Charity Sometimes Begins with Wine

Charity is the ultimate selfless act. More and more these days there are charities created for as many different causes you can conceive.

Just as we pair great food with excellent wine, Charity Wines pairs fine wines with great charities to help make a difference in the lives of others. Charity Wines uses its extensive experience in the wine arena and the glitz and glamour of professional sports athletes to attract and raise money for a variety of charities.

Check out Charity Wines for more information about where to purchase your next bottle of charity wine.

Looking for the Perfect Wine?

Take this short quiz to find your very own wine that fits your personality perfectly!

Click here: Wine Personality Quiz

What kind of wine are you?

Share your results in comments!

Red Hot Love Affair

Lately I’ve had a full blown love affair with red wine.   Red is sexy, seductive, smooth, sassy, and sometimes sinful.  Red wine is not for everyone, and it’s definitely a mature acquired taste.  Most people begin their wine drinking affair with a sweet white, and slowly begin to step out with a more exciting pleasure that is red.  When taking on a red, it’s important to start slow; sip and taste, never just swallow.  I assure you, I am still talking about wine! 

I love many red wines, but some recent romps of mine have been with three in particular.  My first escapade was with Clos du Bois Shiraz, a 2008 vintage from the North Coast.  Clos du Bois is a spicy, peppery Shiraz that makes you feel like stepping into the “wild side” wasn’t such a bad idea after all.  It screams raspberry and blackberry flavors, with a hint of licorice.  This raging red will pair well with grilled pork or duck, but definitely nothing spicy, this bottle has enough spunk of its own!

My next indulgence was a Spanish wine, Flaco Tempranillo, 2009 Vintage.  Spain’s famous Tempranillo grape is complex, yet playfully simple.  “Flaco” is Spanish for skinny, and this red contradicts the usual heavy red wine with its soft luscious kisses of fruit.  Flaco would be a great first step into an intimate, yet innocent affair.  It’s not quite a sweet red, but definitely has a gentle charm.  And it makes for great Sangria!  Try this!

·         1 bottle of Flaco

·         Oranges, apples, pears and/or bananas (2 of each) cut into wedges

·         5 Tbsp sugar

·         Splash of orange juice or lemonade

·         750 ml orange soda or ginger ale

·         2 shots of Triple Sec or rum (optional)

 Combine wine, fruits, sugar, and juice and let sit for at least 30 minutes in refrigerator.  Add ice, orange soda/ginger ale, and Triple Sec/Rum (optional) before serving.  And there you have it, a fruity pitcher of fun!

My final recent temptation is Spiral Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, 2010 Nappa Valley vintage.  The dark, sleek bottle alone spells S-E-D-U-C-T-I-O-N!  This red is definitely for the more mature wine drinker; you need a few under your belt to handle this erotic experience……once again, still talking about wine everyone!  Spiral Wines motto, insists that spiral “represents eternal change, reminding us that life is not a straight line.  It symbolizes new beginnings, renewal, and hope for the future.”  At first sip, I had an overwhelming feeling of guilty pleasure.  It’s strong, but not overpowering.  The taste is rustic and rousing , but keeps you coming for more!

…………..You know you want to.  Give in to the temptation, indulge in your own love affair with Red. 

Fun Frugal Findings @ Trader Joe's

Ever wanted to venture into the unknown??? As a frequent wine drinker, I get tired of the usual Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.  I like to peruse the aisles of Trader Joe's in order to appease my wondering eyes and needy palate.  Trader Joe's offers a wide variety of wines, both domestic and imported, which are sure to please the taste buds and the wallet.  Each week they showcase new feature wines, which are usually on sale for under $9.  If you're a health nut, this is also a good place to find organic wines.  I must admit, sometimes I get overwhelmed in there with such a diverse selection of wine.  I feel like a kid in a candy store, and I often end up asking a random person to pick between two wines for me!

Trader Joe's sells a brand of wine called Charles Shaw, popularly known as "Two Buck Chucks." The wine earned this name because it was at first exclusively sold in Trader Joe's stores in California, for only $1.99.  Now it is sold in stores nationwide for about $2.79.  I know what you're thinking: wine that cheap can't be that good, you get what you pay for.  Rest assure, I wouldn't steer you wrong! It's good, I promise!  This particular stock of wine comes in Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, White Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Merlot.  Try some!

