- Homepage
-
Portugal Uncorked
Exploring the Heart and Soul of Portuguese Wines. When people hear “Portugal,” their minds often jump to Port—those rich, fortified wines enjoyed by candlelight or at the end of a decadent meal. But to focus solely on Port is to miss the vast and vibrant wine world that Portugal offers. From crisp whites kissed by…
-
How to Enjoy White Wines After Labor Day
There’s an old saying in fashion that you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day. Somewhere along the line, people got it into their heads that wine followed the same rule. As if a glass of Sauvignon Blanc had to be packed away with the linen pants and straw hats, waiting patiently in the cellar until…
-
Beyond Bordeaux
Emerging Regions and Grapes to Know. Bordeaux, Napa, Tuscany—we love them, we know them, we celebrate them. But what if I told you that some of the most exhilarating wines today are coming from volcanic islands, foggy valleys, or vineyards nestled between deserts and ocean? And what if I told you that grapes you’ve barely heard…
-
The Art of Blending Wine Varietals
Blending wine is one of the most romantic and yet technical aspects of winemaking. It’s where science kisses art, and where individual grape varietals—like characters in a novel—bring their own personalities to the glass, playing leading roles or quietly stealing scenes. In the right hands, blending can elevate a good wine into a great one,…
-
Varietal Spotlight: Txakoli
Spain’s Slightly Fizzy, Totally Zesty Coastal Secret. Picture this: You’re sitting on a seaside terrace in the Basque Country of northern Spain. A server approaches with a green bottle, lifts it shoulder-high, and pours a stream of white wine into your glass from a foot above. You hear a faint hiss, a subtle fizz, and then—boom—Txakoli (pronounced cha-koh-LEE)…
-
Demystifying Wine + Food for Real-Life Moments
The Art & Science of Perfect Pairings. Wine and food pairing is one of the most celebrated and misunderstood arts in the culinary world. It’s where science meets instinct, and where a great meal becomes unforgettable. If you’ve ever panicked while choosing a wine for a dinner party with mismatched dishes, you’re not alone. I’ve…
-
Varietal Spotlight: Assyrtiko
Greece’s White-Hot Secret That’s Been Hiding in Plain Sight. Ever get the feeling your palate is ready for a vacation? Somewhere bright, breezy, and kissed by sea spray? Let me introduce you to Assyrtiko (ah-SEER-tee-koh)—Greece’s fiercely fresh, gloriously gastronomic white grape that’s like a splash of Aegean sunlight in your glass. It’s been quietly thriving for centuries,…
-
Don’t Judge a Grape by Its Cover
The case against knee-jerk wine snobbery. ⚠️ Warning: This article contains an excessive number of analogies, mild soapbox climbing, and an impassioned plea for open-minded wine drinking. Proceed with a sense of humor—and a glass in hand. 🍷 Let’s face it—most wine drinkers have a “never again” varietal. Maybe it was an overly oaked Chardonnay…
-
The Sugars Behind Your Sips
Let’s face it—sugar gets a bad rap these days. Whether it’s hiding in your cereal, lurking in sauces, or being dissected on nutrition labels, sugar has become a buzzword. But in the world of wine, sugar isn’t some evil saboteur. It’s the lifeblood of fermentation, the foundation of balance, and sometimes—just sometimes—the reason your wine…
SOMM&SOMM 