Stay at home mom, lover of wine
Lately I have been writing about a little of this and a lot of that but not a lot about wine. Lest I forget why many of you started reading, here are some of the highlights of my summer quaffing. 1) Champlain Valley wines. I was pleasantly surprised by what I was tasting. Think cool […]
Read MoreWhen we began planning our trip to Northern California I had visions of my husband and I running off to vineyards, or I would take off on my own for the day. I’d head up the Silverado trail or 37 solo, windows down, music up and not a hair out-of-place when I arrived for my tasting […]
Read MoreA few weeks ago I hosted a dinner party to sample some Petite Sirah that I was graciously sent from members of P.S. I Love You. I chose to limit it to six bottles that night for a few reasons. I feel like that is about the max I can evaluate fairly before palate fatigue sets in and I […]
Read MoreThey have similar backgrounds and similar goals, so it is not surprising that Simi Winery and Chef Kolin Vazzoler make a great pair. Both from Italian heritage, the winery and Chef Kolin focus on producing high quality wines and foods that are sourced locally. Kolin learned about the culinary arts from his mother and grandmother. Now he teaches others in […]
Read MoreWithout question, one of my favorite things about wine is how it brings people together. From harvest to blending, tastings to dinner parties, community is central to the production and enjoyment of wine. One community that has grown around the love of one grape in particular is P.S I Love You. The producers and advocates […]
Read MoreSpring is a time of transitions. Some are surficial: purging closets, boots to sandals. Some are botanical: bud break, the emergence of a crocus. Some are spiritual: an awakening, a yearning. All around, there is a renewed energy, a pull. All week-long I have felt the need to write, a to-do list of pieces that […]
Read MoreThere are some dishes and desserts that can garner fame. My mom has always been an amazing cook. If you know her, and it’s your birthday, you can count on something special. Especially if you like coconut. Mention of her coconut cake causes friends and family to audibly sigh. It is a guaranteed show-stopper, a cake […]
Read MoreToday is Deed Day for the Gundlach Bundschu winery. Last year, in honor of the day, I republished the poem which took first place in their poetry contest in 2011. It was in honor of the family’s history, their growth, and an ode to all farmers, really. This year, I’ll go back to the poem […]
Read MoreLast Sunday we had an afternoon dinner with THOSE friends. You know, the ones. We used to travel to Sonoma together and make Bacchus look like a monk. Those weekends translated into all day food and wine festivals in our own backyards, almost every weekend. Corks flying, pans frying. Until we added to the brood. Now we are […]
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SAHMmelier 