One of the wines I selected on my last visit was Green Fin 2009 California white table wine, made from organic grapes.  I haven't dabbled much in the organics, but it was a pleasant treat. Green Fin has a honey and orange aroma, while delivering a slight pear-like taste. It was a little on the plain side for my taste, but worth a try at only $3.99!

I also sipped on some Blue Fin Petit Sirah from Trader Joe's.  This one was definitely a winner! It's a flavorful 2009 vintage, with lots of pizaz! The black cherry aromas enticed me before I even took a sip.  This is definitely a "kick back" type of wine; perfect for a cool rainy night in the house.

A word of advice: don't get lost in the aisles, and DON'T stick to your usual!

Top Wines Under $10: Celebrate the savings!!

Entertaining doesn't have to break the bank, especially with a wonderfully eclectic selection of wines suitable for any dinner party. Whether you're the host or guest, the following list can surely light up the festivities while keeping you budget intact.


TOP WINES FOR UNDER $10


Aragon
Bodegas Aletta "Aletta" Campo de Borja Garn 2008
$6.99
Click Here for full description

Bordeaux
Chateau Fantin Bordeaux "Bordeaux Blanc" Bordeaux Blanc Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle 2010 $8.49 Click Here for full description

Chateau Roc De Segur Bordeaux Rouge 2006
$9.97 Click Here for full description

California
Redart Red Table Wine (Cabernet Blend) NV
$7.97 Click Here for full description

Castilla La Mancha
Venta Morales Organic Tempranillo 2009
$8.99 Click Here for full description

Patagonia
Universo De Los Andes Pinot Noir Reserva 2010
$9.47 Click Here for full description

Rueda
Viore Verdejo 2010
$8.97 Click Here for full description

San Juan 
Graffigna Centenario Malbec 2009
$9.99 Click Here for full description

Bring on the Bubbly! Taste of Atlanta VIP Champagne Tasting

The event was entitled,“The Lowdown on Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Noir, and Wines NOT found in Any Rap Song,” presented by Don Hackett, certified specialist of wine, and Senior Wine Educator at Sherlock’s Wine Market.  We certainly got the “lowdown” on the production and selection of champagne. The region of Champagne is the perfect bubbly brewing location, providing proximity to the sea and allowing enough warmth for the grapes to barely ripen and reach the perfect level of acidity for that just right sparkle.  The major grape varieties for Champagne include Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (reds), and Chardonnay (white).  The keys to champagne production are yeast, sugar, age, and of course the bubbles (carbon dioxide)! The grapes should be hard, making them high in acid.  Champagnes that yield higher yeast content are aged longer.  There are five different styles of champagne:

·         Vintage Champagne- made from the best grapes in years when the chef de cave of a specific house feels the grapes are better than average. Vintage champagnes must be aged at least three years.

·         Non-Vintage Champagne- blended from grapes from 2 or more years.  These are usually made in the “house style,” and must be aged for a minimum of 15 months.

·         Rose Champagne- generally made my adding a small amount of red wine to the cuvee.  Can also be made by extracting colors from the skins through maceration.  Usually full-bodied and full-flavored.

·         Blanc de Noirs- made entirely from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunir

·         Blanc de Blanc- made entirely of Chardonnay

      Sweetness Levels

Brut Nature, Sans Dosage- no sugar added

Extra Brut- very dry, less than .6% sugar

Brut- dry, less than 1.5% sugar

Extra Dry- off dry, 1.2% to 2% sugar

Sec- slightly sweet, 1.7% to 3.5% sugar

Demi-Sec- semi-sweet, 3.3% to 5% sugar

Doux- sweet, more than 5% sugar

I sampled four different blends: Pierre Moncuit Blanc de Blanc Hugues de Coulmet; Barnaut Blanc de Noir; Veuve Cliquot Brut NV; and Veuve Clicquot Brut Vintage 2002.  The Veuve Vintge 2002 had a fresh floral taste and smell that awakened my senses, with a refreshing tingle.  It had a mix of red and white grapes for the perfect buildup of acidity.  The Brut NV contains all red grapes, and my favorite, the Blanc de Blanc contains all white grapes.  It burst with citrus flavor and strong remnants of the white grape. After this tasting, I'm inspired to return to France and take a trip to the Champagne region!

And I learned a new trick!  I actually did this too! Take a look....

