So it’s not exactly a big secret that Terri and I are going to Italy this fall. In order to prep for the trip I’ve been taking Italian language lessons, reading my Frommers guide, watching travel shows about the cities we’re going to and getting some fab info from all of my...
Never heard of Grüner Veltliner (pronounced Grooner Velt-leener)? Neither had I until last year when a dear friend of mine in NYC recommended I try it as an exotic alternative to dry Riesling or Sauv Blanc. I’m so glad she did because it has quickly become one of my favorite white wines – when I can find it.
I had the unexpected pleasure of watching this movie the other night on Netflix. I just happened to notice the “similar movies” listed at the bottom of the summary of another wine related movie I was watching called Bottleshock (oh how I DO love that movie). Little did I know I was...
Our wine tour in Tuscany: Chianti Classico
So after 10 months of sitting on photos and trying to make the time to write this, I am FINALLY going to write about our wine tasting tour in Tuscany. While it was only a day long and it seems like it should be easy to blog, I really wanted to do this justice. I also knew it was going to make me terribly nostalgic and wishing I was still in Italy. Ohhhhhh the aching pain to be back there!
Old World vs. New World wines
Ahhhh yes! Old world vs. New World! What in the heck does that mean exactly? The first time I ever heard that mentioned several years ago I thought it meant old wines vs. new wines. Well if you’ve thought the same thing – you’re not COMPLETELY wrong exactly. It’s the...
Sulfites in wine: The real dealio and why it’s confusing
Just like most people I too have been confused by the sulfite issue lately. It seems like it’s a hot topic, and it’s hard to get a completely straight answer without becoming a wine expert and reading tons of literature on it. While on our wine tour in Tuscany last October, I asked...
Orange & Basil White Wine Sangria
It’s that time of year! Phew! A whopping 95 degrees yesterday, and it’s only going to get hotter in my neck of the woods – or desert – should I say. The benefit of living in the valley of Los Angeles is the amazing mountain views and sunny mornings without the marine layer. The drawback is weather so hot in the summer you could fry an egg on the sidewalk.
Looking for a few gift ideas for your wine loving friends or family, but don’t know enough about wine to think of anything? Maybe this will help! A couple of these things I own myself, and others I’ve seen along the way that I would LOVE to receive.
Zaca Mesa Winery and Vineyards | Los Olivos, CA
We decided to to visit Zaca Mesa because I’ve read some wonderful things about them in Wine Enthusiast magazine. They have a few 90+ point wines as part of their repertoire, and I was determined to taste them.
Pinot Grigio vs. Pinot Gris. They’re the same grape so what’s the difference?
It was only about a month ago that I was half paying attention and grabbed a bottle labeled “Pinot Grigio” without noticing it came from a winery in Napa, and I was horrified when I opened the bottle.
Oaked vs. Non-Oaked Chardonnay
Calling all Chardy lovers! While I am still working on building my blog posts about wines, wineries and festivals, I would be completely remiss not to dedicate a post to: • the most popular white wine in the U.S. • the most widely planted white wine grape in the world • one of the...
Clos Du Val | Some of the best Cabernet in Napa, CA
This winery is by far our favorite winery for Cabernet Sauvignon, and I would argue to the death that it’s one of the best Cab producers in California. And that’s not even just my humble, non-professional opinion.