Month: February 2020

2020-02-17T11:08:03

(BPT) – Careers in the video game industry are highly desirable, and for good reason. Working for a video game company can be rewarding, and equally important, turns a favorite pastime into an exciting career. However, for tween and teen girl gamers, the prospect of one day working in the video game industry may seem daunting. While 46% of the U.S. gamer population is female, women account for only 22% of video game developers.

Women are taking the reins developing, designing and marketing video games. Lisa Wackenhuth Svanström, a 3D Artist at Star Stable Entertainment, a multiplayer game featuring horses, magic and adventure, offers career advice to young women who may want a career in the video game industry:

1. What inspired you to build a career in the video game industry?

“I am a lifelong gamer, artist and digital creator and now, my official title at Star Stable is 3D Artist. Working for a company like this allows me to unite my interests and skills to create magic for girl gamers around the world. The artistic process of designing the 3D horses inspires me the most. It is so rewarding to have an idea in my mind, sketch out a new design and work with all the visuals such as 3D models, characters, textures, environments, props and ultimately release the final product for horse-loving girls who play our game every day.”

2. What are the types of jobs for women in the development studio?

“To build a game, artists (3D, 2D, VFX and animators), designers and programmers need to work closely together from start to finish. Artists work on the overall creative vision. Designers work with the mechanics and features. Then, programmers use their coding knowledge to bring it all to life. We work with producers to make sure that all tasks associated with the development process are completed on time and tracking with the overall vision of the project. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, developers focused on mobile and virtual/mixed reality are in high demand, as are tech animators, who use a combination of creative and animation skills to solve issues related to art production.”

3. What other types of jobs do women have in the industry outside the development studio?

“It takes dozens of people with specific skillsets for a video game company to succeed. Community managers interact with players daily to ensure they are having a positive experience with the game and make sure fan feedback is implemented. We also have women running the business at the executive level and as product managers and business developers. There are multiple opportunities, inside and out of the development studio, so you must embrace your skills and interests to find which career path you would enjoy most.”

4. What are the most important skills needed to succeed?

“Budding video game developers need to network, to get to know different game engines, become familiar with 2D and 3D software, and try new games all the time. Then, become a specialist in the aspect that interests you the most. Developing specific skills is important but developing into a well-rounded person with a broad view of the world is equally important. It is also good to dive into sports, learn the arts, take a computer class or explore theater. Never stop learning and challenging yourself.”

5. What advice do you have for young girls who want a career in video games?

“A career in the video game industry, perhaps born out of a hobby or passion, is legitimate and can be profitable too. Today, there are dedicated game developing programs at universities. And, finding a role model is key. Seek opinions from colleagues or bosses who have different work than yours — find a marketer, back-end programmer or member of the executive team and learn from them.

“It’s also important to find a company that embraces women in all roles and embodies a culture of inclusivity and accessibility — the Star Stable team is more than 50% women. Finally, give back. If every woman who is part of the 22% proactively mentors other young women, imagine the next generation who will one day grow up to become our colleagues!”

2020-02-17T14:35:00

(BPT) – What skills do veterans bring with them from their military service? Leadership, planning and problem-solving are just a few of the important abilities that military experience provides — and those skills are vital for successful entrepreneurship. That means many veterans are drawn to start and run their own businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there’s one veteran-owned company for every 10 veterans, and current veteran-owned firms employ around 5.8 million people in the U.S.

Bob Evans Farms celebrates and supports America’s service members, veterans and their families through its “Our Farm Salutes” program. To support veteran entrepreneurs specifically, Our Farm Salutes launched “Heroes to CEOs,” which offers an annual grant contest to boost veteran-owned businesses around the country.

This February 17 through March 20, applications will be accepted for the fourth annual Heroes to CEOs grant program. Three veteran-owned businesses will be selected as finalists to attend a pitching event at Bob Evans Farms’ headquarters in New Albany, Ohio. One grand prize-winning veteran-owned business will be awarded a $30,000 business grant, plus an all-expense-paid trip to New York for a two-hour mentoring session with world-renowned businessman Daymond John. The other two finalists will also each receive a $10,000 business grant.