Taste of Atlanta: Food Fun and Winemaking Secrets Unveiled

The fun-filled foodie festival drew a crowd of over 45,000 people in just two days this past weekend.  Over 80 restaurants from all over Atlanta participated in the festivities.  The festival featured old favorites: Barcraft Competition; Inside the Food Studio; Family Food Zone; and a fabulous VIP experience.  Some new treats offered at the Taste included: The Big Grill block party; Best Sommelier Competition; Global Flavors International Stage; and the Top Chef Kids Competition. My top food picks of the day included the juicy tender meat from BOTEKIM Brazilian Bistro, the spicy fusion of Indian tapas from Bhojanic, perfectly crusted and topped with cheese fried green tomatoes from Lenox Grill, and  a to die for oreo cheescake from Intermezzo's Cafe.  Needless to say, I was quite full at the end of the day!

I had the special privilege of attending a VIP Pinot Noir Clone Tasting Seminar, presented by Davis Bynum winery.  Hosted by Gil Kulers, Education Director of the Taste and Sommelier, this seminar was a definite crowd pleaser; and a palate pleaser as well! The clone seminar was entitled, "So you want to be a winemaker?"  Robert Larson was the key speaker, enlightening the baffled but attentive audience about just exactly what a clone wine is. He explained to us that grape clones provide flavor and diversity for winemaking.  A secret to winemaking is that within each grape variety, there can be several sub-varieties, known as the "clones."  The varieties add complexity to the final wine.  The clone grapes grown at Davis Bynum come from the Russian River Valley, where there are various soil types for specific cone planting.  The Valley offers cool fog, which results in longer hang-time for rich development and bright acidity.

We tasted 6 out of 9 clone grapes of the 2010 vintage produced at the winery. A clone is a group of identical genes, cells, or organisms derived from one single ancestor.  According to the experts at Davis Bynum, grapevine clones are those that have been propagated and grown from cuttings of one single "mother," and were found to have interesting or superior qualities.

Take a look at the clones we sampled, and pay attention to their various colors, textures, aromas, flavors, and acidity:

Some clones that made my tongue smile were Clone 115 Dutton Ranch, which had a fragrant floral aroma, and slightly reminded me of Welch's grapejuice.  Wadenswil 2A Backbone Vineyard, also caught my attention with its distinct smell, and its dark, funky, and earthy taste.  My favorite, however, was Clone 667 Dutton Ranch.  This particular clone was kind of like a mouth orgasm! It almost had a chocolately taste and aroma, like a red velvet cake!  It is produces using French barrels, and runs around $3800 per ton.  Absolutely addictive taste! Finally, attendees were challenged to make their own combination of clones, in an attempt to make the perfect Pinot Noir.  I mixed Clone 777, 115, and 114, and it was......very "interesting."  Not quite a winemaker yet, but I sure can indulge!

Test of Knowledge: Sommelier Competition Finals

The Sommelier Competition finals took place this Thursday at Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse.  The competition was hosted by Sommelier Gil Kulers, Director of Education of the Taste of Atlanta, and Michael McNeil, the only Master Sommelier in Georgia. The four finalists were Jacob Gragg of Aria, Joone Lim of Kevin Rathbun Steakhouse, Matt Bradford of Canoe, and  Davio's own, Robert Evans.  The level of pressure in the room was high, as the contestants were held to extremely high standards and expected to display the utmost degree of professionalism.

Contestants had to compete in four different areas: Decanting of wine, stating the proper storage temperature, age, cellar, and separate the wine from sediment; Food and Wine pairings, giving very specific tastes, flavors, and sauce pairings which would bring out specific elements of the food and wine taste.  Next, the experts had the opportunity to display their knowledge of regions, production, and origins of specific wines  Finally, the Sommeliers had 2 minutes to complete a Wine ID test.  They had to do a blind tasting, identify grapes, region, Appalachian, etc., based on taste, smell, and appearance.  Levels of extract, color, and flavor profiles were given in this impressive display of wine knowledge. Here are some of the far out questions asked of the Sommeliers:

• What is the most planted white grape in Argentina?
• When was the Chilean wine law established?
• What is the most planted grape in the Champagne region?
• What style of wine is made in the foothills of Greece?
• What are the parent grapes of Pinot tage?

Do you know any of these answers!??

