Vino Voyager
Because wine is a journey … one bottle, one winery, and one region at a time
2020 Wine Days
Did you know there are almost 30 international drink wine days in 2020? Not that we exactly need designated days to drink wine, but this makes it feel more official and acceptable, right? Mark your calendars for the following dates. Oh, and since there are no “official” drink wine days in January and July, I created special Vino Voyager days to fill in the gap. On those days, gather some friends, open some bottles, and find a new favorite.
Below is the “calendar of reason,” or, I mean, days for you to celebrate all year long. Stay tuned for updates and recommendations for what to open throughout the year.
Value Wine Picks: $20 and Under for 2020
Happy new year, and hope the holidays found you opening some great bottles of vino! As I look at our depleted cellar, I realize that January means doing a bit of restocking, particularly since we aren’t keen on going dry in January. Maybe we should, but life’s too short! Instead, I have set a goal to add more value wines to the cellar. If you find yourself in the same predicament, I thought I’d share some that are on my list. You can find these at your local Total Wine, Costco, or other local wine retailer.
Summertime Grillin’ and Chillin’ with a Chilean
A few days ago, we took advantage of the sunny, warm weather in the Pacific Northwest and fired up our Traeger. We slowly roasted a huge prime rib of beef and invited a few friends over. Someone brought over a bottle of Carménère to pair with the meal and although I was skeptical, I went in with an open mind.
Read MoreCostco’s Kirkland Wines: Uncorked & Demystified
Note: The opinions and content presented in this article are solely my own and not paid for by Costco.
I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the prowl for that elusive weeknight wine that doesn’t break the bank, yet still delivers on quality. So where to look? My husband and I recently discovered Costco’s Kirkland brand and found that regardless of your experience level with wine, if you are looking for quality wines that offer excellent value and compelling pricing, it is worth considering Costco’s Kirkland brand of wines to add everyday favorites to your cellar.
Read MoreA Fresh New Trio of Pinot Noir
Do you love Pinot Noir, but find yourself put off by the price for a really good one? Or, are you tired of the ubiquitous, affordable Meiomi and would rather put something more unique on your dinner table when you seat your guests? Then, look to winemaker Joe Wagner’s new project, BÖEN.
Tipping Back a Glass in Prague
My most recent travels found me in Prague, where I spent four spectacular days with my husband after disembarking from a Baltic cruise. And, I was delighted to discover that the Czech Republic has more going on than just beer. My intent is not to downplay the beer scene — Prague has rightly earned its stellar reputation with brews — but wine deserves some of the spotlight, too. Prague is such a magical, romantic city that it only makes sense to settle into a sidewalk cafe and sip a glass of wine, whether white or red.
Wining Out
Somehow, whenever my husband and I go out to dinner, our wine tab often exceeds our food tab. It’s simply the perils of loving wine. So, when we dine out, we focus on getting the best wine value we can for our budget and meal selections. Sometimes this means cutting the wine price down, and other times it could mean spending a bit more but getting a higher quality wine. Here are some things to consider when you order that next bottle of wine (or glass) out.
Rune: An Emerging Arizona Rhone Ranger
As a follow up to my review of the Sonoita region in Arizona, I recently returned to the area. A primary reason for going back, other than a great winter getaway with my husband and parents, was to make a visit to Rune, which is producing beautiful Rhone-style blends, such as Grenache, Petite Sirah and Syrah.
Value Wines to Put on the Holiday Table
With holiday season upon us and everyone preparing to entertain, whether it includes traditional or non-traditional meals, the tricky question is what wine to serve without breaking the bank. Here are some recommendations to consider for your holiday dinner parties. Retail prices vary depending on geographic location.
Paso Robles Wine Adventure
I have been visiting Paso Robles with my family for at least 10 years and every visit reminds me why this growing wine region is so rewarding to visit. The region itself is diverse, with the beautiful coastal town of Cambria to the west, which offers sensational sunsets, beach walks, and a quaint downtown with plenty of restaurants, shops and wine tasting rooms. And, Hearst Castle is just up the road, so it’s easy to make a long weekend or more in the area.
