Harney Lane – When Big Flavors Need Big Wines

Tender Minnesota Palates Sometimes Call for Big Flavors For my personal tastes, I tend toward elegance, subtle flavors. I’m an old world (approach) wine lover first and foremost. I don’t cook a lot of super spicy foods, or big 3 layer hamburgers with cheese and chili and bacon and and and….. HOWEVER, I do love … Continue reading

50 Shades of Kabinett Riesling #WinePW

Wine Pairing Weekend Group (virtually) Visits Germany Join our #WinePW group this month as we take a virtual visit to Germany. Thanks to the generosity of Winesellers, many of our group received samples of German wines for our posts. Let’s dig in to German wines and foods that pair with them. Take a look further … Continue reading

Science Meets Biodynamics at Troon Vineyard

Biodynamics and Science General Manager Craig Camp and owners Denise and Bryan White could see the potential at Troon Vineyard in the Applegate Valley in southwestern Oregon. In a career-long involvement with all aspects of wine, Craig had become convinced of the value of biodynamics to produce superior wines showing their place of origin. When … Continue reading

Sparkle Your Dessert with Moscato d’Asti #ItalianFWT

December is a Sparkling Month for the Italian Food, Wine & Travel Group December is the perfect month for a sparkling focus, as we all have ample opportunities to celebrate in the coming weeks. Our Italian Food, Wine & Travel group is exploring all the different sparkling wines from Italy, including Prosecco, Franciacorta, Moscato d’Asti … Continue reading

Elegant Crémant de Bourgogne Served with Lobster Two Ways #Winophiles

French Winophiles Prep for the Upcoming Holidays with Crémant As we near the end-of-year holidays, we have many opportunities for celebrations, gifts and even an occasional quiet evening at home. When it comes time to celebrate with French wine, Champagne comes to mind first, but who can afford a bottle of Champagne at every one … Continue reading

Paetra “K” Riesling with Chipotle Smoked Pork

Wines for Smoky, Spicy Foods Spicy foods can be tricky for wine pairing. Spicy foods make big, tannic reds taste even more alcoholic and tannic than they already are; so, no. My favorite wines in this situation are highly acidic white wines with a bit of residual sugar. In short, German (style) Rieslings. The lively … Continue reading

Comparing Washington and California Merlot over Dinner #MerlotMe

Does It Matter Where Your Merlot is Grown? When it comes to Merlot, my personal favorites are from the Right Bank in Bordeaux. During our annual October month-long  #MerlotMe celebration,  I sample a variety of Merlot wines from California and Washington (master post is here). Generalizations are always difficult as there are plenty of counter … Continue reading

Exploring the Toe of Italy’s Boot with Cirò Rosso #ItalianFWT

ItalianFWT Returns to Calabria This is our 2nd virtual trip to Calabria with the Italian Food, Wine and Travel Group. My first post with an introduction to the region is here. On this trip, I’m enjoying a key wine and a couple of foods typical of Calabria. While there are several DOC regions in Calabria, … Continue reading

Scare Up Some Tawny Porto for Halloween

Over 21 Halloween Fun October 31 is upon us, and many of us will be handing out candy to costumed kids in an American tradition. I don’t hear about many tricks, like soaped windows anymore, but why risk it? Whether you have kids yourself, or even if you just have a big bowl of candy … Continue reading

Bonterra Shows the Way with Affordable Organic/Biodynamic Wine

Is Affordable Organic Wine an Oxymoron? I associate organic agriculture / viticulture as being better for workers and better for the health of the property, but it comes at higher cost due to more labor to produce a given amount of food/grapes/wine. Many younger consumers I know are interested in a sustainable approach in the … Continue reading