VOLUME  2
September 2000


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 COUPON SPECIAL
Bring this coupon in and receive $1.50 off one Vintners Reserve wine concentrate.

 

COUPON SPECIAL
Bring this coupon in and receive $1.00 off 1 pound coffee (your choice).

 

COUPON SPECIAL
Bring this coupon in and receive $3.00 off Deluxe Winemaking Kit.


COUPON SPECIAL
Bring this coupon in and receive $1.50 off one music CD.

 

 

 

 

COUPON SPECIAL
Bring this coupon in and receive $1.50 off one Old Turtle book

 

 

COUPON SPECIAL
Bring this coupon in and receive $1.50 off frame of your choice







We're having a fall clearance sale on many items.  Stop in and pick up a bargain!
















W
ELCOME to our HEART OF THE VINE e-mail newsletter!  With each issue we will provide our subscribers with information, tips, announcements and specials relating to our product lines. Established in 1979, our business focus has been to provide customers with the finest products and information relating to coffees, teas, home brewing, gourmet foods and unique gifts.  In addition, our cappuccino espresso parlor offers a sensitive atmosphere in which customers can relax and enjoy fine coffee and tea drinks, sodas,  pastries and ice cream.

       WINEMAKING - WHOLE FRUIT OR GRAPES VERSUS JUICE

One question I have been asked repeatedly by winemakers is, "What is the difference between using whole fruits or grapes as opposed to using juice?" There are 3 points to consider when using juice instead of whole fruits or grapes as most recipes indicate - (l) how concentrated the juice is, (2) how much body and flavor is desired in the finished wine, and (3) what is the starting gravity of the juice and water before sugar is added to bring the must up to the desired starting specific gravity which then determines the alcohol percentage in the finished wine. 

Pressing or steaming fruits and grapes will result in a concentrate which can then be used in the winemaking process instead of  whole fruits or grapes.  The ratio of juice and water used per gallon will determine the heaviness or body of the finished wine.  For instant, you may use 1 quart of juice and 3 quarts of water per gallon for a lighter wine or 2 quarts of juice and 2 quarts of water per gallon for a heavier wine.   Whatever ratio you use, mix the juice and water together and take a hydrometer  reading to determine the gravity, then add sugar to bring the must up to the desired starting gravity which determines the finished alcohol level.  Most fruit or grape wines are started at a specific gravity reading of 1.090 which results in a wine which is 11% alcohol by volume.  If you desire a lower alcohol level for more delicate fruit wines (i.e. apple, peach, apricot) , start the gravity level at 1.075 - 1.080.

DO NOT boil fruits or grapes.  Use a juicer, a fruit press or a juicer/steamer to obtain concentrated juices.  Heart of the Vine stocks both fruit presses and juicer/steamers.

                    COFFEE BEANS - WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

Selecting coffee beans is very personal and important to the true coffee connisseur.  Our purpose at Heart of the Vine has always been to educate the  coffee palate and provide our customers with beans that will produce a perfect cup of coffee for individual tastes.  We stock only pure ARABICA BEANS in our inventory of over 90 varietals, styles, blends, roasts and flavors. 

ARABICA coffee bean plants, grown at higher levels and under proper climatic conditions, are harvested when the individual  coffee beans (cherries) are ready,  not all at one time like the lesser quality ROBUSTA coffee beans.  Arabica beans are more full-bodied and richer in flavor than Robusta beans, resulting in a more satisfying,  premium cup of coffee.  

We distribute a description sheet of  the different Arabica coffee beans listed on our website to assist customers in their coffee purchases.  Ask for a copy the next time you stop in our shop.

                          OLD TURTLE - AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Those of you who are familiar with the book Old Turtle are aware of the important message it offers mankind.   Children and adults alike have been touched by Old Turtle's beauty, insight and wisdom.  It is a timeless book for all ages and a message that needs to be heard throughout the world. 

Old Turtle
is the main focus in our coffee parlor.  All profits from the book sales are donated to our Sioux Falls humane society.  Other pieces in the collection include T-shirts, an Old Turtle peace journal and a marvelous CD which features the narration of Old Turtle as well as delightful songs featuring children's voices.  Visit the book section on our website for a closer look at this marvelous piece of literature.       


                               HERBAL TEAS (NOT REALLY TEA!)

Most of our tea drinkers are surprised when they learn that herbal teas are not really tea at all!  Herbal drinks are comprised of fruits,  berries, blossoms, spices and flavoring agents.  No tea at all is used in their composition so therefore they are completely caffeine free.  They are listed in tea categories only because they are steeped or infused like tea.

                                                QUILT MAKERS

We have recently added a new title in our book section which features intricate designs and patterns for quilt makers.  It is a sequel to the marvelous book Quilt Maker's Gift which has already become a classic.  

                                         MUSIC FOR THE SOUL

Are you aware of the fine and unusual collection of music that Heart of the Vine distributes?  We have collections that are unique in all categories - classical, easy listening,  jazz/blues, celtic, swing, movie background, ethnic culture, artist legends,  nature and relaxation.  We stock demos of all the music we carry so that you may listen to any titles you are interested in purchasing.  


                                                   REMINDER

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