Winey Tasting Notes: Big Churn Chardonnay
There is a certain level of trust that I share with The Winey Daughter. I trust that she will tell me if I need to change parts – or all – of an outfit. I trust she will alert me if I have spinach in my teeth. I trust that she will never ever ever forget to send me her birthday/Christmas list (the two days are not far apart, so it’s normally a massive list). I also trust that she can listen to my description in a phone call and buy me a yummy bottle of wine.
Winey Tasting Notes: Barefoot Bright & Breezy
I decided it was time to give some of these “lighter” wines a try. I started off with two that were readily available to me: Barefoot Wines Bright and Breezy Chardonnay and Rosé.
Winey Tasting Notes: Meiomi Red Blend
I fully admit that I am a sucker for red blends. I mean, I have had such wonderful experiences with them! How can you go wrong if you take a bunch of wonderful reds and mix ’em together? Ok, it’s a LOT more complicated than that, but in my humble opinion, a red blend brings out the best in each wine used to make it.
Winey Tasting Notes: Invitation Wines by Chateau Souverain Chardonnay
That’s my story with Invitation Wines by Chateay Souverain. I have seen it in grocery stores, wine stores and big box stores alike. So I finally pulled to cork and decided to try some. I was in the mood for white wine, the Chardonnay was staring me in the cart, so I grabbed some.
Winey Tasting Notes: Oliver Winery Lemon Moscato
The wine in question is Oliver Winery and Vineyard’s Lemon Moscato (Indiana, 6.8 AB, NV). I have been a big fan of the winery for a while now, having my first sip of one of their wines over a decade ago.
A concert, some fireworks and Dark Horse Pinot Grigio
This is such a refreshing wine – as well as a very easy sipping wine. (Hint: keep it as cold as you are able – the flavors really shine that way.)
The Winey Hubby’s golf haul: Cavit Pinot Grigio
Let’s start with a simple fact: The Winey Hubby is a golfer. According to him though, he never golfs enough and never golfs well. “It was ok (meaning his game).” And then later he’ll mention the three birdies in a row he got on the back 9. Whatever. Aside from the golf games with his…
Missing Canada with Henry of Pelham Rosé
So sure, we’re all getting back to normal-ish now that COVID vaccines are rolling out. The Winey Family has traveled to the Winey Son’s wedding (more on that to come), our neighborhood is having summer get-togethers again, maskne is starting to clear up (kind of). But there is one thing that has not gone back…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Naughty Wine Name Series: Ménage à Trois Rosé
I like a wine with a name that can make you do a double take – or a giggle. And I do have fun with wines that have somewhat naughty names. Ménage à Trois is one of them. In fact, the first time I tried it (You can read about it by clicking here) I…
Winey Tasting Notes: Target’s Wine Cubes
Go ahead and shake your head and say – wine in a box? Really? Yes really. I have nothing against the container that my vino comes in, as long as the wine itself is good. And really, haven’t we all been told not to judge a book by its cover? Same thing with wine. One…
Winey Tasting Notes: New Favorite Alert….Bogle Chardonnay
You know those wines that you can always count on? The ones that are so good no matter how many times you taste them? The ones that you can safely order when someone at the table says, “You’re the wine expert, what should we get?” (I don’t care how long or often I write about…
Winey Tasting Notes: You Had Me At The Label: SomeWines
If you even think about sipping on wine, I am sure you have seen these new offerings from SomeWine. You can’t miss them, because their labels are designed by the the very funny folks at Someecards – the ones we all pin and share on Pinterest. And send to our other Winey Friends on Facebook….
Winey Tasting Notes: All in the Barrel with Mondavi’s Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon
Barrels are a big deal when it comes to wine. New oak, old oak, French oak, American oak: they all bring something different to the vino. But I recently got to taste some wine that had been barrel aged, not in wine barrels, but in Bourbon Whiskey barrels. Huh? I will admit to knowing very…
Winey Tasting Notes: Italian Memories with Piccini’s Memoro Italia Vino Rosato
During the summer of 2014, The Winey Family took a trip to Italy. We were celebrating the graduations of both Winey Children – one from college, one from high school. We’d always wanted to go to Italy, so we took off for an amazing 11 days in Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre and Venice. It ranks…
Winey Tasting Notes: Revisiting Israel with Mediterranean Soul Red Blend
A few weeks ago I reviewed an Israeli wine in honor of our recent trip to Israel. That was a white wine. (Winey Tasting Notes: Revisiting an amazing trip with Israel’s Mediterranean Soul wine.) Today, we’re going to go red as I reminisce about that wonderful, wonderful trip. The red in question, Mediterranean Soul’s Red Blend,…
Winey Tasting Notes: Brancott Estate’s Flight Song and The Winey Daughter Down Under
I am continuing to live for text messages and Facebook posts as The Winey Daughter studies film in Australia and New Zealand for the month. (Winey Tasting Notes: The Winey Daughter Down Under and Layer Cake Shiraz, Winey Tasting Notes: Down Under with Lobster Reef Sauvignon Blanc) At least, she says she’s studying film. As…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Winey Daughter Down Under and Layer Cake Shiraz
As I said last week, The Winey Daughter is studying for the month of January in New Zealand and Australia. Her first week of the trip was spent in New Zealand, where she lived as a Hobbit for a number of days. At least that’s what it looks like from her pictures. I didn’t even…
Winey Tasting Notes: Down Under with Lobster Reef Sauvignon Blanc
It was pretty easy to decide on a wine to review this first week of 2016. I simply followed the Winey Daughter (metaphorically, unfortunately) to New Zealand. Yes, the child is off on another educational adventure: this time taking a 3 week film class that will have her start out in New Zealand (where they…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Curated Box of Wines? Yes, Please
There are times when you just want someone else to make decisions for you, aren’t there? For instance, when I hear “Where do you want to eat?” or “What kind of pizza are we ordering?” or “What’s for dinner?” I would absolutely love it if some decision genie would pop up and give me the…
Winey Tasting Notes: Ménage à Trois Silk and the Advent Calendar
I am going to pause in the reminiscing about my wonderful trip to Israel (and the great wines from that country) to talk about something that has been on my mind lately. Every single morning, actually. The Advent Calendar. NOT this Advent Calendar (but I do like it) And to clarify, I’m not talking about…
Winey Tasting Notes: Revisiting an amazing trip with Israel’s Mediterranean Soul wine
The Winey Hubby and I celebrated a major wedding anniversary this year – one that ended with 0. OK, it was 30 years (yes, as a matter of fact, I was 9 when we got married, thank you for asking). What to do to celebrate such a happy milestone? We went to Israel. Yup, this…
Winey Tasting Notes: Moving Forward with Forward by Herzog Chenin Blanc
There I was on a Friday morning. Driving to work, singing (rather brilliantly, if I do say so myself) along to my tunes when…..BAM. A lethal piece of construction equipment (I live in Ohio, aka The Land of Orange Barrels) comes sailing toward my little car. It had been lying on the road, halfway in…
Winey Tasting Notes: I Am The 20%: Pareto Estate’s Eighty 20 Red Blend and Chardonnay
“The Pareto Principle, also called the 80/20 rule, states that 80% of the results come from 20% of the effort. This is true in the world of wine, where 80% of wine is consumed by 20% of the people. With Pareto’s Estate, we raise our glasses to those of us that take up the slack…
Winey Tasting Notes: Cheers to autumn with Cocobon Red Blend
It’s here…you can feel it in the air. The leaves are turning colors, there’s a coolness in the air, the colder nights, the dewy mornings. Yup, fall has arrived. I’ve never made any bones about the fact that I’m a weather driven wine sipper. And the thought of fall turns my taste buds to all…
Winey Tasting Notes: Teeing off with Weir Chardonnay
Winey Family pic from one of ourfavorite Ontario golf courses,Sawmill Creek, 2009 I’ve written before about the wonderful vacations that The Winey Family has taken over the years up to the beach in Canada. Winey Tasting Notes: Two Canadian Unoaked Chardonnays, Eh? And in addition to the water sports we get to partake of up there, there is…
Winey Tasting Notes: New Favorite Alert – Eos Estate Zinfandel
So after a busy summer, The Winey Nest is empty once again. The Winey Daughter is safely ensconced in her second year at college. The Winey Son has some new digs in Texas. It’s just me, The Winey Hubby and The Winey Dog (more on the dog in the future 🙂 I was talking with…
Winey Tasting Notes: Two Canadian Unoaked Chardonnays, Eh?
Our view looking south. OK I couldn’t resist the “eh” in the title of this review. And it’s meant with absolutely no disrespect at all to our neighbors up north. The Winey Family loves Canada. We have spent many, many happy times up there and this year was no exception. The Winey Hubby and his…
Winey Tasting Notes: Line 39 Sauvignon Blanc
I seem to be on a Sauvignon Blanc kick these days. It may be the direct result of summer finally arriving here in Cleveland. And the temperature is finally in the 80’s instead of the humidity level and/or chance of rain being in the 80’s. It seems that these conditions have me reaching for a…
Winey Tasting Notes: Sketching with Scratchpad Cellars’ Sauvignon Blanc
I know that I’ve talked about fun wine labels before, but as I wandered the wine aisles recently, I spied a really different type of wine bottle label. It was blank. And it had a little tag around the neck of the bottle, with a little pencil attached to it. The instructions on the tag…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Winey Day in Ohio
What to do on a perfect July day in Ohio, when it is NOT raining (this year, that’s kind of rare) and you and two of your Winey friends want a girls’ day out? You hit the wineries, of course. For those of you who don’t know northeast Ohio, take that surprised look off of…
Winey Tasting Notes: Frisk Prickly Riesling
Well, I learned something new when I started drinking my latest wine choice. There are Alps in Australia. Who knew I’d get a geography lesson that day? I thought I was just buying a nice refreshing-looking wine for the weekend. It had a cute name: Frisk. And it was Riesling, but it was “prickly” Riesling….
Winey Tasting Notes: “The Empty Nest Series” Muddy Paw Cabernet Sauvignon
Rory, just before her 3rd birthday My “Empty Nest Series” is dedicated to the Winey children who did NOT leave The Winey nest for college and jobs and – the nerve – their own lives. Each Empty Nest Wine has something to do with those children who stayed: namely, the doggies. Woof. So from time…
Winey Tasting Notes: Downton Abbey’s Countess of Grantham Collection
As I write this review, and was sipping on the wines, The Winey Daughter is and was spending the summer studying in England. Yes, England, the land of The Royals, tea and scones, British rock and (reverent pause here) Downton Abbey. I am a serious Downton addict. In fact, when The Winey Daughter was accepted…
Winey Tasting Notes: Tricky Rabbit Cabernet/Syrah for The Finals
I have never made it a secret that The Winey Family lives in Cleveland. (OK, an eastern suburb, but when people ask, we say Cleveland.) And even if you don’t like sports, or basketball or The NBA, I am sure you have heard what we have just been through there for the past two roller…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Trio of Chardonnays
Every once in a while I take a trip through my wine journal – because it’s fun and also because I need to plan out my reviews. I don’t review every wine I try. There are times when I just want to drink a glass of wine without all the note-taking and sniffing and swirling,…
Winey Tasting Notes: Springtime with some Italian Frascati
Spring is finally here in northeast Ohio and if I may say, it took its own sweet time getting here. I know, I know, I shouldn’t be surprised, but every year that one last frost warning has me running around the garden throwing towels and sheets on all the new plants and, well, expressing my…
Winey Tasting Notes: Portugal’s Twin Vines Vinho Verde
I have not had a lot of wine from Portugal. In fact, I think I’ve only reviewed two Portuguese wines here and one of them was a Port. (The other was a red blend.) And I know that Portugal has a thriving wine industry, but I just don’t run across their wines all that often….
