on the skins for anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks to get its color. Once the correct color is achieved, it’s taken off the skins so that it doesn't turn into red wine. Alternatively, rose can be "bled" from red wines by siphoning off the lighter wine at the top of the fermentation vat. Finally, rose can be produced by blending white and red wines, though this method isn't commonly used and produces inferior quality wine. Though California White Zinfandel is the most popular style of rose in the New World, rose is also commonly enjoyed in France. French roses are usually dry and floral and are very popular in the summer months. Of course, rose is made wherever winemakers put down roots from Spain to South Africa to New Zealand. With so many different rose wines to try, this is one style that definitely worth trying.
    February 03, 2016
  • Made from a flavorful green grape that packs a punch, chardonnay is one of the world's favorite white wines. chardonnay grapes are grown all over the world, though they were first cultivated in the Burgundy region of France. Though they reached the peak of their popularity at the end of the 20th century, there are still more acres devoted to this chardonnay than any other white wine grape. Though its popularity has made it unchic in some circles, there are so many ways to style chardonnay that most people who claim to dislike it would probably appreciate at least one of its incarnations.Since it's a relatively hardy varietal, chardonnay can be grown in many different regions. Depending on the weather and the quality of the soil, wine made from these grapes can show flavors of apple, pineapple, ripe fruit, or vanilla. There are several ways to style chardonnay wines. These wines can be aged in oak and finished with malolactic fermentation, resulting in the big oak and butter flavors frequently seen in California chardonnays. Alternatively, they can be aged in steel, a fermentation technique that allows the green apple tartness of the grapes to shine through. In Champagne, France, chardonnay grapes are also the only grape that can be used to make blanc de blanc Champagne.No matter what you need it for, our list of chardonnays will help you out; check out the below buying guide to teach yourself more about wine, too!
    February 03, 2016
  • Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an intriguing wine to go with a seafood dish, a sparkling wine is a great choice. Sparkling wines are made all over the world, including Australia, South Africa, the United States, Italy, Spain, and France. There are a number of different types of sparkling wine. Prosecco is an Italian wine made from Glera grapes. This wine is carbonated in large steel vats and designed to be enjoyed soon after bottling. Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine, is made from any number of classic Spanish grapes. This wine is bottle fermented and can be aged in the cellar for a number of years. Finally, there are Champagne-style sparkling wines. These commonly made around the world and make use of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, the three grape varietals that grow in Champagne, France. These wines are also bottle fermented and most are aged for at least a few years before they're ready to enjoy.The techniques of bottle fermenting were perfected in Champagne, France, which is why many people call any sparkling wine a "champagne." Technically, only wines that come from this region are allowed to use the name Champagne, though the vast majority of sparkling wines are made in the Champagne-style. Since there is live yeast in the bottle, these wines have a toasty aroma.When shopping for a sparkling wine, you may notice that these wines are organized by the level of residual sugar. Dry, extra-dry, and brut are the three most common sugar levels, with dry being the sweetest, and Brut being the driest. Less commonly, you may find wines labeled extra brut and brut nature, which are extremely dry, and demi-sec and doux, which signify sweeter wines.Finally, sparkling wines will be labeled with either the year harvested or the letters NV, which stands for Non-Vintage. Non-Vintage wines are blended from wines from a number of different harvests taken over a number of different years. They tend to be less expensive and more consistent than vintage wines though they are rarely as complex as a good vintage wine. When selecting a vintage wine, you'll want to make sure that the year was a good one for the grapes. Vintage wines are usually more expensive but are excellent when made in good years.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best sparkling wine in 2022, We have listed below the sparkling wines available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    February 03, 2016
  • The third-most planted wine grape in the world, merlot is popular both as a stand-alone varietal and as a blending grape. This grape is native to Bordeaux, France, but has been grown throughout warmer European areas for around 200 years. Now, merlot has made its way all over the world and is popular in the Americas, Southern Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. A relatively subtle grape with less tannin than the closely related cabernet sauvignon, wine made solely from merlot grapes tends to be fruity and smooth and usually won't hold up to many years of cellaring, reaching its peak after 5 to 15 years. Of course, there are some exceptional merlots that continue to mature for many decades.There are two main styles of best merlots in 2022: the Old World style— which makes use of earlier harvests in order to emphasize soft fruit flavors— and the New World. Old World wines are lower in alcohol than New World style merlots; New World merlot grapes are often left on the vines a little longer, giving them a chance to develop a more concentrated flavor and an increased sugar content. The extra sugar in the grapes does not lead to a sweet wine but is instead metabolized by the yeast in order to make a wine with a higher alcohol content preferred by many New World drinkers. These wines have jammier flavors with an emphasis on plum and blackberry, and more soft tannins that give them more body than their Old World counterparts.No matter what type of wine you prefer, we have done the research to come up with a comprehensive list of the best merlots of this year. They vary in region, flavors, and price, so you're bound to find something suitable for your taste and budget. Take a look at our favorites below.
