Tag: wineries

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards

Posted by on July 6, 2009

For more than 20 years, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards - the first sparkling wine house in the Sonoma Carneros region - has invited visitors to discover cool-climate wines served with warm Spanish hospitality.

Uncorked, a tv series hosted by Ted Allen, follows Gloria Ferrer through the process of producing and crafting sparkling wine. The segment covers the traditional “méthode champenoise” process of making sparkling wines.

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Making Wine in Colorado

Posted by on July 2, 2009


A winemaker’s account of making wine in the Colorado Rockies.

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Wine Tasting: 2004 Marquis Philips Sarah’s Blend

Posted by on June 24, 2009


If you love full blown, upfront, loud New World wines then this is for you! Don’t get me wrong as I equally love a backward, sensual old world wine too. Like blonds and brunettes I love them all. There are occasions that I lust over new world wines and there are other moments I yearn over the liquid poetry of old world classics. The Marquis Philips wine is a joint project between overly talented Sarah and Sparky Marquis and Yankee importer Dan Philips. Doesn’t that give you a hint that something BIG is coming along the way? The Sarah’s Blend is a Pseudo-Bordeaux style blend but very un-Bordeaux like due to its very ‘new world’ style and it’s 60+% Shiraz content! The nose was assertive with showy concentrated ripe black current cassis, black plum intermixed with sweet vanilla spicy wood. In fact, the resemblance of a British Maynard black wine gum on the nose is profound! The full body wine was fruity, juicy, upfront and had much weight sitting on my tongue. Eucalyptus, cola, black licorice and dark chocolate to follow. The tannin was sweet and supple and the acid too was well balanced. The finish was generous but the alcohol (at 15%) finally emerged with some hotness. This wine can age for 5+ years. At Cad$20 for a $50 quality wine - a steal. US Viewers- this is even cheaper at discount stores! (Rating 91-93 points) by Michael Lam of the Beverage Review.

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French Winemaking’s Odd Couple

Posted by on June 22, 2009


Can the personality of a winemaker be determined by his wine? David Turecamo examines two French vintners, one of whom is very studious & professional, and one who behaves like a drunken college fratboy. David Turecamo is known for his excellent “Our Man in Paris” segments on CBS SUNDAY MORNING.

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Try Something New - Go to a Winery

Posted by on June 19, 2009

Are you trying to find something new to do now that the weather is getting nicer? Do you care to know more about the wine made in your area? Are you interested in spending your hard earned cash at a local business instead of sending it out of state or overseas? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I suggest you visit a winery near your home very soon. I recently read that there are now wineries in all 50 states so chances are there is at least one in your neighborhood.

There are many reasons to grab your wine carriers and visit your local winery and now I’m going to tell you about a few with you. First, most local wineries offer low or no cost tours and tastings. You’ll have the opportunity to try a few different wines and then take home only the ones you like best. You’ll also have a chance to tour the vineyard and winery and learn how they make the wine. There will be someone there to answer your questions and you might even be lucky enough to chat with the owner.

When you go, make sure you pack your picnic baskets because most wineries have decks or picnic areas where you can sit down and have a picnic dinner and a glass of wine. Since wineries are usually located in the country, they offer great panoramas of the nearby areas. Can you think of a better way to unwind than with a romantic picnic in the country?

Another thing many wineries offer are weekend outdoor concerts. You can relax and enjoy your favorite wine as local talent shares their music with you. If kicking back isn’t your speed, many wineries offer dancing as well. Many allow you to bring your own dinner so call your friends, pack your picnic backpack and make an evening of it.

Make plans to visit a local winery this spring. You’ll find the atmosphere relaxing and entertaining. Whether you go for a tour and wine tasting, a romantic picnic for two or an evening concert, you’ll have a fantastic time and you might even find a new hobby.

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