Alsace Gewurztraminer with Spicy Beef Short Ribs in a Quinoa Bowl #Winophiles #AlsaceRocks
The French Winophiles Dig Into Alsace with #AlsaceRocks This month the French Winophiles are collaborating with the kind folks at Alsace Wines in their summer promotion, Alsace Rocks! This post is one in a series of four wine pairing challenges for Alsace wines with American dishes. Pairing #4 Alsace Gewurztraminer with Savory, Smoky, and Hot … Continue reading
Does Rosé Bring Spring to Minnesota??
“Spring” in Minnesota Spring is a bit of a joke here in Minnesota. Groundhog Day? What do you mean? Of course there is going to be 6 weeks more winter. Sheesh! March is more of the same: In like a Lion, and usually Out like a Lion, too. This year, I received some rosé samples … Continue reading
The Name Says It All: Soave Classico #ItalianFWT
Who Wouldn’t Like Suave and Classic? Charming, confident, elegant, classic. Great descriptors and wouldn’t you love to drink a wine you thought of that way? Unfortunately, Soave, a white wine from the Veneto region in northern Italy had its’ roller coaster ride to the top of Italian wines in America in the 1970’s. And, of … Continue reading
Beef Bourguignon on a Stick? Why not!
Favorite Foods “On a Stick” Minnesota cuisine isn’t usually considered exactly “gourmet”. At the end of summer, we relish our state fair, famous for foods on a stick: corn dogs, pronto pups, chocolate dipped bacon, deep-fried Snickers, even spaghetti & meatballs! Why not take a favorite cool weather dish (beef bourguignon) and twist it up … Continue reading
Drinking Tuesday Night Bordeaux #Winophiles
100 Problems with Bordeaux Bordeaux is stuffy Bordeaux is expensive Bordeaux needs to be aged for 20 years before you drink it I love Bordeaux, but it’s really only for very special occasions Bordeaux is what grandfathers drink, no one under 50 will touch the stuff These are the opinions in a typical American wine … Continue reading
M is for Marselan #WinePW
Wine Pairing Weekend Plays with “M” Wines Our monthly Wine Pairing Weekend blogging group takes on just about any challenge. This month, our host Lori from Dracaena Wines is hosting and we are joining her in her monthly “Winephabet” posts. So, we’ll all pick a wine that begins with the letter “M” and explore the … Continue reading
Picpoul de Pinet and Steak Tartare Redemption #Winophiles
Winophiles Sample the “Lip-Stinger” of the Languedoc Picpoul is a white wine grape best known for crisp, refreshing high acidity white wine. Picpoul de Pinet is the best known region for producing the wine, and it’s located very close to the Mediterranean sea in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in Southwest France. Perfect for sipping by the … Continue reading
A Wine Pairing Lesson with Verdicchio #ItalianFWT
Learn Verdicchio with the Italian Food Wine & Travel Group April brings warm weather and our Italian wine loving group is itching to get back into Italian white wines, so Verdicchio is our theme for the month. I must admit, I too often lean on Italian reds. I have a good mental picture for how … Continue reading
Tasting the Winemaking Consultant’s “Home” Wine
What Kind of Wine Do Consultants Make at Home? In the world of wine, there are winemakers whose expertise is respected to the point that they are searched out for advice, and often end up building a business around their approach. Each has a unique approach. For some, rich, ripe, smooth polished international style of … Continue reading
Not Your Grandmother’s Easter Dinner
Break the Easter Rules Easter Dinner has rules. Thou shalt serve either ham or lamb. No other dishes may be substituted. Well, I’m not all that fond of ham (it’s ok, just not my favorite) and Julie definitely will not eat lamb. So we go rogue at Easter, join us! Celebrate Spring with Fresh Vibrant … Continue reading















