Remember that post where we talked about all the great things you can do with corks? We bet that some of you thought we were crazy when we mentioned jewelry…well, here is a beautiful example by an artist named Grace Wu! You can check out some of her other work HERE.
Yes…another funny wine video!!!! For the sake of your health and dental bills, please DO NOT attempt what these people are doing (especially if you are planning on serving sparkling wine). Europeans are born with wine in their baby bottles. They apparently have depths of experience that we cannot begin to understand and therefore should NOT REPLICATE.
Otherwise, enjoy!
America is somewhat obsessed with reality television…especially when it involves someone winning a lot of money for screwing everyone else over and being the last one standing. This competitive spirit has surfaced in the food/bev world. Whether it is shows like Top Chef or Food Network Challenge, we are interested in not only who wins, but how they made the finished product.
thank you Dallas News for the photo!
Restaurant owners have decided to adapt an interesting version of competition into their menus. Wine vs. Beer.
This rivalry is not new, but now it is taking center stage at venues such as El Bizcocho and The Melting Pot, drawing in people faster than they can print the tickets. The standard format is a prix-fixe menu that features a wine/beer pairing with every course (what a dream come true!), and if you like a drink in particular, you can get another glass for a (usually) meager fee. Some tech-saavy foodies, winos and beer guzzlers have taken the experience to the web… via Twitter!
Not only are these events a fabulous way to experience a variety of food, wine and beer that you never knew about, the final decision is left to the diners! No connoisseurs injecting their opinions into the atmosphere, just a mob decision resulting in a nightly victor.
Sound like something you would like to try? Check out The Beer Advocate, or Local Wine Events to get the low down on what is happening near you. Can’t find anything within an appropriate mile radius? Organize your own! Your friends will be happy to peel themselves off the couch and experience the excitement with you. Here is a sample menu from a taste-off that was hosted by Food & Wine Magazine. Yours doesn’t have to be that elaborate…it just has to be fun! (and we are more than willing to help you create the experience!)
While reading the artical Wine, Women And Wrong? By Amy Rosen, (Canwest News Service November 19, 2009) we actually laughed out loud by the quote “I call my glass of wine at 5 p.m. ‘Mommy’s little helper’.” The article alone is good but the quote took it to the next level. There is something about women and wine that is just undescribable. It is just… well we really can’t put words to it. If you are a woman you know.
The article speaks about the micro-marketing techniques used to catch the eye of women walking through wine racks searching for the perfect bottle to take home. Whether the technique is using visuals to draw them to the label or providing “user friendly” tasting notes, it seems to be working.
Though you didn’t ask for it, we will share our thoughts. Those who have read our posts know we will try anything…no matter the label. However, we do agree that labels can catch the eyes and in some cases speak in an outside voice (every Kindergarten teacher’s worst nightmare).
Here is the thing, we assume that most who buy a wine based on its fun label go in thinking the wine itself is going to be less than stellar, and are pleasantly surprised if the winemaker’s abilities are as good or better than the marketing team’s. That being said, the first thought that crosses our mind is is the winemaker just trying to unload a crap wine with a catchy label. We have no idea. But what is the long term buying power of a label, regardless of quality? Elise’s extended family has been known to host label parties, where each wine must be $10 or less and the label must have some humorous value. The question is, do they ever purchase those wines again after trying them? Moguls such as Yellow Tail and Little Penguin have obviously figured this one out…but what about the others? Are they doomed to sit on the shelf?
Please share some GREAT labels with us and discuss the quality!
Thanksgiving is awesome! Mostly known as a day of overeating (to prepare for a shopping marathon) and watching football (quick shout-out to my Cowboys. wait…Browns?), this holiday was tailor-made for food/wine pairing. Let the tasting begin!
For some this is a huge risk. What do we mean by risk… well there is an increase of tasters (palates to please) and the obvious vastness of menu. Those who are trying way too hard (this is where we get to relevant information) need to relax. You can ask as many wine drinkers as you want for their opinions on wine for the holiday but if you don’t like the wine they suggest you’re not going to like the food (bummer).
Our suggestion is to drink local! Visit a nearby winery to learn, taste and buy. Most likely you (as well as many others no matter what their wine knowledge is) will visit a local winery ask what they suggest you should pair they will give some options that you can try then buy. While you are doing this you get to build a friendship… hopefully a long lasting wine buying relationship. This is a way better story to tell at the table then how you stopped by the local grocery store and picked up the cheaper bottle (there is that ”risk” again). This concept is nothing new to millenial wine drinkers. We are willing to give any wine a chance. We also won’t take it personally if it doesn’t work out.
Lastly, when you have to answer the awkward “What are you Thankful for this year” you can reply “the talented winemakers right here in my backyard”.
Happy Thanksgiving! We would love to hear what your tastebuds have to share.
(Just in case you do not have a winery within driving range of your celebration destination, here are some ideas: Spicy reds from the Rhone Valley of France, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Beaujolais Nouveau, Viognier, Dry Rieslings, Gewurztraminer, and a nice Ruby Port for dessert)
It is that time of year. The third Thursday of November is the official release of the coveted first bottling of the vintage year…Beaujolais Nouveau! (pronounced: boh jhoe lay//new voh) Made out of the Gamay grape, this French delight is only 6 weeks old when it is released. If you know someone who has never tried wine, or swears that they don’t like it…encourage them to revisit the vine with this deliciously fruity and light (but dry!) red wine. It has practically no tannin, and should be served chilled.
If we’ve piqued your interest, look for names like Georges Dubœuf and Henry Fessy. They will run between $7-10. