The Best Wines Made From Grapes You’ve Never Heard Of!

If you are really open to expanding both your proverbial wine horizon as well as your palate, discovering the history behind tasty, lesser known varietals can be its own reward. After all, there are over 200 fairly common unique grape varietals from which wine is produced, and probably another three or four hundred varietals of wine grapes that many of us have simply never heard of.

Click here to listen to my recommendations on WTOP Radio’s Wine of the Week

Click here to read about all of the wine recommendations in the DC Examiner Newspaper Vine Guy column

Posted in Articles, Podcasts | Comments Off on The Best Wines Made From Grapes You’ve Never Heard Of!

There’s No Place Like Rhone

Many wine regions that have their own distinctive personalities. Napa drips with big, rich cabernet sauvignons. Burgundy seduces with its pinot noirs. Tuscan wines crave Italian cuisine. And Rhone wines wrap you in a warm blanket.

Click HERE to listen to my recommendations on WTOP Radio’s Wine of the Week

Click HERE to read the entire article in the DC Examiner Newspaper Vine Guy column

Posted in Articles, Podcasts | Comments Off on There’s No Place Like Rhone

Virginia Named One of 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations For 2012.

Yes Virginia – there really is a wine country, and according to this month’s Wine Enthusiast magazine, Virginia has been named one of the 10 best wine travel destinations for 2012.  Virginia was listed as only one of three domestic wine regions that are considered an ideal place for wine lovers to visit in 2012.  The article cites Virginia’s rich history, natural beauty and friendly winemakers as some of the many reasons to visit the region.

Click here to hear the details on WTOP Radio’s Wine of the Week

Click here to read about what wineries to visit in Virginia in the DC Examiner Vine Guy column

Posted in Articles, Podcasts | Comments Off on Virginia Named One of 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations For 2012.

WTOP Radio Wine of the Week – New Year’s Wine Resolutions for 2012

In the spirit of the New Year, I thought I would share with you some of the personal goals – well, personal WINE goals – that I resolve to achieve in the New Year.

Click here to listen to this week’s WTOP Radio Wine of the Week – and find out what resolutions I have in store for 2012

 Reidel O Series Glassware

Posted in Podcasts | Comments Off on WTOP Radio Wine of the Week – New Year’s Wine Resolutions for 2012

Sparkling Wines for New Year’s Eve

There is nothing quite like wine with bubbles to create a festive atmosphere and elevate the last night of the year to celebratory status. Whether you’re pouring a wine from California or France, the addition of bubbles somehow makes each sip its own party. And the variety of sparkling wines is endless. The wines can range from bone-dry to wonderfully sweet and the bubbles can be tiny or effervescent. Best of all, they can be young and fresh or mature and mellow.

There is a bubbly out there for everyone – so this New Year’s Eve, pick a sparkling wine that’s right for you…

Click here to hear my recommendations on WTOP Radio’s Wine of the Week

Click here to read about the sparkling wines I am recommending in the DC Examiner Newspaper

Have a happy and healthy New Year!

Cheers.

Posted in Articles, Podcasts | Comments Off on Sparkling Wines for New Year’s Eve

Party Wines for the Holiday Season That Won’t Break The Bank

Here is a selection of wonderfully tasteful wines that cost under $20 that you can proudly serve your guests or take along as a gift to any party. Now that’s a real holiday treat.

Click here to read the best values for your next party in the DC Examiner Newspaper

 Tarot Grenache

Posted in Articles | Comments Off on Party Wines for the Holiday Season That Won’t Break The Bank

WTOP Wine of the Week – Big Wines for the Holidays

Once in a while I like to step out and pamper my palate with something on the extravagant side. Like getting dressed up to go out for a nice dinner, splurging on an expensive bottle of wine can be a memorable experience, especially when it is paired with a special event, such as a holiday dinner or New Year’s Eve party.

Click here to listen too GO BIG wine recommendations on this week’s WTOP Radio Wine of the Week

Posted in Podcasts | Comments Off on WTOP Wine of the Week – Big Wines for the Holidays

WTOP Wine of the Week – Holiday Party Wines Under $20

The holiday party season is in full swing and chance are, you’re either hosting a holiday party or have been invited to one. 

What wine can you serve that will be delicious but not add to the national (or at least household) debt?

Click here and listen in for a selection of wonderfully tasteful wines under $20 that you can serve your guests or take as a hostess gift.

 

Posted in Podcasts | Comments Off on WTOP Wine of the Week – Holiday Party Wines Under $20

DC Examiner Newspaper – Winter White Wines

Winter is slowly creeping in to Washington, and as the thermometer begins its decent in to the chilly territory, the first thing that that most wine lovers think of – well, the first thing I think of – is reaching for a big red wine. But what about white wines for weathering winter weather? Most consumers usually think of white wines as warmer weather companions. However, there are many white wines on the market that can be enjoyed all year long and, in my opinion, are even more enjoyable when the temperature scoots down a notch or two.

Click Here to check out my recommendations for Winter White Wines in this week’s DC Examiner Newspaper 

Posted in Articles | Comments Off on DC Examiner Newspaper – Winter White Wines

The Vine Gal Recommends Cookbooks and Wine Gadgets

Last week, Cindy recommended several wine books that would make a great present for the wine enthusiast on your gift list. But not everyone may be a thrilled with receiving a book on wine – or at least not as much as they would enjoy drinking the wine itself.

Here are a few cookbook recommendations for those on your list who may want to prepare their own food and wine pairings, as well as a couple other wine oriented gifts.

Posted in Articles | Comments Off on The Vine Gal Recommends Cookbooks and Wine Gadgets