This week our wine educator Jessica Bell, talks more about wine pairing…specifically pairing with meat.  Take the mystery out of wine, check out more from Jessica at www.mywineschool.com.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Every winery has its very own personality.  Many make you feel welcome and at home while some are interested in selling wine and that’s that.  Harpersfield Winery in Madison, Ohio equates to the former and in many special ways.  In summer, Harpersfield features live entertainment on the front lawn next to the vineyard.  In winter….well, winter is special.  Gathering around the fireplace in the very cozy tasting room makes for a special time spent with friends.  While the many wines offered by Harpersfield are quite good, so in their menu.  The flat bread pizza’s are exceptional and are the perfect comfort food.  The cheese plate, bread tray and sandwiches are all worth a try.  This is a family run operation and you will likely be talking to the owners or a family member when you belly up to order.  Not to mention the winery terriers …..friendly and very cute, they are professional greeters and likely to pull up your lap for a brief nap.

Ohio has many terrific wineries and has for years.  Northeast Ohio has the largest grouping in Lake and Ashtabula counties.  Take a moment while visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and head east for food and wine that will likely surprise you.

We celebrate Thanksgiving 2013 with a podcast from an old favorite, Tony Terlato, Chairman of Terlato Wines International.  It’s been three years since we last spoke with Tony and this interview was again filled with surprises and excellent hospitality.  This is Part Two of the interview.  Learn more at www.terlatowines.com.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

We celebrate Thanksgiving 2013 with a podcast from an old favorite, Tony Terlato, Chairman of Terlato Wines International.  It’s been three years since we last spoke with Tony and this interview was again filled with surprises and excellent hospitality.  This is Part One of the interview.  Learn more at www.terlatowines.com.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

It is a fact that information is power and without a doubt, wine lovers are constantly seeking information.  New labels, interesting growers, up and coming areas.  When it comes to California we commonly stick with Napa Valley, Sonoma and Santa Barbara. Of course, many other locations are growing excellent grapes and making fantastic wine.  One way to get the jump on where to look, is to follow the winemakers.

David Galzignado, formerly of Paraduxx (podcast #5, October, 2008) and Scott Shirley, formerly of The Hess Collection (podcast #8-Napa Valley Barrel Auction-July, 2008) have moved to Paso Robles to work with Jada & Justin respectfully.  Think that may tell you something?

My own experiences with Paso include excellent tastings of Calcareous, Cirque de Vin, J Lohr and Treana and have impressed on me the importance of keeping an eye on this area.

A wine lover with an open mind, is a happy wine lover.