The Heroes to CEOs grant contest is open to any veteran of one of the U.S. military branches who is a legal resident of the United States, with their own independent registered business — or who has a plan for an independent business.

Eligible entries will be scored based on the business presentation, the feasibility of the business, opportunity for the future success of the business or submitted plan. For a business to be considered, veteran entrepreneurs must submit a plan demonstrating a solid business concept, with multimedia assets in video format, and be able to answer a series of questions about their business.

2017 Heroes to CEOs grant winter Charlynda Scales is an Air Force vet who took the initiative to transform her grandfather’s amazing sauce recipe into a thriving business: Mutt’s Sauce, known as “the sauce for every meal.” With a $30,000 grant from Heroes to CEOs, Scales was able to expand distribution of her product, and to introduce new products and flavors to her line of condiments.

“Heroes to CEOs is a program that allows veteran entrepreneurs to pitch their business to an esteemed panel of executives with a reputable corporate background for a chance to win a business grant,” said Mark Delahanty, president and CEO, Bob Evans Farms. “Not only have the former grant winners successfully furthered their businesses, but they have created a community with ongoing relationships and mentorships with one another and our partners.”

Other past winners include:

• Jonathan Norton of Peak Safety Systems, which creates and deploys safety products for military and first responders
• James Reynolds, whose company BeneFIT Medical Apparel develops athletically engineered medical scrubs
• Oliver Noteware of Street Smarts VR, which provides immersive virtual reality simulations to train law enforcement
• Jessica Harris, who started K9 Salute to make all-natural, wholesome dog treats while also helping purchase protective vests for police K-9 and providing service dogs for vets

Thanks to the Heroes to CEOs grants, these and other veteran-owned businesses have been able to meet and exceed their business goals — including growing into new markets, expanding production and sales plus reaching new target audiences.

The Heroes to CEOs program also continues its two-year partnership with Bunker Labs, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping new veteran entrepreneurs start their own businesses. Bob Evans Farms is giving $15,000 to Bunker Labs to support its mission of helping veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs achieve business success.

If you’re a veteran entrepreneur or know someone who might qualify, visit OurFarmSalutes.com for more information and to apply beginning February 17.

2020-02-17T11:22:44

(BPT) – As much as your loved ones mean to you, gift-giving can be challenging. If you want to make an impact with your gifts, consider making an impression by customizing them. Personalized gifts speak volumes about the thought and care that went into choosing the gift.

Here are some ideas on how you can make a personal statement with your gifts.

Name it

You can put initials on just about anything today. Whether you want to give someone a frame, bathrobe, bag, linens or jewelry, chances are you can find a company online that will put your loved one’s name or initials on it. There are so many options, and if you find a local resource, monogramming could be completed in days.

Pictures speak a thousand words

Share special memories and life events with the people you care about with a one-of-a-kind photo present. Thanks to Kodak Moments, you can create a variety of meaningful gifts sure to bring a smile to their face.

It’s quick and easy to customize photo and décor panels that can be ready in one day. First, choose your favorite image or images on your phone. Then visit a Kodak Moments Kiosk or visit CVSphoto.com to create a variety of photo panels with one or more of your photos. Photo panels are suitable for display or hanging on a wall. Décor panels can even be customized with text that you choose, and you can order them in store or online for pickup that same day.

The Kodak Moments Kiosk workflow is so easy to use that your kids can create gifts for family members. Your child can choose photos to showcase favorite memories with Mom and Dad, or Grandma and Grandpa, to make into a fun — and unique — gift they are proud of and that the favorite people in their life will cherish.

Craft it

If you’re handy with any type of craft, whether it’s painting, woodworking, clay or knitting, most people love to receive a handmade gift. Even if it’s not perfect (or maybe because it’s not), a handmade item shows your time and effort in thinking about them and creating something special just for that person, with your own hands. From painted rocks to needlepoint, you can create something that reflects your individual style and interest.

