A CHAMPAGNE TASTING HOTLINE

They call it a "hotline," but it's really a website (www.champagne.us). Run by the Champagne Bureau, this is where you can get all of your most pressing Champagne questions answered. The best part of the website, however, could be the "Club Kits" available to download or order (free and shipped to you) for your next wine club and/or Champagne tasting party.

Each personal folder includes several beautifully illustrated booklets. I especially loved the pamphlet for your tasting notes. It was artsy, well done and had questions like: "How does the wine feel? Powerful? Solid? Comforting? Which dishes would go best with this Champagne?"

My favorite question, though, was the final one: "What specific emotion does this Champagne inspire? Sensuality, charm, intelligence, rapture, mysticism..."