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...
Australian Chardonnay: Penfolds
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...
Discover South African Chenin Blanc
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...
How To Curate A Cellar – Finding The Right Wines To Age
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...
Holiday Wine Pairings
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...
7/1/22 Weekly Wine Picks
7/1/22 Wine Access Weekly picks this Week: A Rosé Champagne that will blow your mind not your budget, from a winery that Dom Perignon and Krug get grapes from. A red from Bandol that's a darling of Michelin restaurants that just might become your new Cabernet...
Viura: Spanish White Wine Intro
Viura (also known as Macabeo) is a native Spanish white grape that has quite a history! In Penedes, and a few other areas of Spain, this grape is known as Macabeo. You can also find Macabeo in Rousillion, France! In Valencia, Rioja, and Rueda, this grape is called...
Aligoté: The Middle Child of Burgundy
Aligoté is the "other" Burgundian white wine. Simply enough, when you typically see Burgundy white wine it's 100% Chardonnay. If you're waiting for the other shoe to drop, thinking, "That's way too easy" -- you're right. Depending on the region, vineyard, and...
Grillo: Sicilian White Wine
This Grillo from L'arca was the first bottle of wine I tried from Martha Stewart Wine Co. Sicilian White Wines You Need to Know: Grillo We’ve already done a post about an intro to Sicilian reds, covering Frappato, a native red grape. Later this month I will also be...
Intro to Napa Chardonnay: Chateau Montelena
Chateau Montelena may not be a name you're too familiar with. However, you may have heard of the movie "Bottle Shock" with all-star cast Chris Pine, Alan Rickman, and Bill Pullman. This film is (loosely) based around the blind tasting in 1976 called the Judgement of...
Germany and Georg Albrecht Riesling Wine Review
Riesling can get a bad rap, especially those from Germany. They aren't all sweet though, and those that are can use that sweetness to balance out the incredibly high acidity. Let's step into the world of German Riesling! The Rheinhessen in particular. This is an area...
The Loire Valley and Les Deux Tours Wine Review
The Loire Valley is a one of a kind, enormous wine region in northern France. The region extends along the Loire River, the mouth of which ends on the western boarder, in the Atlantic and extends over 200km east, a few hours south east of Paris. Because this region is...
Chablis, Burgundy & Wine Review
photo credit Chablis is a white wine Region with fabulous, bright and zesty Chardonnays. Chablis (sha-blee) is a region located in North-Central France. An outlier to Burgundy considering that Chablis is geographically (and viticulturally) closer to Champagne....
Australian Wine Regions and Semillon
Australian wines are exceptional values and truly coming into their own. This country has a ton of land mass - but due to it's latitude, winemaking can take place in very specific regions. That means that pretty much anything in the center and North Western coasts are...
White Burgundy Wine – How to Find Great Values
Let's talk about White Burgundy. 🇫🇷 🇫🇷 You may recognize some of the village names, and some names may look like gibbersih. These were found at a local shop and all under $30! (Okay the Saint Romain is $32, but pretty close!) What To Expect from Most White Burgundy in...
Willm Gewürztraminer Reserve and Alsace
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,...
Holiday Essentials: Wines Off The Beaten Path
It seems like every year each publication has an idea about which wine (instead of wines) will be the next big holiday must-have. This year? My bets are on South African Chenin Blanc. Last year it was rosé, for the past decade it’s been Beaujolais Nouveau, and then...
THE LATEST & GREATEST
Vineyard {511} 2015 Cabernet: A Wine That Inspires
Calling all Cabernet lovers and wine aficionados alike! I recently experienced tasting the Vineyard 511 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon and I have to tell you about it. When my father-in-law asked what I thought of the wine, I told him that it was inspiring. As a wine...
A Somm’s Holiday Wine Picks
6 Holiday Wine Picks at a variety of prices for any Holiday occasion you may find yourself at. From 98-point Chardonnays to Nebbiolo Rosés, and impeccable under $50 Cabernets!
2015 Special Edition Rioja from Bodegas Casa Primicia Pensante
In the enchanting region of Rioja, where winemaking is an art, a true gem shines brightly. The 2015 Special Edition Rioja from the esteemed Bodegas Casa Primicia Pensante. This wine is not just any Rioja. It has earned the coveted title of Wine Enthusiast's #1 Rioja...
Let’s Talk About Sekt
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...
Eggy Bread – aka: French Toast
French Toast, a beloved breakfast classic, has been delighting taste buds for generations. Its golden-brown exterior, fluffy interior, and versatility make it a cherished morning ritual for many. In this post, we'll explore the dish's history, the core ingredients,...
Perfectly Roasted Potatoes
These perfectly roasted potatoes are the best roasted potatoes I think I've ever had, or made. I cook them at a lower temperature for longer, to develop a crunchy, golden brown layer that looks almost like caramelized glass. The yukon gold potatoes give a creamy...
Chicken Salad Recipe
This Chicken Salad Recipe is a true kitchen essential, offering endless possibilities to cater to your taste preferences. Whether you crave extra crunch from celery, a hint of tart sweetness from apple, or a touch of curry for an exotic twist, this adaptable recipe...
Napa valley: 7 Tips Before You Go
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...
Australian Chardonnay: Penfolds
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...
Discover South African Chenin Blanc
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...