Terroir and Tradition: The Making of the Delle Venezie DOC
This week, I had a chance to explore the Pinot Grigio grape from Delle Venezie DOC, hosted by Simply Italian Great Wines, and by Sommelier and Owner of Above Wines, Aldo Bove. I had a chance to meet with Aldo back in May 2023. I knew he was […]
A Mantra of Areté from Iris Vineyards
Areté, it’s a state of mind with deep roots in Greek mythology. It has a meaning of fulfilling one’s potential and continually striving to be better. At Iris Vineyards, it is a mantra that translates to vineyard practices, preserving the land, the quality of wine, people, and hospitality – basically from vine to wine. […]
Randy Hester’s Journey to World-Class Recognition
While working for a wine distributor at Glazer Wine & Spirits (now Southern Glazers) in Houston, Randy Hester’s boss put him up for a significant promotion. When it didn’t happen, it put him on another path to make some of Napa’s top cult cabernets and later founded C.L. Butaud, one […]
Breaking New Zealand Stereotypes at Left Field Wines: A Chat with Winemaker Richard Painter
Breaking New Zealand Stereotypes at Left Field Wines: A Chat with Winemaker Richard Painter Left Field Winemaker Richard Painter It only takes one look at Left Field Wine’s website for to understand that this isn’t going to be a typical New Zealand Wine experience. I was invited to lunch with Winemaker Richard Painter (who also […]
A Conversation with Remi Cohen About the History of Cliff Lede While Matching Cabernet with East Coast Oysters
A Conversation with Remi Cohen About the History of Cliff Lede While Matching Cabernet with East Coast Oysters Remi and Me Remi Cohen, the general manager of Cliff Lede, and I didn’t start our lunch with the intention of pairing delicate oysters at Montlake Cut with a rich Stags Leap Cabernet, but we found ourselves […]