Hey, Put a Cork In It!
Having read a story about cork in the Wall Street Journal called, “Plastic or real cork: Which is the better way to seal a wine bottle?” it got me thinking, and I became interested enough to actually sign up for being able to comment on their Website. My comment was: CORK: I’ll always choose natural [...]
The Explorers of Portugal Reveal the True Passion Behind Their Wines
While in Portugal and the Alentejo wine grape growing region, I was a guest of Enoforum Wines. At the time, I received a well-rounded education from my friend Delfim Costa. From the beginning of our friendship, Delfim has taught me that to understand Portuguese wines it’s most important to first understand the people of Portugal. [...]
Being a wine publicist is like being a mother watching your children grow ~ Enoforum Wines experiences a growth spurt and I’m so delighted
Although my job with Enoforum Wines ended over a year ago, my relationship to them has remained. Once Enoforum found an importer, the next steps involved getting placements with wholesalers within each state. PR – sensibly – had to be put on a back burner. Without unlimited resources, which very few companies have these days, [...]
Missing Portugal’s Wine Country: The Medieval Influences That Still Affect Modern Times
I’m missing Portugal so much. It’s interesting to visit another country, and then have your heart tied up in it forever. (I feel the same way about Maui; although, it’s one of the 50 states, getting there’s a bit complicated, and it’s not like any of our other states.) I could have gone back there [...]
Guide to Holiday Wines ~ What to Give to Whom, or What to Enjoy and When ~ Happy Holidaze!
Holiday Office Party If you’re buying for the party, you don’t have to skimp on quality when buying in quantity for the office party. How about a Caposaldo Prosecco? Or… If you’re each bringing a wine, go for the bubbles, because it’s so traditional, and this one is a great value. Bubbles inspired everyone to [...]
Perfect Pinots & Beaujolais Get the Bird ~ And the Post Poultry Party Will Rock with Porto
ABOUT THE BIG BIRD Years ago I realized that Pinot Noir and Beaujolais are the perfect Thanksgiving wines for really enjoying the big bird. It’s probably my French DNA that loves great these two so much… The earthy notes, the round, voluptuous flavors that fill my mouth, and send essences of rich, rip plums to [...]
First Steps in Winemaking & Real Cidermaking On a Small Scale
Two new books have arrived, as we head into the last quarter of the year and the holiday gift giving season. But, these two are even more seasonal. This is the season to ferment, and these books are right on cue. Both are from Fox Chapel Publishing, celebrating their 20th Anniversary (1991 – 2011). [I [...]
Put a Cork In It… And You’ll Plant A Tree
I once wrote, “Oh, Put a Cork in It!” after having returned from Portugal and seeing cork trees during harvest time. It made me realize how truly special cork trees are. They’re renewable, they’re recyclable, they’re the bomb! How about reusable?! Now, the California Wine Club (CWC) and their “Put a Cork in It” nationwide [...]
