Italy is by far my Happy Place. Not only am I 100% Italian, but it’s known for la dolce vita. That literally means the sweet life, and is basically just all about kicking’ it and enjoying life. Many an evening has been passed sipping an apertivo in a piazza, or eating the best [fill in … Continue reading
People might associate Spring Break with body shots and beer, but grapefriends know the real meaning: awesome spring wines to break open! So many good ones to sip on while we transition from vile winter to blissful summer. white pinot noir Oh yes, this exists and it’s so cool! And you’ve actually had it before … Continue reading
Roses are nice, but I’d be way more in love with anyone who gave me a bouquet of rosés instead. And these three all cheaper than a dozen roses! Win win win. Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Crémant is one of my favorite Champagne alternatives: just as good, more than half the cost. This all-Pinot Noir … Continue reading
Hopefully you’ve had your fair share of fizz this holiday season. But if you haven’t, you’ve got one more night to unleash those corks from their cages and into your glass (and then continue for the next 364 days…) The conundrum of New Year’s Eve is always what to pop. Hanging with a small group? Definitely … Continue reading
For most people, Christmas is the big day and that’s when you have your feast. I don’t really know what they eat on Christmas Eve, but in our Italian family that’s our big night and we have the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes. In the past we didn’t always have seven, but in recent years we’ve revived … Continue reading
Happy Winter Solstice! The shortest day of the year means the longest night getting your grape on by the fire. Let’s get those heavy reds poppin! Cab, southern Rhones, Sicilian reds like Nero d’Avola, Monastrell from Toro. What’s your winter time fave? Continue reading
It’s the holidays, so of course no one at all is over-indulging. Especially not with drinks or sweets. Yep, me neither. So I went to a dinner for Luberon wines, where we only had 7 wines and 13 desserts. Luberon is a small region in the southern Rhone valley in France. Southern Rhone wines (like … Continue reading
My tree’s up!!! Fizzmas has officially begun! Posts will be coming with Fizzmas fun, but for now I’m enjoying the sight of so many non-popped bubblies of all kinds – Champagne, sparkling, Crémant, Prosecco… What’s your favorite? Continue reading
Tonight’s fizzy accompaniment: Prosecco! Let’s get this popping. Continue reading
And this is what it looks like: Along with fireplacing. Tonight’s Pinot is a 2009 La Rochelle – Santa Lucia Highlands is such a good Pinot area. Cheers! Continue reading
