Articles
Chocolais Wine Review - An Adult Adventure
by Linda Kissam on December 18, 2011
I am thinking as a confirmed chocoholic there’s not much you can give me that I haven’t had “something like it” before. After all I’ve spent the majority of my life chasing the perfect chocolate fix. I was wrong…so very very wrong. Enter a blend of exquisite cream from Holland, decadent Swiss Chocolate and fine Italian white wine all rolled into a delicious blend called Chocolais.
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A Napa Christmas
by Linda Kissam on December 16, 2011
Looking for a truly unique pre or post-Christmas getaway in a magical setting? Is it innovative cuisine, a romantic hotel, Christmas activities, and amazing Napa Valley premium wines that are on your mind? Well, I think I may just have found “that” place for you. You might have missed this place in your last visits to Napa Valley, or if you’re new to the whole Napa scene, then I think I am about to become you’re new BFF.
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High Scores & Gold Medals - Do They Sell Wine -Yes! - Wine Musings From An Old Hand
by Barrie Cleveland on December 05, 2011
I have been in the wine business off and on since the late 1970’s and have tasted thousands of wines and visited well over 1000 tasting rooms. Some people call this work, but I know better, it’s a great fun and great practice to discern what wines I prefer to drink and what wineries I like to visit.
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Rutherford Dust Society Cabernet Tasting
by Linda Kissam on November 30, 2011
I receive a ton of email every day; offers for this, suggestions for that, questions on all sorts of topics. So it’s not uncommon for me to face off with my computer each morning fortified with a triple latté and a blueberry muffin wondering what the Internet has in store for me. A few weeks ago, somewhat bleary eyed from a week-long fam trip and an all-nighter writing up an article for a new editor I received an invitation to attend The Rutherford Dust Society’s media and trade annual tasting taking place on July 13, 2011 at Rubicon Estate in Napa Valley, CA. I now know what can wake me up faster than a triple shot of caffeine.
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Wine & More: Lake of the Ozarks Getaway
by Linda Kissam on November 22, 2011
I love exploring destinations that don’t always get the media attention they deserve. Places that include all the amenities and adventure a traveler could want, but done in a style that is all their own. Sometimes finding these places is as easy as a recommendation or invitation from a friend, a chance article on the Internet, or a blind stab at a map. Mine was an invitation.
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Casinos and Wine
by Linda Kissam on November 11, 2011
Today’s casino is a rich tapestry of poker, entertainment, food and wine. There’s a seductive aurora that greets you at the door, staying with you until you retrieve your car from valet parking. Somewhere between Pai Gow, the Comedy Club, and the wee hours of the morning you’re likely to want to stop for dinner and a drink or two. If you’re like me, wine is on your mind. You’re definitely in the right place to enjoy some premium still and sparkling wines.
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Yin & Yang* in Wine Country
by Barrie Cleveland on October 29, 2011
Vineyard owners know that Mother Nature can challenge the best agriculturalist. In 2011 it was a “perfect storm” of strong winds, hail, devastating frosts, thunder-storms, cool summer temperatures, heat spikes and then September rain. A tough year in the vineyard also challenges, but sometimes rewards, winemakers.
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Bordeaux & Bordeaux Supérieur Beauties
by Linda Kissam on October 16, 2011
I am finding that coming together with a group of fellow wine buffs is a creative way to really understand wine. A group atmosphere offers the opportunity to share opinions and conclusions, shaping and strengthening each individual's appreciation and education of the wines under discussion. The concept is similar to most any club. Sure, you can enjoy a special interest on your own, but getting together with a group of people who love what you love enhances appreciation and understanding.
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Harvest Time in Wine County
by Barrie Cleveland on October 16, 2011
In California September and October is the traditional time to pick grapes and make wine. The year of hard work managing a vineyard is rewarded when the fields are buzzing with tractors and gondolas, picking bins and grape shears and a team of harvest workers. For grape growers and wineries this is a busy time with plenty to worry about and plenty to get done.
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Le Cuvier Winery - Paso Robles, CA
by Linda Kissam on October 04, 2011
One of the treats of visiting the Far Out Wineries group in Paso Robles, CA Wine Country is finding that one very special, family owned, small lot undiscovered gem of a winery. For me it was Le Cuvier Winery. Le Cuvier is a 3.400 case winery open to the public Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for wine tasting and specialty food pairings. It is working towards becoming a winery that is open only to wine club members, so you best be making your way there soon. My 90 minute appointment reflected winemaker John Munch and general manager Mary Fox’s love of food and wine pairing. Assisted by wine club manager Tiani Bajema, we had a sit down tasting consisting of elegant wines and perfectly paired bites that I am not sure mere words can describe.
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