Bourgogne: Sometimes Plan “B” is the Best
Sometimes Plan “B” is the Best After a memorable morning at Morey-Coffinet in Chassagne-Montrachet, my afternoon plans were a big question mark. Lunch? Where? Running just a bit late, I found there was no room at 1 pm at the one restaurant in Volnay – “service est terminé“. No! I headed out to RD974 (the … Continue reading
Minnesota Wine: Parley Lake Winery
Minnesota Viticulture Minnesota wine grapes? Who are you trying kid? It’s true, Minnesota winters are too tough for the noble wine grapes from Vitis Vinifera to survive. Thanks to some real pioneers in Agricultural Research at the University of Minnesota, we have some new grape species which can survive our winters and provide wine-worthy grape … Continue reading
Barolo visits Minnesota: Podere Ruggeri Corsini
I met Weston Hoard (the Piedmont Guy) at a Barolo class he hosted at Sunfish Cellars about a year ago. I was excited to see that Weston was coming back to town, this time bringing the winegrower from one of the Piedmont wineries he represents, Podere Ruggeri Corsini. In addition, this was to be a … Continue reading
Minnesota Visits Domaine Jean-Louis Chave – St. Joseph & Cellars
On a visit with Erin Cannon Chave, we crossed the Rhone from Tain L’Hermitage to Mauves, in the St. Joseph appellation. The difficulty of farming on the hillside (cliffside?) of St. Joseph is clear as as soon as you see the steep slopes and terraces. Cultivated for centuries, many of these hillsides were abandoned after … Continue reading
Minnesota Visits Domaine Jean-Louis Chave – Hermitage
A question came up at our Chave tasting in Minnesota: “If we’re in France, can we visit?” Erin answered that they aren’t really set up for visitors, but if we would be in France to send her an email. If she would be available, she would be happy to have us visit. Lucky us, we … 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
Unti Vineyards: Italy in Sonoma
If you visit Sonoma add Unti Vineyards to your list. If you like food friendly wines (less oak, lower alcohol, more acidity) don’t wait to visit, just place an order. Even if you’re not ready to order, sign up for their mailing list; their newsletter offers a glimpse of their personality with plenty of tongue-in-cheek … 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
“Our Grand Meander” Walla Walla – Rulo Winery
We met Kurt and Vicki Schlicker last year on our trip to Walla Walla and were intrigued by their journey into winemaking as well as their incredible wines. Typically a white wine drinker, Julie has become a fan of these restrained, old-world reds thanks to RULO wines! Kurt got a microbiology degree from Stanford and worked … Continue reading
“Our Grand Meander” Walla Walla – Mannina Cellars
Mannina Cellars is a new winery for us. A Minneapolis friend (thanks, B.J.!) who knows our interest in food-friendly wines highly recommended we visit them while in Walla Walla. As a wine touring destination, Walla Walla still has that “diamond in the rough” quality. You won’t see signs like “Tour Bus Parking.” The area still … Continue reading
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