A gift that keeps on giving

Subscription boxes are all the rage, mostly because they allow you to show not only that you “get” your special person, by understanding what they enjoy, but also that you want to surprise them month after month. Everything from consumables like coffee, tea and treats to books, household goods, beauty and self-care items can be found in subscription boxes online. Most services allow you to choose a limited subscription if preferred, such as three months, and you can customize what types of items your gift recipient will enjoy.

The best way to show your loved ones you care is to give them a gift that’s tailored just for them. Choosing a personalized gift will touch their heart, and they’ll remember your thoughtfulness for years to come.

2020-02-17T11:31:46

(BPT) – “One of my favorite things to do is get together with friends for a cozy Sunday brunch,” says mother, actress and chef Haylie Duff. “It’s the best way to spend some quality time together before jumping into the busy week ahead. Plus, kicking off the morning with a nutritious meal is an added bonus!”

Duff has a few expert tips and tricks to make your brunch even better:

1. Bring on the sparkle

From table settings to sparkling wine, water or cider, let your feast bring joy to everyone invited. Keep the decor simple — like filling a couple of empty wine bottles with decorative bottle lights. Playing board games and card games adds extra fun.

2. Make keepsake place cards

Use small brightly colored envelopes as place cards. Write guests’ names using gold or silver markers on the envelopes and put on each plate. You can also write a personal note to each guest inside, sharing a special memory or telling them how much they mean to you.

3. Serve a hearty meal

Quiche is a classic choice and it’s easy to make ahead. Great quiche recipes use fresh, nutritious ingredients that pack in the flavor. Duff looks for Eggland’s Best eggs with the bright red EB stamp, which have superior nutrition compared to ordinary eggs. These eggs contain 25% less saturated fat and more than double the vitamin B12, which can help boost energy levels and keep you fueled throughout the day. They have double the omega-3s, ten times more vitamin E and six times more vitamin D.

For a brunch recipe that’s sure to impress your guests, try the Hash Brown & Chive Goat Cheese Quiche from Eggland’s Best:

Hash Brown & Chive Goat Cheese Quiche
Prep time 30 minutes, Cook time 50 minutes — Serves 8

Ingredients
1 16-ounce package shredded hash browns (squeeze moisture out with cheesecloth or paper towels)
4 tablespoons softened butter
1 large Eggland’s Best egg
1 teaspoon coarse Himalayan sea salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Spanish Smoked Paprika
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 and 1/2 cups whole milk Greek yogurt
1 4-5 ounce package room temperature goat cheese
1 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
11 large Eggland’s Best eggs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350. Using 10-inch springform pan, butter bottom and sides. Line only sides with parchment paper, then butter the paper.
In bowl, mix dry hash browns, butter, 1 egg, salt, pepper, paprika and chives.
Pat into bottom and sides of springform, making sure bottom crust is not too thick.
Place on rimmed baking sheet and bake 20 minutes or until crispy and browned.
In large bowl, beat softened goat cheese, yogurt, salt and pepper. Slowly beat in all 11 eggs until mixed.
When crust comes out of oven, pour egg mixture into crust and bake approximately 45-50 minutes. Sides will be firm and center almost firm.
Take springform side off, peel off parchment paper and serve.

4. Brighten up your sides

Boost the freshness of your meal with a colorful veggie or fruit salad — or both. Kids love fresh seasonal fruit and veggies, and you can serve them with some fresh whipping cream or flavored yogurt.

Remember — for an amazing brunch, entertain with your own special style and flair. Everyone will love the fun new traditions you create.

2020-02-17T11:47:50

(BPT) – When it comes to passing down family memories, there’s nothing like the visual impact of a photograph.

Photo frames, custom ornaments and similar memorabilia make some of the most popular gifts. Family photos can remind us where we came from, preserve valuable information and bring up warm, fun and often comforting thoughts of times and people gone by. Sometimes, they just make us smile.

