[Wine] Winely WanderingsYou know, sometimes subjects for this wine article don't come easily. I mean, after a while, what's left to write about? But when it comes down to it, does there always have to be one single theme or subject assigned …
‘I Am Not Drinking Merlot!'I don't know if it's residual hype in the wake of the movie "Sideways," or if it's because the medical world has declared that red wine, especially from thin-skinned grapes like Pinot Noir, is good for your heart … but …
BeerTalk: The Belgians Are Coming!Belgian beers are renowned around the world for their excellent quality, complexity and taste, as well as their rich history and the sheer variety of brands and styles available. While there are two major brewery conglomerates in Belgium, InBev and …
Petite Sirah Is No WimpThere has been a long debate about the origin of Petite Sirah, a somewhat obscure grape varietal. It was once said to be related to the great Rhone varietal, Syrah. Later the belief was that it was, in fact, Durif, …
BoozeTalk: Amber VanillaIn the 1840s, "Bourbon" was just a riverside county in Kentucky. Something set the place apart, though: the spirit it sent out of port. So distinct was this amber-hued hooch that downriver drinkers simply called it by the county's name, …
The River Runs Through ItMost everyone is familiar with the names of the big wine regions in California: Napa, Sonoma, Central Coast, etc., but what about the smaller AVAs (Approved Viticultural Areas)? Within Sonoma lies a little AVA called Russian River Valley, which is …
Make It A MedleyPeas and carrots. Broccoli and cauliflower. Tri-colored bell peppers. Sure, I like a good veg medley from time to time, but what I really crave most days is a great wine "medley."
Everything's Turning Up Rose'I've noticed lately that more and more rosé wines are turning up in our market. Around here, most people would see a rosé and write it off immediately as one of those syrupy, sweet blush wines like white zinfandel. Rosés, …
Break Out The SparklersIt has toasted new marriages. It has christened ships before their maiden voyages. It has been raised in honor of those no longer with us. And year after year, it has been guzzled wildly at the very second each new …
House of SpiritsMaking a holiday shopping list can be pretty stressful. Fret not: Wine and spirits are the perfect gift for all of your 21 and older loved ones. I guess it could seem like a bottle of booze is a pretty …
And For Dessert…After a great meal, what's better than something fantastically sweet and decadent? After several courses of salty and savory delights, my palate screams out for sugar, in whatever form I can find it. Of course, I have often been guilty …
Gobble, Gobble, Pass The WineThanksgiving is almost here: Have you planned your menu, yet? More importantly, have you chosen your wine, yet? Wine should be an integral part of any gathering. It can make a festive occasion even more festive, and it can make …
Where In The World?For most of us, the geography of the winemaking world doesn't extend past California, France, Italy and Australia. Those are the big boys, so why would anyone look for wine anywhere else? I'll tell you why: There's fantastic wine to …
The Chardonnay WarsWho among us has never tried a Chardonnay? I would imagine that anyone with even a minor interest in wine has sipped on this rich white varietal at some time or another.
Catch That Northwestern BuzzWhat's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Washington state and Oregon? Is it coffee? Depressing weather? Hippies? Grunge rock and flannel? For me, it's wine. Washington is the second largest producer of fine wines in …