Category Archives: Articles

I have just returned from a whirl-wine tour out west where I spent three glorious days kicking around the wine-fantasy world of Napa Valley. After tasting that ranged in rpice from $15 to $500 a bottlem I thought I’d share … Continue reading →

When I was growing up in a “small town” in Central California, the Fourth of July meant ice cold watermelon, cookouts, a parade down Main Street, and fireworks at the community college stadium. And beer. Lots and lots of beer. … Continue reading →

If you really want to know what’s in your wine, other than grapes and yeast, take a moment to consider that traditionally farmed grapes contain trace levels of pesticides, even after washing, due to absorption through soft skins. In addition, small amount of … Continue reading →

Need a few great ideas for the wine-loving dad or husband in your life? Click here to check out these fun and practical gift ideas in this week’s Vine Guy column

Rosé is not a specific varietal, but is a style of wine that ranges in color from soft pink to light purple, depending on which grapes are used and the winemaking technique employed.  In addition, many different types of grapes … Continue reading →

I know that you can eat sushi any time of year, but somehow, the approaching summer weather just seems to make the ama-ebi (sweet shrimp) taste just a tad sweeter and the spicy tuna rolls just a little bit zestier. … Continue reading →

In 1978, brothers Harry and John Jr. Mariani’s “impossible dream” was achieved when they returned to their grandparent’s homeland in Italy to establish the Castello Banfi vineyard estate. The Marianis concentrated on increasing the quality of the area’s native Sangiovese grape … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →