WINE STORAGE BASICS KEEP IT COOL: Ideal temperatures for storing wine range from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on whom you ask. It’s important to keep the temperature constant, avoiding spikes or dips, particularly on the same day. As an example, the caves at Schramsberg are kept at 59 degrees year round. If you don’t have a cool basement or wine room, “a wine coolant system or wine refrigerator are the best options,” said Jamie Pollack, Senior Wine Specialist for Zachys Wine Auctions. KEEP IT HUMID: While the humidity in Texas doesn’t lend itself to perfectly coifed hair in the summertime, humidity does play a vital role in wine storage. “The cork is the barrier between the wine and the outside air,” said Matthew Levy, PR and Marketing Manager for Schramsberg Winery. “If the oxygen within the outside air gets to the wine, it will start to oxidize the wine (as you see with apples, pears and other fruits when the fl esh is exposed to air).” Humidity levels should be around 60 to 70 percent where wine is stored. Note: If you’re storing wine in a basement or wine room, you could purchase a humidifi er, Pollack suggested. Also note: Storing bottles on their sides or upside down helps wine corks stay moist, therefore keeping oxygen out. KEEP IT STILL: “Wines age better when they are completely still,” said Levy. “Avoid areas of high-foot traffi c or along walls that are near busy streets.” Some refrigerators have noisy motors that could cause problems for your wine. Before purchasing a wine fridge, do your research and make sure you fi nd one with reduced vibrations. A Berry Nice MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST The subtle bite of cinnamon enhances the burst of blueberries in these healthful whole wheat waffles. Be sure to include a note to Mom, thanking her for the thousand-and-one things she’s done for you this year. Cinnamon Buttermilk Blueberry Waffles Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 4 to 5 minutes per batch Servings: 4 Surprise Mom with a light and lovely breakfast-in-bed, featuring these avorful waffles. For an added treat, heat the syrup in the microwave with a little melted butter. 1½ cups white whole wheat flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1½ teaspoons baking powder ¾ teaspoon baking soda 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt 1¼ cups buttermilk 3 tablespoons canola oil 2 large eggs 2 cups Driscoll’s blueberries Maple syrup Preheat a lightly greased waffle iron until hot. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl until combined. Whisk together buttermilk, oil and eggs until smooth. Whisk flour mixture into egg mixture just until combined. Cook waffles according to manufacturer’s instructions. Serve topped with blueberries and drizzled with maple syrup. —MIMI GREENWOOD KNIGHT