“Capturing a moment in time isn’t just about securing a memory — it can help you appreciate your life more every day,” advises Gretchen Rubin in Good Housekeeping. “Photos tilt your memories toward the good experiences you’ve had, simply because you’re more likely to take photos of joyful times.”

These days, Americans enjoy capturing photographic images more than ever; in fact, they took some 1.2 trillion digital photos in 2017 alone. While most of those are safely stored in digital files, we often aren’t as efficient when it comes to preserving the analog photos and negatives taken before the advent of digital cameras and smartphones. For many, that can mean those irreplaceable memories are at risk of fading into obscurity as they’re stored away in some damp basement or dusty attic.

Fortunately, preserving your old analog photos without professional assistance need not be difficult, especially with some of the user-friendly tools now on the market. Consider these tips for making sure your personal history is saved for future generations.

Handle them with care. You may be used to carelessly flipping through your older photos, but the truth is the dirt and oil on your hands can easily accumulate and cause damage to old images. Experts recommend wearing non-scratching, microfiber or nitrile gloves as you sort and process them. Don’t write on them at all (even the backs), and avoid grouping or attaching them with paper clips, rubber bands, tape, glue or other fasteners.

Store them protectively. Store loose analog photos and negatives separately from each other in acid-free boxes or in archival-quality photo albums (avoid albums with color pages and/or those labelled “magnetic” or “no stick”). Keep the boxes or albums in rooms that are stable, dry (with only 30% to 40% relative humidity) and clean. Minimal exposure to light, radiators, vents and atmospheric pollutants is ideal, and color photos and film negatives are best stored at temps of 40 degrees F or below.

Convert analog to digital. Of course, the safest way of keeping your photos safe is to make them digital, so they can be safely stored in the cloud. For example, Kodak lists several scanners on Amazon that can help you make that switch efficiently and effectively, including the self-contained Kodak Scanza, which can almost instantly process shots taken on analog film (in sizes of 35mm, 126, 110, Super 8 and 8mm) and convert them to a digital JPG format without need of a flatbed scanner, processing lab or even a computer.

Make sure your new images last a lifetime. Photo printer docks allow you to print out special shots to place in a handmade or other decorative frame or give as gifts. When you wish to go from digital to analog, simply connect your smartphone, iPad, digital camera or USB Memory Stick to the Kodak Printer Dock to edit and print colorful, detailed 4×6 photos. The photos won’t bleed or fade — and they will be waterproof — because photos printed from the Dock feature a special laminated protection layer.

Your analog photos are irreplaceable and well worth keeping safe, for your enjoyment and the enjoyment of future generations. Consider investing in the materials and tools that can make the preservation process easy and efficient for all.

2020-02-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – Every 40 seconds one American has a heart attack and nearly 1 in 4 people who have had a heart attack will have another one, so it’s important to understand your hidden risk factors.¹

If you are recovering from a heart attack, making lifestyle changes, following a cardiac rehab program and taking medications, including Bayer^® Aspirin as directed by your doctor, can help you prevent another cardiovascular event.

Here are three things you should know.

Your genetics and family heart attack history can increase your risk of having one.

Yesenia Araujo had her heart attack at 43. “I never thought I would call myself a heart attack survivor,” Yesenia remembers. “I was a super active person and considered myself the picture of health. Now I know that heart attacks can happen at any age and that family history is a strong indicator of risk. My father had diabetes and died of a heart attack at 64.” Your risk of a heart attack is higher if a parent or sibling has had a heart attack.

80 percent of major heart attack risk factors can be managed through lifestyle changes.¹

Although you can’t control your family history, you can control other risk factors. These include quitting smoking if you are a smoker, losing weight and being more active by exercising regularly, and changing your diet to limit fat, salt and sugar. You also can work with your doctor to help manage conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

An aspirin regimen can help reduce the risk of a second heart attack by 31 percent.²

“Aspirin helps keep the blood flowing by preventing blood cells known as platelets from clotting in your body. This can help prevent blockages from occurring or current blockages from getting bigger,” says Rosa Coppolecchia, D.O., MPH, Medical Director, U.S. Medical Affairs, Cardiology, Bayer^® Aspirin.

In the United States, aspirin is indicated to help prevent a second heart attack under a doctor’s direction, also known as secondary prevention. For more information, visit YourHiddenRisk.com.

Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.

2020-02-17T10:12:10

(BPT) – Whether you’re planning on having a solo night in, hanging out with your girlfriends or have a date planned with your sweetheart, weekends are a great opportunity for some extra-special self care.

Plan to be sure you have all the essentials you need to boost your self-care routine for a relaxing night in or fun night out.

Head-to-Toe TLC

When was the last time you treated yourself so that you could feel good inside and out? Show some serious TLC to your skin, nails and hair with a DIY treatment to give yourself the ultimate full-body pampering session.

Try these ideas for enhancing your self-care routine:

Get that glow

While there are a suite of serums and creams on the market that give your face a gorgeous glow, what about your body? Whether you want to show off smooth legs in that new mini skirt or just want soft, healthy skin to slip into your silk PJs, try making your own homemade body scrub. All you need is one cup of brown sugar and half a cup of coconut oil for an exfoliating, yet soothing scrub that will leave your body feeling smoother than ever. You can add a drop of your favorite essential oil to your scrub that will offer aromatherapy and make your shower smell like a high-end spa.

Cleanse your way

To feel fresh from head to toe, use a wash that you can trust to gently cleanse even your most intimate areas. Summer’s Eve(R) Cleansing Wash is essential while prepping in the shower for a night in or out. Clinically and gynecologist tested, it refreshes by removing odor-causing bacteria, is designed to match your natural pH level, and is free from dyes and parabens. The cleansing washes feature an array of Clinically Tested Safe Scents(TM) or even Fragrance Free.

Instagram-worthy manicure

Give yourself a mani at home so you don’t have to break the bank at a pricey salon. With nail design inspiration on social feeds, creating a fresh and trendy nail look at home is easier than ever. A new favorite design of nail aficionados is the minimalist negative space manicure that focuses on painting only the mid-to-top portion of the nail with a color and leaving the lower nail bed area bare. Keep it simple and finish the design with a topcoat or add in a nail jewel or sticker for a bit of extra glam.

Luscious locks

Infuse your hair with moisture and softness by creating a natural oil mask with ingredients you can find in your own kitchen. Rich oils like extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil or avocado oil are perfect for getting strands moisturized. Give hair a quench of hydration by working in a small amount of oil from your scalp through the ends of your hair, then wrap your hair in a warm damp towel and relax for 10-20 minutes. Shampoo your hair thoroughly and condition as usual. Whether you give yourself a blowout or air-dry hair naturally, you’ll notice how soft to the touch your locks will be.

Set the mood for a night in or out

As you enjoy your self-care prep for a cozy movie night in or date night out, don’t forget to set the mood at your place. First, make sure you use your favorite delivery app to order wine and snacks from your favorite local shops. Next, hit play on your favorite playlist that will either help you wind down or get you excited for a date or girls’ night.

If you’re going out, pack purse-sized products like dry shampoo, concealer, your favorite lipstick for touch-ups and Summer’s Eve(R) Cleansing Cloths for freshening on the go, especially if you have a long night of dining and dancing ahead of you.

Self-care shouldn’t be limited to a special occasion. Put regular dates for at home wellness sessions in your calendar. Treating yourself is always worth doing.

2020-02-14T11:42:11

(BPT) – If emergency officials in your community issued a mandatory evacuation order to get out of the path of a wildfire, hurricane or other natural disaster, would you know what to take with you, the evacuation route you would take and where you would go until it was safe to return home?

Do you have a personal evacuation plan in place?

