What are a couple great wines to enjoy while sitting at a picnic table in the late afternoon sun? I have a couple picks for you. But first, where am I? I’m relaxing outside in the backyard of a Seattle neighborhood home, getting ready to record an episode of my Wine Without Worry podcast with [More]
Gruner Veltliner and Beyond: Diving into Austrian Wine
Confession time. I’ve probably been saying “Gruner Veltliner” wrong or with a tragic American affectation for years. So what?!? I know how to drink it. But this signature (white) wine grape of Austria is much more complex than my simplistic pronunciation of it. It can be light and racy, perfect poured liberally from a one-liter [More]
Uproot Wines: Can You Hear the Colorful Labels?
As you know, I am fascinated not just by wine but also the labels that adorn each bottle. You might say I suffer from, or rather revel in, Label Lust. Also, who else could corral five fantastic graphic designers to critique a wine label? Answer: No one. (Duh.) So when Clive Pursehouse, he of the [More]
Fairview and Spice Route: Discovering the Wines of South Africa
Six years ago I got the chance to travel around the wine country of South Africa, which is not too far from Cape Town, with Vineyard Brands. They’re a company that imports numerous wines from South Africa and other countries. So it’s wonderful to circle back to that visit by chatting with Jean-Baptiste Cristini, who’s [More]
Six-Pack of 2012 California Chardonnay: Butterfly Kisses, Creamsicles
Did you once love California Chardonnay, but were dismayed by too much toasty oak and buttery bombast? Yeah, me too. I turned my back on the white wines that weaned me during the salad days of my drinking. But now I’ve returned. And I’m finding that I like oak on my Chardonnay. I just don’t [More]
Getting to Know California Chardonnay With Its First Family: Wente Vineyards
The Wine Without Worry podcast is back! And I’m excited to announce the show’s sponsor, Wente Vineyards. As a way to welcome them to the program, I welcome Carolyn Wente as a guest. She’s not only the CEO but also a fourth generation winegrower. And since The Wentes are known as California’s First Family of [More]
Digital Magazine: The Wine Without Worry Guide To Thirsty Reading
I know you want a recipe for Garam Masala Caramel Corn. And to find out what sparkling wine is the perfect match. Done and done. Discover this dynamic duo of food and wine that kicks off the second edition of my digital magazine: “The Wine Without Worry Guide to Thirsty Reading“. It contains my thoughts [More]
