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Frequently Asked Questions
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Our locationWe are located in Souk Madinat Jumeriah, right next to McGettigans, in a beautiful waterfront setting.
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Do you offer parking?Yes! The parking at Souk Madinat Jumeriah is right below our venue.
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Do you validate your parking?Of course! We will validate the parking of any customer purchasing from us.
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Do you have a loyalty program?Yes, our loyalty program offers discounts and exclusive access to new wines and events. Download the Unlocked App from the App Store or Play Store to earn points on all purchases. These points build to give you discounts and exclusive rewards!
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Do you offer wine tastings?Yes, we host regular tastings where you can explore new flavors and learn more about wine.
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PairingWine pairing is all about matching wine with food to enhance both. Here are a few classic pairings: White Wines | Pair well with seafood, chicken, and fresh salads. Red Wines | Great with red meats, hearty dishes, and rich sauces. Sparkling Wines | Versatile! Perfect with everything from fried foods to creamy cheeses.
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DecantingDecanting is the process of pouring wine from the bottle into another container. It helps aerate the wine and can enhance its flavours. Here’s when to do it: Older Wines | To separate sediment and allow the wine to breathe. Young Reds | To soften tannins and open up the flavours.
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FinishThe finish is how long the flavours linger after you take a sip. A long finish is often a sign of a higher-quality wine. Here’s how to think about it: Short Finish | The flavours fade quickly, which can be typical in lighter wines. Long Finish | The flavours stick around and evolve, making for a more memorable experience.
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TerroirThis French term encompasses the unique environmental factors that influence the grapes, including soil, climate, and geography. It’s what makes wine from different regions distinct: Unique Expressions | A wine from Bordeaux will taste different from one made in Napa Valley, even if they use the same grape variety. Terroir is the magic behind those different*Nose and Palate* When tasting wine, you’ll often hear these terms: Nose | This refers to the aroma of the wine. Swirl your glass, take a deep breath, and see what scents you can pick up! Common notes include fruits, flowers, and spices. Palate | This describes the flavours you experience when you taste the wine. Pay attention to the initial taste, how it develops, and the finish (aftertaste) it leaves behind.
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OakWhen you hear about oak in wine, it’s all about the barrels used during aging. Oak can impart flavours and aromas: Oaked Wines | These wines have been aged in oak barrels, adding notes of vanilla, toast, or spice. Look for oaked Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon. Unoaked Wines | These are aged in stainless steel or other neutral vessels, allowing the pure fruit flavours to shine. Think of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay.
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SweetnessWines can range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. This sweetness comes from residual sugar left after fermentation: Dry | Most red wines and many whites fall into this category, with little to no sweetness. Off-Dry | These wines have a hint of sweetness; think Riesling or some styles of Pinot Gris. Sweet | Dessert wines like Sauternes or Port are rich and sweet, perfect for pairing with desserts or enjoying on their own.
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AcidityAcidity gives wine its crispness and refreshing quality. Wines with higher acidity can make your mouth water! Here’s the scoop: High Acidity | Think of wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio that are zesty and invigorating. Low Acidity | Wines like Viognier and Zinfandel tend to be smoother and rounder, with less of that tart kick.
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TanninTannins are natural compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems. They can give red wines their structure and a slightly dry sensation in your mouth. Here’s how to think about them: High Tannin | Wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Nebbiolo have strong tannins, making them great for aging. Low Tannin | Pinot Noir and Gamay are softer on the palate, making them easy to enjoy right away.
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BodyThe body of a wine refers to its weight and fullness in your mouth. Think of it like this: Light-bodied | These wines are refreshing and crisp, like a cool breeze on a summer day. Examples include Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. Medium-bodied | Perfectly balanced, these wines have more substance without being overwhelming, like a cozy sweater. Grenache and Merlot fit this category. Full-bodied | Rich and robust, these wines are like a hearty meal. Think Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which offer bold flavours and a lingering finish.
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Sip with styleWine is all about enjoyment, and a little etiquette can go a long way in making your experience even better. Here are some easy tips to keep in mind so you can feel confident and relaxed while sipping your favourite vino.
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Hold your glass rightFirst thing first: when you grab your wine glass, hold it by the stem, not the bowl. This keeps the wine at the right temperature and avoids leaving fingerprints on the glass. Plus, it looks pretty classy!
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Swirl, Smell, SipWhen you get your glass, take a moment to appreciate it. Give it a gentle swirl—this releases the aromas. Take a deep sniff to catch those delightful scents. Then, take a sip and let the flavours wash over your palate. It’s all about savouring the experience!
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Tasting with the SommelierIf you’re ordering a bottle, your sommelier will often offer you a taste at the beginning. This isn’t just a fancy formality! It’s your opportunity to ensure the wine hasn’t been affected by a faulty cork or improper storage—what we call a “corked” wine. If the wine has any off-putting aromas or tastes, it’s a sign that something might be wrong. However, it’s not a moment to judge the wine based on personal preference. The goal is to verify the wine’s integrity, so you can enjoy it fully!
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Don’t Be Shy to Ask QuestionsCurious about what to order or how to pair your wine with food? Don’t hesitate to ask! Your sommelier is here to help you find the perfect match. Wine is about exploration, so feel free to share your preferences and get recommendations.
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Enjoy at Your Own PaceThere’s no need to rush. Take your time to savor your wine and enjoy the company around you. Wine is meant to be appreciated, not guzzled! Engage in conversation, share stories, and let the experience unfold naturally.
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Cheers!When it’s time to toast, simply say “Cheers!” or “Salud!” and clink glasses. It’s a warm way to celebrate good times with great friends. Just remember, make eye contact when you clink—that’s the fun part!
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Know When to StopIf you’re enjoying a bottle and it’s getting close to your limit, it’s okay to stop. Wine is about enjoyment, so listen to your body and know when it’s time to switch to water or a lighter drink.
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