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
Hunting for Chinese Wine in Shanghai
Shanghai is a City of Lights I have a project in my “real job” that takes me to China regularly, most often to Shenzhen, Beijing, or Shanghai. (click on any photo to view a full size slide show, hit “escape” to return) Hunting for Chinese Wine in Shanghai Forbes online lists China as the #6 … Continue reading
French Wine 201: Affordable Bordeaux
Wine 201 The Wine 101 series features a no-nonsense, just the facts approach to a wine region. In Wine 101, we stick to key facts plus a firm price cap of $20 per bottle. In Wine 201, we’ll go a little deeper and open up the budget a little, but just a little. Wine 201: … 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
Castelli Vineyards – Going Their Own Way in Green Valley
Hiding in Plain Sight in Green Valley When I rolled into the driveway at Castelli Vineyards, I saw Emilio in his rubber boots, hose in hand. After greeting me, he asked how in the world I found Castelli Vineyards. Tiny production, no advertising, no media coverage. I explained I’m a Nebbiolo fan and I found … 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
My Big Break on the “We Like Drinking” Podcast
Fame? Yes! Fortune? ? Sure, it was fun to win a trip to Bordeaux with the Millesima Blog Awards. Yep, honored to be shortlisted in the Born Digital Wine Awards in 2017. I knew I had finally made it, achieved star status when I was invited to be a guest on the “We Like Drinking” … Continue reading
Morey-Saint-Denis and Domaine Pierre Amiot & Fils
There is no bad time to visit Burgundy. Even late October after harvest can be magic. The grapes have been picked, the vines are shutting down and the crowds are few. As long as you have rainwear and an adventurous attitude, you are all set. If you’re thinking about a visit to the region, I … Continue reading














