wine (143)

A Look at Globetrotting Grenache Wines

Step aside, predictable Pinot Noir! Cast aside that Cabernet comfort blanket! Shove Sauvignon Blanc to the side, because here we're throwing a sun-drenched fiesta for the underdog, the chameleon, the globetrotting wanderer of the wine world – Grenache! This ruby-shimmering grape deserves not just a sip, but a full-blown toast, a vibrant ode to its soul that whispers tales of Spanish hills and dusty Rhône valleys. So clear your palate, vino adventurers, and get ready to paint your taste buds with

Read more…

6 Scintillating Sparkling Wines from Europe


Raise a glass to the world of sparkling wine! French Champagne is the most famous, of course, but there are many types of bubbly wine enjoyed around the world, and some of the best/most nobale hail from Europe. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a glass with friends, there is a sparkling wine out there for everyone. Here are some of the most popular types that you can find at your favorite wine shop or online

Champagne (France)

The world´s most renowned bubby

Read more…

This winery is more than just a producer of fine wines in the heart of Sonoma County's picturesque landscapes. Balletto Family Vineyards is a story woven into the very fabric of this wine-rich region, and its tale is as captivating as the wines it crafts. Come along with us as we discover the secrets and stories behind Balletto Family Vineyards, a place where passion and tradition meet, and every Balletto wine bottle is a testament to the dedication of its maker. Browse our online wine store for

Read more…

9622963661?profile=originalPhotos by Victor Block unless otherwise noted


The platter that was set before me was covered with what resembled small piles of leaves from a fall lawn raking. The little brown, green and black heaps hardly invited sniffing, much less tasting. Yet sniff and taste I did.

Little did I know, before this introduction to “cheese wrapping,” that a gastronomic tradition in this corner of Italy is aging cheeses by encasing them in leaves. Nor was I aware that there are highly respected professional “c

Read more…

Sonoma County, with its picturesque landscapes and world-class wineries, is a haven for wine lovers seeking an unforgettable getaway. Nestled in the heart of California, this region boasts a rich winemaking history and a reputation for producing a lot of great wine. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just beginning to explore the world of Sonoma wine, Sonoma offers an ideal escape filled with vineyard tours, tastings, and breathtaking views.

Steeped in history, Sonoma County holds a signific

Read more…

A 2023 Guide to Rosé Wine: 5 Bottles to Try

Rose wine is the trending white wine and is having a moment.

That's right, rose wine is no longer just a summery drink to enjoy on the patio. It's now a year-round favorite among wine lovers of all ages. And for the right reasons. Rose wine is refreshing, versatile, and can be enjoyed with a variety of foods. It is always available in every wine store.

In this article, we will discuss five of the most popular rose wines available in wine stores and online wine delivery in 2023. We will also prov

Read more…

How to Serve Syrah Wine

Sometimes we want to drink a powerful wine, at these times Syrah is the best choice. Contrary to common thought, the true origin of Syrah wine lies in the Northern Rhone of France, not Shiraz, Iran. Despite the longstanding tradition of viticulture in Persia, there is no relation between Syrah and the wine that was once produced there. The fame of Syrah has however been extended to Australia, where it has become the country's most popular red wine variety.

It is a popular grape in warm regions,

Read more…

photos: Victor Block


Some places are more than a destination, and topping that list is Provence. This Maryland-size region, nestled in France's southeastern corner, immediately immerses visitors in a setting and lifestyle that cajole and captivate. And while the glitzy French Riviera has many advocates, my wife Fyllis and I limited our recent stay to what we what we call the “real” Provence. 

It’s an area of tiny towns and even smaller villages.  Mountain chains overlook valleys blanketed by a c

Read more…


9940908070?profile=RESIZE_710x

 

Our Southern California Wine Council welcomed the holiday season by tasting and pairing four whites and four reds from the Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), just over an hour east of San Francisco.  With a climate consisting of warm days and cool nights, the area has been conducive to wine grape growing since the late 1800s. 

9940935882?profile=RESIZE_584x9940981294?profile=RESIZE_584xOmega Road Winery Gratia, 2019 ($23) was our first tasting.  Omega Road Winery is run by father-daughter team Ken and Alexandra Henkelman. A flavorful

Read more…

9296642878?profile=original

Are you thinking of what to do during the holiday? Well, a wine tour is an ideal thing for you. As you plan for the significant experience, Major Vehicle Exchange is readily available to sort your transport need by providing you with amazing secondhand tour buses. Used buses for sale are there for you ensuring that your tour remains memorable and worth the time. Before making a move, this what you need to know.

Why go for a wine tour?

