Wine is full of surprises. Why is there a dimple in the bottom of a bottle? Do the legs in your glass actually tell you anything about quality? Where does cream of tartar come from? If you’ve ever found yourself curious about the quirkier side of wine, you’re in the right place.

This page collects some of the more unexpected and entertaining facts about wine — the kind of things that will make you say “Really? I never knew that.”

Dip in anywhere, in any order. Every entry stands on its own.

Ever Wonder?

• Why is there a Dimple on the Bottom of a Wine Bottle?
• Is Champagne Made from Champagne Grapes?
• Some Fun Facts about Champagne
• What Does ‘California’ Mean on a Wine Label?
• Do the ‘Legs’ in a Wine Glass Mean Anything About a Wine’s Quality?
• Can the Oak Flavor in Wine Really Come from Chips, Staves and Powder?
• What does “Cuvée” Mean on a Wine Label?
• The Difference Between a Wine’s Aroma and Its Bouquet
• The Difference Between “Blanc de Blanc” and “Blanc de Noir” Champagne
• Did You Know that Cream of Tartar is a By-Product of the Winemaking Process?
• What is Élevage?
• Why Some Wine Bottles are Sealed in Wax
• Definitions of Some Common Wine Descriptors
• Fun Fact - How to Reset Your Sense of Smell When Wine Tasting
• Some Thoughts on the Standard 750 ml Wine Bottle