Hello Fall! Cooler breezes are starting and we're craving sweater weather, the crunch of leaves and acorns beneath our shoes, and stocking up on holiday wine picks! Fall is a transitional period. It's not quite summer and it's not quite winter, but we get days where...
Make your taste buds jingle all the way with these holiday wine pairings. It's the most wonderful time of the year! Which means it's also time to start thinking about what you're going to serve for Christmas dinner. Turkey? Check. Mashed potatoes? Check. Green bean...
On the list for 7/8/22 weekly wine picks is a Champagne that pairs with nearly anything on your table, a Rosso from a powerhouse Brunnello producer, and a white that's the #1 value pick of 2021 wine pick from James Suckling. NV Laherte Frères Blanc de Blancs Brut...
Phew - that title was a mouthful! Welcome to the beautiful Italian language. The wines, the people, and the views are always spectacular so there's a lot to be appreciated about Italy. Especially in the Chianti Classico region! Can we say GREAT VALUE?! I'm a bargain...
The Willm Gewürztraminer Reserve comes from Alsace - one of my favorite wine regions. Someday I will take a trip to this dry and sunny region and visit Willm, Zind-Humbrecht, Domaine Jean-Louis Schoepfer, along with countless other wineries. Did you know that Colmar,...
It's Cava a Big Deal Time for another review and a bit more info about Spanish wines. (Yay, Spain!) In case you missed my last wine review, I talked about Spanish Rioja and one of the aging categories (Crianza) and the types of grape varietals that are in the blend....
First things first. What the heck do all those words on the label mean? Rioja? Crianza? Beronia? Let's dive into that so you can have an idea on what to expect for this wine, before you even taste it. In case you didn't hear - I wrote a book! In it, I'll show you how...
I attended the Culinary Institute of America’s Beverage Professional Summit a few weeks ago and there was an incredible workshop based around music and wine pairings. There was a guided session followed by a “silent disco” where we could walk around and try wines with...
I get the question, “What are some quick wine pairings I can do for a happy hour or a small party?” quite a bit. When I went online to see what others have written about I noticed that most ideas were complicated foods that even I, as a chef, wouldn’t want to spend...
What’s the Big Deal? This post is going to describe the why of wine pairing, rather than specific types of pairings. I’m writing this in hopes to empower you to try to create your own pairings based off the following premises. I get it. It’s complicated,...
When some people think “Bordeaux” they think of the big names, Chateau La Pricey. However, while these wines are beautiful and outrageously expensive, there are plenty of fabulous everyday wines for around a $20 value.
Yep - Sekt. Today we're talking about Austria and Germany's response to Champagne, Sekt. So, Let's talk about all the good things and the bad things that may be. In the past, Sekt's reputation has been soiled as cheap (because there's a lot of poor Sekt wines made out...
Especially helpful if you've never been to Napa - but even if you have, maybe a tip or trick here can help take your next trip to the next level. Check out these 7 Tips to Know Before You Go. Tip 1: Choose Your Hotel Location Wisely Choosing the right location for...
If you're a Chardonnay lover, consider exploring Australian Chardonnay. From bright and fruity flavors, to complex and rich oak-aged expressions - this variety is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Let’s explore what makes it so unique. Australia is renowned for its...
Want to expand your wine horizons? Consider exploring South African Chenin Blanc! Whether you prefer a dry white or something more sweet, there’s a wide variety of styles on offer from this region. Let’s explore why they are so special. Chenin Blanc Overview Chenin...
This post is for those who are interested in finding the right wines to age for long term wine storage. (i.e. greater than 3 years). In order to discuss this, we need to know what types of wines will age. There are a few things to look for when considering aging a...
Think of curating a wine cellar like curating your wardrobe. When it comes to having a well-curated collection, both wine cellars and closets share some common elements. First and foremost - every single wine cellar should be unique to the person who owns it. As...
Baking soda versus baking powder: what's the difference? Baking is a science and having the right ingredients can make a big difference in your finished product. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between the two, you’re not alone! Many people don’t know...
Wine Tasting Basics: What to Look For In Every Glass If you’re interested in learning more about the world of wine, it helps to understand the basics of wine tasting. It’s important to learn how to recognize the different characteristics of a wine, not just for...
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins have been on my mind for a while now. I finally had a few overripe bananas (see below on how overripe) so I could experiment with some recipes! It's been so rainy the past few weeks that I've been able to catch up on a few different...
Make your taste buds jingle all the way with these holiday wine pairings. It's the most wonderful time of the year! Which means it's also time to start thinking about what you're going to serve for Christmas dinner. Turkey? Check. Mashed potatoes? Check. Green bean...