Falling for the Wines of Alto Adige – Südtirol

October 25, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

{These wines were provided as media samples by Teuwen Communications. I received no other compensation. Thoughts and opinions are my own.} Sometimes transitions are gradual. A slow cooling, mild warming. A gradual shift in elevation yields a barely discernible change in fauna. In other parts of the world, the shift is dramatic, palpable. Alto Adige-Südtirol, […]

Art, Wine, and a Wonderful Time-William Chris Vineyards-#TXwine

October 17, 2018.Reading time 8 minutes.

I got pulled into something else yesterday, so instead of Texas Tuesday, it is Texas Wednesday. Which works since it is #TexasWineMonth! We’ve had a lot of rain here in Central Texas this fall. I mean A LOT. Like crazy, dangerous flooding amounts. So when schedules aligned with the forecast, two friends and I decided […]

Travel Beyond Texas at Tillie’s Restaurant

September 21, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

I was invited to this dinner as press but no other compensation was provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own. Photos are mine unless otherwise noted. A short distance off 290, past the town of Dripping Springs, you’ll find one of the state’s premier wedding venues. But the inspiration for the venue came from much […]

The Fruits of their Labor-2018 Harvest-Part 1 #TXTuesday

September 18, 2018.Reading time 12 minutes.

It is a culmination of the year’s efforts. It is letting out a sigh of relief that the fruit has weathered the climatic challenges. It is digging in deep, finding the stamina needed in the coming days, weeks. It is harvest. While many fields have been picked, others are still swarming with laborers. Each day, […]

Hills and Valleys-Pt. 4-Vista Hills Vineyard

September 18, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

{This is part 4 in a series of our visit to the Willamette Valley last summer.} It can be challenging to visit wineries with a big group. It can be challenging to visit with children. It can be challenging to visit with aging parents (mine, at least.) So, what to do when you check all […]

Hills and Valleys-Part 3-ROCO Winery

August 27, 2018.Reading time 12 minutes.

This series covers highlights from my visit to the Willamette Valley last summer. See the previous posts for travel tips and tastings. My first educational introduction to Willamette Valley wines came when Rollin Soles held a tasting at the Red Room in Austin. He poured a few Pinot Noir to compare and share about the […]

Hills and Valleys-Part 2-Willamette Valley

July 6, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

{This is part two in a series documenting our trip to the Willamette Valley last year. The previous post highlights the coast and McMinnville, Elizabeth Chambers.} The house we rented was located in Sherwood, an immaculate equestrian property fully stocked for a large group and entertaining. When we arrived in early August of 2017, the […]

Hills and Valleys-Oregon-Part 1

July 5, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

We gathered in the golden hills to celebrate a golden anniversary. Fifty years of commitment and compromise. Fifty years of trials and triumphs. Fifty years of love. We chose the Willamette Valley because we wanted a place with beautiful views, temperate climate, and a comfortable home to gather. After my experience at Pinot in the […]

Albariño Shines in Summer-#AccessAlbariño

June 1, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

What do you seek in a white wine? Do you crave acidity or creaminess? Tropical or stone fruits? Aromatics? Salinity? Do you want a little weight to your wine or do you like to keep it light? What if you could find all of these qualities in one region, in one grape? I recently participated […]