Highlights of the competition included the very impressive food and wine pairings, where contestants effortlessly rattled off pairs such as: foie gras with infused cookie crumble, accompanied by stone fruit apricot maple syrup and a fine wine from Finland.  Another great pairing included paco crusted cod with seasonal veggies, and a harmony of earth tones to blend with an Austrian wine.  There were too many favorable combinations to count! Another exciting portion of the event was hearing the contestants' favorite wine descriptors, which included: Luck Charm rouge and tancic and black currant.  Such intense descriptions should entice any drinker!  After much scrutiny, Matt Bradford of Canoe was named runner-up, and Joone Lim of Kevin Rathbun Steakhouse emerged victorious as Best Sommelier!

The Best in Show! Sommelier Competition Preliminary

In lieu of the Taste of Atlanta festival taking place this weekend, the Sommelier Competition kicks it off right! Nine of Atlanta's top Sommeliers compete for best in show, but only 4 lucky contestants will move forth to the finals.  The proper definition for Sommelier is a wine steward, a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, who specializes in all aspects of wine service, as well as wine and food pairings.

The competitors are experienced professionals in the restaurant business.  They were first given a written test, one hour long, of various wine knowledge; production, pairing, taste, origins, etc.  This test was definitely not for your average wine drinker, it requires fine tuned skills! Take a shot!

This is only one of about ten pages!

Next, the competitors participated in a series of 4 live presentations, of 7 minutes each.  They are scored on a scale of 100pts at each table.

• Spirit ID: use your senses to taste, observe, smell, and identify specific spirits; ranging from wine, champagne, brandy, cognac, whiskey, and more!
• Dining Scenarios: Sommeliers are given a specific serving scenario and are asked to assess wine service based on guests, service style, approach, host style, food pairings, and recommendations.
• Wine Identification: competitors are given the opportunity to explain the origin, age, production, and region of specific wines presented to them
• Presentation: Service based exercise, where the Sommeliers "verify wine" by decanting about vineyard designation and vintage, while engaged in a typical table service. 

In order to be successful in this competition, Sommeliers must not only have a wide knowledge of wine, but also the charm and poise to wow guests and judges.  They must engage their clientele, and also be very perceptive of what their guests wants and needs may be.  This is truly an art form! 

Gil Kulers, Education Director for the Taste of Atlanta, explained to me that Sommeliers are educators, philosophers, and professors of sociology and history.  They are service professionals with a vast knowledge of not only wine, but top notch service, spirits, cocktails, glassware, and even cigars.

Wine Down Wednesdays @ Urban Flats

Each and every Wednesday, in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, you can kick back after work and enjoy a fab wine tasting at Urban Flats!  The fun starts at 5pm and "wines down" around 9pm.  The cost is $20 which includes 8 wine tastings (4 reds and 4 whites) and some yummy eats; Urban Flats famous flatbread pizza, delish! The whole wheat flatbread pizza crust is seasoned to perfection and the toppings get rather quirky; shrimp, meatballs, pears, eggplant, or even fig jam!  Be sure you're in a fun mood to try to creative flatbread pizza creations.  As for the wine, you can choose which names you want to graze your palate first.  Choose wisely!

First, I sampled one of my first loves; Shiraz.  The label was Shoo Fly and comes from the down under, Australia.  It has a sharp, strong taste and would pair well with beef or steak meals, but NO spicy foods allowed!

I moved on to the Petit Pinotage, which is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, made uniquely in South Africa.  It has an earthy, oak taste.  The flavors are rustic and smokey, with burst of wild berry aromas.  It is a lighter tasting red than the Shiraz and may pair well with a chicken dish, or flatbread pizza!

Next on my hit list was the Relative red table wine, hailing straight from sunny California.  This table wine is a mix of Zinfandel, Caberet Sauvignon, and Syrah.  It is fun and sassy, not sweet but not bitter.  Relative Red put a smile on my face, and the Zinfandel twist gave it hints of fruit flavors.

The most conservative of the bunch was SKN Savignon Blanc. It was a plain, crisp taste and could probably pair well with a spicy dish.

My favorite tasting was the Matua Valley Savignon Blanc.  My face lit up, and I think my taste buds did a dance when the wine touched my tongue.  The first thing that came to mind when tasting it was grapefruit! It boasts very prominent, pleasant aromas of fruit.  It was pleasant and passionate. Yummmm!!

I know that was only 5, but I left the tasting with 3 tickets left; holding out for some goodies next week like this mysterious Choco Vino.....details coming soon!  Definitely visit the bar, and ask Gene to make you his famous white gummy bear or chocolate covered strawberries shots.  They are to die for! And Haywood can answer all of your tasting questions at the wine table. If you're not in Atlanta, make your way to the liquor store asap and pick up these delicious spirits! If you are here....see you next Wine Down Wednesday! ;-)

A Thanksgiving Day Dining Experience

With the upcoming holidays, wouldn't it be great to have a list of wines that pair wonderfully with your holiday meal?  Below you will find a hand picked collection of dishes from famous celebrity chefs and an excellent selection of complimentary wines.You'll be sure to WOW your dinner guests with a great dining experience!!

Appetizers
Pumpkin and Apple Soup with Chestnuts
Ricotta Fritters
Wine: Grey Sands Pinot Gris 2000

Entree
Roasted Turkey Rubbed with Roasted Jalapeno, Fresh Sage & Orange Butter
Wine: Chandon Blanc de Noirs

Sides
Cranberry-Pear Relish
Watercress and Orange Salad with Black Olive Vinaigrette
Mashed Potatoes with Buttermilk and Dill

Dessert
Chocolate Cinnamon Mousse
Wine: Chateau Chantal Cerise Cherry Port

Get a head start on your holiday festivities with this splendid menu combination.  Enjoy family, friends and wonderful food and of course don't forget the wine!

Ciao Bella!

The Worldly Wine Tour continues! Andiamo a Italia! The gamut  of wines offered throughout Europe surely give one another a run for their money. Italy is most known for its great variety of wines, and of course its upscale taste. Italians take much pride in eating and drinking, as highly social affairs.  You would be hard pressed to see an Italian with wine in hand and no food, or food on the table without wine; they're a package! 

The Northeastern region of Italy is famous for its use of modern technique and wine preparation.  It is also the location of the world's largest vine nursery. Central Italy, with six different wine producing regions within, produces approximately one fifth of Italian wine. Southern Italy produces almost 20% of Italian wine, and some of the best selling brands of Italian red wine. The Southern region is also a great tourist attraction for vineyard visiting, tours, and tastings.

When I was in Italy, I could not avert my gaze from all of the gargantuan, ancient historical landmarks. The wine too, is known for its classic tastes and traditional production.  Among my favorites was a wine introduced to me by my close Italian friends, Lambrusco.  The slightly sparkling wine is highly underrated.  Lambrusco grapes date back to ancient Roman times.  It has a taste of acidity and berries, and is famous for dry reds, but also has rose and white which both have a touch of sweetness. Lambrusco is perfect for a picnic or a light meal, and even a midnight toast.  I love the slight twinkle of Lambrusco because it is delightfully refreshing, and bursts fruity flavor. Secco is dry, while Amabile means sweet.  I love them both. Scan your local spirits vendor for Lambrusco along the shelves and you're sure to be pleased.  Check out this NY Times article about the little known love for Lambrusco! http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/18/dining/18pour.html?pagewanted=all

Buon Appetito! Ciao!

Wine Lovers United

When I think of a food coop, I instantly imagine a group of people, working together to provide each other and their community with farm fresh food. I also imagine the closeness and the dedication it takes to run a food coop, all in the name of volunteerism, sustainability and affordable food for shoppers and members alike.   However when I stumbled up a wine coop article, I was intrigued.

These two coops captured my attention. As you read their story you get a great sense of integrity, passion, and social responsibility. The connection each member has with the other and the community they serve is endearing.

I image the endless flavor varieties and delicious pairing possibilities offered by these two wine coops.

To read their stories and to purchase your own special coop bottle, please visit:

Suisun Valley Wine Cooperative

http://www.svwinecoop.com

http://www.sunsetcellars.com

Suisun Valley Wine Coop holds weekly wine tasting events and lists their national distributors.

Rock Room Winemaking Cooperative

http://www.rockroom.com

Rock Room offers direct purchasing from their website.

Black Berries

African American owned vineyards

Experience the difference! According to NPR, there are nearly 6,000 wineries in the United States, yet African Americans own less than a dozen of them. However,the wine industry is taking notice of blacks' increase in buying power and interest in wine in recent years. Here are a few "black berry" brands to try, grown exclusively in black-owned vineyards.

• Esterlina Vineyards- Family-owned vineyard, based in California. The Sterling family has over 30 years of experience. The vineyard has four different locations, each growing their own unique blend of wine. 
• Daily wine tastings at the Anderson Valley of the Esterlina Estate

• Black Coyote Chateau- founded by four prominent gentlemen in 1997, in Napa Valley.  They specialize in award winning Cabernet Sauvignon, and recently introduced Sauvignon Blanc.              

• Brown Estate-Located in Napa Valley, Brown estate has thrived on the purity of their wine since 1981.  This family-owned estate specializes in Zinfandel, but also produces a few other favorites.  Tastings at the private estate Mon-Friday by appointment!

• Sharp Cellars- Sharp Cellars produces world-class Zinfandel, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir from four Sonoma vineyards. It was founded in 1998, by Sharp, a founder and past president of the Association of African American Vintners. Sharp produces organically farmed wine from a hilltop estate in the mountains.

• Vision Cellars- Texas inspired! Boutique winery established in 1995, and specializing in Pinot Noir. Join them! Oct. 20 & 21st 2011 6:30pm-10pm Critics' Choice Grand Tasting @ the New York Marriott Marquis

*Mark your calendars for the 8th Annual Wine Symposium and Tasting June 16th 2012*

Check this out! http://www.colormagazineusa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=346

For more info on African American vintners visit: http://aaavintners.org/

Wine me, dine me~ C'est la vie

Our next stop on our fabulous worldly wine tour is the city of love, Paris!!! My time spent in Paris was amazing; I felt like a princess in a fairy tale the whole time. Everything there seems to be made of crystal and gold; sparkle and shine around every corner!

Of course part of the lavishness that is Paris is the famous bubbly, champagne! The history of champagne dates back to the Roman era, in the region of Le Champagne, where wine making monks worked in endless vineyards. The alleged creator of champagne is none other that Don Perignon, Benedictine monk, who simply decided to let the bubbles out of the wine one day, and champagne was born!

The best way to consume a glass of champagne is in a flute glass, to ensure all the bubbles are secured tightly.  Taste with your eyes first, enjoy the tint and glow, and then let it speak to your nose with its fresh floral aromas.  Never take big gulps of champagne, it is meant to be sipped slowly and tickle your taste buds gently. Some popular names to try are Dom Perignon of course, Champagne Duetz, and Champagne Henriot.

One of the best kept French secrets, which I am about to shed light on in the States, is Vin Chaud, or hot wine. Don't make that face! I know, it sounds ridiculous, but hot wine is where it's at! It's especially great on a  cold winter eve.  I visited Paris in late November and it was freezing! I attended a festival outdoors, which had me miserable until I found Vin Chaud! It was the perfect thing to warm my body, and ease my trembling from the cold. Vin Chaud is slightly spicy, yet warming, with a dash of cognac to liven those senses! It's actually the word amazing in a glass! The warm combo works very well for a cocktail party or a cuddle night. Today is your lucky day, because I will tell you the secret to making your own Vin Chaud! Red wine works best with the recipe; slightly sweet to mix nicely with the strong cognac. You will need:

• 1 bottle red wine
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 5-inch piece of orange zest (white pith removed)
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 cardamon pods
• 5 whole cloves
• 1/3 cup Cognac

Mix all the ingredients into a large saucepan and set it to low heat.  Allow it to simmer, not boil. Wait until the wine is steaming and the sugar is dissolved. If you so desire, you may strain the spices from the wine. Add 1-2 teaspoons of cognac to a mug, and pour the wine over it.  There you have it, a warm sensation, straight from France!

Cheers To A Good Cause

Here at VineVibe.com not only are we passionate about wine, but we care about giving back to the community in which we all live. To help in this effort, we’ve compiled a list of celebrity studded fundraising wine tasting events around the nation for this month. 

Event: Children’s Bureau’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Chefs & Wine Tasting

Date: Thursday, September 22

Time: 6:00pm - 10:00 p.m. at

Location: Magnolia Place Family Center
              1910 Magnolia Ave Los Angeles, CA

For more information and giveaways click here 

Event: 6th Annual Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival
Date: September 23-25 2011
Location: Newport, RI
For more information and tickets click here

Event: New York City Food & Wine Festival
Presented by FOOD & WINE "Eat, Drink, End Hunger"
Date: September 29 - October 2
Location: New York City
For tickets, celebrity appearances and schedule click here

Event: Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
Presented by FOOD & WINE "Eat, Drink, End Hunger"
Date: September 29- October 1
For complete details and tickets click here

 Find an event near you and support a great charity today!

