Blog Archives

Discover Grosgrain, A Very Cool Walla Walla Winery for Fun Fizz and More

Back in October I spent five idyllic days visiting wineries in Walla Walla, Washington. It had been a few years since my last trip, so I wanted to balance visiting some favorite spots with checking out new places. Regarding the latter, at the top of my list was Grosgrain Vineyards. Was I originally lured by [More]

Posted in Washington | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Wow, These Are Some Killer Washington Wines

I went to a “Meet the Makers” Visit Seattle event at Filson’s flagship NYC store in Union Square  and soaked in the idyllic and nostalgic Pacific Northwest vibe. One of the highlights, of course, was the selection of Washington State wines available to sample. And I have to say, I was fairly gobsmacked by many [More]

Posted in Washington | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Washington Red Wine Blends Podcast

Its a time of the year when my thoughts are dominated by white wine and rosé. Particularly since it’s going to be 90 degrees and humid in Brooklyn…again. But that doesn’t mean I can’t take time out of my sweltering day to speak about Washington red wine blends. On the latest episode of the What [More]

Posted in Washington | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Do You Know Petit Verdot?

Primarily used as a component in Bordeaux-style blends, Petit Verdot could use a champion or three. I found a trio of winemakers who take this grape beyond the blend, making it the star of the show. My first article for SevenFifty Daily takes a look at Petit Verdot through three winemakers: Kevin Morrisey, Ehlers Estate, [More]

Posted in red wine | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Seven Hills Winery Rosé Makes Cabernet Franc The Star

I am a huge fan of Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley. Many bottles are in my Hall of Fame, including one that’s probably in my Top Ten reds, ever. It’s a rising star on another continent, in a different guise, and what might seem a surprising state. Yes, Washington. Enter the Seven Hills Winery Rosé. [More]

Posted in rosé | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Considering Music and the Winery Tasting Room Experience

Do you find the tasting room experience a bit staid? Full of laminated PDFs and the drone-like reciting of a wine’s purported qualities by robotic employees. Yeah, I’ve been there. (Though, thankfully it’s the exception not the norm.) One way to bring a little sizzle to the setting? Music. It sets a mood and a tone. [More]

Posted in podcast | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Judging Washington Wine: The Boeing Winemakers Club

I have the pleasure of once again judging Washington wine at the Boeing Employees Wine and Beer Makers Club (BEWBC) Winefest. The BEWBC has been going for over 40 years strong, and many members are now making and selling their wines commercially: Nota Bene Cellars, Willis Hall Wines, and Cadence Winery were all founded by [More]

Posted in foodista, Washington | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Thoughtful Washington Wine Pairings in Edible Seattle: The Cookbook

It probably comes as no surprise that Edible Seattle: The Cookbook (edited by Jill Lightner) is full of great recipes centered on local ingredients and the local cooks and chefs who bring them to your table. I also enjoy its readability beyond the recipes, with charming and informative introductions to each recipe, tips on cooking [More]

Posted in cider, cookbooks, Washington | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment