A Taste of Stinson Vineyards

As a wine writer, from time to time, I receive sample from wineries, or PR firms that represent wineries for review.  When I received my first samples of wines from Stinson Vineyards, located in the great state of Virginia, I was excited.  That’s because I’ve heard good things about Virginia wine, and  have been looking…

The Best #SundaySupper Picnic Wines

Who doesn’t dig a picnic? The combination of good food, good company, and, especially for me, good wine combined with fresh air and sunshine are a big part of why summer is my favorite season. And planning a picnic should be a picnic, right?  Just throw together some sandwiches and salads, pack up a basket,…

#DrinkPink Rosé of the Week; 2013 Quivira 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 Quivira Grenache Rosé Wine Creek…

#DrinkPink Rosé of the Week; 2013 Domaine de Triennes 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 for $20 or less! This week’s rosé is…

Wine of the Week; 2010 Carlisle The Derivative 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 2010 Carlisle The Derivative White. The Winery Carlisle Winery & Vineyards is a small Sonoma County based winery  based in Santa Rosa. According…

Wine Pairings for Man Food #SundaySupper

This week’s #SundaySupper theme is all about “man” food.  I find it interesting that just as there are foods that considered “masculine” versus “feminine”, there are wines that are considered “masculine”, and “feminine”. What is a masculine wine you ask? I think of it a masculine wine as a full-bodied wine rather than a light-bodied…

A Taste of Champagne Krug

Last week, I had the pleasure attending a special tasting of the House of Krug at K&L Wine Merchants. I was invited to the intimate tasting with about a dozen others by K&L’s Champagne buyer, Gary Westby. It was definitely an exciting opportunity for me.  I’ve tasted more than my share of Champagne, and sparkling wines,…

A Taste of Bodegas Contino

Last fall, my wife and I spent 17 glorious days in Spain.  It was the trip of a lifetime. Our itinerary included Barcelona, San Sebastian (amazing food), Madrid, Toledo, Sevilla, and Granada (The Alhambra is a must – simply awesome!).  Of course, being the winos, we also squeezed in some time in La Rioja.  Our…