Aquilini Wines and Man’s Best Friend

July 16, 2021.Reading time 4 minutes.

The Red Mountain AVA in Yakima Valley, Washington is typically known for its cabernet sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties. Where you find world class cabernet sauvignon, you’re likely to find equally refined sauvignon blanc. I recently sat in on a virtual tasting with Robert Larsen and Rusty Eddy of Wine and Spirits Spoken Here to learn […]

A Return to Sonoma, Virtually-Part 1

April 28, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

There are always gifts in trials. And this is one with unprecedented trials, and unexpected gifts. I miss my students, but am grateful for the extra time with my own children. I miss baseball, and drinks with friends, and browsing stores, but am grateful for the slower pace and virtual reunions. Teaching virtually means a […]

Vina Vita- Kuhlman Cellars

February 22, 2020.Reading time 5 minutes.

I’ve sat down to write many times over the last five months, unsure of where to begin. The changes around here have led to unexpected understandings. Those understandings, new peace. That peace, challenged by change. I’ve missed my time here. I’ve missed the time to delve into wine discoveries, mid-week jaunts to the Hill Country, […]

Side Projects-Six Ridges Series by Kenwood

May 14, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

{Media Samples provided for review. No other compensation. Thoughts, opinions are my own.} Can someone explain how we are already at the end of the school year? I’ve been lax on posting as of late, and not because I’ve been relaxing but because life seems to have been on fast-forward. My focus has been on […]

What’s Coming in #TXwine?-Part 3-Texas Tuesday

April 23, 2019.Reading time 6 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. I continued with a stop at Fall Creek in Tow. This week, we continue Texas Tuesday with Spicewood Vineyards in Spicewood, Texas. Our final stop on the 2019 Roll Out […]

I Survived…The Great Renovation of 2019

April 8, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

Surely I wasn’t the only one. When the kids were younger, it would be just to get out of the house. We’d hit the dollar section and spend a good 45 minutes debating between treasures The bedazzled tiara with a Disney character or the sticky wall crawling spider or the ball that lights up when […]

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?” […]