Biodynamic Bordeaux – Château Fonroque
Biodynamic Bordeaux To quote Kermit the Frog, “It’s not easy being green”. If your vineyard is located in a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and warm, dry breezes, you have few worries. Organic viticulture is pretty easy, as you have few challenges with mildew, rot, pests, disease. If, on the other hand, your vineyard is … Continue reading
French Wine Visits – Our Friend, Raymond Boillot #Winophiles
The French #Winophiles Share Visits and Dreams This month, our French #Winophiles are sharing their visit memories of trips in France. Since some of our members haven’t yet had the opportunity, we’ll be treated to their dreams of their first trip. Jump down to the bottom of the page to vicariously enjoy our memories and … Continue reading
Under the Radar in Italy: Ligurian Wine
Under the Radar Italy: Liguria When you think of Italian wine, you think of Tuscany, or Piedmont, or recently Mt. Etna in Sicily. Liguria, where’s Liguria? Occupying the coast in the northwest corner of the nation, Liguria is isolated from the rest of Italy, as it’s protected by a range of coastal mountains and looks … Continue reading
A “Must Have” Piemonte Book for Your Bookshelf
A Labor of Love: Wine Family Women of Piemonte Whether you have visited or not, there is a book coming that any Piemonte lover will enjoy. Like me, if you have been lucky enough to visit, you must daydream regularly about your return. What a beautiful land full of wonderful wines, food, and stories. My … Continue reading
A Burgundy Dream Realized: Maison Harbour
A New Winery in Burgundy? Impossible! Wine history dating back to the middle ages, high demand for classic wines known around the world, it must be impossible to start a new winery in Burgundy, right? This is France, after all. Go to the Blue door in Savigny-lès-Beaune Impossible? No! All you need to do is: … Continue reading
Get to Know the Vignerons Indépendants
Travel plans to France anytime soon? Take a look at the Vignerons Indépendants. Pack this info away, maybe you can work a Salon into your schedule! The Vignerons Indépendants The Vignerons Indépendants are a trade group of small French winegrowers who banded together for mutual benefit and to encourage maintaining their independence. As a consumer, … Continue reading
Burgundy in November
A foggy November day in the Cotes de Beaune (click on any photo to view the slide show)
La Buvette Paris
A Two Year Wait to Visit La Buvette September 2013, our first trip to Paris. I did my homework and had found a number of natural wine bars worth a visit. One day, Julie was out with a friend and I had the afternoon free. I chose to walk (a long way) as I love … Continue reading
Franco Rocca: Our Barbaresco Winegrower Friend
A Great Deal on Single Cru Barbaresco Have you heard of cruzu.com? Check them out, crowdsourcing for wineries looking for American exposure. A Barbaresco winegrower friend of ours, Franco Rocca, has an offer open until July 5, and he is looking for support. I don’t have anything to gain from this support, except that I … Continue reading
DSLR Wine Photos: Why Drop $100+ on a Polarizing Filter?
One Filter You Need With modern digital cameras and processing software, the need for special filters has largely been eliminated. There’s a filter that can’t be replicated by either your camera or post-processing software: a circular polarizing filter. This is the one additional filter you should pack. Polarizing filters excel at eliminating reflections and glare … Continue reading