If you answered “yes,” you’re like 49% of the 1,795 respondents Mercury Insurance recently surveyed for its emergency preparedness quiz. However, if the question was rephrased to inquire about “having an evacuation plan and practicing it at least once a year,” the results show only 23% meet this criteria.

“Safety should be your first priority in any situation involving a possible disaster or emergency event, and you should respond to mandatory evacuation orders immediately,” said Christopher O’Rourke, vice president of property claims at Mercury Insurance. “Your first instinct might be to panic, so having an evacuation plan in place and practicing it regularly will help ensure you and your family are ready to go at a moment’s notice. And it will also help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety that will undoubtedly be a part of such a nerve-wracking situation.”

The survey also revealed that 39% of homeowners were unsure if they have enough coverage to rebuild if their home is damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster, and 34% don’t have a home inventory they could provide to their insurance company to help get these items replaced. “Homeowners and renters should make a point of touching base with their insurance agents at least once a year to reassess coverage needs,” said O’Rourke. “It’s a good idea to make sure you have enough coverage as you accumulate more belongings, make changes to your home or your family expands — these details may affect your policy limits, as well as create a need for endorsements you might want to consider adding to your policy.”

There is some good news, however, as 88% of respondents said they have an in-home emergency kit stocked with essential items they will need if disaster strikes. If you don’t have a kit, here is a list of the items you may want to include in your kit:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person), non-perishable food items and pet food, if applicable;
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio (and extra batteries);
• A flashlight;
• A first aid kit;
• A whistle to signal for help;
• A can opener;
• Blankets;
• Tools to turn off utilities;
• $200 in cash in small bills, as power may be out, making ATMs, debit and credit cards unusable;
• Fully charged battery packs so you can recharge your cell phone; and
• Prescriptions for you and your pets.

The bottom line is that extreme weather events are anticipated to increase, and you can never be too cautious or over-prepared to protect against Mother Nature. “It’s a bit alarming to discover that, although natural disasters are in the news on a seemingly regular basis, many Americans still aren’t properly preparing themselves if one happens in their neighborhood or city,” said O’Rourke. “These events can have serious repercussions and adopting a wait-and-see attitude is not an option.”

2020-02-14T14:12:29

(BPT) – Winter’s not coming: It’s here. That means extra-chilly weather, as well as driving in snow, ice, rain, fog and sleet. In short, be prepared for much-tougher-than-normal driving conditions, such as super-slippery roads and a decrease in visibility.

“Be smart and make sure your vehicle is ready for the potentially hazardous weather conditions you’re most likely to face this winter,” said Alan Holtschneider, director of marketing for Yokohama Tire. “A little preparation can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe while driving.”

Holtschneider said the first place to winterize your vehicle is where the rubber meets the road, namely your tires. “Tires influence braking, steering, comfort, handling, safety and fuel efficiency. They are the only part of a vehicle that actually touches the road, so it’s important to have the proper tires on, especially during winter.”

If you live in a region where temperatures regularly fall below 45 degrees and winter weather brings snow, sleet and ice to your roads, then you’ll want a good set of winter tires. What makes a winter tire special — and important — are the tread design and tread compound that work well in cold, slippery conditions. Good examples are the Yokohama iceGUARD iG53 (designed for passenger cars) and iceGUARD G075 (for crossovers, SUVs and minivans). Both are designed to maintain traction during unfavorable conditions by diverting snow and moisture from the tires to improve stability and prevent sliding. If winter road conditions are a problem where you live, don’t leave home without your winter tires.

Checking your tires’ air pressure and tread depth is also important during the winter because tire pressure naturally drops in colder temperatures and a shallower tread depth will worsen the traction of your tires. Check tire pressure at least once a month — this takes about five minutes. Consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or placard on the driver’s door to determine proper tire pressure. Tire pressure should be checked when the tires are cold.