Depending on where you have decided to visit with family member

Read more…

Paris and Lile аrе undеnіаblу twо of the world’s grеаtеѕt сіtіеѕ but Itаlу’ѕ hеаrt lіеѕ іn France. Rolling hills tорреd with mеdіеvаl towns and wіndіng rоаdѕ lіnеd with cypress gіvе France a tіmеlеѕѕ арреаl but to rеаllу experience

France уоu’vе gоt tо еxреrіеnсе it’s wіnе. Going оn a wine tоur іn France tорѕ many Itаlіаn trip wіѕhlіѕtѕ but wіnе tasting іn France іѕ a bit dіffеrеnt than іn the Unіtеd States. On a recent trір tо Paris I got tо explore France’s rich hеrіtаgе on a рrіvаtе France fоо

Read more…

TexasWinesBeckerExterior.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x

Becker Vineyards


It all began when the Becker family began searching for a log cabin to renovate for their Texas Hill Country getaway from their main residence in San Antonio. Inspired by travels abroad where they developed a passion for wines, the Beckers felt that central Texas was ripe for supporting more top quality vineyards. They purchased a cabin in 1990 on 46 acres of raw land and quickly discovered that native mustang grapes left over from German settlers grew abundantly in the fallow f

Read more…

The lovely tropical garden of two of our members’ home in San Diego was the recent setting of Wine Council’s end of summer review of wines.  We tasted a Pinot gris and a rosé from Cameron Hughes and a Pinot gris and a rosé from Mount Beautiful, plus three Pinot noirs from Talawind Ranch. Each member was assigned a wine to research and was asked to bring an appetizer or dish that would pair well with his or her assigned wine.

 

9009412453?profile=originalWe started our tasting with the two Pinot gris.  Cameron Hughes is neit

Read more…

Franciacorta: Italy's Answer to Champagne

christo_floating_piers2

A region within the province of Brescia in northern Italy's Lombardy region, Franciacorta is renowned for panoramic village views, castles, and rolling hills that naturally inspire artistic expression and overall joie de vivre.

For 16 days in 2016 during the months of June and July, over one million visitors "walked across water" on a pop up art installation on Lake Iseo called Christo Floating Piers. A 1.9-mile modular floating dock system constructed of 220,000 high-density polyethylene cubes c

Read more…

gallery-terrain4

Southwest France is defined by a wide range of geographical distinctions yielding diverse landscapes ranging from river plains, gently sloping hillsides, mountain foothills to sandy heaths each with their own unique microclimates producing a total of 300 grape varieties, 120 of which are native to the area.

Throughout much of Europe, the wine trade had its origins in 1189 when Santiago de Compostela was consecrated as a holy town by Pope Alexander III, encouraging waves of pilgrims over the ensui

Read more…

Exploring Wines of France and Spain by the Glass

spain-france-map

The act of drinking wines is to literally taste specific locations across the globe. I never cease to be amazed by how wines provide such an in depth lens into a particular country and culture. By far the best way to experience them is to of course travel where they're produced and visit the vineyards in person. But lack of time and/or money sometimes make this impossible. For those times, plan for some armchair traveling by tasting some reasonably priced and increasingly available local varieta

Read more…

eugenedowntowncollage.jpg?width=1307

Downtown Eugene, Oregon is decidedly more laid back and outdoorsy than much larger and more renowned Portland to the north. The University of Oregon's extensive in-town footprint and streets packed with local non-chain shopping make it a pedestrian haven. Strolling here especially on weekends during the warmer months envelops you in the city's music scene like a sax player belting out tunes under a cavernous overpass enhancing the acoustics and gritty blues guitarists busking on street corners.

Read more…

downtownyountville.jpg?width=639
Yountville, California embodies many quintessential visions you undoubtedly have when planning a Napa Valley excursion. It all started in 1836, when George Calvert Yount founded the town planting Napa Valley's first official vineyard. Today, vinesyountvillesidewalk.jpg?width=289 stretch from the Mayacamas mountains to the Napa River. Yountville's compact layout, clustered around Washington Street, is also perfect for biking not only on the existing street grid but along the ever expanding Napa Valley Vine Trail which when com

Read more…

historictriangle.jpg?width=750


Renowned as one of the United State's most signature historic destinations, America's Historic Triangle (Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown Virginia) is packed with opportunities for gaining a more informed insight into how the American Revolution unfolded, shaping the world's great democratic experiment. The Historic Triangle is also becoming increasingly known as a mecca for craft food and beverages with historical tie ins as well as making history of their own.

fifedrumexterior.jpg?width=1022


Where to Begin


Geographica

Read more…

Thursday, May 10, 2018 / Manhattan

13th Annual Taste of Hope is the American Cancer Society’s signature culinary, wine, and spirits event, featuring some of New York’s most popular restaurants and beverage vendors. Guests enjoy a walk-around tasting where they can sample signature dishes, premier wines, and spirits. Now in its 13th year, the event has raised over $1.8 Million to support the American Cancer Society’s mission and goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem.

Sarabeth Levine

Read more…