Is this Rose’ Perfection?
You love Rose.’ I know you do. Welcome Spring with an ideal version. It’s from LIOCO – and hits all four cylinders: heady aroma, mouthwatering acidity to quench your thirst, concentrated fruit flavors, and structure (plus a gorgeous color). Think fresh...
Arianna Occhipinti- Sicilian Winemaker
Passionate winemaking from Vittoria Sicily – A salute on International Women’s Day Meet Arianna and sip her SP-68 Rosso, made from a co-fermentation of indigenous red grapes grown bio-dynamically on the road bearing this same name – SP 68. Meet Arianna 📌...
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...
TRADER JOE’S – 12.99 Under- Wine #4: a Roustabout Meritage
If you like big silky juicy fruit …AND.. a dose of drying tannins, this wine is for you.Bordeaux blends from Paso Robles can be very satisfying – with a rich, full or silky mouthfeel balanced with tannins that range from dusty-fine to firm and drying. That’s a nice...
TRADER JOE’S – 12.99 under- Intro & Wine #3: Verdejo
What can I say, this one’s a steal at just $4.49! Check out the “wowza” snack pairing I discovered with it – might be worth a TJ run this weekend.Scroll down for my Wine #3 review As you know by now, I accepted a wine challenge – find wines...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