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Wine: Reviews, Thoughts & Culture

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In South Africa Female Winemakers Help Lead the Charge

In South Africa Female Winemakers Help Lead the Charge

It’s been roughly 20 years’ time since South Africa became part of the Global Wine Community once again. In those two decades the quality of wines has increased and there have been great strides in the South African Wine Industry. Among the many other things that have changed, the number of Women winemakers has increased. And while the increase in diversity alone is cause for celebration that’s just a sliver of what’s happening.

La Mannella is Crafting Tuscan Masterpieces

La Mannella is Crafting Tuscan Masterpieces

This week I had the opportunity to have dinner with Tommaso Cortonesi of Tuscany's La Mannella. Years ago his Grandfather started making wine. However at that time, and for many years later the wine they produced was for consumption by family, friends, and neighbors. In 1985 they made the move to being a commercial winery and released their first Rosso di Montalcino. 

The Ryland Inn Launches Into Lunch Service

The Ryland Inn Launches Into Lunch Service

The Ryland Inn located in Whitehouse Station, NJ has gone through many incarnations over the years. It was built in 1796 and started out as a home. After years as a family restaurant it spent several decades as a highly awarded destination dining spot. That seemed to come to an end in 2007 when it closed after a flood and financial problems. But under new ownership it was re-opened in 2012, reinvigorated and is once again a place diners should be clamoring to dine.

The Bird is Thirsty! 9 Wines for Thanksgiving That Provide Value

The Bird is Thirsty! 9 Wines for Thanksgiving That Provide Value

Thanksgiving, with its myriad of flavors and overload of food is mere days away. And while some look at wine pairing for so many flavors and textures as a challenge, I think it’s a whole lot of fun. Drink what you like and see what it works with and what it doesn’t work with.  The bottom line is that you should have fun and enjoy the holiday. 

A Visit to Palmaz Vineyards in Napa Valley

A Visit to Palmaz Vineyards in Napa Valley

Several years ago I was out in Napa Valley with only a few hours left on the last day of my trip. Someone strongly recommended Palmaz Vineyards as a must. I wasn’t familiar with them and since it was appointment only...

Eight Awesome Tequila's

Eight Awesome Tequila's

If you haven’t read my Añejo roundup for The Daily Meal, head over there and check that out first. Here are a few that didn’t fit into that story for one reason or another, but that I felt really strongly about. So instead of leaving them on the cutting room floor, they found a home here.

Two Delicious Washington Reds from Hedges Family Estate

Two Delicious Washington Reds from Hedges Family Estate

The Hedges Family has been growing wine in Washington State for more than 25 years now. In addition to founding their own winery and tending to what is now a 125 acre estate property they were heavily involved in establishing Red Mountain as an AVA.