Winey Tasting Notes: The Empty Nest Series and Mother’s Day with Chloe
Our Chloe I have been writing an Empty Nest series of reviews for the past 8 months. The reason for this is that my Winey Household became an empty nest once our youngest left for college. All the wines in this series are dog themed. The reason for this is because the Winey Dogs are…
Winey Tasting Notes: Wine with the best of friends – Plungerhead Old Vine Zinfandel
There are friends that will be forever friends, no matter how often or little you actually see them in person. I am blessed to have found a number of friends like that and they’re from all different times in my life. They are from high school, college, my early married days and from work. But,…
Winey Tasting Notes: 3 Girls Red Blend and Some Air Please
I know that we all need oxygen and the air it resides in order to live. But I learned a big lesson when I started sipping a red blend recently: wine needs oxygen and air more than we do. Not always, mind you. But when a red wine needs to breathe – you’d better let…
Winey Tasting Notes: Celebrating Little Victories with a Red Splash
They say that it’s the little things in life that count. Sure, there are big epic moments in all of our lives, but when you think about it, the little moments are the ones that add up to be bulk of our experiences. So when you have a few little victories in one day, you…
Winey Tasting Notes: No Coincidence Here! Red Diamond Chardonnay
In wine, there are no coincidences. If someone mentions a wine to you, and you are destined to sip it, the universe will conspire to get you that wine. That’s what happened to me with recently with Red Diamond Chardonnay! It all started when The Winey Family was in Arizona. We met up with a…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Empty Nest Series: Chloe Chardonnay
Since the Winey Nest has become a Winey Empty Nest, I have dedicated a new series of wine reviews to the children who will never leave for college and career: The Winey Doggies. They are a pair of little characters: Chloe, an 11 year old Maltese and Rory, a 2 year old mostly Maltese (she…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Wine After My Own Heart: Ann’s White Wine
Judging by the gifts that The Winey Children bought for The Winey Hubby and I this past Christmas, we can honestly say that we have taught them well when it comes to choosing presents. The Winey Hubby has very good taste when it comes to shopping. He has his artist mother’s eye for decorating and…
Winey Tasting Notes: Wyandotte Winery’s Vin de Cacao for Valentine’s Day 2015
Ahh….Valentine’s Day. One of my favorite times of the year. And when I refer to favorite, I am NOT talking about roses or fluffy heart pillows or little cupids flying around shooting at us. When I say favorite I am referring to chocolate and wine. Together. Because there’s no other time of the year when…
Winey Tasting Notes: Another Pair of Wente Wines to Review Our New Wine Words
A few weeks ago, I reviewed a pair of Wente Vineyards reds and, the best of my winey ability, talked about the difference between a single vineyard wine and an estate grown wine. (Winey Tasting Notes: A Pair of Wente Reds, A Few New Wine Words) And I’m going to do it again this week,…
Winey Tasting Notes: Sunny San Angelo Pinot Grigio
It was the perfect reminder of our summer trip to Italy, and it landed on my doorstep on a chilly December day, thanks to my buddies at Banfi Wines. “It” was a bottle of Castello Banfi’s San Angelo Pinot Grigio (2013, 13%, Tuscany, Italy) and just looking at its pretty lightly golden color made me want to…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Pair of Wente Reds, A Few New Wine Words
Wine words. If you spend any time around wine (ahem), you’ll get your fill of them. Tannic. Varietal. Dry. Off-dry. Sweet. Vineyard. Estate. You get the idea, right? Sometimes, it’s good to know them. For instance, you don’t want to buy a wine that’s described as “off-dry” if you don’t like sweet wines. But what…
Winey Tasting Notes: Arizona Wine Fit For a President, and A Winey Mom and Son
The Winey Family came through for Christmas this year, as far as their Winey Mom is concerned. There was an Elon University wine glass from The Winey Freshman (i.e.: Daughter), a wine fridge from The Winey Hubby (dual control for reds and whites!) and four bottles of Arizona wine from The Winey Son. You did…
Winey Tasting Notes: Arizona Wine Fit For a President, and A Winey Mom and Son
The Winey Family came through for Christmas this year, as far as their Winey Mom is concerned. There was an Elon University wine glass from The Winey Freshman (i.e.: Daughter), a wine fridge from The Winey Hubby (dual control for reds and whites!) and four bottles of Arizona wine from The Winey Son. You did…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Sweeter Side of Ohio, or “Go Bucks!”
The Winey Family’s OfficialBrutus Buckeye Having now lived in Ohio for over 25 years, specifically Cleveland, I can honestly say that it’s a wonderful place to live and work and raise your family. The only drawback that I can see (and no, in my Winey World, snow is NOT a drawback) is that sometimes, our…
Winey Tasting Notes: The One I Forgot – White Knight Viognier
I hate to admit this, and it really goes against my grain to do so, but I had a great bottle of wine all ready to serve on Thanksgiving, and I forgot about it. This is something that no self respecting Winey Mom should probably admit to, but it did happen. And in my own…
Winey Tasting Notes: The One I Forgot – White Knight Viognier
I hate to admit this, and it really goes against my grain to do so, but I had a great bottle of wine all ready to serve on Thanksgiving, and I forgot about it. This is something that no self respecting Winey Mom should probably admit to, but it did happen. And in my own…
Winey Tasting Notes: Route 152 Pinot Noir – Get There First
I am of the firm mind that a good Pinot Noir is a wonderful thing to find…but that doesn’t mean it is an easy search. So a few weeks ago, I was sitting at a wine tasting dinner, just minding my own taste buds, when a good…no, dare I say…great Pinot Noir just plopped right…
Winey Tasting Notes: Route 152 Pinot Noir – Get There First
I am of the firm mind that a good Pinot Noir is a wonderful thing to find…but that doesn’t mean it is an easy search. So a few weeks ago, I was sitting at a wine tasting dinner, just minding my own taste buds, when a good…no, dare I say…great Pinot Noir just plopped right…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Quick Visit, A New Wine: Grove Winery’s Chardonnay
One afternoon a few weeks ago, I was texting with The Winey Daughter. We do it a lot – a little text to say hello or to ask a quick question. (I am convinced I hear more from my freshman because of text messaging than my parents ever did in the days of land lines…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Quick Visit, A New Wine: Grove Winery’s Chardonnay
One afternoon a few weeks ago, I was texting with The Winey Daughter. We do it a lot – a little text to say hello or to ask a quick question. (I am convinced I hear more from my freshman because of text messaging than my parents ever did in the days of land lines…
Winey Tasting Notes: Vertically Sipping Bolla Chianti
Please note that the above reference to vertical sipping does not mean you must be standing up to drink this wine. I mean, you could, if you wanted. But it’s not a deal breaker. What I mean by a vertical tasting is that we are going to compare two of the same wine – same…
Winey Tasting Notes: Vertically Sipping Bolla Chianti
Please note that the above reference to vertical sipping does not mean you must be standing up to drink this wine. I mean, you could, if you wanted. But it’s not a deal breaker. What I mean by a vertical tasting is that we are going to compare two of the same wine – same…
Winey Tasting Notes: Olé! Today is 2014 Tempranillo Day!
Happy 2014 Tempranillo Day! I know, I know, and you without a present. Well don’t worry, there is still time to celebrate..and thanks to the Lodi Winegrape Commission I recently got to sample some of that California appellation’s Tempranillos. A little background, courtesy of my very entertaining on-line tasting with the Commission. Tempranillo means…
Winey Tasting Notes: Olé! Today is 2014 Tempranillo Day!
Happy 2014 Tempranillo Day! I know, I know, and you without a present. Well don’t worry, there is still time to celebrate..and thanks to the Lodi Winegrape Commission I recently got to sample some of that California appellation’s Tempranillos. A little background, courtesy of my very entertaining on-line tasting with the Commission. Tempranillo means…
Winey Tasting Notes: Round Hill Chardonnay From a Friend
You know you’ve reached a certain milestone as a Winey Mom when Winey Friends start giving you their leftover wine. I have reached that milestone. And I’m proud of it. A few weeks ago, one of my Winey Besties (and by Bestie I mean someone who has sat by my side through countless high school…
Winey Tasting Notes: Round Hill Chardonnay From a Friend
You know you’ve reached a certain milestone as a Winey Mom when Winey Friends start giving you their leftover wine. I have reached that milestone. And I’m proud of it. A few weeks ago, one of my Winey Besties (and by Bestie I mean someone who has sat by my side through countless high school…
Winey Tasting Notes: Getting Evil on Halloween
Halloween is such a fun time of year….the candy, the costumes, the parties, the candy. And thanks to the enterprising minds of some winemakers, there is also the Halloween themed wine. Boo! It’s really not wrong. This year, as I was looking for such a wine, I came across some pure Evil. There it was,…
Winey Tasting Notes: Getting Evil on Halloween
Halloween is such a fun time of year….the candy, the costumes, the parties, the candy. And thanks to the enterprising minds of some winemakers, there is also the Halloween themed wine. Boo! It’s really not wrong. This year, as I was looking for such a wine, I came across some pure Evil. There it was,…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Empty Nest Series: Lab Red
Another article celebrating the only children left in the Winey Empty Nest: the doggies. Except this post could sort of be called a throwback post, because today I am going to celebrate the doggie that I grew up with: a black Labrador Retriever named Scamper. Scamper, circa late 1970’s Scamper (aka Scamper-damper, Scamper Boo-Boo, Scamper…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Empty Nest Series: Lab Red
Another article celebrating the only children left in the Winey Empty Nest: the doggies. Except this post could sort of be called a throwback post, because today I am going to celebrate the doggie that I grew up with: a black Labrador Retriever named Scamper. Scamper, circa late 1970’s Scamper (aka Scamper-damper, Scamper Boo-Boo, Scamper…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Empty Nest Series, Chloe Pinot Grigio
Can you see why Chloe is the perfect dogfor The Winey Household? Another wine for the “empty nest series” that I have decided to dedicate to my two dogs, since they are the only “children” left in The Winey Empty Nest. But, unlike my last entry in this category (Fred’s Red), the wine I’m reviewing…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Empty Nest Series, Chloe Pinot Grigio
Can you see why Chloe is the perfect dogfor The Winey Household? Another wine for the “empty nest series” that I have decided to dedicate to my two dogs, since they are the only “children” left in The Winey Empty Nest. But, unlike my last entry in this category (Fred’s Red), the wine I’m reviewing…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Wines of Island Wine Fest, 2014
There is no better way to spend a crisp sunny Saturday than on one of the Lake Erie islands. And if you happen to spend it with three good friends at the put in Bay Wine Fest, well all the better. That’s how I spent last Saturday, courtesy of the Miller Boat Line and Island…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Wines of Island Wine Fest, 2014
There is no better way to spend a crisp sunny Saturday than on one of the Lake Erie islands. And if you happen to spend it with three good friends at the put in Bay Wine Fest, well all the better. That’s how I spent last Saturday, courtesy of the Miller Boat Line and Island…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Empty Nest Series: Fred’s Red
With the Winey Daughter’s departure to college, I suppose you could call the Winey House a Winey Empty Nest. But that really would not be fair to the two Winey “children” who are left in the nest. Sure, they might not be human (in the “scientific sense” of the term), but they are our children….
Winey Tasting Notes: The Empty Nest Series: Fred’s Red
With the Winey Daughter’s departure to college, I suppose you could call the Winey House a Winey Empty Nest. But that really would not be fair to the two Winey “children” who are left in the nest. Sure, they might not be human (in the “scientific sense” of the term), but they are our children….
Winey Tasting Notes: The Lure of the Sale: Unsung Hero Malbec
It’s kind of a well known fact that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a great bottle of wine. (And yet, I still can’t resist telling the Winey Hubby I’m going to order the $300 bottle of champagne every time we go to a restaurant that carries such bottles. He…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Lure of the Sale: Unsung Hero Malbec
It’s kind of a well known fact that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a great bottle of wine. (And yet, I still can’t resist telling the Winey Hubby I’m going to order the $300 bottle of champagne every time we go to a restaurant that carries such bottles. He…
Winey Tasting Notes: It’s North Carolina Wine Month
Why am I telling you about wine from North Carolina? I mean, I could talk about wine from anywhere in the world, right? Well, I have good reason for my interest in this lovely southern state. You see, three weeks ago, my Winey nest emptied out as the Winey Daughter headed south to start college….
