Yearly Archives: 2013
Practice WMO: Washington Merlot Optimization
As a blogger, the concept of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) lords over my world. Write a post title and a few keyword mentions that will get the attention of the Google. And, hey, it makes sense. Don’t you want to write about things that people are actually searching for? (If you want to get geeky [More]
Red Wine on a Hot Summer Day? There’s Only One Way
I thought I’d never drink red wine on a hot summer day until I walked into Sun Liquor Lounge in Seattle and asked their ace bar manager, Chelsea, to make me something with Mezcal. The refreshing, well-chilled cocktail she came up with sneaks in some red wine in the form of a artful float atop [More]
The Wines of South Australia Provide a Rich and Lingering Experience
When I say “wines of South Australia“, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Probably Shiraz, right? From legendary old-vine versions that garnish media accolades to mega-brands, it’s hard not to equate South Australia (and all of Australia, for that matter) with Shiraz. But Australia is a huge country, and even within the [More]
Grandma’s Quilt, Saginaw, MI, and Maculan Brentino
Lately I’ve been marveling at this quilt that belonged to my Grandma. It’s something I’m sure she made, but a recent (less than 24 hours ago) conversation with my Mom opened the door to the possibility it was made by my great-Grandma. Regardless, it’s a treasure of a family heirloom. Each colorful hexagon is made [More]
What’s That 3% Syrah Doing in Your Wine?
Every time you buy a wine that’s a blend of grapes and see something along the lines of: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon/20% Merlot/10% Cabernet Franc/3% Syrah, do you wonder, “What does that 3% Syrah really do?” I mean, 10%, I can see that being a factor, but 3%? Why bother? Why not just make the blend [More]
Wine, Flash Cards, Cut Garden Hose, and The Documentary “SOMM”
Would you spend five years studying for an exam you only had a five percent chance of passing? If you’re trying to become a Master Sommelier, of which there are less than 200 in the world, you voice your dream with one word: “YES”. My guest on the Wine Without Worry podcast is Jason Wise, [More]
A Sweet Wine From Argentina Has Me Breathing Heavy
Ok, maybe it just wasn’t a remarkably intriguing sweet wine from Argentina that had me breathing heavy. It also could have been that I was in Aspen for a spell (courtesy of a trip sponsored by Terrazas de los Andes) and trying to acclimate to being at 7,908 feet. Luckily there was some oxygen provided for [More]
10 Fascinating Things I Learned at a Sherry Seminar
I have a truckload of learning to do when it comes to sherry. Thankfully, I had the pleasure of attending a recent-ish sherry seminar featuring a wide range of styles from one producer, Lustau. Presented by Drake McCarthy of Europvin, it had me madly scribbling notes. Like port, sherry is a fortified wine. And, additionally, [More]