    February 03, 2016
If you travel frequently, you know how challenging it can be to get some shut-eye on a long flight or road trip. A good travel pillow can make all the difference between arriving at your destination well-rested or feeling tired and sore. But, with so many travel pillow options available, what’s the best travel pillow on the market? That’s what we’re here to answer! We’ve put together a list of the best-rated pillows for your next travel adventures.Price legend:$: 0-25$$: 26-50$$$: 51-100Below, you’ll find our picks for the 5 best travel pillows of 2023. We made our selections based on the products’ price, portability, and level of support and comfort. See what each travel pillow has to offer!
April 21, 2023
Do you love collecting memories and revisiting them later on? If yes, then scrapbooking is a hobby that you must try out! Scrapbooking refers to the art of collecting, organizing, and presenting pictures, souvenirs, and cards in a scrapbook album. Scrapbooking can also be used for storytelling or as a personal journal. With countless different types of scrapbooks available in the market, choosing the right one for yourself can get confusing. To make the choice easier for you, we have reviewed the finest scrapbooks of 2022.
September 07, 2022
While walking your dog may just be fun exercise for you, for your dog, it’s their only way of experiencing the world. Given their enthusiasm to explore the outdoors, there won’t be a better time to channel your pet’s energy into improving their behavior.Dog training leashes are the only physical connection between you and your puppy on an outside stroll. A training leash clips around your dog’s collar or harness, offering them freedom, safety, and guidance, while keeping you in control. The addition of a training leash to your daily training sessions will ensure you can easily steer your pup in the right direction.Whether you simply need to keep your beloved canine friend close by on a neighborhood stroll, or want to manage your pup’s behavior, there’s a leash that will do the job. This article details the strongest dog training leashes of 2022.
August 26, 2022
Latest Reviews
  • Miniaturized train sets have remained a staple of every child toy set for generations, thanks to their exceptional versatility and pure fun. With the best electric train sets in 2022 are lightweight, more efficient than ever, and exceptionally interactive.When scouting for an electric train set, you want one with a beautiful design that closely mimics real trains, is lightweight, easy to set up, and boasts long battery life. We have compiled a list of best electric train sets in 2022 that check all these boxes and don’t cost a fortune.
    March 08, 2021
  • Art is a fantastic expression of ideas and personality, something all ages can enjoy. Whether for holiday crafts or detailed masterpieces, a set of quality acrylic paint markers helps you achieve superior color and detail in your project without the mess of paint jars and brushes. The following list of best acrylic markers in 2023 are excellent choices for their color variety, quick-drying ink, and ability to be used on most surfaces.
    March 05, 2021
  • Wet dog food is an excellent choice for most pups and adult dogs because it contains a lot more protein with fewer carbs, so it’s healthier. The best wet dog foods in 2022 are also deliciously-flavored, and because it’s soft it’s easier to chew, especially for mature dogs or small breeds. Moreover, top-notch food options don’t contain preservatives which are not just unhealthy for most dogs, they can also cause cancer.