Winey Tasting Notes: It’s North Carolina Wine Month
Why am I telling you about wine from North Carolina? I mean, I could talk about wine from anywhere in the world, right? Well, I have good reason for my interest in this lovely southern state. You see, three weeks ago, my Winey nest emptied out as the Winey Daughter headed south to start college….
Winey Tasting Notes: The Naughty Wine Name Series: Ménage à Trois Midnight
I will admit to enjoying my wine with a side of giggles. Any wine that can make me smile after I read the label is very likely to end up in my cart, especially if it’s a little bit naughty in nature. I always smile when I spy a wine by Menage a Trois, mostly…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Naughty Wine Name Series: Ménage à Trois Midnight
I will admit to enjoying my wine with a side of giggles. Any wine that can make me smile after I read the label is very likely to end up in my cart, especially if it’s a little bit naughty in nature. I always smile when I spy a wine by Menage a Trois, mostly…
Winey Tasting Notes: A New Take On Port
The first few things that come to my Winey mind when I hear the word “port” (in the wine sense of the word, not the nautical sense) are: English manors, dark wood libraries and men in velvet coats sipping port. Unfortunately, these men are not the Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice type guys. (A…
Winey Tasting Notes: A New Take On Port
The first few things that come to my Winey mind when I hear the word “port” (in the wine sense of the word, not the nautical sense) are: English manors, dark wood libraries and men in velvet coats sipping port. Unfortunately, these men are not the Colin Firth in Pride and Prejudice type guys. (A…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Wines of Cinque Terra, Italy
Oh to spend a day on the Italian Riviera, wandering through the streets of some of the most enchanting little towns you’ve ever seen, boating between the towns themselves, paddle boarding on the Mediterranean Sea. What could be better? Well, maybe if there was wine. And there was!!! The terraced hills of Cinque Terre Main…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Wines of Cinque Terra, Italy
Oh to spend a day on the Italian Riviera, wandering through the streets of some of the most enchanting little towns you’ve ever seen, boating between the towns themselves, paddle boarding on the Mediterranean Sea. What could be better? Well, maybe if there was wine. And there was!!! The terraced hills of Cinque Terre Main…
Winey Tasting Notes: Pinot Grigio in Rome…at Target
Hee hee hee. I’ll bet you all took one look at that title and thought, “She went to Target while she was in Rome? Seriously?” The Winey Family at St. Peter’s Allow me to let you in on our little family joke. While we were in Rome this past month, we stayed at a great…
Winey Tasting Notes: Pinot Grigio in Rome…at Target
Hee hee hee. I’ll bet you all took one look at that title and thought, “She went to Target while she was in Rome? Seriously?” The Winey Family at St. Peter’s Allow me to let you in on our little family joke. While we were in Rome this past month, we stayed at a great…
Winey Tasting Notes: Spritzing Like They Do In Italy!
One of my Spritz breaks. I saw them servedmostly in this oversized red wine type glass. Another post about sipping like an Italian, or as I call it, “What I Did On Vacation.” This time, I’m going to tell you how to make a Spritz. If you want to sip like they do in Italy, you’ve…
Winey Tasting Notes: Spritzing Like They Do In Italy!
One of my Spritz breaks. I saw them servedmostly in this oversized red wine type glass. Another post about sipping like an Italian, or as I call it, “What I Did On Vacation.” This time, I’m going to tell you how to make a Spritz. If you want to sip like they do in Italy, you’ve…
Winey Tasting Notes: When In Rome….Drink Frascati
We did it! The Winey Family is just back from a long awaited trip to Italy, a country we have been saving and scheming to visit for about 2 years. To misquote Julius Caesar: “Venimus, vidimus, omens nos” (translation: We came, we saw, we did it all!) From the sightseeing to the eating and shopping…
Winey Tasting Notes: When In Rome….Drink Frascati
We did it! The Winey Family is just back from a long awaited trip to Italy, a country we have been saving and scheming to visit for about 2 years. To misquote Julius Caesar: “Venimus, vidimus, omens nos” (translation: We came, we saw, we did it all!) From the sightseeing to the eating and shopping…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Visit and Tasting at The Nation’s Oldest Winery, Brotherhood
“Hey, Mom, did you know that America’s oldest winery is right near here?” Oh, the joy in my Winey heart as the Winey Son, calling from West Point, uttered those happy words. He was planning some trips for us the week of graduation, and Brotherhood Winery of Washingtonville, NY was one of the first outings…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Visit and Tasting at The Nation’s Oldest Winery, Brotherhood
“Hey, Mom, did you know that America’s oldest winery is right near here?” Oh, the joy in my Winey heart as the Winey Son, calling from West Point, uttered those happy words. He was planning some trips for us the week of graduation, and Brotherhood Winery of Washingtonville, NY was one of the first outings…
Winey Tasting Notes: William Hill Chardonnay for Our New Second Lieutenant
It was quite a day. We woke up at 5 am and were out the door of our hotel by 5:30. It was a damp, chilly fog shrouded Hudson Valley morning. We pulled up to the gates and were waved on through. And then again. Then it was onto the shuttle bus, into the football…
Winey Tasting Notes: Pas de Deux and Pomp and Circumstance
As I write this review the Winey Family is just days out from the Winey Son’s graduation from West Point. This will be our first graduation of the week, since three days after, the Winey Daughter will graduate from high school. So as you might image, The Winey Hubby and I have been doing some…
Winey Tasting Notes: Pas de Deux and Pomp and Circumstance
As I write this review the Winey Family is just days out from the Winey Son’s graduation from West Point. This will be our first graduation of the week, since three days after, the Winey Daughter will graduate from high school. So as you might image, The Winey Hubby and I have been doing some…
Winey Tasting Notes: Steelbird Unoaked Chardonnay for National Chardonnay Day
Last Friday was International Sauvignon Blanc Day. As I said in my review that day (Novas Sauvignon Blanc) I tend to be very suspicious of made up holidays. That does not, however, include the ones that have to do with drinking wine. On that note, let me wish all of you a happy National Chardonnay…
Winey Tasting Notes: Steelbird Unoaked Chardonnay for National Chardonnay Day
Last Friday was International Sauvignon Blanc Day. As I said in my review that day (Novas Sauvignon Blanc) I tend to be very suspicious of made up holidays. That does not, however, include the ones that have to do with drinking wine. On that note, let me wish all of you a happy National Chardonnay…
Winey Tasting Notes: It’s International Sauvignon Blanc Day!
OK, am I the only one who is very suspicious of made up holidays? Did you know there is a frog jumping day? A sea monkey day? An accounting day (eww…math…shudder)? Don’t get me started on Sweetest Day, as we here in the Winey Household ignore that one completely. I suppose you could find a…
Winey Tasting Notes: It’s International Sauvignon Blanc Day!
OK, am I the only one who is very suspicious of made up holidays? Did you know there is a frog jumping day? A sea monkey day? An accounting day (eww…math…shudder)? Don’t get me started on Sweetest Day, as we here in the Winey Household ignore that one completely. I suppose you could find a…
Winey Tasting Notes: Pennywise…Not At All Foolish!
Whenever I hear the word “penny-wise” (or is it penny wise? In which case I should say words.. OK, whatever) I automatically add the phrase “and pound foolish” after it. I know that this is a very old saying, in fact, according to Miriam Webster, this phrase was first used in 1607.1 That may be very…
Winey Tasting Notes: Pennywise…Not At All Foolish!
Whenever I hear the word “penny-wise” (or is it penny wise? In which case I should say words.. OK, whatever) I automatically add the phrase “and pound foolish” after it. I know that this is a very old saying, in fact, according to Miriam Webster, this phrase was first used in 1607.1 That may be very…
Winey Tasting Notes: Tin Roof..not the Sundae, the Wine
I give you proof that my family is made from ice cream.This is the FIRST place the Winey Hubby and WineyDaughter went upon boarding our cruise shipthis past Spring break. We hadn’t even left port yet. I am a loner in the Winey Household. At least, I stand alone when it comes to the ice…
Winey Tasting Notes: Tin Roof..not the Sundae, the Wine
I give you proof that my family is made from ice cream.This is the FIRST place the Winey Hubby and WineyDaughter went upon boarding our cruise shipthis past Spring break. We hadn’t even left port yet. I am a loner in the Winey Household. At least, I stand alone when it comes to the ice…
Winey Tasting Notes: Cruising With Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc
The Winey Family (minus the Winey Son because he took his own spring break trip with his buddies) has recently returned from a wonderful spring break cruise. Yes I said “cruise”.. and don’t start with me. No, we didn’t get sick, the boat was fine, the toilets worked and all was well. If I sound…
Winey Tasting Notes: Cruising With Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc
The Winey Family (minus the Winey Son because he took his own spring break trip with his buddies) has recently returned from a wonderful spring break cruise. Yes I said “cruise”.. and don’t start with me. No, we didn’t get sick, the boat was fine, the toilets worked and all was well. If I sound…
Winey Tasting Notes: Cleebourg Pinot Gris – You Can Taste It, But It’ll Cost You A Quarter
I love the grocery store! I don’t have to try anything on, I don’t have to search for sizes, I don’t have to worry about if the color will look good on me. I don’t have to measure to see if it will fit on a wall/in a room. Nope, at the grocery store, it’s…
Winey Tasting Notes: Cleebourg Pinot Gris – You Can Taste It, But It’ll Cost You A Quarter
I love the grocery store! I don’t have to try anything on, I don’t have to search for sizes, I don’t have to worry about if the color will look good on me. I don’t have to measure to see if it will fit on a wall/in a room. Nope, at the grocery store, it’s…
Winey Tasting Notes: Fog Head Wine and My Foggy Headed Child
What to do when a bottle of wine is a total bargain and has a name that makes you giggle? Buy it in red and white! Such was the case a few weeks ago when I spied a new wine offering at a local store. It was being featured in the store’s “best under $10”…
Winey Tasting Notes: Fog Head Wine and My Foggy Headed Child
What to do when a bottle of wine is a total bargain and has a name that makes you giggle? Buy it in red and white! Such was the case a few weeks ago when I spied a new wine offering at a local store. It was being featured in the store’s “best under $10”…
Winey Tasting Notes: Cline Zinfandel And College Memories
Recently I have been on a journey with The Winey Daughter and The Winey Hubby. OK, a few journeys. To look at colleges. Lots of colleges. And to take many college tours. LOTS of college tours. I can now intelligently discuss meal plans, dorm rooms vs suites, big vs. small, majors, minors AND I can…
Winey Tasting Notes: Watching “Bottle Shock”, Sipping Chateau Montelena
Today I’d like to talk about a particularly inspired birthday gift that some friends gave me this past (significant/big/ends in a zero) birthday. I really don’t think I am a difficult person to buy for, because if there is ever any question…go with the wine. Any wine. All wine. Thank you very much. Which is…
Winey Tasting Notes: Watching “Bottle Shock”, Sipping Chateau Montelena
Today I’d like to talk about a particularly inspired birthday gift that some friends gave me this past (significant/big/ends in a zero) birthday. I really don’t think I am a difficult person to buy for, because if there is ever any question…go with the wine. Any wine. All wine. Thank you very much. Which is…
Winey Tasting Notes: Canvassing the Campuses With Campus Oaks
I don’t know about all of you, but recently, the word “campus” evokes a certain anxious excitement around the Winey Household. This is because we are smack dab in the middle of the Winey Daughter’s senior year in high school. And that means she will be heading off to college in the fall. But not…
Winey Tasting Notes: Canvassing the Campuses With Campus Oaks
I don’t know about all of you, but recently, the word “campus” evokes a certain anxious excitement around the Winey Household. This is because we are smack dab in the middle of the Winey Daughter’s senior year in high school. And that means she will be heading off to college in the fall. But not…
Winey Tasting Notes: Chocolate and Wine
We are a few days out from Valentine’s Day, which means that all our Winey hearts are turning in one general direction: wine and chocolate. A classic combo if ever there was one. And yet it seems that everyone has an opinion on how to pair them with each other. The first words that comes…
Winey Tasting Notes: Chocolate and Wine
We are a few days out from Valentine’s Day, which means that all our Winey hearts are turning in one general direction: wine and chocolate. A classic combo if ever there was one. And yet it seems that everyone has an opinion on how to pair them with each other. The first words that comes…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Pair of Rosés for Valentine’s Day Sipping
Rosé wine and I have had a bit of a difficult relationship. First off, I had to get over that pink color. Because I think that, like most people, when I see pink wine, I think “sweet” or “lightweight” or “the only wine I can get my mother to drink”. But no no no no. Rosé…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Pair of Rosés for Valentine’s Day Sipping
Rosé wine and I have had a bit of a difficult relationship. First off, I had to get over that pink color. Because I think that, like most people, when I see pink wine, I think “sweet” or “lightweight” or “the only wine I can get my mother to drink”. But no no no no. Rosé…
The Answer to the Wine Glass Translation
So here is the photo that I asked you all to “translate”: Here it is: “8 oz by mouth three times daily as needed for stress” That is one smart glass. You can find this adorable glass at: 2 Lollies on Etsy Enjoy!!!
