Randall Grahm is one of the coolest winemakers. Not only does he do a ton of experimenting with his Bonny Doon wines, but he has a ton of fun with the names (like the 2013 I’m Not Drinking Any £#ƒ€!¢ Merlot!) and gives them whimsical labels with alien spaceships (full story on that here). He recently launched a crowdfunding … Continue reading
You probably haven’t had a ton of wine from Virgina. Maybe you haven’t even had any. But with over 200 wineries and 7 AVAs, Virginia’s the 7th largest winemaking region in US and the 5th largest wine grape producer (not wine, but wine grapes). A lot of the wine produced there isn’t awesome, but a handful of … Continue reading
Check out this excellent halibut I made! Was so easy too! Just butter and loads of black pepper on the halibut, then roast it over tomato slices and basil leaves. Recipe here but definitely add some fresh basil on top once it’s out of the oven! Perfectly paired with some crisp Sauvignon Blanc. This one … Continue reading
So in the midst of all the Auction madness, every night winemakers host these incredible dinners all over the valley. On Thursday we went to Clif Family Winery, where they love biking almost as much as wine. Their tasting room is full of bike gear, trip photos, delicious little snacks, and of course wine. A … Continue reading
Amazing weekend in Napa! Was there for Auction Napa Valley, which raises money for health and education charities in Napa. Winemakers from Napa Valley Vintners donate tons of their wine – some from the barrel, some finished bottles – and lot of over the top experiences for people to bid on. The weekend unofficially starts with vintner dinners each … Continue reading
Rain rain go away, all of New York wants to rosé. Even if you can’t booze on the balcony, you can take your rosé inside. Or drink under the overhang. Ain’t no stopping you. Continue reading
Steak tartare and Bandol rosé, Monday blues all washed away. Bandol is good for minerally, wild strawberry-ish, and great with food. Or just on its own too, of course! Continue reading
I don’t know what you did last night, but Lady Gaga popped this bottle of Malbec for her fiancé: Being Lady Gaga, she could afford to open almost any bottle int he world. But she chose this $18.99 bottle of Alamos Malbec, the most affordable entry from the Catena family in Mendoza, Argentina. This Malbec … Continue reading
People think Champagne is for Fancy Times, popping it only with caviar, paté, and wedding toasts. And how often is that? Not very. If those are your only usual excuses to drink Champagne, I’m about to give you a lot more. And ones that will rock your palate. Champagne is an excellent food match – it has beautiful … Continue reading
Everyone is over winter. OVER. But there’s nothing like an awesome all-Champagne dinner to brighten your cold and slushy night. Marika Vida-Arnold, the wine director at the Ritz’s Auden Bistro, puts together Phenomenal Femmes wine dinners throughout the year to showcase wines made by women. At yet another fantastic one last week, I had dinner with Maison … Continue reading
