There was a time in the not-so-distant past when Japanese beer and sake were considered the only acceptable adult beverages to enjoy with traditional servings of maki rolls and nigiri. But all of that has changed, thanks in part to open-minded sushi restaurateurs who have included thoughtful wine selections in their establishments.
Looking for a place to kick back and enjoy interesting wine samples? Why not try one of the many well-stocked wine bars in the Washington area!
Click the link to hear three recommendations in Northern Virginia, Maryland and DC.
The Hip Wine Bar at Seasons 52 in North Bethesda, MD
Not everyone has the luxury of opening bottle after bottle of wine in the name of research, so it’s a good thing that many restaurants and wine shops in the Washington, DC area have starting offering sips and tastes of various wines by the glass. Now wine lovers can hone their palates without having to purchase and consume an entire bottle. And the best part is that someone – usually a sommelier or wine buyer – has already narrowed the field down to delicious choices. All you have to do is let your palate enjoy the ride.
The Very Busy Wine Bar At Proof
Evidently, Mother’s Day has been around for a long, long time, with origins dating back to early Egyptians who honored Nut, the goddess of the sky. In 1914, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution making it an official “Day.”
So, you’ve known that Mother’s Day was coming for some time now, Right? If you’re in a bind because you don’t know what to buy mom for Mother’s Day this year, have no fear. Wine just might be the perfect gift. Especially if you put some thought into it and find one with a theme.
Best of all, if you play your cards right, you just might be able to share a glass or two with mom or spouse…
Click here to listen to WTOP Radio Wine of the Week recommendations for Mother’s Day Wines
Buy Silver for Mother's Day - Silver Oak, That Is...
Why doesn’t wine – made from grapes – taste like grape juice? For example, red wine might have aromas and flavors that include cherries, red berries and strawberries, but not grapes. So, where do all these fruit, spice and other flavors come from?
Click here to see how wine develops all of its flavor…
Layer Cake Shiraz has Layers of Flavors
On Tuesday, May 3, 2011, I was fortunate enough to appear on WUSA Channel 9 Television in Washington, DC, to discuss what gives wine its flavor. Click on the link below to check out the 3 minute interview with Jessica Doyle from Channel 9.
Georgetta Dane and her husband, Corneliu, left Romania when they won an against-all-odds lottery to come to the United States on a special visa. They had a young daughter, no family or job in the US, and neither one of them spoke a stitch of English. But they packed up the clan and ended up in Monterey, California, just in time to participate in the harvest at Kendall-Jackson’s new winery.
Georgetta started in the lab and worked her way up to the winemaking front lines. By 2006, she found her way to the Big House Wine Company of California, where she became head winemaker of their portfolio where she uses over 40 different varietals to craft wines like a perfumer makes perfumes. First, she builds a base scent and then she uses the nuances of other varietals in harmony in order to maximize the aroma and flavor.
Check out the Big Values that Georgetta Dane offers at Big House Wine Company.
Print Version – Washington Examiner Newspaper
Audio Version – as heard on WTOP Wine of the Week
Versatility is the name of the game this Easter so start with picking out a wine that will play well with your main course and then refine your selection based on a few key side dishes. For example, if you plan on having ham, consider a wine that will support the richness of the meat while counter-balancing the saltiness. Or if turkey is the centerpiece of your holiday table, grab a bottle that will liven up the mild flavors of the bird.
Here are a few wines I plan on putting in my basket when I hop over to dinner this Sunday.
DC Examiner April 21, 2011 – International Wines for Your Easter Basket – The Vine Guy
A Great CDP For Easter
A Delicious Kosher Dessert-Style Riesling
Not long ago, the thought of drinking kosher wines conjured up memories of sweet, cloying beverages that tasted more like grape juice and brandy then anything resembling wine. But today, kosher wines have entered a new era. There are a several countries that are dedicated to producing quality wines for all consumers. Israel is leading the way with six wine producing regions turning out some pretty good juice. Italy, New Zealand, Australia and California are also on the map with respectable kosher wine offerings.
Check out these delicious – and serious – Kosher wines that anyone would be proud to drink four cups of this Passover…
Is the perceived taste or pleasure of the wine influenced by price? It is a mystery similar to the chicken and the egg. Does the wine taste better because it costs more or does it cost more because the wine tastes better?
Here’s a fun way to find out. Ask five or six friends to bring over a bottle of the same varietal of wine – California cabernets for example – at differing price points. Make sure that they’re wrapped in a brown paper bag without any identifying features exposed. Number the bags, then taste and rate the wines. In addition, ask everyone to guess the price of the wine. Reveal the wines and compare notes.
I recently did this with a group of enthusiastic wine consumers and I was shocked at what happened. Here are the results as reported on WTOP Radio’s Wine of the Week segment…
April 8, 2011 – Does Price Influence Taste
Does Price Influence Perception of Wine's Enjoyment
