Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Visit to Minnesota
When I attended the Domaine Jean-Louis Chave visit & tasting at Sunfish Cellars in August, I had no idea it would lead to something more. The lucky folks who attended enjoyed an evening with Erin Cannon Chave. Erin is married to Jean-Louis, the current head of this historic family of winegrowers from the Northern Rhone … Continue reading
Paris: Eiffel Tower Food Tour
Take Away Message: Go to Paris. Stay in the 7th Arrondissement. Take the Eiffel Tower Food Tour early in your trip and eat well for the rest of your stay. Thank us later. Julie and I were planning a long awaited trip to Europe this summer. Julie had not been to Paris since 1977 (!) … Continue reading
Wilderness Wine
Fine wine and premium Scotch too. Can You Take Wine on a Wilderness Trip? Most wilderness areas prohibit glass containers of any kind. What’s a wine loving camper to do? We just spent seven days in the Scapegoat Mountain Wilderness in Montana with the help of an excellent professional outfitter, K lazy 3. Before the … Continue reading
Elegance in a Glass: Evesham Wood & Haden Fig Winery Visit
It’s the middle of January and -10°F here in Minnesota today. I’m not complaining, but it does get me thinking about warmer days! We had the opportunity to visit the dual home of Evesham Wood and Haden Fig wineries last spring on a visit to the Willamette Valley. On a cold winter day, photos of … Continue reading
Nebbiolo Discovery with Short Ribs & Pasta
We’re trying so many new things today: Nebbiolo, Short Ribs, Homemade Pasta. Let’s get right to it! This winter we’re spending time getting to know wines based on the Nebbiolo grape. With rare exceptions, Nebbiolo thrives in the Piemonte region of Italy. There are a few vineyards near Paso Robles in California that possess what … Continue reading
Evening in Spain with Eight Open Bottles : Tempranillo & Paella Wine Dinner
We regularly get together for a wine dinner with four couples. Dinners are both educational and entertaining; who wouldn’t have fun with eight open bottles of wine? The hosts choose either a wine theme or a food theme, I pick the wines, and the other courses are split up. We have enjoyed the opportunity to … Continue reading
An Exceptional Pairing: Cool Climate Syrah & Lamb Chops
One of my favorite pairings is a cool climate Syrah with grilled lamb chops, and this one was exceptional: Anthill Farms Sonoma Coast Syrah and Star Thrower Farm lamb chops. Wow! I had planned a vegetarian dinner for Meatless Monday, but I realized Julie had an evening commitment. It was my chance for lamb chops … Continue reading
Wine & Veggies? Yes!
Put together a group of food & wine bloggers, a fun bistro/wine shop, and a vegetarian challenge and you have a guaranteed evening of fun! The Fortify! Minnesota food bloggers group was the common link between the people in this fun evening. Nicole Navratil, Nick Kolnik, and Allison Wagner organized the evening and posted an … Continue reading
A Favorite Winery – Wind Gap Wines
When you pull up to Wind Gap you might wonder if you are at the right place. You made it to Forestville, a sleepy little town near Santa Rosa, CA. You see an old fruit processing factory and there won’t be a tour bus anywhere in sight. In fact you’ll have to call ahead … Continue reading
Local Artisan Cheese Class at Sunfish Cellars
I’m a pretty big fan of local artisan cheeses and I search them out at farmers markets and shops around the Twin Cities. Recently I visited Sunfish Cellars, a St. Paul wine and beer shop that has a new wine bar and cheese shop attached. This past week I attended their “Regional Cheeses” class, knowing … Continue reading
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