Prosecco: The Pairing Possibilities!
When I’m asked to name my favorite wine — even my favorite wine right now — I likely won’t have an answer. That’s partially because I love too many wines at any given time. But here’s a response you’ll likely hear from me: First,...
Pairing Wine to Thanksgiving: A Tasty Guide
Of all holidays, I look forward to Thanksgiving the most – because really, it’s all about the wine pairing! Around September I start setting aside interesting bottles in anticipation. With its complexity of warm flavors, there’s a world of wine options to...
Beyond Bubbles: Prosecco and the Land of Valdobiaddene
Walking the covered porticoes and lively piazzas of Italy at aperitivo hour, you’ll witness the exuberant beauty of Italian Prosecco pulled from chilled ice buckets filling glass after glass at every bar and café. Nothing captures the Italian lifestyle like an...
Sweets for Your Sweet (or how to give wine & chocolate)
Isn’t it romantic – a box of chocolates, bouquet of flowers, and a gorgeous bottle of dark red wine. The three iconic gifts of love should go together in a triumph of romance, right? They make a beautiful photo op, but two of these can end as a ‘train wreck’ on your...
Trader Joe’s – 12.99 Under – Wine #5 – Muscadet
And we’re back. The final in my series of Trader Joe’s Bargain Wine Finds. Wine #5 is a crisp, lemony white. Do you want a MUSCADET with your freshest seafood and oysters? Yes you do! Especially when Trader Joe’s offers one at $7.99. When I think of high...About Mary Beth
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silky pasta -- strong coffee and bright wines -- a world map -- and a good dance beat 
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It was a beautiful evening at the “Aromatic Whites & Rose’” walk-around tasting at the Gravenstein Grill — the first of their Summer Wine Series. I discovered some truly (truly) stellar wines and sipped new vintages of favorites, poured by their talented winemakers. ![]()
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Chris Sawyer knows how to throw an intimate party with all the best guests (and lovely atmosphere, delicious passed apps) to accompany the killer wines from our beautiful North Coast. ![]()
I also sipped some of the most beautiful examples of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc I’ve ever enjoyed [have to call out Porter Creek Vineyards and Davis Family Vineyards (Chard) and Quivira Vineyards and Seawolf Wines (SB)]. And I think I actually teared up over the Davis Family 2013 “Gratitude”, Sara Lee’s Vineyard Lat-Harvest Viognier. Thank you Cooper Davis for sharing the story behind this nectar. ![]()
Follow Chris and the Gravenstein Grill so you don’t miss the next event. So lovely.
And it begins. Day 1 of 2.5 judging the 2023 Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition. 117 reds ahead of me just today. Sip, judge, spit. Repeat.
A beautiful wine! Smith Story Wine Cellars’ Smith Story Wine Cellars inaugural release of a white Rhône blend-![]()
Fleur Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, 2022. ![]()
Its nose is orange blossom. Its gossamer light entry is a mineral beauty, then broadens into perfect palate weight carrying juicy green melon, citrus and a touch of sea salt. I literally swooned over it in the tasting room. Last night, enjoyed with mild Indian curry, then another glass just for sipping. ![]()
The blend- 50% Picpoul 50% Bourboulenc - yes!![]()
It will be perfection with raw seafood, oysters, salads, light pastas, and warm days… and I also suggest omelettes and eggs! Think Mother’s Day brunch, lunch or a beautiful gift.![]()
I recommend wholeheartedly. ![]()
Same for Allison and Eric - the phenomenal and coolest humans behind this craft winemaking venture. The first line of their mission statement captures why: “Smith Story Wines are made with respect for the land, kindness for the grower and, love from the winemaker.” This is their north star - care and support of the people in this industry - and they carry it forward with their daily actions and choices. ![]()
Check out the FLEUR BLANC on their website. But if you’re in the northern Sonoma area, I recommend a detour and stop for a taste of their other temptations too: ![]()
—their delicious, and also new, BRAVE carbonic Zinfandel(served chilled!)![]()
—the Cabernet Franc you’ve been dreaming of![]()
— and the 8th vintage release of a perennial Smith-Story favorite, their incredible Sauvignon Blanc. This vintage is stunning. ![]()
Enjoy!![]()
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Allison Smith Story Eric Story #sipsonoma #drycreekvalley #winelover #stayhealdsburg #sipwine #farmtobottle #craftwine #sonomawine #brightandbalanced #crushonwine #rhoneblend #whitewineblend #wineeducator