Yearly Archives: 2015

Getting to Know Nocera: A Visit to Sicily’s Capo Milazzo

One of the delights of Sicily, and Italy in general, is the sheer amount of unfamiliar wine grapes you come across. This was no exception while on a media trip with Palm Bay International to visit all six of Planeta‘s properties on the island. My first full day introduced me to the Nocera (No-CHAIR-a) grape, [More]

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Eating and Drinking in New York City: Corkbuzz and Fung Tu

Hey there. I was in New York City and had two notable eating and drinking experiences. (Well, eating and eating and drinking.) The first was at Corkbuzz Chelsea Market. It’s a nice stop for happy hour amidst the teeming market throngs pre- or post-High Line. Which is a must-do in New York. (Here are some [More]

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How to Pair Wine With Figs and Cheese

I was sent a powerhouse of a care package courtesy of Valley Fig Growers. Four fig spreads paired with four cheeses plus a lovely piece of slate to show off all this goodness on? Damn! Thank you. Naturally, as I began to unpack and snack, my thoughts turned to wine and what would work with [More]

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Tin Barn Vineyards Syrah Vertical: The Power of Decanting

I was sent four bottles of Tin Barn Vineyards Syrah, specifically from the Coryelle Fields Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast, for my sampling pleasure. As it was an unreasonably (yes, I meant to say that…also, unseasonably) warm summer in Seattle, I waited until there was a bit of a chill in the air that would permit me [More]

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Washington Cider: A Visit to Seattle Cider Company and Nashi Orchards

Recently took a media tour focused on cider in the Seattle area. And recorded my thoughts on a couple stops via conversations with my podcast producer, Tina Nole. She’s also at the helm of Seattle Kitchen, where you can hear our cider chats. Our first is on a bus post-visit to Seattle Cider Company in SoDo. [More]

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Morellino di Scansano: Drinking Sangiovese in Florence

Hi! I am still in Italy, because I could not leave. Stay tuned for a lot more on Sicily, but right now I’m chilling in an apartment in the Sant’Ambrogio area of Florence. And was welcomed by the owner of this place with a half bottle of Morellino di Scansano. Here’s a view from my [More]

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Around Sicily in Four Days: Preview My Planeta Wine Journey

A quick post to let you know that I am headed back to Sicily. As I’ve said before, when it comes to wine there is no place more exciting than Sicily right now. I’m traveling there on a media trip with Palm Bay International to visit the properties of Planeta. Here’s where I’ll be: La Beronia, [More]

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Seven Hills Winery: Inside Washington Wine With Erik McLaughlin (Podcast)

Ever travel to Texas to have a conversation about Walla Walla, Washington? That was the case when I attended TEXSOM, a fantastic and wildly informative educational wine conference, and took some time to speak with Erik McLaughlin. He’s the Vice President of Seven Hills Winery, a historic name in Walla Walla when it comes to [More]

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