Food & Wine

  This is something I’d ask a customer that came in looking for a brand name that you probably could get at any big retailer. Now of course, this was a lighthearted way to get their undivided attention. Then I might ask… why are you looking for that brand? More and likely they would share some details to help me understand why they asked for that specific wine. And this is when I’d like to share some facts about the mentioned brand. Usually nothing negative, but real, and not to say national brands don’t have some good wines. Plume Ridge...

  Thanksgiving is just around the corner, followed by the trifecta of winter holidays: Hanukkah (12/18-12/26), Christmas and New Year’s Eve. With the addition of Kwanzaa (12/26 - 1/1/23), the season of gratitude, gift-giving and feasting is upon us. Many holiday hosts are scouring the internet for new takes on traditional recipes — and the best wines to highlight those dishes.How did the United States — a country founded by Pilgrims and molded by Puritans—beget a series of harvest and yuletide celebrations so closely associated with the enjoyment of wine?It turns out that early Americans were, in fact, not teetotallers...

A lot of wine drinkers are unaware of how wines can have different effects on the palate. Or is it your imagination? Nope! Atmosphere (or lack thereof) has plenty to do with what your palate can experience. Example: Drinking a full-bodied red wine in the middle of a warm afternoon doesn’t have the same effect as drinking that same wine on a cool evening in low light. Bigger reds can tend to be “chunky” or hard to drink as they warm up with ambient temperatures. Also, white wines don’t always show well in the evening as they are better chilled...

This is a versatile fall dish that can be served on the side or as a main course. One can easily substitute with a plant based sausage to make this vegetarian friendly. A nice white dry wine with medium body such as Riesling or Chablis would pair well. Serves 4Ingredients 2 acorn squash, scrubbed and halved from the stem to the base with the seeds removed 3 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1 pound traditional Italian sausage or plant based 1/2 cup small diced yellow onion 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon finely chopped...

This simple but impressive dish is excellent for entertaining or enjoying any day of the week. Very easy to prepare and oh sooooo tasty accompanied with Chateau Saint Martin de la Garrigue, Picpoul de Pinet 2021 or your favorite dry white wine from Bottle Shop.   For the Sauce 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil 1 Medium Shallot, minced One 8.5 oz jar Dalmatia Fig, Orange Spread  Available in Whole Foods cheese section or online   (or substitute you preserves of choice)                                   2 Tablespoons White Wine, preferably the wine you with enjoy with this meal Instructions Heat olive oil in a small skillet. Sauté...