What is natural wine? To quote Alice Feiring: “Nothing added, nothing taken away.” In my five year wine drinking journey I would have naturally assumed in the beginning that all wines were clearly natural, I mean they come from fermented grapes don’t they? It doesn’t get more natural than that….right? Five years ago, blissfully unaware, the true origins of my go to $7 Rosé didn’t really matter to me. I felt like I found a special deal, because this wine tasted just as good as a $20 bottle. But of course, the next morning I felt as if I was knocking on deaths door. My head would throb, my mouth ..read more

If you had asked me five years ago how wine was made, I had a very naive view that all wine was made by grapes that were simply crushed, fermented and then filtered a little before bottling in order to get rid of the used grapes. As it turns out, there are many more steps involved, particularly within the industrial wine industry. I understand that there must be some level of control and manipulation in order to make wine. Otherwise its more likely that the grapes will turn to vinegar than something remotely worthy of drinking. Things like temperature control and judicious sulphur usage are ..read more

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, the warmer weather and sunshine has been a reminder that summer is here. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to wanting to goto beach parties or bar hop until 2am. Although it doesn’t seem like summer will go as planned, the following carefully selected list of wines will. All these wines are fresh, young, vibrant (just like you), and made to drink right now. I have personally taste tasted all these wines. You’re welcome. Click the associated wine images to purchase online. Happy sipping! Famille Bougrier Rosé D’Anjou 2018 For the rosé lovers who li ..read more

If you imagine Prosecco in your mind, you think of cheerful bubbles and fruity flavors that tickle your tongue. It’s a happy, carefree drink that you don’t have to put too much thought or contemplation into. Due to its simple nature, Prosecco is also a staple for cocktails like the Bellini or a mimosa. It’s a little bit of luxury, that anyone can afford. However, during the last few months the COVID19 virus outbreak has turned Italy, and the rest of the world, upside down. All nonessential businesses have been closed and Italians are to remain at home. Under strict orders, citizens may not lea ..read more

In celebration of Mirabella Winery making it to the Wine Spectator Top 100 for their DOCG rosé, please enjoy this article on Mirabella Wines and the region of Franciacorta. Admittedly, Franciacorta isn’t an Italian wine region I’ve covered much or know a tremendous amount of information on. However, when I am able to write these informative blog posts you and I actually learn together. A Short Lesson in History There is evidence of grape growing in the region as far back as the Roman Times. Additionally, primitive grape seeds have been found in archeological evidence as well as mentions ..read more

In June 2019, I had the unique opportunity to attend a Lake Garda Press trip sponsored by the Garda DOC Consortium. Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and is home to fantastically fresh, mineral driven, and almost saline sparking wines called GardaDOC. This spumante is unlike any kind of sparkling wine I’ve sampled before and is certainly worth a try. A Sparkling Wine That Screams Minerality The GardaDOC Spumante is made within 10 appellations of the lake Garda region. These regions include: Valtenèsi, San Martinno deela Battaglia, Lugana, Colli Mantovani, Custoza, Bardolino, Valpolicella, Va ..read more

Valentine’s Day can be one of those make or break holidays for new couples or a great excuse to show your appreciation to a current partner. Getting the wine right on Valentine’s Day is pretty important in my opinion! I love a great rosé for the occasion. Not only is rosé pretty and pink (festive, right?) but it also pairs extremely well with a wide variety of foods: Beef, Chicken, Fish, Soft and hard Cheeses, Salads, and evening some Candy. Today I am sharing four different styles of rosé that I think are worth checking out. 1) Cantina Colli Morenici GardaDoc Rosé Spumante: This Wine May be ..read more

On an uneventful Saturday night, I was struck with a serious chocolate craving. Of course, there was nothing delicious in the fridge or cabinet. Figures… I was then struck by three overripe banana I saw in the fruit bowl. Thinking to myself, now here’s an idea. Healthyish Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins SERVINGS 12 muffins (1 muffin/serving) INGREDIENTS 3 bananas, mashed 1 egg plus 1 egg white 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 1/4 cup Cliff Family Vineyards Solar honey 1 cup almond meal 4 scoops vanilla or chocolate plant protein, I split it 50/50 1 tsp. baking soda 1/4 cup mini d ..read more

It should be no secret to you by now that I’m a fan of orange wines. I noticed that during this time of year there are gift guides galore and to be honest I think it gets overwhelming: Gifts for your mom, gifts for your cat, gifts for your significant other, and so forth. I decided to do a little something different last year and wrote a Holiday Survival Guide. This was basically a good read to remind yourself to take time out for you! This year, I decided to provide a gift giving guide for the natural/orange wine loving person in your life. Because basically there isn’t one. To be transparen ..read more