Blog Archives
Biodynamics, Voodoo in Your Glass, and Wineries for Aging Hipsters
Have you heard of biodynamics? It’s a holistic system of agriculture founded by the brilliant Ruldof Steiner that has taken a hold in the world of vineyard management and wine production. But it has its detractors who find it to be a lot of hooey. Emblematic of that sentiment is the biodyamic practice of burying [More]
Mike Easton of Il Corvo Pasta: Vermouth Sipping and Vegetable Smacking
This damn fine mandoline work by Mike Easton of Il Corvo Pasta is almost as good as the mandolin playing on “Maggie May”. (Though I find “You Wear it Well” to be the superior song, but I digress). If you don’t have the pleasure of living in Seattle, you are missing out on Mike and [More]
Wine Anxiety, Anti-Juiciness, and Wanton Vintage Disregard
I wouldn’t characterize my friend Amy Pennington as having wine anxiety. First of all, I’m no doctor/sommelier; it’s probably illegal for me to make such a diagnosis. But she certainly is able to articulate questions and concerns that enthusiastic, regular wine drinkers have when they are confronted with miles of shelves crammed with wine. Which [More]
Wine Tasting Events: I Reach My Threshold at 58 Wines
Though I’ve attended numerous (hundreds of) wine tasting events, I still find they can be punishing to you palate. And normally requires a recovery beer afterward, which, incidentally, will be one of the most delicious beers you will ever drink. But why is 58 my limit? Does the 59th wine send me over the edge? [More]
White Port and Pear Conserve: I Learn to Preserve
Hey, wine is for more than just drinking. (Whoa.) For example, have you ever had a White Port and Pear Conserve? (Recipe at the bottom of this post.) Me neither! Fortunately, I am friends with, and live within walking distance from, Brook Hurst Stephens. You may know her from her charming and enthusiastic blog, Learn [More]
Getting to Southern Oregon Wine By Way of Pittsburgh
How much do you know about Southern Oregon Wine? For most people (and myself included), Oregon wine means one grape and one region: Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. But not only are there a great diversity of wines being produced within the Willamette Valley, you can also find many exciting wines made in the [More]
Hipsters, Horses, Skin Contact, and the Wines of Chile
While on a recent blogger trip to sample the wines of Chile, I had the added bonus of seeing a city that really impressed me on my previous visit: Valparaiso. Above the city you can wander the streets and come across all kinds of fascinating graffiti and street art. (Check out my slide show for [More]
Italian Sparkling Wine is Festive and Delightful
What’s all the fuss about Italian sparkling wine, specifically Prosecco, Lambrusco, and Moscato d’Asti? The lastest episode of my Wine Without Worry podcast makes a return trip to Italy to find out. My guest is the charismatic Brian Larky, who I last saw on a January press trip with Jarvis Communications. So who is Brian? [More]