The Answer to the Wine Glass Translation
So here is the photo that I asked you all to “translate”: Here it is: “8 oz by mouth three times daily as needed for stress” That is one smart glass. You can find this adorable glass at: 2 Lollies on Etsy Enjoy!!!
Winey Tasting Notes: Hoping for Italy, Part Two – Bolla Creso
Welcome to Part Two of my Italian vacation dream. I started these wine reviews because The Winey Family is planning (and hoping and praying for) a trip to Italy this coming summer to celebrate The Winey Son’s college graduation and the Winey Daughter’s high school graduation. (It’s gonna be quite a week in May. You…
Winey Tasting Notes: Hoping for Italy, Part Two – Bolla Creso
Welcome to Part Two of my Italian vacation dream. I started these wine reviews because The Winey Family is planning (and hoping and praying for) a trip to Italy this coming summer to celebrate The Winey Son’s college graduation and the Winey Daughter’s high school graduation. (It’s gonna be quite a week in May. You…
Winey Tasting Notes: Italian Dreaming – Bolla Chianti
The Winey Family is gearing up (and by that I mean writing checks) for a graduation bonanza. It will occur this May, in the space of 4 days, at which time the Winey Son will graduate from college and the Winey Daughter will graduate from high school. The Winey Hubby and I have already begun…
Winey Tasting Notes: Wine-ing on Broadway
Is there anything more fun than a Broadway musical? How about a Broadway musical that serves a yummy Argentinian wine in really cool sippy wine cups? I can attest that such was the case this past December when the Winey family took in the award winning musical “Once” on our trip to NYC. I am…
Winey Tasting Notes: Wine-ing on Broadway
Is there anything more fun than a Broadway musical? How about a Broadway musical that serves a yummy Argentinian wine in really cool sippy wine cups? I can attest that such was the case this past December when the Winey family took in the award winning musical “Once” on our trip to NYC. I am…
Winey Tasting Notes: Bolla Prosecco for 2014
Winey NYC Family Winey Army-Navy Game Family Oh my oh my. The Winey Hubby and I were exhausted. Since the beginning of December, we had been on a winey whirlwind of a month. First up was a trip to Philadelphia for the Army-Navy game. A wonderful weekend, if you don’t count the actual game itself….
Winey Tasting Notes: Bolla Prosecco for 2014
Winey NYC Family Winey Army-Navy Game Family Oh my oh my. The Winey Hubby and I were exhausted. Since the beginning of December, we had been on a winey whirlwind of a month. First up was a trip to Philadelphia for the Army-Navy game. A wonderful weekend, if you don’t count the actual game itself….
Winey Tasting Notes: I Can Handle January, As Long as Downton Abbey Makes Wine
January 2014 will arrive a little less painfully in my Winey Little World. Oh yes, I will still be dealing with the after effects of The Winey Son returning to school and the current effects of the Winey Daughter gearing up for senior midterms (our misguided school district schedules them for two weeks AFTER Christmas…
Winey Tasting Notes: I Can Handle January, As Long as Downton Abbey Makes Wine
January 2014 will arrive a little less painfully in my Winey Little World. Oh yes, I will still be dealing with the after effects of The Winey Son returning to school and the current effects of the Winey Daughter gearing up for senior midterms (our misguided school district schedules them for two weeks AFTER Christmas…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Quick Little Review of “Christmas at Biltmore” Wine
When the Winey Hubby and I were first married, we lived in North Carolina. He was getting his law degree at the time and while we didn’t have much time (or money for that matter!) to get away, we did manage a weekend trip or two. One of our absolute favorites was a drive to…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Quick Little Review of “Christmas at Biltmore” Wine
When the Winey Hubby and I were first married, we lived in North Carolina. He was getting his law degree at the time and while we didn’t have much time (or money for that matter!) to get away, we did manage a weekend trip or two. One of our absolute favorites was a drive to…
Winey Tasting Notes: Decking the Tree With A German Riesling
I am all for waiting until AFTER Thanksgiving to haul out the Christmas decor. But that’s about it: I barely give it 24 hours until I start decking the halls. In fact, it is a Winey Family tradition that the day after Thanksgiving, we all (and by all I mean the dogs as well) head…
Winey Tasting Notes: Decking the Tree With A German Riesling
I am all for waiting until AFTER Thanksgiving to haul out the Christmas decor. But that’s about it: I barely give it 24 hours until I start decking the halls. In fact, it is a Winey Family tradition that the day after Thanksgiving, we all (and by all I mean the dogs as well) head…
Winey Tasting Notes: Selling Out The House With Hogue Late Harvest Riesling
Each November, for the past 3 years, I have gone to a wine tasting. Big deal, you say, aren’t you a wine blogger? Not much of a stretch there, huh? Well, true, but this tasting is a special one. It’s put on by our West Point Parents Club and is actually a big fundraiser for…
Winey Tasting Notes: Selling Out The House With Hogue Late Harvest Riesling
Each November, for the past 3 years, I have gone to a wine tasting. Big deal, you say, aren’t you a wine blogger? Not much of a stretch there, huh? Well, true, but this tasting is a special one. It’s put on by our West Point Parents Club and is actually a big fundraiser for…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Velvet Sledgehammer And A Song To Sip It With
If you are a person of my age bracket (last of the baby boomers…), when you hear the word “sledgehammer” my guess is you flash back to the 80’s and the song by Peter Gabriel. “I want to be your sledgehammer, Why don’t you call my name..” If you are also like me, you now…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Velvet Sledgehammer And A Song To Sip It With
If you are a person of my age bracket (last of the baby boomers…), when you hear the word “sledgehammer” my guess is you flash back to the 80’s and the song by Peter Gabriel. “I want to be your sledgehammer, Why don’t you call my name..” If you are also like me, you now…
Winey Tasting Notes: Celebrating Milestones with Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon
Isn’t it funny how you remember certain things about certain events? In my case, I am talking about the wine (big surprise there). The Winey Hubby and I have been married for 28 years (I was, um, a child bride, yeah, that’s it, a child bride), and while all of our anniversary celebrations have been…
Winey Tasting Notes: Celebrating Milestones with Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon
Isn’t it funny how you remember certain things about certain events? In my case, I am talking about the wine (big surprise there). The Winey Hubby and I have been married for 28 years (I was, um, a child bride, yeah, that’s it, a child bride), and while all of our anniversary celebrations have been…
Winey Tasting Notes: Finally Some Time For Wine
You know those days when you are running around catering to the needs of your very busy children who cannot drive yet? You coach, you carpool, you run a bake sale, you carpool, you volunteer at school, you carpool. It seems as if you never leave the car or get a chance to relax at home….
Winey Tasting Notes: Finally Some Time For Wine
You know those days when you are running around catering to the needs of your very busy children who cannot drive yet? You coach, you carpool, you run a bake sale, you carpool, you volunteer at school, you carpool. It seems as if you never leave the car or get a chance to relax at home….
Winey Tasting Notes: Barking Good! Portrait of a Mutt Zinfandel
I have a confession to make. Don’t judge me. But — I have been buying Christmas gifts since August. OK, I know that sounds horribly annoying. And I would happily choke someone who says “I’ve had my Christmas shopping done since Labor Day”. And yes, I would choke them with a string of Christmas…
Winey Tasting Notes: Barking Good! Portrait of a Mutt Zinfandel
I have a confession to make. Don’t judge me. But — I have been buying Christmas gifts since August. OK, I know that sounds horribly annoying. And I would happily choke someone who says “I’ve had my Christmas shopping done since Labor Day”. And yes, I would choke them with a string of Christmas…
Winey Tasting Notes: Some “Spur”s for My Very Muddy Cowboy Boots
I am not a selfish person. I truly don’t mind sharing things. I share the bathroom with the Winey Hubby, and really, we have no problems there. I share my wine with friends – again, no problems. I share my advice with the Winey Children – um, OK, maybe not a problem free experience, but I…
Winey Tasting Notes: Some “Spur”s for My Very Muddy Cowboy Boots
I am not a selfish person. I truly don’t mind sharing things. I share the bathroom with the Winey Hubby, and really, we have no problems there. I share my wine with friends – again, no problems. I share my advice with the Winey Children – um, OK, maybe not a problem free experience, but I…
Winey Problem Solving: Those BIG Wine Bottles (and a discount code for us!)
I don’t know about all of you, but I have a wine storage problem. And no, it’s not because my state of the art wine cellar is overflowing. (Don’t I wish.) It’s because my winey little wine rack can only hold bottles of a certain sized bottom. I will now direct you to the actual, unretouched photo of…
Winey Problem Solving: Those BIG Wine Bottles (and a discount code for us!)
I don’t know about all of you, but I have a wine storage problem. And no, it’s not because my state of the art wine cellar is overflowing. (Don’t I wish.) It’s because my winey little wine rack can only hold bottles of a certain sized bottom. I will now direct you to the actual, unretouched photo of…
Winey Tasting Notes: Bully For My Firstie & Ring Weekend at West Point
As many of you may know, I am the Winey Mom of a West Point Cadet. GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY! (Sorry, that phrase is actually required of us once a day. Especially now that college football season is upon us.) Well, lo and behold, the time has flown by and now the Winey Cadet is…
Winey Tasting Notes: Bully For My Firstie & Ring Weekend at West Point
As many of you may know, I am the Winey Mom of a West Point Cadet. GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY! (Sorry, that phrase is actually required of us once a day. Especially now that college football season is upon us.) Well, lo and behold, the time has flown by and now the Winey Cadet is…
Winey Tasting Notes: Winey Cocktail Hour!
There are a lot of debates raging over the concept of a cocktail hour/happy hour. Most of them center on two topics. The first is: why limit it to an hour? The second is: where does that leave wine drinkers? As for the first topic, forget it, I choose to be happy for more than…
Winey Tasting Notes: Winey Cocktail Hour!
There are a lot of debates raging over the concept of a cocktail hour/happy hour. Most of them center on two topics. The first is: why limit it to an hour? The second is: where does that leave wine drinkers? As for the first topic, forget it, I choose to be happy for more than…
Winey Tasting Notes: Save It For The Grill – BBQ Zinfandel
I love to cook. Please note I did not say bake. The Winey Daughter is the baker. She loves to measure and stir and decorate. I do not. However, give me a stove top, some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, herbs and some sort of meat/poultry thing-y (I cannot, sadly, do fish or the Winey Hubby…
Winey Tasting Notes: Save It For The Grill – BBQ Zinfandel
I love to cook. Please note I did not say bake. The Winey Daughter is the baker. She loves to measure and stir and decorate. I do not. However, give me a stove top, some olive oil, balsamic vinegar, herbs and some sort of meat/poultry thing-y (I cannot, sadly, do fish or the Winey Hubby…
Winey Tasting Notes: Ding Dong! Moscato Calling!!!
Wouldn’t this be nice? One of the pure joys of being a Winey blogger is that every so often, your doorbell rings and you open it to find the friendly UPS or FedEx delivery person holding out a signature pad. Which can only mean one thing: they’ve got wine samples for you!!! Yippee!! Wine must…
Winey Tasting Notes: Ding Dong! Moscato Calling!!!
