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.

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 […]

Bonne Année-Crémant for your New Years’ Celebration

December 31, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

{These wines were provided as media samples with no other compensation. Opinions are my own.} At this time of year, articles on sparkling wine are as plentiful and pervasive as the bubbles in the bottle. But I will throw one more at you, specifically focused on three diverse examples from one region. No, not Champagne. […]

A 14k Gold Glue Gun?-Thoughts from a Room Parent

December 20, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

I debated long and hard about whether or not to brave the box store at this time of year. I approached with trepidation. How long are the lines going to be? How many mom’s are sweating, racing up and down aisles trying to get the last package of googly eyes? Why the cautious approach? It […]

Affordable Elegance-Côtes de Bordeaux

December 16, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

{Wines provided as media samples. I received no other compensation. Thoughts, opinions are my own.} You’re having a party for 30 of your closest friends. They know you’re a wine lover. You know you’re a wine lover. You want to provide wines that will impress but not break the bank. You need elegant wine at […]

As Easy as Pie, or Charcuterie-Envy Apples Sweepstakes and Recipe

December 16, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

{This is a sponsored post for which I will be compensated. Thoughts and opinions are my own} My mom’s apple pie was legendary. It is a recipe I mastered early on and one for which I have received many compliments and a few marriage proposals. One of my earliest memories is of going to the […]

Travel Plans for the Holidays?-Dave Phinney Location Wines

December 13, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

{These wines were provided as media samples. No other compensation, thoughts are my own.} What are your travel plans for the holidays? Someplace exotic? Or do you lean toward the traditional? There is something to be said for both approaches. The same can be said when choosing wines. Perhaps you like to walk on the […]

A Patch in the Hills-Ferzo Wines

December 5, 2018.Reading time 2 minutes.

{These wines were provided as media samples, no other compensation. Thoughts are my own.} Yesterday, I highlighted an Italian grape and a less well-known white from the Hill Country of Texas. Today, we look at an obscure white and the same Italian grape, grown in the hilly region of origin. On the east coast of […]