    March 04, 2021
  • Tea comes in a wide range of varieties, and it may be impossible to try them all in one lifetime. With tea samplers, however, you can get to taste several types of tea and pick out which ones you prefer. Find your favorite blend and enjoy a cup of tea with our selection of the best tea samplers in 2022 below.
    March 04, 2021
  • Finding the best puppy foods in 2022 can be tricky because the food needs to provide all the nutrients, minerals, protein, and vitamins that a budding pup requires to grow. At the same time, the food kibbles must be small enough for a pup’s little jaws and teeth, and it must not contain harmful ingredients. Therefore, the best puppy food options are healthy, manageable, and delicious - perfect for your furry little companion.
    February 26, 2021
  • Has it been too long since you’ve gotten something nice for a friend? There doesn’t always have to be a special occasion, just as the gift doesn’t always have to be a big thing. Here are some of our best weird gifts in 2022 for any non-occasion.
    February 26, 2021
  • Kids can explore their imagination and create fantastic shapes with a set of play sand. These sets provide a hands-on experience that allows kids to develop motor skills and express their artistic side. Not only is play sand easy to clean, but it also never dries out. Here are some of the best play sand sets for kids in 2022 to consider for their colorful designs and inclusion of molds and toys.
    February 23, 2021
  • While family-friendly games have their perks, especially when trying to entertain the kids, these are not as likely to please a crowd of grown-ups. When the kids are tucked away, you might want to get something a bit more daring on the table – and this is exactly where a few of the best board games for adults in 2021 can save the night.With the board games we share in this list, you’ll be able to keep every adult at your gathering happy all night long.
    February 22, 2021
  • A pet is a part of your family, and it's important to keep them happy and healthy. You can do a lot of things to make your life easier, but one of the most important is to give them the right accessories to help them do their best. These accessories can help make them look and feel more like their human counterparts. Here are some best puppy accessories in 2022 you should consider buying.
    February 20, 2021
  • Inkbox is a relatively new company (founded in 2015) specializing in temporary tattoos. No, not the ones you spent a quarter on out of a gumball machine at your local grocery store. Inkbox tattoos are a premium temporary tattoo marketed towards an older crowd. Not only do they have thousands of designs to choose from, but they partner with artists to help support and promote their work as well. On top of that, you can create your own custom tattoos by using software on their website to upload your own image.
    October 21, 2020
  • This year has been an interesting roller-coaster ride, but that isn't going to stop people from having fun when it's possible. Not that we condone flouting lockdown and social distancing guidelines, but there's no doubt that people will want to enjoy the last little sliver of summer before the days shorten and the mercury plummets. Here are a few suggestions to get the most out of Labor Day weekend while staying safe and healthy.
    September 04, 2020
  • Hot sauce is a curious food staple - nearly everyone uses it, and there's an overwhelming selection available on the market. Even so, a handful of names dominate the segment, making it difficult for new brands to compete for attention.
    June 24, 2020
  • Despite all the challenges and craziness we've seen in 2020, students in the Class of 2020 will still be graduating. Though the circumstances and procedures surrounding graduation may be modified due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it's still an event that can be made even brighter with a gift or two. We've gathered some ideas based on feedback from grads.
    June 18, 2020
  • Fathers are an important figure in our lives, and we have a special day in June set aside to show our admiration. We came up with a few gift ideas ranging from leisure activities to thoughtful gadgets to celebrate Dads across the country.
    June 11, 2020
  • (Updated 5/4/2021) Cinco de Mayo is here once again! Despite how many of us may feel about 2020, we're all enjoying a new year with more things to look forward to. Here are some of our favorite Tequila picks for Cinco de Mayo!
    May 01, 2020
  • Mothers deserve appreciation every day, but we have just a single dedicated holiday to really show Mom how much we care. Our staff at Bestcovery came up with 7 simple gift ideas for 2021 to show Mom a token of our gratitude.
    May 01, 2020
  • Due to the risk of COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus, many schools and businesses have shut down. Other companies have instructed their employees to work from home at an unprecedented rate.
    March 18, 2020
  • Bringing home a new puppy can be exhilarating, but it can also be daunting at the same time. If you do not have a human child and the puppy is your first foray into parenthood, being prepared is half the battle. Who better to take advice from than someone who lived through it? My wife and I brought home a three-month-old Whoodle (Wheaten Terrier/Poodle mix) named Poppy. We do not have any kids, so this was the first time another life became dependent on us. Putting that into perspective, we were nervous, to say the least. When we picked her up, we had nothing but a blanket to wrap her in for the 2-hour drive home. I wish we had this article to reference beforehand. I'm going to break down what you need on the first day, and some additional niceties that can wait.
    October 10, 2019
  • With wedding season in full swing, you might come to realize that it can be challenging to find the right gift for the new couple. Perhaps you are looking for great items to add to your own registry as well. Thanks to Amazon, you can shop for virtually anything your heart desires. We have compiled a list of some great wedding gifts that include traditional, trending, and practical items for every bride and groom.
    October 10, 2019
  • Aquariums are no longer a basic little plastic or glass box to be forgotten about in the corner of a child’s room. The kits available nowadays come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many look like works of art all on their own with sleek edges and modern colors. There are so many aquariums out there to choose from it’s usually best to first decide what fish you would like to house. There are desktop tanks that can range anywhere from 1 gallon to 20 gallons, and provide environments for Betta Fish, Goldfish, Guppies, Tetras, and more. There are also larger scale freshwater tanks that usually range anywhere from 10 gallons up to 60 gallons so that you can accommodate multiple species at once.  For those that are truly experienced and up to the challenge of maintenance, there are also saltwater tanks for more complex species such as coral.  Though you can find them as small as 6 gallons, most people prefer a saltwater setup to be a minimum of 20 gallons. Although the initial phase of choosing and setting up an aquarium can be overwhelming, the payoff is worth it. Having an aquatic environment either at home or at the office can be a stress reducer and provides a serene display for anyone in the room. Many are often surprised by the personalities their fish display and the bond they develop with them.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best aquarium in 2021, We have listed below the best aquarium available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    February 03, 2016
  • One of the most popular grapes in the world, Shiraz, which is also spelled Syrah (and is always pronounced "sir-rah"), is a full-bodied grape that's used to make fruit-forward wines that typically have bold, jammy flavors. In Australia, where Shiraz is one of the most popular varietals, the warmer climate leads to wines with big fruit flavors, subtle notes of spice and earthy flavors, and plenty of tannins to stand up to decades in the wine cellar. In Rhone, France, and other cooler wine-growing regions, Shiraz tends to have softer flavors and slightly less body, though these wines still have enough tannins that they age very well.A good Shiraz should always have enough body to support the variety of flavors in these dark-purple grapes. Light-bodied Shiraz with simple red fruit flavors shows a flaw in the wine and unfortunately, many inexpensive Shiraz wines fall flat because of poor growing conditions or overly watery grapes. When looking for the best shiraz in 2022, you'll want to choose a wine with a complex flavor profile that packs a huge punch of fresh fruit, whether it's fresh blackberry in a cool-climate wine or dark fruit jam in a warm-climate wine. The tannin should be big and bold in a young wine, though markedly softer in a wine that's been given time to age. Read on to find some of our favorite wines this year.
    February 03, 2016
  • One of the most popular red varietals around the world, Pinot Noir is a delicate grape that's difficult to grow. Native to Burgundy, France, there are only a handful of other appellations that are known for producing excellent Pinot Noir. Cooler regions of Northern California, the Willamette Valley in Oregon, the Yarra Valley in Australia, and a few cool regions of New Zealand rival Burgundy for making the world's best Pinot Noirs. This grape gets its name from the French word for "pinecone," because Pinot Noir grapes grow in tightly-packed clusters. The grapes are light-colored, producing wines that are medium-bodied and often strawberry or cherry red. Though there aren't a lot of tannins in these wines, they can be aged successfully, though it's often difficult to predict how an older Pinot will taste, or whether a particular wine will hold up to a few years in the cellar. Young Pinots are fruit forward, medium bodied wines with extremely soft tannins and bright fruit aromas. Check out these list of best pinot noirs in 2022 below.
