Wine of the Week: 2012 Zudugarai “Amats” Getariako Txakolina

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2012 Zudugarai “Amats” Getariako Txakolina. The Winery Bodegas Zudugarai  is a winery located in the Basque region in northern Spain, less…

The Best of the 9th Annual Urban Wine Xperience

I attended the sold-out East Bay Vintner’s Alliance (“EBVA”) 9th Annual Urban Wine Xperience held on August 2nd on the Ferry Lawn at vibrant Jack London Square in Oakland.   EBVA,  is an association representing more than 20 East Bay (primarily Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville and Oakland) Urban wineries.  It’s a great opportunity to taste all the best artisanal wines made in…

Wine of the Week; 2012 Vrinioti Iama White

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2012 Vrinioti Iama White The Winery Vrinioti Wines, located on the island of Evia.  The business was founded in 2002 on family…

Grilled Paiche with a White Greek Blend

Wine Pairing Weekend is a monthly collaborative event for wine/food bloggers started by David Crowley of Cooking Chat.  It’s a great way to find food and wine pairings that work; along with tips on how to create your own food and wine pairing magic. The theme for this month’s Wine Pairing Weekend is “Wine for…

Rosé of the Week; 2013 Waterkloof Circumstance Cape Coral

Summer is officially here!  Rosé season is in full bloom, although truth be told, it’s Rosé season for me pretty much year-round for me!  With that in mind, I’m cranking up my annual series of weekly “Drink Pink!“ Rosé tastings.  It’s my quest for the best Pink Porch Pounders! This week’s rosé is the 2013 Waterkloof Circumstance Cape Coral. The…

Wine of the Week; 2009 Ridge Zinfandel Carmichael Ranch

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2009 Ridge Zinfandel Carmichael Ranch. The Winery Ridge Vineyards  is a California winery with two estates, Monte Bello in Cupertino, and Lytton Springs in Healdsburg….

Wine of the Week; 2012 Michel Gassier Cercius Blanc

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2012 Michel Gassier Cercius Blanc. The Winery Michel Gassier is the fourth generation of his family to make wine.  He organically farms…

Coming Soon! 2014 Family Winemakers Tasting in San Mateo

The single largest tasting of California wines in the world… Wrap your mind around that.  Better yet, grab a glass and seize the opportunity! The Family Winemakers of California (“FWC”) is hosting the 24th Annual Trade and Consumer Tasting on Sunday, August 17th. in San Mateo, California Family Winemakers of California, is the trade advocate…

Rosé of the Week: 2013 François Chidaine Touraine Rosé

Summer is officially here!  Rosé season is in full bloom, although truth be told, it’s Rosé season for me pretty much year-round for me!  With that in mind, I’m cranking up my annual series of weekly “Drink Pink!“ Rosé tastings.  It’s my quest for the best Pink Porch Pounders! This week’s rosé is the 2013 François Chidaine Touraine Rosé. The…

Wine Words Demystified; Carbonic Maceration

You know the deal; the more some folks learn about a topic, the more shortcuts/slang/acronyms/initials/technical jargon can be tossed around.  I’m here to help you understand those sometimes mysterious words and phrases, thus – Wine Words Demystified!  This week’s term is Carbonic Maceration… According to Wikipedia… Carbonic maceration is a winemaking technique, often associated with the French wine region…