Some wines are worth exploring if they call to you for some reason. Like the Domaine Chanson 2018 Vire-Clesse from France.

When I spotted this wine at Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Warehouse, I was immediately intrigued. I discovered Vire-Clesse is a part of the Macon region of Burgundy, home to world-class Chardonnay. I also discovered […]

It’s time to release 2021 and bring in 2022. Stay positive and be happy with the most celebrated of celebration wines, Champagne!!

An exceptional bottle is Pol Roger Brut. This family-owned company has been making luxury champagne since 1849.

At their site they have underground cellars where the wine is aged, and the low temperature of the […]

Don’t burden Santa’s sleigh with bottles from halfway across the world. Load up on LOCAL!

There are so many excellent wineries in the Hudson Valley, including many in Dutchess and Columbia Counties, that it’s easy, fun, and good kharma to drink and share their wines.

How can you resist the gift of Romance from Clinton Vineyards?

Stock up […]

Tis the season of Rudolph, and what a great little reindeer he is. Sweet and innocent. Cute. Who doesn’t like Rudolph?

But today I want to talk about Donner. Donner is Rudolph’s dad – and his coach, and the lead reindeer of Santa’s sleigh. He’s focused and formidable. Well, I found a wine that’s deserving of […]

If you live anywhere near Le Caviste in Stanfordville, NY, go there for Thanksgiving wine suggestions.

If Antoine proposes the Irnacy – a red wine – don’t question his judgment.

He shared with me that it’s one of the favorite wines he has in the store, and when I tasted it, I understood why. It’s an outstanding […]

Yes, the 2021 vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau has arrived!!

The release of the young wine from Burgundy on the third Thursday of November has been an occasion for anticipation and celebration in France and now around the world since the 1950s. The Nouveau is the first release of wine made from this year’s harvest of Gamay […]

Truth be told, Italian wines confuse me the way French wines confuse most. Barolo, Barbararesco, Montepulciano, Ripasso – lots of Os that always left me feeling like “Oh No, I don’t get it!”

It was with some trepidation, then, that I opened a bottle of Primitivo, not really knowing what to expect. It was one of […]

It’s apple season, and that means apple pie.

I started thinking about all the possibilities for pairings with this most American of desserts. So many wines came to mind that I realized there’s no “right” answer when it comes down to it, and the anticipation is part of the pleasure.

Riesling, though, is a stand-out choice. It’s […]

It’s the end of another month. A time for reflection on a season past and the colder months to come. In this mood, I came across a passage from the critic Terry Theise’s book, Reading Between the Wines that I wanted to share for your enjoyment.

“Wine is like a shy dog. Lunge for it and […]

Fall festivals are everywhere, and that means apples!

If you’re looking to pair a wine with an apple pie or crisp, consider something that will complement the sweetness and the slight tartness of the dessert. A semi-dry Riesling is a great choice.

The Finger Lakes are famous for making great wines from that grape, so go local […]