In 1999, oceanographer Terry Sullivan and botanist Molly Morison purchased land from the historic Bagley pear orchard in southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley AVA. Always called the Upper Five by the previous owners, they kept the name, pulled out the orchard, prepared the land and planted vines. They have farmed their just under four acres of vineyards organically from the beginning… Read more »
Many joke that Chardonnay is the chicken of wine grapes. Although more neutral in flavors, it offers flexibility to produce many wine styles. In this article, I explore its evolution in California and share characteristics of the wine it makes in other parts of the world.
Whether you think I am talking about cooking wine, or are an actual lover of these fortified wines, this post has something for everyone, thanks to our recent time at Blandy’s on Madeira Island. The trip was spontaneous, thus not much prior research except for reading Tom Mullen’s Forbes article and booking a tour at the only organic winery on the… Read more »
The tiny Jura region is filled with traditional and modern style wines. i invite you to discover a few of both with me today!
Cold weather and gray skies mean reaching for wines that remind me of sunshine. Let me introduce you to the Negroamaro grape variety and an extremely tasty dish.
February is the Italian Food, Wine and Travel group’s second month climbing Italy. I say climbing because we are working ourselves from the bottom of the boot to the Alps at the top. Our January Sicilian adventures with Culinary Camilla (link) propelled us to Puglia, the long and skinny heel of the boot, where our virtual exploration of all things #ItalianFWT… Read more »
February is the Italian Food, Wine and Travel group’s second month climbing Italy. I say climbing because we are working ourselves from the bottom of the boot to the Alps at the top. Our January Sicilian adventures with host Culinary Camilla (link) propelled us to Puglia (Apulia in Italian), the long and skinny heel of the boot, where our virtual… Read more »
Years ago, when I went into a wine store in Chicago where I lived and asked for a Sicilian red wine, I was handed Nero d’Avola. The same thing happened in Northern California some time later, and now in Bordeaux, we get the same. While I enjoy wine made from this grape, I am less of a mainstream person, preferring… Read more »
Seven years and a lot of work, wine, and wine related travels later, he finished in true French style. Let me introduce you to …
Champagne Élodie D. is a sustainable grower producer with plots in Montagne de Reims and a tasting room in Epernay. I’m celebrating with one of her vintage Pinot Noir champagnes today!