Is there anything more annoying than a blowhard? I know every profession has its nemeses, and mine is numbskulls who insist on spewing their wine knowledge, attempting to impress spectators at wine tastings. These lingerers monopolize a pourer’s time (especially if it’s a celebrity winemaker), ... Read More »

Although I used to pilfer mom’s Andre sparkling wine and guzzle it with my pre-alcoholic, post-pubescent friends, the first “serious” wine I ever tried was Black Tower. I still remember the syrupy sweet sensation, smacking of steel not fruit, and the cloying aftertaste. I’m ... Read More »

Winemakers slave long and hard over grape juice to fingerprint their wine. By imparting their personality into their craft, winemakers avoid producing uniformly bland wine. One expensive yet delicious way they tailor wine is by using oak barrels to either ferment or age the juice — a tried-and-true ... Read More »

Spain has regretfully been the redheaded stepchild of the wine world. Besides the occasional cheap red gem or expensive Rioja, I considered “quality Spanish wine” an oxymoron. But after a recent trip with a flock of wine journalists, I can now drunkenly report my wrongness. We spent a ... Read More »

Back during Prohibition in the 1920s, Americans were forced to pay homage to sleazy bootleggers to get a buzz. Choices boiled down to dangerously strong distilled spirits and whatever concoction someone brewed in their basement. Once the temperance-driven experiment failed 13 long years later, Americans ... Read More »

I’ve been called blowhard”, “idiot” and “opinionated,” and that’s on a good day. Wine critics learn to grow thick skin. Some wineries love us, some would love to see us suffer immeasurably. But we serve a purpose: to help drinkers pilot the deep sea of wine. ... Read More »

It starts with the spark of an idea (usually over drinks) and involves 10 willing friends (who enjoy wine and its relaxing buzz). Invent a theme, grab some cocktail food, and establish a price limit. Voila – the makings of an in-home wine tasting. How to pull it off without concerns.

My dad uses the word ‘big’un” to describe anything large. To this day, his Southern accent resonates every time I try a big, in-your-face wine. Italy corners the market on big’uns, producing many highly tannic, earthy wines from big’un grapes like nebbiolo, barbera and ... Read More »

It’s awfully frou-frou to drink out of expensive stemware. Like donning designer clothes, there’s something higher-than-thou yet fun about using them. But are these novelties all “brand” and no brains? Companies like Riedel and Spiegelau swear their ultra-thin, specially designed ... Read More »

More people read horoscopes than admit it. Even most scoffers secretly try to glean hope from astrologers’ words. It’s calming to be boldly told when your next raise will appear or when a romance will “round the corner.” But what if you’re looking for guidance of the ... Read More »

It feels so healthy to look back and reminisce over the past year’s lessons. With wine, it might mean you experienced a new taste, uncorked a new varietal, or discovered a new country to broaden your mind with fresh choices. Over the past year, we’ve had plenty to explore, with

As I race to use up my “take it or lose it” vacation hours, I’ve lollygagged around the house some lately. During these rare leisurely moments, the Internet occupies my languid mind, offering brain food for my wine-geekish cravings. People sometimes ask me which sites are the best ... Read More »