We’ve all been living an existence unlike any we have known before, looking for any bit of normalcy. Celebrating something silly just for the fun of it might be a good way. May 25, 2020 is National Wine Day. Can you think of anything more fun?
For those of you who are red wine lovers, try a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Zinfandel, of maybe a Tempranillo. If white is your choice, how about a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay. Others might choose a Rose or a nice sweet fruit wine.
Whatever you choose, get some wine, relax, and have a fun day!
by adminMost wine lovers don’t think of North Carolina when they start looking for a bottle of good wine. But, if they’ve ever had one from there, they might.
In 1835, North Carolina opened its first winery, Medoc Vineyards. At the turn of the century, there were 25 wineries in the state, but they closed during Prohibition. Duplin Winery was the first modern one to open in 1975. Almost twenty years ago on a trip to North Carolina, we visited a few wineries. Since then the state has developed a wine industry that that includes 186 wineries and 2300 acres of of vineyards and is ranked 11th in the United States in wine production. Biltmore Estate Winery is one of the most visited wineries in the country.
One of our favorite wineries is Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery in Ronda, North Carolina. We first visited there in 2014 and fell in love with the place. We have visited there many times since then and have enjoyed many wines. It’s hard to choose your favorite from this winery that specializes in Italian style wines.
So wine lovers, I recommend that you give North Carolina a try. You definitely !won’t regret it and you might find yourself a new favorite spot!
by adminSince I shared this upcoming A & E program and wrote about our experience at the concert, I thought I’d share my review of the television show.
After waiting for over a year to watch the A & E special tribute show Willie Nelson American Outlaw, I have to say I was a bit disappointed. First let me say, if I had watched the show without having been at the taping concert, I would have enjoyed it a lot. I still thought it was a good show, but it could (and should) have been a lot better.
Some of our favorite moments from the concert were the ones that were left on the cutting room floor. Just a few examples, Kris Kristofferson sang Me and Bobby McGee with Willie and Eric Church. Norah Jones did an amazing job of the haunting ballad Remember Me. When Allison Krauss sang Angel Flying too Close to the Ground, the entire audience was spellbound. There were other performers and songs that were better than some of those that did make the A & E broadcast.
It left me feeling that the producers were not the country music fans. This was also demonstrated by the interviews about Willie, those featured most often were Sheryl Crow and Dave Matthews. Those were not the first names to come to mind when discussing Willie’s career. Singers who have toured with Willie would have been better choices, such as, Emmy Lou Harris and Lee Ann Womack.
Even a glass (or two) of Barboursville Vineyards Vermentino, which is excellent, didn’t make me mellow enough to ease my disappointment. Maybe there will be an unedited DVD. A true fan can only hope!
by adminOn January 25, 1919, I wrote about our trip to Nashville to see a tribute concert featuring many artists honoring the career of Willie Nelson. This concert will be televised on A & E this Sunday, April 12, at 10 PM. Anyone who enjoys Willie Nelson, or even just enjoys country music, should tune in. The concert was amazing and we’ve been looking forward to it for a year! Hope you get a chance to see it! Pour a glass and enjoy Willie!
by adminWow, another day to celebrate our love for wine. Today we get to add one of our favorite snacks. It sounds like a perfect day to relax with a Kentucky wine from your favorite winery and one of Kentucky’s excellent cheeses, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon from Lovers Leap Vineyards and Winery paired with a cheddar from Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese. Perfect way to end Wine and Cheese Day!
by adminWine lovers prepare for tomorrow – it’s your day! February 18th is National Drink Wine Day. Grab your favorite bottle, pour a glass, and toast one of the world’s oldest natural drinks. Cheers!
by adminValentine’s Day celebrates love! What a wonderful concept in a world where so many disagreements cause so much conflict. As early as the Middle Ages, lovers have been taking this day to honor their love. Through the years expressions of love have changed, from letters and cards to flowers and candy, a night out or a quiet celebration at home.
Wineries are offering special events such as a Chocolate Lovers Date Night at Brianza Gardens and Winery or the Valentine’s Murder Mystery Dinner at Prodigy Vineyards and Winery. Check the websites of your favorite local wineries for their events.
Wine lovers looking for a special Valentine’s wine to share with their love have many choices from Champagne, a chocolate flavored wine for sweet wine lovers, a dry wine in a chocolate glass, or a dry red wine paired with dark chocolate. Choose a wine you love to celebrate your love and enjoy the day!
As a Kentucky wine lover, my resolution is simple this year — visit more Kentucky wineries. Since interviewing all the owners and wine makers for my book A Wine Lover’s Odyssey Across Kentucky, the state has had a winery boom. The book featured the 32 wineries in the state in 2011 that had tasting rooms and regular hours for visitors. My premise was that most people would be more likely to visit those wineries rather than plan and call ahead. Boy, has that number changed!
Looking at the most recent Kentucky winery guide which we picked up at the end of 2018, there are around 70 wineries in the state now. Most of them have tasting rooms. So my resolution will be challenging. I will let you know how we are doing!
by adminAs the year is nearing its end, one can’t help but look back over the year and consider the highlights. For a wine lover, this naturally means wine news. 2018 was a good year for wine lovers in Kentucky. For me, it meant the discovery of a new place to shop for wine. Joining Louisville, Lexington became home to a Total Wine store at Lexington Green. For those who have never heard of them, these stores are opening around the nation and provide wine lovers (plus those who love spirits and beer as well) with a way to shop for their drinking needs. The choices are amazing with more wines from around the world than most stores have and the prices are quite reasonable. Even better news, Lexington will be opening a second Total Wine at Hamburg in the next few months.
On a personal tasting note, early last summer we visited a winery we had not visited for a few years. We spent some enjoyable time at Brooks Hill Winery and discovered a very special wine that has become a favorite. They make a medium body red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Lemberger grapes, with flavors of spice and dark berries. We love it!
Looking forward to 2019 and more great Kentucky wine.
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