Celebrity Vineyards

Celebrities. We pay attention to everything about them; style, careers, relationships. How about the wines they love to drink or even own? Celebrity owned vineyards are all over the world. Some of the most famous international celebrities own vineyards, some for their own personal use and others are open for business.
Let's take a look at a few celebrity owned vineyards and what wine they might be enjoying tonight!!



1. Madonna (World famous singer, songwriter)
    Ciccone Vineyard & Winery

2. Dave Matthews (Lead singer, songwriter and guitarist for famous Dave Matthews Band)
    Blenheim Vineyards

3. Arnold Palmer (Considered one of history's greatest professional golfers)      
    Arnold Palmer Wines

4. Gerard Depardieu (Golden Globe winning French  actor and film maker)
    Chateau de Tigne

5. Frank Sinatra (Academy award winning American actor and singer)
    Sinatra Family Estates

Why not plan a wine tasting excursion to one of your favorite celebrity vineyards.  Imagine the excitement, glitz & glamour coupled with a wonderful wine tasting experience with friends and family!

Natural and Organic Wine: The Not So New Obsession

Natural wine has been around for ages. In France, Italy and other European countries, it's the norm. In the US, however, it’s considered the exception but becoming more popular.

When you think about natural or organic wine, it isn’t difficult to assume organic grapes are used in it's production. When you dig further, you find the production method equally as important as the grapes themselves. It isn’t enough to use organic grapes. What matters is how these grapes are treated that affect the quality of the wine. That factor alone differentiates between mass produced, predictable tasting wine and a distinct, pure and flavorful wine.

How To Identify Natural Wine

Natural wine is made:

• in small batches,
• by independent makers,
• on low-yielding vineyards,
• from handpicked, organically grown grapes,
• without added sugars or foreign yeasts,
• without adjustments for acidity,
• without micro-oxygenation or reverse-osmosis.

Pros And Cons of Natural Wine
As with any decision in life, there is always the need to weigh the good and the bad. In regards to natural wine, the pros most certainly outweigh the cons.

Pros: Natural wine is healthier for you, is less expensive, supports the environment through sustainable agriculture and allows you to support independent farmers and producers.

Cons: Natural wine comes with very careful handling, serving and storing instructions to avoid fast spoilage. Being produced in small batches makes them hard to find unlike mass produced wine. Natural wines lack consistency even with bottles made in the same year.

On your next trip, enjoy a glass of natural wine at these selected restaurants:

The Ten Bells, Lower East Side, NYC  http://www.thetenbells.typepad.com
The Tasting Kitchen, Venice Beach, CA http://www.thetastingkitchen.com
Diner, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYC http://www.dinernyc.com
Fix St. James, Sydney, Australia http://www.fixstjames.com.au

End of a Summer Dream, Beginning of an Autumn Love

I was recently introduced to a great summer white wine, New Age. It actually looks like a bottle of vodka at first glance, but don't be fooled; New Age is a very light, crisp white wine. The aroma and taste both provide a burst of peach and floral accents to the senses. New Age comes from Argentina and has a zesty citrus taste. It is actually one of  Argentina's oldest and most popular wines, yet fairly new to the scene in the States.  This particular wine is unique because you can also enjoy it on the rocks with your choice of lemon or lime, as if it were a cocktail! Also, for a little twist to your wine needs, you may fancy trying New Age Rose, which pairs great with any fruit juice as a cocktail! I recommend cranberry or grape juice. Delish!  You can find New Age in any large grocery chain or liquor store, and it is actually reasonably priced around $10 a bottle.  New Age (white) pairs well with spicy dishes, while Red goes great with barbeque! This Argentinian wine is a perfect end to the summer!

In order to ease into the fall season, the perfect wine to please your palate is Sweet Red.  Sweet Red reminds me of a warm kiss on a cool autumn eve.  I actually have a glass in hand now as I write! It possesses a lovely cherry taste, but in my opinion is not too sweet.  It is velvety smooth going down, and evokes wonderful grape aromas.  It is produced right here in the USA, in California.  The Sutter Home brand is easy to find and very inexpensive.  Sweet Red pairs well with grilled meats, or is also a great everyday indulgence by itself.  You know what they say, a glass of red a day keeps the doctor away!

