On our first day in Argentina, we went to Nieto in Luján de Cuyo, which is in northern Mendoza. They make a ton of Malbec (obv, since that’s what Mendoza is known for) but also some good Bonarda and Torrontes among a few others. One cool thing was to see how they train some vines … Continue reading
It was the wrong day to wear a dress. We got to the coastal Leyda Vineyards in San Antonio, Chile and the morning fog had become the afternoon fog so it was freezing. Usually fog dissipates by noon but it hadn’t. We started to chat about the Pinot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc they specialize in. … Continue reading
Most winemakers try to figure out what’s the best kind of grape to grow in each particular vineyard. Terra Noble in Casablanca was telling us that’s what they’ve taken pains to do, taking into account the climate, soil, slope and everything else that goes into the concept of terroir. “Everything in its right place,” they … Continue reading
I love a good truck ride through a vineyard. Today: Viña Ventisquero in the Apalta Valley. Our rickety truck provided us with insane views and dust in every crevice of our bodies. (I kept singing that Kings of Leon song “dusty, oh dustyyyy” in my head the whole time.) Sergio the winemaker showed us how … Continue reading
It’s harvest time all around the land (well, the northern land), and Stoller Wines in Dundee Hills, Oregon, was busy picking their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay when I was there last weekend. It’s an amazing time to visit a winery, and here are just a few reasons why: 1 They play Eminem in the tank … Continue reading
Just a little Friday fun. I love the “DESERT – THIRSTY” part! So where would you most want to live based on imbibing? Grapefriend would clearly have to reside in Europe. Continue reading
Happy Labor Day, the day of no labor! And to all these people being like, “It’s the end of summer!” and “Here comes fall!”: you are all quitters. Weather will still be good for crispy whites, rooftop rose drinking, and other outdoor summer shenanigans for at least another month. SUMMER FOREVER! Continue reading
It’s been a bit muggy in NYC these past few days, and really that’s just sort of perfect weather for acidic whites. It’s like all that acid cuts through the humidity and refreshes you. So last night’s Riesling Extravaganza was pretty great, since we had 6 German Rieslings from David Rosengarten’s wine import collection. David’s … Continue reading
A lot of discussion is devoted to the best food and wine pairings. Who knew that some of the best are just when you put wine right on the food? Recently I went to a dinner where they put some Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand right on oysters. When it comes to oysters, I’m usually … Continue reading
It was only a matter of time before a little company like Apple would want a piece of grapefriend. We’re both fruits after all, and apparently they’ve been very influenced by what’s been going on here. So much so that they’re probably making their next iPhone Champagne-colored. Now obviously there are lots of rumors that … Continue reading
