Wines for Passover and Easter

The Jewish tradition of Passover and the Christian celebration of Easter usually falls within close proximity of each other, but this year, the first night of Passover begins tonight and Easter Sunday is just a couple of days behind it. And while both of these holidays have significant meaning in their respective religious histories, both have one thing in common; copious amounts of food.

Like any important gathering that involves family, friends and food, wine plays an important role, so the wine you pour for your particular celebration should be as joyous as the occasion itself.

Click HERE to read the recommendations in this week’s Vine Guy column in the DC Examiner Newspaper

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Sunshine On A Cloudy Bay

When Captain Cook, on his 1770 voyage to New Zealand dubbed the inlet at the eastern end of the Wairau Valley, “Cloudy Bay,” he definitely got it wrong. Cloudy Bay Vineyards was established in 1985 at the northern end of the South Island of New Zealand, in the Wairau Valley of the Marlborough appellation which enjoys the longest hours of sunshine in the country!

Cloudy Bay Vineyards’ philosophy is simple; they believe in the production of the highest quality wines from the best varietals grown in the most appropriate vineyard locations. This dedication to detail results in a distinctive style that shines through in every bottle of sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir that Cloudy Bay produces.

Click Here To Read The Full Vine Guy Column In The Washington Examiner Newspaper

Click Here To Listen To Recommendations On WTOP Radio’s Wine of the Week Segment

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German Rieslings from the Mosel

I am a big fan of Germany’s white wines, particularly the wonderfully aromatic Riesling wines from the region that crawls along the Mosel River and its tributaries, the rivers Saar and Ruwer.

These wines are produced in a variety of styles that range along a continuum from crisp and dry to sweet and bright.

Click here to read about these wonderful white wines in this week’s Vine Guy column in the DC Examiner Newspaper

Click here to hear about a couple of my favorites on WTOP radio’s WOTW segment

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The Diverse Wines of South Africa

There is a place on earth where two oceans collide and where New World wines meet with Old World standards. This tip of the world is known as South Africa, and it is home to some of the most diverse vineyard lands in the world.

South Africa’s rich heritage, is reflected in the diversity of their wines. The combination of maritime influences and dry climates combined with the unique and varied terroir of the different regions results in a plethora of wine styles that run the gamut from simple yet charming to powerful yet elegant.

Click here to read the review in this week’s Vine Guy column in the DC Examiner

 

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Argyle Makes Wines with Soles

Texas native Rollin Soles is not your average winemaker. After attending the University of California at Davis, where he earned his Masters of Science in Enology and Viticulture, he set his sights on producing wines in Oregon, well before the state was known as a winemaking powerhouse.

 In 1987, Soles co-founded Argyle Winery in the beautifully sculpted Willamette Valley in the northwestern region of Oregon. From the beginning, Soles has been dedicated to practicing sustainable agriculture and ecological stewardship. Rollin insists, “Our biggest motivation is future generations and leaving behind vineyards and systems that are as healthy and strong as possible. At Argyle we try to think two generations ahead.” And it has paid off.

Check out this week’s Vine Guy reviews of Argyle Wines in the DC Examiner Newspaper

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The Source is Where It’s At

I love this restaurant. I consider myself a knowledgeable foodie and a service snob and this place always rocks on both scales. From the moment you walk in, you know that this is a special place. There is just a vibe, a hum, a buzz about the place. The front of house staff is always friendly and accommodating.

But the food and the service are what really keep me coming back. Every… single… dish… is delicious. From the Tuna Tartar Cones to the Lamb Lettuce Wraps to the Crispy Pork Belly, every starter just revs up your palate for the entrees to come. I personally love the Wok Fired Whole Fish – it’s fileted tableside and served with a couple of different sauces. The Short Ribs and Noodles is also a huge hit. For a party of six, we usually get four appetizers and four entrees and share the love around the table. And just to show that the staff is really paying attention, if a particular appetizer comes with four pieces, they upgrade the order to make sure that there are enough pieces for everyone in your party to enjoy their own sample. Thoughtful.

Lastly – make room for desserts! I am not big on desserts at restaurants… I’d rather have a cheese plate and a glass of wine, but The Source has such an interesting array of sweet endings, it would be a shame to pass them up. And to prove how bright the staff continues to shine, the Sommelier offered to pair a dessert wine with my Rice Pudding and nailed it right on the head. When I want to relax, enjoy a great meal and feel right at home, I always consider going right to “The Source.”

Crispy Whole Wok Fired Fish

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The Sicilian Wines of Planeta

The Planeta family have been farming the volcanic rich soils of Sicily for some time, however, their entry into the wine world is less than two decades old. Today, the Planeta wine organization includes six unique vineyard locations totally 900 acres and involves over a dozen Planeta cousins. The family’s meticulous attention to detail has resulted in award-winning wines that express distinctive characteristics from the various sites throughout the island.

Click here to read all about the ecologically friendly – and delicious – wines from Planeta

 

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WTOP Wine of the Week – Rosés for Valentine’s Day

Sparkling Rosé wines are just that Cupid ordered for Valentine’s Day! And just like the ubiquitous nature of love, sparkling rosé wines can be found in just about every wine grape growing in the world. Best of all, many sparkling rosés are a relative bargain and can be found in plentiful supply.

Click here to listen to my wine recipe for love on this week’s WTOP Radio Wine of the Week segment

Sparkling Rose Wines are Perfect For Romance

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Roses May be Red, But Rosés Are For Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, there is no better wine to celebrate new love with – or the love you already share with someone – than with a bottle of bubbly. But not just any sparkling wine. For the day of love, one should chose a special wine that adds color as well as style for this year’s day of love. Sparkling rosé wines are just what Cupid ordered.

Click here to read this week’s Vine Guy recommendations in the Washington, DC Examiner

Jacquart Rose

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Super Wines for the Super Bowl

The 46th annual Super Bowl is crawling towards television sets poised in homes and sports bars across the country and around the world. Here are a few ideas that will please a diversity of palates while leaving enough money in your wallet to still buy a few picks in the office pool.

Great picks for the Super Bowl – DC Examiner Newspaper

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