To check your tire tread, all you need is a penny. Insert the penny into your tire tread upside down. If you can still see Lincoln’s head, your tires are worn and it’s time for them to be replaced. Tires should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch, the lowest legal limit. It’s best to replace them before they reach 2/32 for optimal performance, especially in bad weather.

Other winterizing tips include:

1. Check that your windshield wipers are functioning properly to maximize visibility.

2. Fill up on de-icing windshield washer fluid to make sure you can clear your windshield.

3. Avoid using cruise control as it can increase your chances of losing control of the car.

4. Keep a small shovel in your trunk in case you get stuck or need to clear snow behind your wheels for better traction.

5. Pack a winter preparedness kit with a blanket, flashlight, batteries, gloves, water, boots, snacks, a battery-powered cell phone charger and a first aid kit.

6. If you drive a pick-up truck, add weight to the bed to keep your rear wheels anchored to the road.

More winter driving tips can be found at https://www.yokohamatire.com/tires-101/basic-information/automotive-tips/winter-driving-tips.

2020-02-14T14:27:38

(BPT) – Wine connoisseurs know something even more important than facts about vintages and varietals: It makes a big difference how your wine is served. From the correct temperature to the glass you drink from, how any wine is presented can change the entire experience.

And it’s not just about aesthetics — although a beautiful glass may enhance your visual experience, the size and shape of a wine glass can alter any wine’s aroma and taste, for better or worse. The size and shape of the glass affects not just how the wine responds to its environment (exposure to oxygen and temperature, for example), but how we drink it. The way you hold the glass, how you tilt your head (forward or back — consider a martini glass versus a wine glass), where your nose is centered as you sip and where on your tongue and palate the wine first hits can all impact your experience of the wine.

What do you need to know so your guests will experience your wine at its very best? Here are some guidelines.

Red wines

In general, the best glasses to enhance the bigger and bolder flavors of most red wines should be taller and have a larger bowl than glasses meant for serving lighter or more delicate wines. Larger glasses allow a wine to breathe more and permit the wine’s flavors and aromas to develop more fully.

For this reason, it’s also best to fill each glass only about one third full when serving red wines, to encourage more aeration.

White wines

The ideal glass for most white wines will be U-shaped, with a smaller bowl than when serving red wines. This helps prevent the wine from warming up too quickly, as whites are best served chilled. The more upright shape of the glass also allows aromas to be released sufficiently — without losing any aroma — for these lighter wines.

Even within the many varietals of reds or whites, however, there can be great differences. Specially designed stemware is often created to enhance a specific wine that may not be at its best in any other glass.

For example, Terlato Vineyards searched for the perfect glass to bring out the best in the fourth-generation family company’s Friuli Colli Orientali Pinot Grigio 2018. This Pinot Grigio is known for exceptional balance, complex, layered aromas and flavors with notes of ripe peach, apricot and pear, and a crisp, mineral finish. Bill Terlato and his daughter, Elise teamed up with Maximilian and Georg Riedel of the 300-year-old crystal company to develop a glass to optimize the flavors and aromas of their Pinot Grigio.

In the eyes of the Riedel company, wine glasses are not just about aesthetics, but are tools to help bring out the best in any wine. For Terlato Vineyard’s Pinot Grigio, they created a glass with a distinctly elongated bowl to heighten the mineral and fruity flavors of the wine. The narrower opening of the glass also helps the wine land in the mouth mid-palate, where taste buds are more complex.

This specially designed glass helps the wine taster “pick up on those little nuances,” observed Elise Terlato. “The mouth of the glass enhances the texture and layered complexities of the wine.”

Sparkling wines

When serving champagne, prosecco or other sparkling wines to your guests, flutes or a tulip shaped glass are recommended. These glass shapes allow the chilled wine to stay cooler longer. Whereas a wider glass would offer too much surface area, letting the delightful bubbles fizzle out more quickly. A narrower glass helps to preserve the carbonation of your sparkling wine.

For more information on how to receive the specially designed glasses, visit your independent retailer or go to www.uncorked.com and search for Terlato Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2018.