Differentiation-Paso Robles Wines

September 7, 2019.Reading time 10 minutes.

{Photo Courtesy of Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. These wines were shipped as media samples. I received no other compensation.} The beginning of the new school year is a time of gathering. Gathering information, identifying needs, discovering gifts. With a vast array of personalities, interests, backgrounds, and strengths, I have to find a way to […]

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 […]

A Thrilling Ride-Sidecar-G-Force

March 21, 2018.Reading time 2 minutes.

{This wine was provided as a media sample, no other compensation. Thoughts, opinions are my own.} Speed, gravity, acceleration. If you’ve ever been a passenger in a vehicle that takes the curve with gusto, you’ve had a taste of G-force. It requires you to both hold on tight and let go. There is a push/pull […]

Warming up with Washington Wine

January 29, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

It has been unusually cold here this winter. For Austin, that is. While mentioning temps in the 20s and 30s might elicit a guffaw from my friends up north, we are not as equipped here in Texas. We’ve burned a lot of firewood, busted out the scarves, and opened up some big, red wine. Two […]

A Wish at Murrieta’s Well

June 12, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

Wishing for something new in your glass? A unique variety or take on a well-known grape? Toss a coin in Murrieta’s Well and you’re sure to find something delicious. I recently participated in a Snooth Virtual Tasting of Murrieta’s Well wines. I was grateful to be selected, along with several writers from around the country, to […]

Don’t Vie for Me Argentina-Part 1

December 14, 2015.Reading time 5 minutes.

The truth is there is room for both of you. Two wineries, nine bottles, one blend, four finished products. Argentinean wines were the stars around here last week. I participated in a virtual tasting with Santiago Achaval of Achaval-Ferrer and several others. I also opened a few single varietal wines from Rutini Wines. In this two-part […]

Savory and Sassy-Texas Tuesday

September 15, 2015.Reading time 3 minutes.

I have a tendency to hold on to things. A letter (ok, 20) from high school, jeans that MIGHT fit again (cough, cough), and wine. In some circumstances it can be a good thing. After all, the fashion from middle school is coming back around. In others, well, what can I say…I’m sentimental. When it comes to […]

Virginia is for (Wine) Lovers

March 31, 2014.Reading time 3 minutes.

We all know what you’re supposed to do when life hands you lemons. And when life hands you a 40 year old vineyard, you make wine. When Scott and Martha Stinson were looking for a place to retire, they came upon the property which boasts an eighteenth century farmhouse and 12 acres of vines. Scott’s background […]

Greatest Hits of 2012

January 5, 2013.Reading time 3 minutes.

At the end of the year, WordPress sent me a summary of my year. Sort of a year in review for the writer. How many visitors, which posts were the most viewed, et cetera. They invite you to share the information with your readers. At first, I thought, “How Silly. That is like Justin Bieber releasing […]