Uncorking a Thrilling Mystery: Book Review of Steven Laine’s “Jupiter’s Blood”

As a wine enthusiast and avid reader, I’m always on the lookout for novels that combine my passions. Steven Laine’s Jupiter’s Blood does just that, offering a gripping mystery intertwined with contemporary issues that kept me hooked from start to finish. Synopsis In Jupiter’s Blood, readers are introduced to Dante Lombardi, a distinguished Master Sommelier…

Clear or Cloudy: Delving into Sui Lieviti Prosecco and the 2020 Bianca Vigna Brut Nature

During my visit to Italy for the 2022 Wine Media Conference in Lake Garda, we embarked on a pre-conference trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene (“C-V”) in northeastern Italy, the heart of the Prosecco Superiore DOCG denomination. This magical and unforgettable experience was filled with highlights, including visits to several fabulous Prosecco…

Discover Abruzzo: Five Masciarelli Wines and Smoked Wild Boar Pairings #ItalianFWT

Welcome to this month’s gathering of the Italian Food, Wine & Travel (#ItalianFWT) group host by Jennifer Gentile Martin of Vino Travels – An Italian Wine Blog. This month, we’re delving into the delightful pairing of Italian wines with barbecue and grilled dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just love a good backyard…

Celebrate Prosecco Week with the Elegant 2021 Fiol Prosecco Rosé

Prosecco Week (June 24-30) is a vibrant celebration dedicated to the world’s most popular sparkling wine by sales volume. Originating in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region in northeastern Italy, Prosecco is made primarily from the Glera grape, which is know for its light, fruit and floral characteristics. The production process involves the Charmat (a.k.a Martinotti)…

Exploring the Artistry of Potter’s Vineyard/Vino Vasai

Last year, I had the pleasure of sampling a selection of wines from Potter’s Vineyard/Vino Vasai, a boutique winery known for its artisanal approach to winemaking. You can read about my initial impressions and the delightful array of wines I tasted here. This year, I’m thrilled to receive another set of samples from this esteemed…

Pairing 2022 Jeff Carrel Languedoc Les Darons with Birria Pizza #Winophiles

This month, the French Winophiles will be writing about the Languedoc (a.k.a. Languedoc Roussillion) region. Nestled in the sun-kissed embrace of southern France, with the Pyrenees framing its southern border and Spain just beyond, lies the archetypal Mediterranean wine country of Languedoc. An Overview of the Languedoc Stretching from the rugged coastline of the Mediterranean…

Exploring Languedoc; Uncovering France’s Hidden Gem #Winophiles

This month, the French Winophiles will be writing about the Languedoc (a.k.a. Languedoc Roussillion) region. Nestled in the sun-kissed embrace of southern France, with the Pyrenees framing its southern border and Spain just beyond, lies the archetypal Mediterranean wine country of Languedoc. An Overview of the Languedoc Stretching from the rugged coastline of the Mediterranean…

A Taste of Mad Marvlus Wines #WorldWineTravel

This month, the World Wine Travel (#WorldWineTravel) writers are exploring the world of hybrid grapes and the wines crafted from them. I recently had the pleasure of attending the Grapes of Inclusion event hosted by the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) at CIA at Copia in Napa. The event featured 20+ Black-owned brands from…

Alentejo Chronicles: Day 3; XXVI Talhas, Talha Mafia and Honrado

I recently had the pleasure of exploring Portugal’s captivating Alentejo region as a guest of the CVRA, Alentejo’s Regional Winegrowing Commission. Join me as I share my daily adventures in a series of blog posts. I hope you’ll enjoy the journey! On the third day of our press trip, we had the delightful opportunity to…