Kevin Zraly ~ Extraordinary Wine Educator is Focused on Red Wines
Kevin Zraly is an extraordinary, wine educator I’ve long admired. Getting to know him over the years has taught me how extremely knowledgeable he truly is. It was delightful finally meeting him in Tuscany, at Castello di Meleto, a few years ago. He was on a book tour with his latest edition of Windows on […]
Jon Bon Jovi Revisited in a Duo Wine Effort
INTRODUCTION OF HAMPTON WATER I once wrote: New Rock n’ Roller Who’s Segued to the Liquid Side ~ An update, coming soon. I’ve historically been collecting who also has segued from rock n’roll into rockin’ wine, since I left rock radio. My first of many stories: From Rock n’Roll to Rock n’Wine was published on […]
Once Again ~ Georges Duboeuf’s Beaujolais Nouveau Art Label Contest Invitation
With the introduction of the Fifth Annual Georges Duboeuf Nouveau Art Label competition, the winery is once again seeking new artwork for over one million bottles of their Beaujolais Nouveau. This is a very personal project for me. In 2011, I had received my first sample of Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau. Two years later in […]
Important Historical Petite Sirah Update from Plant Geneticist Dr. Carole Meredith about its Crossing
Since 2002, I’ve been gathering information about Petite Sirah, with one item being a bit sketchy; namely, did François Durif know what plant he crossed with Peloursin? The original info given to me came from an old family’s oral history and it now it needs updating. I’m also simultaneously updating the PS I Love You […]
Castello di Gabiano of Piedmont ~ Part 2
Piedmont, Italy is a place I’ve never visited; but, I’m headed there, once Covid travel restrictions are lifted. Yesterday’s story began my virtual journey. Briefly: Covid’s restrictions stopped all travel, as I was supposed to be in Piedmont this past November… I watched each month with hope, before it arrived, throughout the entire year as […]
Wine Travels Suspended Due to Covid, Yet the Trip to Castello di Gabiano Still Burns from Within
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us ~ Anonymous Oh, Covid… you’re such a marplot! [Images are the property of CASTELLO Di GABIANO, except where noted.] I could have been right here in November, if life didn’t include you, Covid. I would have left my home base in Sonoma […]
Wine Education Gifts for Wine Loving Family and Friends
This short-list of wine Education Gifts is comprised of some truly great wine gifts I’ve researched, beyond also giving Wine Books. They’re worth sharing. Some are old ideas and some are new ideas; each one brings something very unique to the education of wine, for novice and professional alike. Evan Goldstein Le Nez Du Vin […]
Top Wine Books of 2020 ~ Belonging in Any Great Wine (Book) Library
DISCLAIMER: All of the following books were sent to me as #sample copies for my reviews. Then there are wine books that are slowly savored, in sound bites. Do you remember the days of getting ready for a book report? Yeah, that’s what it is. Part of my blogging time enjoys reading and reporting on […]
BOOK REVIEW ~ The Mythology of Wine, by Arthur George
The most fascinating books, for me, seem to be those that explore the past. It took me years to appreciate the history of anything, but Puritans and the Catholic Church. Perhaps it was because of my high school, history classes. Miss Murphy was about 100-years old (I thought), and she always mumbled her way through […]
BOOK REVIEW ~ “Professional Drinking,” by Jim Schleckser
Jim Schleckser is a Certified Sommelier, and he’s also a best-selling author. Borrowed from his Website: He is an energetic and popular speaker at national business conferences and corporate events, focusing on the leverage points to improve your business performance. What he’s not is in the wine business. He is, however, so passionate about wine […]
