Reflections on 2014-Part 1

January 2, 2015.Reading time 9 minutes.

In Wine and War, Don and Petie Kladstrup, illustrate a point that resonates with me on my path of wine discovery and enjoyment. “One of the greatest wines we have ever tasted was 1905 Grand Vin de Chateau Latour. It was exquisite, absolutely mind-boggling, but what made the experience even more special was being able to share it […]

More Last Minute Gifts: Central Market Wine

December 24, 2014.Reading time 12 minutes.

We all have our favorite stores, or if you are like me, you have favorite stores for different types of shopping. I like one store for staples, another for grass-fed beef, yet another for when I need a combination of staples and epicurean novelties. When it comes to grocery stores for choosing wines, my favorite […]

Nothing Provincial about Provençal Pink

November 5, 2014.Reading time 5 minutes.

Grapefruit, peach, salmon: whichever shade of pink, rosé is fabulous all year around. Whatever you’re serving, there is a hue for you. Those were the major takeaways from a recent Wines of Provence lunch held at Arro here in Austin which featured wines chosen by Master Sommelier Craig Collins. And I enjoyed every drop of […]

Hye-lights from the Weekend

October 29, 2014.Reading time 5 minutes.

I probably don’t have to tell you that doing a cleanse is NOT conducive to wine writing. Three weeks without wine means that I was not the only thing drying out. My apologies for being quiet as of late. Just when I was ready to open some wine and dine on grains, I was delayed […]

Around the World in 80 wines-Tour de Vin

September 20, 2014.Reading time 4 minutes.

The sky was not all that was pouring in Austin on Thursday night. The 12th annual Tour de Vin sponsored by The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas at The W Hotel in Austin. Guests enjoyed dozens of wines and food from some of Austin’s finest restaurants. Navigating this much yum in one evening can be challenging. It […]

Forming a Theory with Help from Mia Wines

June 18, 2014.Reading time 6 minutes.

I may have a cure for the Texas Hill Country drought. It requires wine, food, wonderful people, and a great deal of planning, but if we work together, I think we can pull this off. So far, I am two for two on the Wine event:Torrential rainstorm ratio. Last month, after the Dry Creek event, I […]

“Congratulations, You’ve Been…”

May 28, 2014.Reading time 4 minutes.

This morning I heard the news that we lost a woman of incredible valor. I’ve absorbed her words, envied her confidence, and admired the grace with which she conducted herself. I had intended to share some news today, but it somehow felt inappropriate. And then I read this quote shared on Oprah Winfrey’s site. She […]

Calling my Name- Bodegas Protos

April 26, 2014.Reading time 3 minutes.

Wait, did you hear that? Oh, there it is again! It happens every time I’ve opened a bottle from Ribera del Duero. It is Spain calling my name. It’s been happening more lately. Maybe the voice is getting louder and more persistent, but the voice is balanced and never too much. They are lively little wines. Zesty, […]

B.L.A.C.(K) Friday

November 29, 2013.Reading time 4 minutes.

…or what I’ve been drinking this week. I don’t shop this weekend. But I do enjoy wine, so I thought I’d share my own version of “Black Friday.” The only wines I could think of that begin with a K are either bigger producers or ones that I haven’t had in while so forgive the […]