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.

A Charming Appellation-Gigondas

April 5, 2019.Reading time 5 minutes.

{Wines were provided as media samples, no other compensation. Thoughts are my own.} When I began enjoying wine, I’d extend my trips to the store by perusing the wine aisles. Perhaps I’d enjoyed a specific wine and wanted to find out more about the producer. Sometimes it was a new grape. I’d find the section […]

What’s Coming in #TXwine?-Part 2-Texas Tuesday

March 26, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

I previously shared about our first stop on the “en primeur” media tasting of barrel tastings in the Texas Hill Country at Wedding Oak Winery. This week, we continue with Texas Tuesday in Tow, Texas. For our next stop on the Roll Out the Barrel Tour, we went back to the root of the Hill […]

What’s Coming in #TXwine?-Part 1-Texas Tuesday

March 12, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

Last Monday I had the privilege of participating in the 4th annual Roll Out the Barrel Tour which provided an en primeur tasting at three wineries in Texas Hill Country. This was my second year to participate and while the format was the same, there were some new experiences to go with the new wines. […]

Discovering Michigan Wine-#Winestudio

February 27, 2019.Reading time 6 minutes.

During the month of February, #Winestudio’s guests were members of the Michigan Wine Collaborative. The member-run organization includes growers, producers, suppliers, educators and more. Together, they provided an insider’s view of the industry and samples for participants. The non-profit’s mission is clear: To enhance the sustainability and profitability of the Michigan wine industry by supporting […]

Baby of Mine

February 22, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

“Would you like a song tonight?” I wonder if he heard the catch in my breath as I asked. I did. Each night, I wonder if it will be the last time. I’ve sung “Baby Mine” about 2,700 times. That’s not an exaggeration. For years, he hasn’t been able to settle into slumber without it. […]

When Did I Become Such a Cynic?

February 13, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

I’ve been staring at the computer off and on all afternoon. Trying to tie in a wine review, find a new fuzzy angle or a sweet story to share. But this year the cynic in me is cutting off every idea at the pass. The cynic whispers, “Is that really what you want to say?” […]

We have a Winner!- 2019 Somms Under Fire

January 28, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

{I was provided with a media pass for this event. Thoughts, opinions are my own.} Each year, the number of events highlighting food and wine in Austin seems to grow exponentially. Each year, this is an event that stands out. As Devon Brogile and June Rodil explained and introduced the event, Rodil mentioned that there […]

An Envy-able Experience-#CookingwithEnvy at Central Market

January 22, 2019.Reading time 7 minutes.

Sponsored post-I will be compensated for writing this post and my fee for the class was paid for by Envy apples. Thoughts and opinions are my own. I’m a little bit crunchy. Reading labels, seeking natural remedies, careful of what I put in and on my body. I’ve been asked to write about products before […]

Want to get Inside the Head of a Sommelier?-2019 Somms Under Fire

January 20, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

If you love good wine, good food, and good company, Somms Under Fire next Sunday is a not-to-be-missed event. Each year, three top Sommeliers from around the country compete as dozens more support through volunteering at this event. Three courses, prepared by local chefs are served, paired with wines in competitive fashion. Once a wine […]