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Perfect Pairings: Thanksgiving Traditions and Wine
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to gather around the table for the quintessential Thanksgiving feast. From roast turkey to sweet potato casserole, each dish brings its own unique flavors to the celebration. Elevate your Thanksgiving experience this year by exploring both traditional and unconventional wine pairings that will delight your palate and impress…
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Wine Experiences: A Five Decade Chateau Montelena Wine Pairing Dinner
On October 28, 2023, an enchanting event unfolded in a private suite at Disney’s Riviera Resort, a night that will be fondly remembered by those lucky enough to attend. It marked the 35th Wedding Anniversary of Scott and Alison White, a couple known for their love of fine wine and fine company. Although their actual…
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Old World Regions: Burgundy
Revised 4/20/2025. In eastern France, where rolling hills meet ancient limestone escarpments, Burgundy unfolds like a living manuscript of wine history—written in vine rows and aged in cellars carved by monks. Here, winemaking is not merely a craft; it’s a centuries-old dialogue between land, grape, and soul. Burgundy’s greatness is etched into its terroir, refined…
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Trendy Cocktails: Jade Rambutan
Welcome back, SOMM&SOMM cocktail enthusiasts, to another delightful edition of the Trendy Cocktails series, where we explore the world of innovative drinks and the intriguing ingredients that make them so special. Today, we’re diving into the lush world of rambutan, the star of our uniquely refreshing concoction, the Jade Rambutan martini-style cocktail! A Tropical Treasure…
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Varietal Spotlight: Gamay
Gamay made the iniquitous journey from Burgundy’s past to Beaujolais’ future. Burgundy, renowned for its exquisite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, has a lesser-known grape variety in its history that once played a prominent role but was ultimately removed from the region’s vineyards. This grape is none other than Gamay, which found a new home…
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Old World Regions: Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a timeless elixir of history, terroir, and tradition. It’s a name that resonates with wine enthusiasts worldwide and is synonymous with excellence in winemaking. Nestled along the serene banks of the Garonne River in southwestern France, the Bordeaux wine region is a hallowed ground for cork dorks ;), boasting a rich history, distinct…
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Wine Experiences: Chateau Margaux
In the illustrious world of fine wines, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as Chateau Margaux (my favorite first growth). Nestled in the heart of Bordeaux’s famed Margaux appellation, this historic estate has consistently produced wines of unparalleled grace and distinction. Among the numerous exceptional vintages that have emerged from its cellars, the…
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Trendy Cocktails: Pineapple Sage Gimlet
In the world of cocktails, there are classics that have withstood the test of time, mixing tradition with an enduring sense of style and taste. Among these, the Gimlet stands as a testament to the prevailing allure of simplicity and flavor. Its history, shrouded in mystery and filled with intrigue, paints a vivid picture of…
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Trendy Cocktails: Distiller’s Punch
Every now and again you find new inspiration from old classics. In the case of this cocktail–the Distiller’s Punch–my inspiration came from an evening of mixology with Tammy. She began with her riff on the classic Sidecar, but with bourbon instead of the traditional Cognac (I prefer Remi Martin VSOP in the original). The Cointreau…
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Varietal Spotlight: Chardonnay
The Canvas of the Winemaker. Few grape varieties offer as much versatility and expressive potential as Chardonnay. Within the Vitis vinifera family, it stands as one of the most adaptable varietals—capable of producing everything from zesty, mineral-driven wines to rich, barrel-aged expressions. Winemakers often call it the “blank canvas” grape, not because it lacks character, but because…
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