Worldly Wine: Spanish Flare

Welcome to the world of wine! As I traversed through various landscapes of the world I felt it my duty, as a self-proclaimed wine enthusiast, to indulge in the many taste bud tantalizing wines of the world.  Each country I visited had their own unique blend of goodness for me to wet my palate with.  The wine tour begins in Spain, the country which I spent the most time in, and enjoyed the most servings of wine.  Spain is famous for its perfectly aged and classic wines.

The first lesson of Spanish wine is the various age grades; Joven, which is made with no oak, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, which is aged a minimum of sixty months and boasts a smooth oak finish. Among Spain's famous reds are my two favorites, Rioja and Ribera del Duero.  Rioja is a favorite to many Spaniards because it comes from the classic Rioja region, and boasts an aged taste, while remaining fresh and light. Some popular Rioja brands include Cune and Marques de Caceres.  Ribera del Duero comes from a Tempranillo wine variety, which is an early-ripening grape variety.  Ribera del Duero possesses a powerful, strong taste, yet maintains elegance; emitting aromas of black plums and cherries.  This wine pairs well with a hearty steak or beef. Popular labels of Ribera include 5 Jotas and Fiel. Although famous for its red wine, I discovered some delectable white wines as well.  One of my fanorites was Albarino, which is like an ocean breeze in your mouth, and pairs well with seafood and pasta dishes.  Also, you may be in the mood for adding  kick to your cooking with wine. Spain has some wonderful selections of Sherry fortified wine. Sherry can also be used as a great dessert wine.  There are two main types, fino- a lighter dry taste, and oloroso- a very rich and full taste. Either will add bursts full of flavor to any meal! Finally, if you are not in the mood to cook or drink wine, put yourself in a more festive mood with Spain's excellent version of champagne, Cava sparkling wine.  It is cheaper than french Champagne, but has more bang and bubbles!

If you happen to be visiting Spain, a couple famous regions for wineries are Rioja and Navarra, where you can visit old wineries, experience tastings, and smash your own grapes! Overseas travel may not be high on your list of priorities in today's backwards economy, so you can always make your way to the nearest spirits vendor and just ask to be directed to the Spanish wine aisle!  If ever presented with the opportunity to go to Spain, GO! It is a beautiful country and culture, and boasts some of the world's best wines.

Summer Wines

Summer has arrived along with delicious spring wines. Two wines that come to mind are Cascinetta Vietti Moscato d’Asti and Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz. These two wines are perfect for summer.


Cascinetta Vietti Moscato d’Asti from the Asti region of Piedmont, Italy is a light, sparkling wine. Even to a red wine drinker, this Moscato d’Asti is quite refreshing. Classified as one of the best produced wines in Italy (DOCG), this Moscato is sweet with aromas of pear, rose petals and ginger. Vietti Moscato d’Asti is a great sipping wine but will pair perfectly with your favorite Chinese, Japanese, Thai or Vietnamese dish. This wine will also pair well with lobster, as well as creamy, fruity desserts. Retailing at $17.99 per bottle ($8.99 per half bottle), Cascinetta Vietti Moscato d’Asti can be found at one of Houston’s best kept secrets – Cova Wines. This wine goes quickly, so call ahead to check their stock.


Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz is not the typical Shiraz. This wine is quite light for a Shiraz and semi-sweet on the palate. White wine lovers might be surprised by how much they will enjoy this red wine. Jam Jar Shiraz is produced in the Western Cape of South Africa and offers the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. The balance offered by this Shiraz makes it a great wine to serve with almost anything. This wine can be served as an aperitif before the meal or with meat and cheese dishes. Jam Jar will also pair nicely with dessert.  This wine can be found at select grocery stores. The HEB in Pearland stocks this wine; however Jam Jar is quickly becoming a favorite among many wine lovers and sells out fast. This wine retails at HEB for $8.99 per bottle. Jam Jar can also be found through various online retailers.

Max's Wine Dive Houston

I went to Max's yesterday for Sunday brunch.  It was awesome.  I had chicken, greens, potatoes and Texas toast, along with a glass of champagne.  There is no better way to start the week than with comfort food. 

Welcome!

Welcome to our new blog!  VineVibeLife is a place for the young, trendy wine lover to share their reviews on local wine bars, restaurants and events.  Please share a review or tell us about an event.  We hope to share a glass of wine with you soon!