When one considers France, what often comes to mind is exceptional wines, fine Champagne, and Cognac, the crème de la crème of brandy. Yet let’s not forget France’s other premier spirit, Armagnac. Today I am in the southwest of France, in the Gascony region. This is the land between the Ardou and Garonne rivers which…
My earliest recollection of Sherry was as a boy reading Edgar Allen Poe’s, “The Cask of Amontillado.” I immediately leaped to my feet and ran into my parents’ bedroom to ask what in fact was Sherry? After my mother’sbrief explanation, I accompanied her to the living room where from behind the bar, she produced a…
Once again I am on the road in search of exceptional European wines. It has been some time since my last visit to Portugal. Today l am joined by friend and fellow sommelier, Caterina Mota.https://landmarkfamilydental.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/jpg/doxycycline.html We have spent the last few days traversing Portugal’s renown Douro Valley and sampling its rare treasures, Port wine. The…
Located in northwest Switzerland on the Rhine River is the beautiful city of Basel. online pharmacy https://healthcoachmichelle.com/wp-content/languages/en/sildalis.html no prescription I love this area where the Swiss, French, and German borders converge. The region is rich in a culture that is affectionately known as the “Regio Tri-Rhena,” and extends into German Baden-Wurttemberg and French Alsace. Part…
Red wines from Germany? Isn’t it too cool there, even for Pinot Noir? Not at all. In fact German red wines and not only thriving, they are becoming very popular throughout the world. Back in the 1980’s, red grapes accounted for only 12 per cent of Germany’s vineyards. Today, that number exceeds 36 per cent….
I returned to Paso Robles as an early birthday celebration with a couple of close friends, Larry and Gloria Stahly. Usually, I go to pick up wines from Turley and visit some of my favorite wineries always adding a couple of new ones which is not difficult with the pace that wineries are going up….
The city of Stuttgart is unusual for a German city. The country’s sixth-largest city spreads across rolling hills, valleys, parks, and of course, vineyards. Long time friend and fellow sommelier, Liesel Braun and I have returned to this wonderful city after spending a few days traveling along the banks of the Mosel River, exploring the…
Berlin is a thrilling city that pulsates with excitement. It is a city of culture whose orchestras and museums are renown throughout the world. Culturally, Berlin, the one time capital of the Prussian Empire, is home to many festivals, diverse architecture, contemporary arts, and nightlife. Today I am joined by friend and fellow sommelier, Liesel…
A thin cover of snow veiled the west Ukraine city of Lviv. Now that winter slowly gave way to spring, I once again found myself on the road. A scant forty miles from the Polish border, this part of Ukraine has a long history of being conquered by other nations. Dating back to antiquity, various…
“I was totally dumbfounded by your call,” Elena Boiko, my longtime friend and fellow sommelier, smiled. “Gregory Alonzo willing to share his private bourbon stock with me?” she playfully teased. “I thought American men preferred to imbibe in bourbon and smoke cigars when they shared in man talk.” “Now when have you known me to…