Today, Thursday, May 25th is National Wine Day. I know; it’s not a real holiday. It’s more like a Cinco de Mayo holiday. The citizens of Mexico don’t celebrate Cinco de Mayo. And even Mexican-Americans are probably like, okay so these gringos have started recognizing this minor battle in Mexican history. If it’s so...
Santa Barbara Wine Blogger Conference Attendee
Champagne Tastes on a Sparkling Wine Budget
Champagne Alternatives Champagne, the original sparkling wine is produced only in the same-named region in France. It is made using the traditional Méthode Champenoise process. This is what gives it those tiny bubbles. Sparkling wine producers from other countries or regions are prohibited from using the term Champagne. In America, eighty percent of Champagne...
Malbec World Day
Celebrate Malbec In the late 1990s, none of my wine drinking friends had heard of Malbec, let alone tasted it. I had discovered this deliciously fruity wine with a wonderful flavor profile, and a price tag that was too low to believe. It tasted as though it should costs much more. But then in...
Wine Basics – Chardonnay
Mastering Wine Basics This is the first of a three-part series on mastering wine basics. Many people love wine but feel awkward ordering it at restaurants or buying it at the store. Unfortunately, wine is perceived as complicated. Relax. There’s no need to feel intimidated. Wine is all about having fun. You don’t need...
Understanding Champagne Labels
Reading Champagne Labels I was at the store in the wine section looking for some sparkling wines. It was Valentine’s Day and a man asked me what he should get his sweetie, as though I knew her drinking tastes. Or maybe he thinks all women like the same sparkling wines. Anyway, I politely asked...