My #CabFrancLove Story and Two Charming Cabernet Franc for #CabFrancDay

Cabernet Franc is one of my favorite grape varieties. That’s why I’m thrilled to be participating in Cabernet Franc Day, which is celebrated annually on December 4th. Just as one remembers their first kiss, first car, first job or any number of other “firsts”, as a Cabernet Franc lover, I’ll always remember my first experience…

Pairing Sweet Bordeaux with Southern Fare #Winophiles

They can quickly expand a dining palate by bringing a broad spectrum of styles, price points, and food pairing options to the table Sauternes and Sweet Bordeaux Wine – Spruce Eats This month our French #Winophiles group of wine and food bloggers are collaborating with Sweet Bordeaux US, a group of wineries from a sub-region of Bordeaux that…

Wine of the Day: 2017 Fields Family Wine Mourvedre Bokides Vineyard

Fruit for this wine was sourced from the Bokides Vineyard in Lodi. It’s nearly opaque violet color with black cherry liqueur, blackberry,violets, savory dried herbs, and a bit of smoked meat. On the palate it’s full-bodied, structured and fresh with a very appealing mouthfeel. It shows ample black cherry liqueur, mulberry, red cherry, ripe blackberry,…

#MerlotMe Wine of the Month; 2013 Ridge Merlot Perrone Monte Bello

About Ridge Vineyards This is an elegant, exceptional and very memorable Merlot.. Ridge Vineyards is an iconic California winery that has long been benchmark for world class wine. They are best known for producing a single-vineyard, premium, Bordeaux style Cabernet Sauvignon Blend (“Monte Bello”), Zinfandels, and Chardonnay. Ridge has two estates – Monte Bello, located in…

A Joyful #MerlotMe With Duckhorn Vineyards #WinePW

Think Napa Valley for a weekend wine, and the Decoy Sonoma for a weekday wine! Either way, Duckhorn has got you covered! October is International Merlot Month! Merlot Month unites passionate wine lovers in a worldwide movement to celebrate the world’s second-most planted grape. This year makes the 6th anniversary of  our Wine Pairing Weekend group’s collaboration…

Wine of the Day: 2018 Sosie Roussanne “First Things First” Vivio Vineyard

This alluring sparkling wine makes a great aperitif …but don’t stop there. Pair with grilled fish, seafood Paella, or seafood/chicken/pork in cream sauce. Established in 2017, Sosie Wines is a relatively newcomer to the Sonoma County wine scene. Owners Scott MacFiggen, and his wife Regina Bustamante traveled to France many times over the years and…

Wine Of The Day: 2019 Groth Vineyards and Winery Estate White

…this distinguished wine’s lively acidity, texture, weight and food friendly character make it a great four season white wine… In 1994, the Groth family replanted the Eastern side of their Oakville vineyard from Cabernet Sauvignon to Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, recognizing the potential of the clay soils there to produce white wines of great texture,…

A Meatless #MerlotMe Redux#WinePW

Merlot with its approachable fruit flavors, moderate tannins, sensual texture, balanced acidity, diversity of styles has become one of my go-to red wines because of its versatility at the table!

Alentejo On My Mind; Part 2 – Exploring The Wines of Alentejo

Getting to know a wine region is a bit like getting to know a person. Time is an ally. Over the last year or so, I’ve had several opportunities to get to know the wines of Alentejo by means of educational and sample programs. The most recent educational program was focused on Alentejo’s award-winning sustainability…

Alentejo On My Mind; Part 1-Sustainability

“Sustainability is the new paradigm of the 21st century. Producers who do not make sustainability a core part of their business model will become progressively outdated, side-lined by consumers and, possibly, through new international policies.” João Barroso, Sustainability Coordinator, Wines of Alentejo Over the past year or so, I’ve participated in a few educational, and…