Wouldn’t this be nice? One of the pure joys of being a Winey blogger is that every so often, your doorbell rings and you open it to find the friendly UPS or FedEx delivery person holding out a signature pad. Which can only mean one thing: they’ve got wine samples for you!!! Yippee!! Wine must…
Winey Tasting Notes: Seaside Memories with Sea Glass Pinot Gris
As you may have gathered by reading other reviews I have written, I am a Jersey girl. Yes, I live in Ohio, and have for the past 26 years. But Jersey is where I took my first breath, tasted my first Taylor Ham, learned to drive on the Garden State Parkway and most importantly, spent my summers…
Winey Tasting Notes: Seaside Memories with Sea Glass Pinot Gris
As you may have gathered by reading other reviews I have written, I am a Jersey girl. Yes, I live in Ohio, and have for the past 26 years. But Jersey is where I took my first breath, tasted my first Taylor Ham, learned to drive on the Garden State Parkway and most importantly, spent my summers…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Story of Two Ravenswood Old Vine Zins
You see it time and time again. Siblings who are nothing alike. From eye color to food preferences, they could have come from totally different parents. Take the Winey Children for instance. The Winey Son is a winey mini-me. (OK, as much as a 6’3″ kid can be called mini. Or me.) Line his baby pics up…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Story of Two Ravenswood Old Vine Zins
You see it time and time again. Siblings who are nothing alike. From eye color to food preferences, they could have come from totally different parents. Take the Winey Children for instance. The Winey Son is a winey mini-me. (OK, as much as a 6’3″ kid can be called mini. Or me.) Line his baby pics up…
Winey Tasting Notes: Red Rock Rocks the Dinner Table As The Winey Son Turns 21
There comes a time in the life of every parent (Winey or not) when you realize that your baby is not a baby anymore. I suppose I could have had such a revelation when the Winey Son turned 18. Or when he topped 6 feet (WAY before he turned 18, by the way). But nope. Mine…
Winey Tasting Notes: Red Rock Rocks the Dinner Table As The Winey Son Turns 21
There comes a time in the life of every parent (Winey or not) when you realize that your baby is not a baby anymore. I suppose I could have had such a revelation when the Winey Son turned 18. Or when he topped 6 feet (WAY before he turned 18, by the way). But nope. Mine…
Winey Nights Out: Find Your Local Wine Bar and Uncork!
As you may know if you read this blog regularly, I am the parent of a West Point Cadet. Go Army! Beat Navy! OK, now I can continue. Since West Point is not your typical college experience, to say the least, the parents of the Cadets come together in Parents’ Clubs across the country. The…
No Conundrums About It: 2013 Cleveland Wine Festival Was A Perfect Vintage
Conundrum: noun kə-ˈnən-drəm a confusing or difficult question or problem I am happy to report that my visit to the 2013 Cleveland Wine Festival did not pose any conundrums at all. Logistical problems, such as how do we visit all these booths in one night, sure. But not one hard to solve, nerve wracking…
No Conundrums About It: 2013 Cleveland Wine Festival Was A Perfect Vintage
Conundrum: noun kə-ˈnən-drəm a confusing or difficult question or problem I am happy to report that my visit to the 2013 Cleveland Wine Festival did not pose any conundrums at all. Logistical problems, such as how do we visit all these booths in one night, sure. But not one hard to solve, nerve wracking…
Winey Event Alert: It’s Time for The 2013 Cleveland Wine Festival!
I’m going to ask those of you who don’t live near Cleveland to indulge me here. Because for those of us who abide in or near to northeast Ohio, we are coming up on one of my favorite weekends of the summer: The Cleveland Wine Fest! This Fest is turning 8 years old this year…
Winey Event Alert: It’s Time for The 2013 Cleveland Wine Festival!
I’m going to ask those of you who don’t live near Cleveland to indulge me here. Because for those of us who abide in or near to northeast Ohio, we are coming up on one of my favorite weekends of the summer: The Cleveland Wine Fest! This Fest is turning 8 years old this year…
Winey Tasting Notes: Brightening Things Up With Sequin(s)
I’m going to take you back in time here – about a month. I’m trolling strolling through Target minding my own business when out pops a polka dot bottle of wine. I swear, it’s true. Just jumped right out at me and begged “Buy me.” It obviously knew that I have a thing for polka…
Winey Tasting Notes: Brightening Things Up With Sequin(s)
I’m going to take you back in time here – about a month. I’m trolling strolling through Target minding my own business when out pops a polka dot bottle of wine. I swear, it’s true. Just jumped right out at me and begged “Buy me.” It obviously knew that I have a thing for polka…
Winey Tasting Notes: Entwine Pinot Grigio and my Food Network Issues
It isn’t often that one of my favorite wineries pairs up with one of my favorite television networks, but when it does happen (OK, it’s happened exactly once and you’re reading about it now), the results are marvelous. Such is the case with Entwine Wines. They are a product of a partnership between Wente Vineyards…
Winey Tasting Notes: Entwine Pinot Grigio and my Food Network Issues
It isn’t often that one of my favorite wineries pairs up with one of my favorite television networks, but when it does happen (OK, it’s happened exactly once and you’re reading about it now), the results are marvelous. Such is the case with Entwine Wines. They are a product of a partnership between Wente Vineyards…
Winey Tasting Notes: It’s National Chardonnay Day! La Merika Chardonnay
So, today is May 23rd. Just another Thursday? Oh no. To us winey folks, today is also known as National Chardonnay Day. And why shouldn’t we celebrate this grape? It’s the number one wine in these United States and Chardonnay grapes are the most planted grapes in California. So with that pedigree, yes of course,…
Winey Tasting Notes: It’s National Chardonnay Day! La Merika Chardonnay
So, today is May 23rd. Just another Thursday? Oh no. To us winey folks, today is also known as National Chardonnay Day. And why shouldn’t we celebrate this grape? It’s the number one wine in these United States and Chardonnay grapes are the most planted grapes in California. So with that pedigree, yes of course,…
Winey Tasting Notes: Just In Time For Bathing Suit Weather: The Light Grape Collection
I received these wines for review purposes. The opinions are all my own.I will fully admit it. When I received the review samples from The Light Grape I approached them with a very big dose of skepticism. I do not have fond memories of other “light” wines I have sipped. (Skinny Girl California Red (or: I’ll Take…
Winey Tasting Notes: Just In Time For Bathing Suit Weather: The Light Grape Collection
I received these wines for review purposes. The opinions are all my own.I will fully admit it. When I received the review samples from The Light Grape I approached them with a very big dose of skepticism. I do not have fond memories of other “light” wines I have sipped. (Skinny Girl California Red (or: I’ll Take…
Winey Tasting Notes: An Italian Spring Sipping Collection
I was sent these wines for review purposes. The opinions are all my own. There comes a time in every winter when you just cannot wait to put on a short sleeved shirt and not cover it up with long underwear, a turtleneck and a sweater. (For me, the proper word is “and” and not…
Winey Tasting Notes: An Italian Spring Sipping Collection
I was sent these wines for review purposes. The opinions are all my own. There comes a time in every winter when you just cannot wait to put on a short sleeved shirt and not cover it up with long underwear, a turtleneck and a sweater. (For me, the proper word is “and” and not…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Lure of the Sale: Concannon Conservancy Cabernet Sauvignon
Just like a really cute/funny/inappropriate wine label, a big discount on a bottle of wine can lure me in cork, foil cutter and corkscrew. (You thought I was going to say “hook, line and sinker”, didn’t you? Well, this is not a fishing blog.) So when I saw that Concannon Vineyard’s Cabernet Sauvignon (2010, 13.5%,…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Lure of the Sale: Concannon Conservancy Cabernet Sauvignon
Just like a really cute/funny/inappropriate wine label, a big discount on a bottle of wine can lure me in cork, foil cutter and corkscrew. (You thought I was going to say “hook, line and sinker”, didn’t you? Well, this is not a fishing blog.) So when I saw that Concannon Vineyard’s Cabernet Sauvignon (2010, 13.5%,…
Winey Tasting Notes: Two Cabs and a Chateauneuf-du-Pape
I received these wines for review purposes. The opinions are all my own.Once again, I have brought outside my winey comfort zone, courtesy of my pals at the Wine Chateau. Because while I love my Cabernet Sauvignon, I would never, ever have chosen a bottle of Domaine De La Charbonniere Cuvee Mourre Des Perdrix Chateauneuf-Du-Pape…
Winey Tasting Notes: Two Cabs and a Chateauneuf-du-Pape
I received these wines for review purposes. The opinions are all my own.Once again, I have brought outside my winey comfort zone, courtesy of my pals at the Wine Chateau. Because while I love my Cabernet Sauvignon, I would never, ever have chosen a bottle of Domaine De La Charbonniere Cuvee Mourre Des Perdrix Chateauneuf-Du-Pape…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Special Occasion with Banfi Rosa Regale and Spencer Tracy
I was sent this wine for review purposes. The opinions are all my own. We all fall into the winey trap at some point in our lives. You get sent a beautiful bottle of sparkling wine to review and you think, “Ooooh, I’m going to save this for a special occasion.” And then life gets…
Winey Tasting Notes: A Special Occasion with Banfi Rosa Regale and Spencer Tracy
I was sent this wine for review purposes. The opinions are all my own. We all fall into the winey trap at some point in our lives. You get sent a beautiful bottle of sparkling wine to review and you think, “Ooooh, I’m going to save this for a special occasion.” And then life gets…
Winey Earth Day Tasting Notes: Lodi Rules with the Lodi Rules Program
Thank you to the folks at the Lodi Winegrape Commission for sending me some Lodi Rules certified wine samples and for educating me about the Lodi Rules certification program! Isn’t it nice when one of your favorite topics of conversation is also committed to sustainable growing and eco-friendly practices? OK, I guess if your favorite…
Winey Earth Day Tasting Notes: Lodi Rules with the Lodi Rules Program
Thank you to the folks at the Lodi Winegrape Commission for sending me some Lodi Rules certified wine samples and for educating me about the Lodi Rules certification program! Isn’t it nice when one of your favorite topics of conversation is also committed to sustainable growing and eco-friendly practices? OK, I guess if your favorite…
Winey Tasting Notes: Clos Du Bois Rouge Takes Away The Blues
The title of this post might be a little misleading. I’m not sad – not having a fit of the blues or anything. It’s just that I really, really love the color blue. Ask the Winey Daughter, who reminds me constantly that the main color used to decorate our house is blue. (I counter with…
Winey Tasting Notes: Clos Du Bois Rouge Takes Away The Blues
The title of this post might be a little misleading. I’m not sad – not having a fit of the blues or anything. It’s just that I really, really love the color blue. Ask the Winey Daughter, who reminds me constantly that the main color used to decorate our house is blue. (I counter with…
Winey Tasting Notes: Let’s Put Some Spring In Our Wine
Now that the days are turning sunnier (if not warmer, at least in my part of the woods), my winey thoughts are turning to wines of a lighter nature. A big old red next to the fire on a snowy night is perfect. But many of us change our wine selections with the season, so I thought…
Winey Tasting Notes: Let’s Put Some Spring In Our Wine
Now that the days are turning sunnier (if not warmer, at least in my part of the woods), my winey thoughts are turning to wines of a lighter nature. A big old red next to the fire on a snowy night is perfect. But many of us change our wine selections with the season, so I thought…
Winey Tasting Notes: Spring Cleaning My Wine Journal
So it’s March and the season known as spring is supposedly arrived somewhere around the 20th of last month. Please note that I live in Northeastern Ohio and the word is “supposedly”. Because who here in this part of the world hasn’t pulled out the down coat for the trip to Easter services? Many people celebrate/mark the beginning of…
Winey Tasting Notes: Celebrating a Birthday with The King of Rock and Roll
What would you serve as a beverage at a St. Patrick’s Day birthday party? I’ll bet you said “green beer” or at least “beer”, right? And I would totally agree with you, except for the fact that the birthday I am referring to is the Winey Hubby’s birthday. March 17th. The Feast of St. Patrick….