    February 03, 2016
  • Riesling is made from an incredibly aromatic grape that is commonly grown in Germany and France. The grape itself has a higher sugar content than many other wine grapes, and many winemakers chose to honor this quality by crafting their rieslings to exhibit this sweetness. Alternatively, riesling can be made in the dry style, with very little residual sugar left in the wine after fermentation. These wines can often seem sweet at first sip, where the aromas of bright fruit overwhelm the minerality, but finish crisp and dry as the actual flavor of the wine overpowers the aroma towards the end of a sip.In Germany, where riesling is one of the most common varietals, the cool, northern latitude climate gives these grapes a lower sugar content and a higher acidity. Because of this, traditional German rieslings are usually on the dry side. Rieslings grown in warmer climates, on the other hand, often have more sugar and flavors of peach and lime. These grapes lend themselves to the sweeter style and can even be left on the vines late into the season until they dry out slightly, increasing the sugar content and creating a wine that is sweet enough to be a dessert.Want to learn more about riesling or find yourself a new favorite bottle? Read on below for our list of the best rieslings of 2022 and a buyer's guide to make sure you buy the perfect bottle for your taste preferences.
    February 03, 2016
  • Pinot Grigio, which is a classic Italian grape, is commonly grown in France, Italy, and the New World.  In France and the New World, it can also go by the name Pinot Gris. These grapes are genetically similar to Pinot Noir grapes, and are believed to be a genetic mutation. Though it wasn't a particularly popular wine a few years ago, over the last decade it has gained considerable popularity and is a great alternative to overly acidic Sauvignon Blanc or rich Chardonnay. Typically, Pinot Grigios are delicate wines that can be clean and dry or fruit-forward. Dry, crisp Pinot Grigios are produced by harvesting the grapes early, before the sugars are able to fully develop, while off-dry, fruity Pinots are produced by leaving the grapes on the vines for a little extra time. This varietal is known for complex aromatics that often include tropical fruit and white flowers, and a delicate taste with notes of fresh fruit. The acidity is usually fairly high, though less pronounced in sweeter wines, especially on the finish.For more information on what to look at in selecting the best pinot grigio in 2022, We have listed below the best pinot grigio available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.
    February 03, 2016
  • Historically used as a blending grape in Bordeaux, France, malbec has gained popularity in recent years as its varietal. Since not much Malbec is grown in France or other Old World countries, it's relatively rare to find 100 percent malbec, or even a primary malbec blend coming from this part of the world. New World winegrowers, especially those in Argentina, have taken it upon themselves to make world-class wines that allow the bold flavor of this grape to shine.Malbec requires warm, dry conditions to thrive. It's susceptible to frost and mildew and tends to develop problems when grown in cool, moist climates. Because of this, production is limited to hot, sunny hillsides in some of the world's warmer appellations.Though many winemakers in Northern California and Australia now produce malbec, these wines are not the most popular, and distribution is largely limited to local wine shops. Major wine distributors, including online stores and large retail chains, primarily carry Argentinian malbec.But we've found three high-quality malbecs available here in the states. Keep on reading to figure out which one will suit your palate best; our accompanying buying guide at the bottom will also make it super intuitive for how to properly taste wine!
    February 03, 2016
  • Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular white wine varietals around the world. It's a green-skinned grape that can produce a light straw-colored wine that has a slight green tint. The flavors in this wine can also run on the green side, with notes of grass and herbs predominating in this crisp, acidic wine. This dry, crisp quality makes it a favorite to pair with fish and shellfish dishes.There are two main styles of Best Sauvignon Blanc in 2022. Grapes grown in cooler climates will produce less sugar, leading to a more acidic wine that features grassy flavors and bitter citrus peel on the nose. In warmer climates, these grapes are much sweeter, leading to wines with strong flavors of tropical fruit and sometimes candy. In general, the first style is preferred, since the crispness of this wine is what made it popular in the first place. That said, there are plenty of people who love the off-dry quality of a warm-weather Sauvignon Blanc, which is often referred to as Fume Blanc, especially in Northern California.A relatively light-bodied wine, Sauvignon Blanc is quick to mature in the bottle and is usually best within a few years of harvest. This quick turn-around has made it a popular varietal with winemakers who are just starting out.
