Nothing brings out the fun of wine like the holidays. Finally popping the cork on that special bottle we have saved for years. Playing sommelier, mixing and matching flavors and to pair wines with all our favorite holiday treats. Choosing the perfect bottle to bring to the party that we know our friend will just love. Giving the wine lover in your life that extra special bottle to add to their collection. Wine is a wonderful part of our holiday traditions, and this year, I am sharing all my favorites with you. … [Read more...]
giving thanks: pairing wine with turkey and the trimmings
The American Thanksgiving: a food lovers favorite holiday. All the family love, gratitude, and joy of the holiday season, with far fewer demands on our time and sanity. We are able to focus almost completely on the meal. The turkey, the trimmings, and in my house, the wine pairings. I know, after all that fuss and planning over the menu, the wine may not be first on your mind. But this year, no excuses. Pairing wine with the legendary Thanksgiving meal is actually quite simple, and may just take your already festive food holiday to the next level. … [Read more...]
beer and food, food and beer
Beer is the new wine. Once relegated to cold cans in a cooler at a family barbecue, the resurgence of the craft beer industry in the United States has brought beer to center stage at even the most highbrow event. You have more options than ever for a refreshing drink on a hot summer day, but it is so much more. Beer is taking its rightful place in the food culture revolution, as brewers and consumers alike learn the art and joy of a good food and beer pairing. Turns out, I’m a fan. … [Read more...]
summer cocktails and gardens with the drunken botanist
When warm weather strikes, my adult beverage preferences quickly turn to cocktails. I love wine, and I have learned to enjoy beer, but sometimes there is nothing like an ice cold martini to cool you down, literally and figuratively. … [Read more...]
adventures in california wine country, part 2
I know you’re all anxious to get to “the list”, and I know some of you can’t wait to weigh in on your own personal favorites. But first, a little overview — because like good wine, a discussion on planning the details of your wine country visit needs structure. … [Read more...]
adventures in california wine country, part 1
There is no shortage of information on touring California wine country. If you're heading to the popular Napa Valley or Sonoma region, you could dig through endless lists of wineries, restaurants, and advice. I could write post upon post in a feeble attempt to cover it all, and I still wouldn’t do it justice. … [Read more...]