Winey Tasting Notes: Celebrating a Birthday with The King of Rock and Roll
What would you serve as a beverage at a St. Patrick’s Day birthday party? I’ll bet you said “green beer” or at least “beer”, right? And I would totally agree with you, except for the fact that the birthday I am referring to is the Winey Hubby’s birthday. March 17th. The Feast of St. Patrick….
Winey Search Notes: Can Likelii Keep You From the Aimless Wandering of Wine Aisles?
I just realized as I sat down to write this that I started off my last review with a familiar scenario: Me, wandering around a wine department, trying to decide on a wine and being helped by a pitying wine clerk. (Winey Tasting Notes: Finding Found Object) Let’s face it, it happens to us all. That…
Winey Search Notes: Can Likelii Keep You From the Aimless Wandering of Wine Aisles?
I just realized as I sat down to write this that I started off my last review with a familiar scenario: Me, wandering around a wine department, trying to decide on a wine and being helped by a pitying wine clerk. (Winey Tasting Notes: Finding Found Object) Let’s face it, it happens to us all. That…
Winey Tasting Notes: Finding Found Object
It is not an unusual situation for me: there I am wandering the wine aisles of a favorite store, looking and looking and starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by all the sipping choices arrayed before me. In this case, it was Trader Joe’s and to be perfectly honest, I had only gone in to…
Winey Tasting Notes: Finding Found Object
It is not an unusual situation for me: there I am wandering the wine aisles of a favorite store, looking and looking and starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by all the sipping choices arrayed before me. In this case, it was Trader Joe’s and to be perfectly honest, I had only gone in to…
Winey Tasting Notes: Middle Sister Rebel Red Blend
According to the Middle Sister wines website, “birth order is commonly believed to have a profound and lasting effect on psychological development? And that the middle sister has a greater chance of having a special wine named just for her?” I agree about birth order having a major effect on us. I, myself, am the trail…
Winey Tasting Notes: Organic Wine? Well…..
Organic. Never has such a harmless looking word inspired more debate. In the veggie aisle, the fruit bin, the cotton gin and yes, the vineyard, the benefits of and drawbacks of “organic” are debated. There are a growing number of organic wines out there for us to sip on. My own curiosity finally got the best of…
Winey Tasting Notes: Organic Wine? Well…..
Organic. Never has such a harmless looking word inspired more debate. In the veggie aisle, the fruit bin, the cotton gin and yes, the vineyard, the benefits of and drawbacks of “organic” are debated. There are a growing number of organic wines out there for us to sip on. My own curiosity finally got the best of…
Winey Tasting Notes: Let’s Get Small! (Bottles, that is)
Those of us of a certain age will remember that the above title to this post is actually the name of one of comedic genius Steve Martin’s comedy routines. In addition to the movies and Saturday Night Live, the guy had one heck of a stand up act. I fondly remember listening to his comedy album…
Winey Tasting Notes: Let’s Get Small! (Bottles, that is)
Those of us of a certain age will remember that the above title to this post is actually the name of one of comedic genius Steve Martin’s comedy routines. In addition to the movies and Saturday Night Live, the guy had one heck of a stand up act. I fondly remember listening to his comedy album…
Winey Tasting Notes: Cooper Station Red and Downton Abbey
I’ll put it right out there: I LOVE DOWNTON ABBEY! Every Sunday morning at church, I give a little prayer of thanks that another episode will be showing that night. I love the whole idea of a classy soap opera spoken in English accents. I love the fashions. AND I love Maggie Smith as the…
Winey Tasting Notes: Taking Down the Decorations with Banfi Chianti Superior
As I write this, there is a bit of a moral victory being celebrated in the Winey household. Not by anybody but me, mind you, but it’s still there. That’s because the month of January is coming to a close and….the Christmas decorations have been down for three weeks!! Now, I can hear some of…
Winey Tasting Notes: Taking Down the Decorations with Banfi Chianti Superior
As I write this, there is a bit of a moral victory being celebrated in the Winey household. Not by anybody but me, mind you, but it’s still there. That’s because the month of January is coming to a close and….the Christmas decorations have been down for three weeks!! Now, I can hear some of…
Winey Tasting Notes: Spanish Grapes from California – M2’s Tempranillo
Both of the Winey Children have been to Spain. The Winey Mom and Hubby: nope. It may be because we took French in our high school days. Stay with me here.. Both the Winey Kids are Spanish students and have been since middle school. When you get to a certain level at their high school,…
Winey Tasting Notes: Spanish Grapes from California – M2’s Tempranillo
Both of the Winey Children have been to Spain. The Winey Mom and Hubby: nope. It may be because we took French in our high school days. Stay with me here.. Both the Winey Kids are Spanish students and have been since middle school. When you get to a certain level at their high school,…
Winey Tasting Notes: Spanish Grapes from California – M2’s Tempranillo
Both of the Winey Children have been to Spain. The Winey Mom and Hubby: nope. It may be because we took French in our high school days. Stay with me here.. Both the Winey Kids are Spanish students and have been since middle school. When you get to a certain level at their high school,…
Winey Tasting Notes: Finishing the Christmas Returns and Fields Family Old Vine Zinfandel
The holidays are over (The Winey Son is back at West Point, the Winey Daughter back to high school, Winey Hubby back to work), but the wonderful memory lingers! We had a classic Christmas in Northeast Ohio this year: family, fun and lots and lots of snow. So pretty! The white stuff is especially pretty…
Winey Tasting Notes: Finishing the Christmas Returns and Fields Family Old Vine Zinfandel
The holidays are over (The Winey Son is back at West Point, the Winey Daughter back to high school, Winey Hubby back to work), but the wonderful memory lingers! We had a classic Christmas in Northeast Ohio this year: family, fun and lots and lots of snow. So pretty! The white stuff is especially pretty…
Winey Tasting Notes: Go Northwestern! The 2012 Gator Bowl and Klinker Brick Farrah Syrah
New Year’s Day in the Winey Household is a fairly typical celebration. Sleep late. Watch bowl games. Eat lots of buffalo chicken dip. Sound familiar to you? (You can insert your own favorite dip – it just happens that we are on a buffalo chicken dip kick this year.) You can also add one other…
Winey Tasting Notes: Go Northwestern! The 2012 Gator Bowl and Klinker Brick Farrah Syrah
New Year’s Day in the Winey Household is a fairly typical celebration. Sleep late. Watch bowl games. Eat lots of buffalo chicken dip. Sound familiar to you? (You can insert your own favorite dip – it just happens that we are on a buffalo chicken dip kick this year.) You can also add one other…
Winey Tasting Notes: Go Northwestern! The 2012 Gator Bowl and Klinker Brick Farrah Syrah
New Year’s Day in the Winey Household is a fairly typical celebration. Sleep late. Watch bowl games. Eat lots of buffalo chicken dip. Sound familiar to you? (You can insert your own favorite dip – it just happens that we are on a buffalo chicken dip kick this year.) You can also add one other…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Nth Degree Merlot
I know what you are thinking right now! I really do. You saw the word “Merlot” in the title of this post and you immediately recalled that now infamous line from the movie Sideways: “No, if anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I am NOT drinking any @#*$ Merlot!” Come on, we all do it. Even if…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Nth Degree Merlot
I know what you are thinking right now! I really do. You saw the word “Merlot” in the title of this post and you immediately recalled that now infamous line from the movie Sideways: “No, if anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I am NOT drinking any @#*$ Merlot!” Come on, we all do it. Even if…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Nth Degree Merlot
I know what you are thinking right now! I really do. You saw the word “Merlot” in the title of this post and you immediately recalled that now infamous line from the movie Sideways: “No, if anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I am NOT drinking any @#*$ Merlot!” Come on, we all do it. Even if…
Winey Tasting Notes: Reaching New Heights With Don Rodolfo Malbec
Three Winey Family members hamming it up on the ski slopes of Colorado Today’s wine is Don Rodolfo Malbec (2011, 13.5%, Argentina). The label proudly states that this is a high altitude vineyard (5,900 feet!). I am duly impressed, because I have a healthy fear and respect for high altitudes. Seems that I am one of…
Winey Tasting Notes: Reaching New Heights With Don Rodolfo Malbec
Three Winey Family members hamming it up on the ski slopes of Colorado Today’s wine is Don Rodolfo Malbec (2011, 13.5%, Argentina). The label proudly states that this is a high altitude vineyard (5,900 feet!). I am duly impressed, because I have a healthy fear and respect for high altitudes. Seems that I am one of…
Winey Tasting Notes: Reaching New Heights With Don Rodolfo Malbec
Three Winey Family members hamming it up on the ski slopes of Colorado Today’s wine is Don Rodolfo Malbec (2011, 13.5%, Argentina). The label proudly states that this is a high altitude vineyard (5,900 feet!). I am duly impressed, because I have a healthy fear and respect for high altitudes. Seems that I am one of…
Winey Tasting Notes: Post-Thanksgiving With Kidder Family Wines Duet
Every year many words are written about which wine to pair with the Thanksgiving feast. You’ll get almost as many opinions about this as there are wine bottles in France. And Italy. Combined. I don’t mean to sound really wimpy about this and all, but when it comes to Turkey Day, it’s best to sip…
Winey Tasting Notes: Post-Thanksgiving With Kidder Family Wines Duet
Every year many words are written about which wine to pair with the Thanksgiving feast. You’ll get almost as many opinions about this as there are wine bottles in France. And Italy. Combined. I don’t mean to sound really wimpy about this and all, but when it comes to Turkey Day, it’s best to sip…
Winey Tasting Notes: Post-Thanksgiving With Kidder Family Wines Duet
Every year many words are written about which wine to pair with the Thanksgiving feast. You’ll get almost as many opinions about this as there are wine bottles in France. And Italy. Combined. I don’t mean to sound really wimpy about this and all, but when it comes to Turkey Day, it’s best to sip…
Winey Tasting Notes: Dinner With Friends, and Some Lodi Wines
One of the joys of being a Winey blogger is that you get to participate in some extremely interesting wine tastings…all in the comfort of your own home. Thanks to web cameras and Twitter, I get to join with fellow Wineys once or twice a month and taste wines that I might never have thought to try –…
Winey Tasting Notes: Dinner With Friends, and Some Lodi Wines
One of the joys of being a Winey blogger is that you get to participate in some extremely interesting wine tastings…all in the comfort of your own home. Thanks to web cameras and Twitter, I get to join with fellow Wineys once or twice a month and taste wines that I might never have thought to try –…
Winey Tasting Notes: Dinner With Friends, and Some Lodi Wines
One of the joys of being a Winey blogger is that you get to participate in some extremely interesting wine tastings…all in the comfort of your own home. Thanks to web cameras and Twitter, I get to join with fellow Wineys once or twice a month and taste wines that I might never have thought to try –…
Winey Tasting Notes: Getting Cryptic (NEW FAVORITE ALERT!)
According to the Cryptic wine website, “Encryption is the conversion of a message from readable form into a mysterious puzzle”. To me, this usually means math. And that includes balancing the Winey Family checkbook, a job which was yanked from me over a quarter of a century ago. The Winey children were also told (by their…
Winey Tasting Notes: Getting Cryptic (NEW FAVORITE ALERT!)
According to the Cryptic wine website, “Encryption is the conversion of a message from readable form into a mysterious puzzle”. To me, this usually means math. And that includes balancing the Winey Family checkbook, a job which was yanked from me over a quarter of a century ago. The Winey children were also told (by their…
Winey Tasting Notes: Getting Cryptic (NEW FAVORITE ALERT!)
According to the Cryptic wine website, “Encryption is the conversion of a message from readable form into a mysterious puzzle”. To me, this usually means math. And that includes balancing the Winey Family checkbook, a job which was yanked from me over a quarter of a century ago. The Winey children were also told (by their…
Winey Tasting Notes: Getting Refreshed While Barefoot
I normally don’t think of needing a lot of “refreshing” this time of year. When I think of getting refreshed, I am usually picturing myself cooling down after a long hot gardening session. You know: sweaty, hot, tired. But I can honestly say that this November, I have needed some refreshing and it has nothing…
Winey Tasting Notes: Getting Refreshed While Barefoot
I normally don’t think of needing a lot of “refreshing” this time of year. When I think of getting refreshed, I am usually picturing myself cooling down after a long hot gardening session. You know: sweaty, hot, tired. But I can honestly say that this November, I have needed some refreshing and it has nothing…
Winey Tasting Notes: Getting Refreshed While Barefoot
I normally don’t think of needing a lot of “refreshing” this time of year. When I think of getting refreshed, I am usually picturing myself cooling down after a long hot gardening session. You know: sweaty, hot, tired. But I can honestly say that this November, I have needed some refreshing and it has nothing…
Winey Tasting Notes: Bennett Family Cabernet Sauvignon
I don’t know about you, but when I hear the words “Bennett Family” my winey mind takes me straight to the pages of my all time favorite book, Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”. I actually love all of her books, but since Pride was my very first Austen read, it gets first place. So when my…
Winey Tasting Notes: Bennett Family Cabernet Sauvignon
I don’t know about you, but when I hear the words “Bennett Family” my winey mind takes me straight to the pages of my all time favorite book, Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”. I actually love all of her books, but since Pride was my very first Austen read, it gets first place. So when my…
Winey Tasting Notes: Bennett Family Cabernet Sauvignon
I don’t know about you, but when I hear the words “Bennett Family” my winey mind takes me straight to the pages of my all time favorite book, Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”. I actually love all of her books, but since Pride was my very first Austen read, it gets first place. So when my…
Winey Tasting Notes: Sipping Some Tuscan Bargains
I have freely admitted before that I am a bit, OK, woefully, lacking when it comes to my Italian wine tasting skills. Maybe it’s because I don’t think to make myself look for Italian wines specifically. Maybe it’s because they all have such long hard to pronounce words on the labels (and yes, German wines…
Winey Tasting Notes: Sipping Some Tuscan Bargains
I have freely admitted before that I am a bit, OK, woefully, lacking when it comes to my Italian wine tasting skills. Maybe it’s because I don’t think to make myself look for Italian wines specifically. Maybe it’s because they all have such long hard to pronounce words on the labels (and yes, German wines…
Winey Tasting Notes: Sipping Some Tuscan Bargains
I have freely admitted before that I am a bit, OK, woefully, lacking when it comes to my Italian wine tasting skills. Maybe it’s because I don’t think to make myself look for Italian wines specifically. Maybe it’s because they all have such long hard to pronounce words on the labels (and yes, German wines…
Winey Decor: Alphabet Photography Gives The Winey Family A Label!
Being the wine loving Winey Mom that I am, I’m all about labels. Sure, I read them for the varietal and the alcohol content and the region…but I am totally not above grabbing a bottle because the label is cute/funny/pretty or if it has a little doggie on it. I also save all my wine…
Winey Decor: Alphabet Photography Gives The Winey Family A Label!
Being the wine loving Winey Mom that I am, I’m all about labels. Sure, I read them for the varietal and the alcohol content and the region…but I am totally not above grabbing a bottle because the label is cute/funny/pretty or if it has a little doggie on it. I also save all my wine…
Winey Decor: Alphabet Photography Gives The Winey Family A Label!
Being the wine loving Winey Mom that I am, I’m all about labels. Sure, I read them for the varietal and the alcohol content and the region…but I am totally not above grabbing a bottle because the label is cute/funny/pretty or if it has a little doggie on it. I also save all my wine…
Winey Tasting Notes: My “Vicious” Dogs Check Out Vicious Petite Sirah
Rory, 3 months old As you may have read recently on other articles in this blog, the Winey Household has expanded by four little feet…paws, to be exact. Her name is Rory and she is a Maltese/Shitzu mix. As of this writing, she weighs in at a whopping 3.2 pounds, adores her older doggie sister…
Winey Tasting Notes: My “Vicious” Dogs Check Out Vicious Petite Sirah
Rory, 3 months old As you may have read recently on other articles in this blog, the Winey Household has expanded by four little feet…paws, to be exact. Her name is Rory and she is a Maltese/Shitzu mix. As of this writing, she weighs in at a whopping 3.2 pounds, adores her older doggie sister…
Winey Tasting Notes: My “Vicious” Dogs Check Out Vicious Petite Sirah
Rory, 3 months old As you may have read recently on other articles in this blog, the Winey Household has expanded by four little feet…paws, to be exact. Her name is Rory and she is a Maltese/Shitzu mix. As of this writing, she weighs in at a whopping 3.2 pounds, adores her older doggie sister…
Winey Halloween Tasting Notes: Hob Nob Wicked Red
That hourglass… Does anyone else get a bit confused with the current usage of the word “wicked”? Cause I know that in some geographic areas as well as certain teenager minds, “wicked” means awesome, wonderful, amazing. And yet to my Winey mind, I can’t but help think of a wicked witch. And not just any wicked witch….
Winey Halloween Tasting Notes: Hob Nob Wicked Red
That hourglass… Does anyone else get a bit confused with the current usage of the word “wicked”? Cause I know that in some geographic areas as well as certain teenager minds, “wicked” means awesome, wonderful, amazing. And yet to my Winey mind, I can’t but help think of a wicked witch. And not just any wicked witch….
Winey Halloween Tasting Notes: Hob Nob Wicked Red
That hourglass… Does anyone else get a bit confused with the current usage of the word “wicked”? Cause I know that in some geographic areas as well as certain teenager minds, “wicked” means awesome, wonderful, amazing. And yet to my Winey mind, I can’t but help think of a wicked witch. And not just any wicked witch….
Winey Tasting Notes: Olive Garden’s Porta Vita Wine Line
I will have to admit that I have nothing but fond memories of The Olive Garden. WAAY back when the Winey Son was a infant, a group of us new moms would gather there once a week or so to indulge in the – you guessed it – endless soup, salad and bread sticks (oh…
Winey Tasting Notes: Olive Garden’s Porta Vita Wine Line
I will have to admit that I have nothing but fond memories of The Olive Garden. WAAY back when the Winey Son was a infant, a group of us new moms would gather there once a week or so to indulge in the – you guessed it – endless soup, salad and bread sticks (oh…
Winey Tasting Notes: Olive Garden’s Porta Vita Wine Line
I will have to admit that I have nothing but fond memories of The Olive Garden. WAAY back when the Winey Son was a infant, a group of us new moms would gather there once a week or so to indulge in the – you guessed it – endless soup, salad and bread sticks (oh…
Winey Tasting Notes: Whip….It’s Good!
Let me start off by apologizing to Devo for the above title. But seriously, when you’ve got a wine called “The Whip” (2011, 12.5%, Livermore, CA), and you were a high school junior in 1980, how are you NOT going to start singing that song? And The Whip is good (Whip it GOOD!). In fact,…
Winey Tasting Notes: Whip….It’s Good!
Let me start off by apologizing to Devo for the above title. But seriously, when you’ve got a wine called “The Whip” (2011, 12.5%, Livermore, CA), and you were a high school junior in 1980, how are you NOT going to start singing that song? And The Whip is good (Whip it GOOD!). In fact,…
Winey Tasting Notes: Surviving the Election in a “Swing State” By Flipflopping (the Merlot)
Election season. When Americans exercise the right to choose their nation’s destiny. When they flock to the polls to let their opinions be known. When debate ranges freely among differing views. When voting is a celebration of our rights as Americans. UNLESS you are like me and you live in swing state. Because here…
Winey Tasting Notes: Surviving the Election in a “Swing State” By Flipflopping (the Merlot)
Election season. When Americans exercise the right to choose their nation’s destiny. When they flock to the polls to let their opinions be known. When debate ranges freely among differing views. When voting is a celebration of our rights as Americans. UNLESS you are like me and you live in swing state. Because here…
Winey Tasting Notes: Surviving the Election in a “Swing State” By Flipflopping (the Merlot)
Election season. When Americans exercise the right to choose their nation’s destiny. When they flock to the polls to let their opinions be known. When debate ranges freely among differing views. When voting is a celebration of our rights as Americans. UNLESS you are like me and you live in swing state. Because here…
Winey Fun: Thoughts from 2012 Island Wine Fest, Put-in-Bay, Ohio
The Winey Family took our very first trip to the Lake Erie Islands this summer and I got to visit two of the wineries on the islands (Kelley’s Island Winery, Heineman’s Winery). We really enjoyed ourselves and were looking forward to our next trip out there. And then something wonderful happened: The Winey Mom was invited…
Winey Fun: Thoughts from 2012 Island Wine Fest, Put-in-Bay, Ohio
The Winey Family took our very first trip to the Lake Erie Islands this summer and I got to visit two of the wineries on the islands (Kelley’s Island Winery, Heineman’s Winery). We really enjoyed ourselves and were looking forward to our next trip out there. And then something wonderful happened: The Winey Mom was invited…
Winey Fun: Thoughts from 2012 Island Wine Fest, Put-in-Bay, Ohio
The Winey Family took our very first trip to the Lake Erie Islands this summer and I got to visit two of the wineries on the islands (Kelley’s Island Winery, Heineman’s Winery). We really enjoyed ourselves and were looking forward to our next trip out there. And then something wonderful happened: The Winey Mom was invited…
Winey Tasting Notes: Blue Fin Wine & Why The Winey Hubby Was In The Doghouse
Let me start by saying that I love The Winey Hubby. He’s a great guy, an awesome dad, a good friend…but when it comes to certain, um, circumstances, let’s just say there is a definite deficit in his character. Without being too graphic (although if you have children, you’ll get my meaning easily), let’s just…
Winey Tasting Notes: Blue Fin Wine & Why The Winey Hubby Was In The Doghouse
Let me start by saying that I love The Winey Hubby. He’s a great guy, an awesome dad, a good friend…but when it comes to certain, um, circumstances, let’s just say there is a definite deficit in his character. Without being too graphic (although if you have children, you’ll get my meaning easily), let’s just…
Winey Tasting Notes: Blue Fin Wine & Why The Winey Hubby Was In The Doghouse
Let me start by saying that I love The Winey Hubby. He’s a great guy, an awesome dad, a good friend…but when it comes to certain, um, circumstances, let’s just say there is a definite deficit in his character. Without being too graphic (although if you have children, you’ll get my meaning easily), let’s just…
Winey Tasting Notes: Doubling Up With Double Decker
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the words “double decker”? It’s a 2 level red bus that roams the streets of London, right? I’m sure that’s what most people think of first…but for me, it’s a two level red bus that roams the streets of Paris. Here’s why… On…
Winey Tasting Notes: Doubling Up With Double Decker
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the words “double decker”? It’s a 2 level red bus that roams the streets of London, right? I’m sure that’s what most people think of first…but for me, it’s a two level red bus that roams the streets of Paris. Here’s why… On…
Winey Tasting Notes: Doubling Up With Double Decker
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the words “double decker”? It’s a 2 level red bus that roams the streets of London, right? I’m sure that’s what most people think of first…but for me, it’s a two level red bus that roams the streets of Paris. Here’s why… On…
Sipping My Way Through The Lake Erie Islands, Part Two: Heineman’s Winery, Put-In-Bay
Lake Erie Islands The Winey Family decided a visit to the Lake Erie Islands was in order this summer….and it was long overdue. I have lived in Cleveland for 25 years and had never set foot on these famed islands. But that’s not as bad as the Winey Hubby, who has lived here for the…
Sipping My Way Through The Lake Erie Islands, Part Two: Heineman’s Winery, Put-In-Bay
Lake Erie Islands The Winey Family decided a visit to the Lake Erie Islands was in order this summer….and it was long overdue. I have lived in Cleveland for 25 years and had never set foot on these famed islands. But that’s not as bad as the Winey Hubby, who has lived here for the…