    February 03, 2016
  • Back when it was first invented, vermouth was used as patent medicine, a harmless cure-all with a medicinal flavor that made many people believe it had the power to heal anything from frazzled nerves to bouts of consumption. Though there really is no medicinal benefit to drinking vermouth, this herbal, bitter fortified wine has remained a popular ingredient in mixed drinks and is still enjoyed as a once-a-day preventative in some parts of France and Italy.Vermouth is made by adding a mixture of herbs and spices to white wine during the fermentation process. Each vermouth maker uses their own unique blend and these recipes are all closely guarded secrets. This means that the aromas and flavors found in vermouth can vary considerably from one label to another. After the yeast has fermented out all the sugars, vermouth is then fortified with a distilled grape liquor and then sweetened with sugar as needed for the particular style.There are a variety of different styles of vermouth, including dry vermouth, which is a common ingredient in the Martini, and sweet vermouth, which is usually red in color thanks to the addition of certain herbs and caramelized sugars. In France and Italy, both sweet and dry vermouth are often enjoyed on their own as an aperitif or a digestif and though you wouldn't want to drink a glass of every type of vermouth, there are some mild ones that are delicious neat or poured over ice. Check out our list of the best vermouths in 2022.
    February 03, 2016
  • A Croatian grape that's been cultivated for hundreds, if not thousands of years, nobody's certain where Zinfandel got its name. What is certain is that this is a robust wine with two distinct faces. Zin grown in cool climates will develop more light berry flavors and an off dry character, while Zin from warmer climates will develop into a bold wine that has darker flavors of blackberry, anise, and pepper.Originally thought to be a native grape to California, the first Zinfandel was produced in this state in the 1800s. Though genetic testing later revealed this to be false - showing instead that California Zinfandel was genetically identical to Italian Primitivo - California is still the premier vintner of this varietal. Australian and Italian winemakers who make this type of wine usually label it Primitivo, and though the qualities of the wine are similar, there's nothing quite like a good California Zin.It's important to note that Zinfandel shouldn't be confused with White Zinfandel, which is stylistically an entirely different wine. White Zin, which is in fact made from the Zinfandel grape, is an off-dry to semi-sweet rose wine that gets its deep pink color from spending a little time on the dark skins of the grape during the fermentation process. While White Zinfandel is often looked down upon by self-styled serious wine drinkers, lovers of old vine Zin have this sweet pink wine to thank for their 80 to 100 year old vines. The popularity of white Zin throughout the 1900s led to many viticulturists planting extra Zinfandel vines, vines that they maintained through the decades until the dawn of the Old Vine Zin revolution towards the end of the 20th century. Check out our list of the best zinfandels in 2022.
    February 03, 2016
  • The Great Outdoors is filled with scents, sights and sounds that dogs find irresistible. Why not let your dog get his fill of all this fun while lounging in the safety and comfort of a dog house? We've looked for plastic dog houses that are warm in winter and cool in summer and that offer options like doors, heaters, fans or other ventilation. Plastic dog houses are all easy to clean — at least on the outside — so we've looked for dog houses that are easy to clean on the inside as well. We've also looked for best dog houses in 2022 that are easy to assemble so you can spend more time playing with your dog than building his house.
    February 03, 2016
  • These wheeled duffels have the space capacity of a suitcase but are lighter and easier to carry thanks to a retractable handle and carry handles. There is space to organize your stuff and keep clothing separate from other gear. The list of the best duffel bags in 2022 also fall under 200 dollars, to keep your wallet heavy and your load gliding along in your new duffel.
    February 03, 2016