A few years ago, I was enjoying some vodka with my best friend John Sherer. I was going on and on about the virtues of Polish rye vodka, when John shocked me with a question. “Dude, have you ever tried single malt vodka?” he queried. John’s question was enough to stagger a billy goat. “Single…
“Free run juice” is the initial juice that drains from the grapes when they are crushed but before they are pressed. My limited understanding is that this juice can theoretically produce wines of higher quality than from grapes that have been pressed, due to reduced exposure to the skins and the chemicals released by the…
From one of my fave educational sources, Ian Blackburn of LearnAboutWine.com, I received an invitation to attend a VIP luncheon with 16 other vinophiles followed by a tasty tour of the STARS of Santa Barbara held in the beautiful Beverly Hills Peninsula Hotel. Winemaker Luncheon There were seventeen names on the guest list, four winemakers…
What is all the fuss about? Another cult winery, with another wait-listed membership, is it worth it? With Turley…I’m thinking YES. One bottle, one night, one pasta in a red sauce that was full of fennel, onions, red bell peppers, anchovy, tomatoes, raisins, capers, olives, chicken demi-glace, garlic, sugar, stock… And the Turley killed it. …
Peering out from the Terrace Bar in Chisnau’s luxurious Savoy Hotel, I have a wonderful view of the capital’s city center. Considering that Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe; the Savoy is a welcome surprise of total elegance and a stylishness that one would not expect to find in the former Soviet…
As summer’s warmth gives way to the glorious colors of fall, I know that this in my last beach trip for the year. Overlooking the sandy beaches of Durres, the sunset was no less striking. From the veranda of our bungalow, my friend and fellow sommelier, Kalina Novac, and I enjoyed an assortment of fresh…
Montenegro, the name dates back to the time of Venetian rule, and means “Black Mountain.” This is a beautiful and majestic land strewn with waterways and inlets from the Adriatic Sea. For anyone who has seen the James Bond film, “Casino Royale,” Montenegro is an exotic land ripe with sun drenched beaches and opulent casinos….
From our patio view from the Cafe Akrotiri, we gazed at the endless blue of sea mile. The Aegean is always breathtaking, especially when viewed from the many islands that dot this beautiful part of Greece. This is my first visit to the volcanic island of Santorini. In classical times, the island was known as…
Literally at the foothills of the Alps, Piedmont abounds with vineyards producing Italy’s finest wine. A sumptuous and noble wine that has been heralded as the “the wine of kings, the king of wines.” Of course, I am speaking of Barolo. Today, I am with my friend and fellow sommelier, Serena Dutto. We are visiting…
The region of Monferrato, Italy is a spectacular expanse of rolling hills and vast vineyards. This is the fabled area of Piedmont. A wine region that has been extensively celebrated in the arts and literature. On hot days in Monferrato, what white wines do the locals drink? The answer is quite simple, they seldom, if…
