Sweet baby steps

New drinkers who are just being introduced to wines are more likely to prefer sweeter ones. (Sweet is smart for beginners -- Oregon Daily Emerald)

"For a person who is just starting to drink wine, he or she would drink fruitier wines first," Cornucopia Deli wine buyer Louis Rodie said. "Drier wines are an acquired taste; fruitier wines are more user-friendly."

But if they get too sweet, it may be a turn off for some.

"I don't know any guys who like sweet wine," she said. "Guys tend to stay away from the fruity stuff.

If you want to give wine to someone special that keeps on giving, (A rare dessert wine honors St. Nick's spirit of giving --Wine Spectator Online), Dolce may be the one that fits the bill.

Legend has it that in the third century, Bishop Nicholas traveled around, using his inheritance to give gifts to needy families. That prompted the custom of children leaving out stockings or shoes by the fire to receive gifts. St. Nicholas is now often associated with Christmas and is one of the origins of Santa Claus.

In honor of Saint Nicholas, who is the patron saint of children, Dolce will donate $100 to the Greater Bay Area Make-A-Wish Foundation® for every bottle of Dolce Saint Nicholas sold.

See, a good reason to be sweet to someone!