Sipping My Way Through The Lake Erie Islands, Part Two: Heineman’s Winery, Put-In-Bay
Lake Erie Islands The Winey Family decided a visit to the Lake Erie Islands was in order this summer….and it was long overdue. I have lived in Cleveland for 25 years and had never set foot on these famed islands. But that’s not as bad as the Winey Hubby, who has lived here for the…
Sipping My Way Through the Lake Erie Islands, Part One: Kelley’s Island
Lake Erie Islands It was the Winey Daughter’s idea, and it was a good one. It was also one a LONG time in coming, because neither I or The Winey Hubby (who grew up in Northeast Ohio) have ever been to the famed Lake Erie Islands. These are a chain of islands most of which fall under the…
Sipping My Way Through the Lake Erie Islands, Part One: Kelley’s Island
Lake Erie Islands It was the Winey Daughter’s idea, and it was a good one. It was also one a LONG time in coming, because neither I or The Winey Hubby (who grew up in Northeast Ohio) have ever been to the famed Lake Erie Islands. These are a chain of islands most of which fall under the…
Sipping My Way Through the Lake Erie Islands, Part One: Kelley’s Island
Lake Erie Islands It was the Winey Daughter’s idea, and it was a good one. It was also one a LONG time in coming, because neither I or The Winey Hubby (who grew up in Northeast Ohio) have ever been to the famed Lake Erie Islands. These are a chain of islands most of which fall under the…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Lure of the Sale: Hey MAMBO Chardonnay
Once again, a sale price caught my eye. OK, so did the label. I rarely have a wine that yells “Hey!” to me, but given that this one is actually called “Hey MAMBO”, it couldn’t be helped, could it? Now about that sale. Half off. From $14 to $7. So really, I HAD to buy…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Lure of the Sale: Hey MAMBO Chardonnay
Once again, a sale price caught my eye. OK, so did the label. I rarely have a wine that yells “Hey!” to me, but given that this one is actually called “Hey MAMBO”, it couldn’t be helped, could it? Now about that sale. Half off. From $14 to $7. So really, I HAD to buy…
Winey Tasting Notes: The Lure of the Sale: Hey MAMBO Chardonnay
Once again, a sale price caught my eye. OK, so did the label. I rarely have a wine that yells “Hey!” to me, but given that this one is actually called “Hey MAMBO”, it couldn’t be helped, could it? Now about that sale. Half off. From $14 to $7. So really, I HAD to buy…
Winey Tasting Notes: Washington State’s StoneCap
Another trip outside California….this time to Washington State, the USA’s second largest wine producing state. I have mentioned before that I got to tour some Seattle wineries a few years ago on a trip with the Winey Hubby. We were limited in time, so we focused on the wineries fairly close to the city. But…
Winey Tasting Notes: Washington State’s StoneCap
Another trip outside California….this time to Washington State, the USA’s second largest wine producing state. I have mentioned before that I got to tour some Seattle wineries a few years ago on a trip with the Winey Hubby. We were limited in time, so we focused on the wineries fairly close to the city. But…
Winey Tasting Notes: Washington State’s StoneCap
Another trip outside California….this time to Washington State, the USA’s second largest wine producing state. I have mentioned before that I got to tour some Seattle wineries a few years ago on a trip with the Winey Hubby. We were limited in time, so we focused on the wineries fairly close to the city. But…
Winey Tasting Notes: Pairing Made Simple! Foodies Chardonnay
So much has been written about pairing wine with food. It’s one of the most confusing and sometimes downright intimidating wine dilemmas out there. Sure, you know what YOU like to eat. And you know what YOU like to sip. But if you pair them together, will it be a taste disaster? Will your guests…
Winey Tasting Notes: Pairing Made Simple! Foodies Chardonnay
So much has been written about pairing wine with food. It’s one of the most confusing and sometimes downright intimidating wine dilemmas out there. Sure, you know what YOU like to eat. And you know what YOU like to sip. But if you pair them together, will it be a taste disaster? Will your guests…
Winey Tasting Notes: Goats Do What? Goats Do Roam (Red)
Another entry in my “I want to try new wine regions outside of California” series…. I love a winemaker who doesn’t take him or herself too seriously. A good giggle can go a long way in making the day much better sometimes. The wine Goats Do Roam (a play on the very serious Cotes-du-Rhone French wines) made…
Winey Tasting Notes: Goats Do What? Goats Do Roam (Red)
Another entry in my “I want to try new wine regions outside of California” series…. I love a winemaker who doesn’t take him or herself too seriously. A good giggle can go a long way in making the day much better sometimes. The wine Goats Do Roam (a play on the very serious Cotes-du-Rhone French wines) made…
Winey Tasting Notes: Goats Do What? Goats Do Roam (Red)
Another entry in my “I want to try new wine regions outside of California” series…. I love a winemaker who doesn’t take him or herself too seriously. A good giggle can go a long way in making the day much better sometimes. The wine Goats Do Roam (a play on the very serious Cotes-du-Rhone French wines) made…
Winey Tasting Notes: This Wine’s From Joisey. You From Joisey?
For those of you who need a translation or explanation for the above title, it goes back to a 1981 Saturday Night Live skit written by and starring Joe Piscopo (and Deborah Harry, singer AND Jersey Girl). The original line is “I’m from Joisey! You from Joisey?” The skit also led to a very famous ad lib, which…
Winey Tasting Notes: This Wine’s From Joisey. You From Joisey?
For those of you who need a translation or explanation for the above title, it goes back to a 1981 Saturday Night Live skit written by and starring Joe Piscopo (and Deborah Harry, singer AND Jersey Girl). The original line is “I’m from Joisey! You from Joisey?” The skit also led to a very famous ad lib, which…
Winey Tasting Notes: This Wine’s From Joisey. You From Joisey?
For those of you who need a translation or explanation for the above title, it goes back to a 1981 Saturday Night Live skit written by and starring Joe Piscopo (and Deborah Harry, singer AND Jersey Girl). The original line is “I’m from Joisey! You from Joisey?” The skit also led to a very famous ad lib, which…
Winey Tasting Notes: Beaching it with Bota Boxes
I am a beach person. There is no question about it. I spent summers growing up on the Jersey Shore. I am told I spent the entire summer before I was born on the beach at Red Bank (my mom is also a beach person and was a teacher – hence the summer off). I have…
Winey Tasting Notes: Beaching it with Bota Boxes
I am a beach person. There is no question about it. I spent summers growing up on the Jersey Shore. I am told I spent the entire summer before I was born on the beach at Red Bank (my mom is also a beach person and was a teacher – hence the summer off). I have…
Winey Tasting Notes: Beaching it with Bota Boxes
I am a beach person. There is no question about it. I spent summers growing up on the Jersey Shore. I am told I spent the entire summer before I was born on the beach at Red Bank (my mom is also a beach person and was a teacher – hence the summer off). I have…
Winey Tasting Notes: Sipping German on a New Jersey Patio (Fritz Windisch Niersteiner Spiegelberg Riesling Kabinet)
Once again, my quest to try wines of different regions (internationally as well as nationally) took me to: my mother’s patio in New Jersey. Just wait, there is an international hook here. You may remember my mother from some other articles I have written. If you don’t, let me sum it up for you: the…
Winey Tasting Notes: Sipping German on a New Jersey Patio (Fritz Windisch Niersteiner Spiegelberg Riesling Kabinet)
Once again, my quest to try wines of different regions (internationally as well as nationally) took me to: my mother’s patio in New Jersey. Just wait, there is an international hook here. You may remember my mother from some other articles I have written. If you don’t, let me sum it up for you: the…
Winey Tasting Notes: Sipping German on a New Jersey Patio (Fritz Windisch Niersteiner Spiegelberg Riesling Kabinet)
Once again, my quest to try wines of different regions (internationally as well as nationally) took me to: my mother’s patio in New Jersey. Just wait, there is an international hook here. You may remember my mother from some other articles I have written. If you don’t, let me sum it up for you: the…
Winey Tasting Notes: Barnard Griffin Fumé Blanc
I remember my first trip to the state of Washington. I was actually tagging along on one of the Winey Hubby’s business trips to Seattle, but if I didn’t have to make the bed, it counted as a vacation. Once the business part was taken care of, we stayed a few extra days to wander…
Winey Tasting Notes: Barnard Griffin Fumé Blanc
I remember my first trip to the state of Washington. I was actually tagging along on one of the Winey Hubby’s business trips to Seattle, but if I didn’t have to make the bed, it counted as a vacation. Once the business part was taken care of, we stayed a few extra days to wander…
Winey Tasting Notes: Barnard Griffin Fumé Blanc
I remember my first trip to the state of Washington. I was actually tagging along on one of the Winey Hubby’s business trips to Seattle, but if I didn’t have to make the bed, it counted as a vacation. Once the business part was taken care of, we stayed a few extra days to wander…
Winey Tasting Notes: Salamander White in the Finger Lakes
I am as guilty as the next winey person. It’s very easy to fall into what I call a “regional rut” where wine is concerned. After all, here in the good old US of A, you hear wine and you think “California”. But there are so many other regions that produce some great wine. So…
Winey Tasting Notes: Salamander White in the Finger Lakes
I am as guilty as the next winey person. It’s very easy to fall into what I call a “regional rut” where wine is concerned. After all, here in the good old US of A, you hear wine and you think “California”. But there are so many other regions that produce some great wine. So…
Winey Tasting Notes: Salamander White in the Finger Lakes
I am as guilty as the next winey person. It’s very easy to fall into what I call a “regional rut” where wine is concerned. After all, here in the good old US of A, you hear wine and you think “California”. But there are so many other regions that produce some great wine. So…
Winey Tasting Notes: Puttin’ On My Fancy Pants (Pinot Grigio, That Is!)
I just couldn’t help it. I saw the name on the bottle and wham! Took me right back to my daughter, age 2, wearing those cute little tights with the ruffled panties under her Christmas dress. I just loved those little ruffles, sitting on top those fat little leggies that were just begging to be…
Winey Tasting Notes: Puttin’ On My Fancy Pants (Pinot Grigio, That Is!)
I just couldn’t help it. I saw the name on the bottle and wham! Took me right back to my daughter, age 2, wearing those cute little tights with the ruffled panties under her Christmas dress. I just loved those little ruffles, sitting on top those fat little leggies that were just begging to be…
Winey Tasting Notes: Puttin’ On My Fancy Pants (Pinot Grigio, That Is!)
I just couldn’t help it. I saw the name on the bottle and wham! Took me right back to my daughter, age 2, wearing those cute little tights with the ruffled panties under her Christmas dress. I just loved those little ruffles, sitting on top those fat little leggies that were just begging to be…
Winey Tasting Notes: Wowing Me With Wine Sisterhood Chardonnay
I drink a lot of wine. Hello, I write a wine blog, okay? And while I wouldn’t call myself jaded or blase about wine, I have found that the longer I travel this winey road, the harder it is to be wowed by a wine. Do not get me wrong…there are many, many good wines out…
Winey Tasting Notes: Wowing Me With Wine Sisterhood Chardonnay
I drink a lot of wine. Hello, I write a wine blog, okay? And while I wouldn’t call myself jaded or blase about wine, I have found that the longer I travel this winey road, the harder it is to be wowed by a wine. Do not get me wrong…there are many, many good wines out…
Winey Reading Notes: Natalie MacLean’s “Unquenchable” – She GETS It!!!
I have said many times before how much I love to read. But it’s the rare book that introduces me to a Winey Soul sister. But find one I did in Natalie MacLean’s Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines (2011, Penguin, USA). What was my first clue that I had found…
Winey Reading Notes: Natalie MacLean’s “Unquenchable” – She GETS It!!!
I have said many times before how much I love to read. But it’s the rare book that introduces me to a Winey Soul sister. But find one I did in Natalie MacLean’s Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines (2011, Penguin, USA). What was my first clue that I had found…
Winey Reading Notes: Natalie MacLean’s “Unquenchable” – She GETS It!!!
I have said many times before how much I love to read. But it’s the rare book that introduces me to a Winey Soul sister. But find one I did in Natalie MacLean’s Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines (2011, Penguin, USA). What was my first clue that I had found…
