Author: SAHMmelier

Being a stay- at-home mom can leave one thirsting for a taste of the outside world, a world in which sentences are composed of more than three words. Being an educator means one is always seeking an opportunity to explore and learn. Being a woman with a need to connect can be a challenge when adult conversations are rare. In wine, I find the marriage of art and science, agriculture and storytelling provides limitless areas to explore. But it is the people that keep me engaged. The tenacity needed to keep the family dream alive, the risk to start anew, the trials and principles. I love the history of the vine, the impact of a season, the sentiment in the bottle. That is why I write. I write to tell their stories, to share a piece of mine. I write to learn as I teach others. I write to connect with new friends, to disconnect from the world. I write to celebrate what makes each of us unique, and that which ties us together.

Summer Salmon,Two Ways

June 17, 2015.Reading time 4 minutes.

School’s…out…for summer! Somehow I tried to believe that I, too, was now “off.” I have to admit: I’ve been a little casual about cleaning and a little last-minute lazy in the kitchen. But aren’t I allowed? I always try to keep it simple, even more so now. Throw something on the grill (or let my husband). Turn […]

Balance, Bubbles, and Bertolucci

June 10, 2015.Reading time 5 minutes.

Nearly two decades ago, a film set in the Tuscan countryside provided my first wine-related epiphany. Not through her teenage prattle or any life-changing plot, but through one scene in particular. The rich golden rays on a rustic table, wildflowers and clinking glasses, laughter and debate beneath the branches. I remember so clearly thinking: THAT. […]

Picnic with Portugal-Memorial Day Wines

May 22, 2015.Reading time 3 minutes.

You’ve been invited to a BBQ or a picnic this weekend with 20 of your closest acquaintances. You know them, but not well enough to know their taste in wine. Do they drink wine? Are they REALLY into wine? You want something nice, but not too nice. Interesting, but approachable. Something that goes with a wide variety of […]

Friday Fancy Ticklers

May 15, 2015.Reading time 4 minutes.

Sometimes I have products I want to share that have nothing to do with wine. Some are samples, some are finds, all are current obsessions. Ok maybe not full-fledged obsessions, but they certainly tickle my fancy. Evan Healy Face Products I already loved the mask, a recommendation from a friend, so when they were sampling the […]

Gifts that Matter on Mother’s Day

May 9, 2015.Reading time 4 minutes.

My favorites gifts have always been those which cannot be wrapped. They are gifts that say, “I see you. I am listening.” They may or may not come on any appointed day, but their value is intrinsic and enduring. I have been in several stores this week and, everywhere you look, there are marketing sections centered around Mother’s Day. […]

Secrets and Privileges on Cinco de Mayo

May 5, 2015.Reading time 10 minutes.

If you were hoping for margarita recipes, I’ve got you covered over here. This Cinco de Mayo, I am reviewing two hotels from our recent stay over the border. We made it. Ten years is big milestone and to celebrate we went on our first trip alone since having the littles. We headed south to […]

Radicc-ulous Salad-Monday Wines

May 4, 2015.Reading time 4 minutes.

I don’t mean to brag, but I have been given the title of the “Salad Queen.” I know, you’re jealous. I am sure it is not exclusive, so no need to panic. You, too, can be given that accolade by your significant other. In all seriousness, I love to make salads. I don’t plan in advance […]

Taste the Memory- Brunello di Montalcino and Snooth Virtual Tasting

April 27, 2015.Reading time 3 minutes.

I had been once before. My parents and I weaved and wandered through Umbria to the hills of Tuscany. It was the year 2000. They carefully planned our route to highlight loves from their previous visit. Assisi, Montepulciano, to Montalcino. We nibbled on Ricciarelli as we combed the cobbled streets. Although we visited a few […]

Hye-ly Inspired-Texas Tuesday

April 21, 2015.Reading time 5 minutes.

When the blue beckons, one must answer. If you have not experienced the sea of bluebonnets in the spring in Texas, put it on your bucket list. This year was truly spectacular. We discovered the ultimate spot a few years ago when we were camping at LCRA’s Muleshoe Bend. I have kept it quiet as […]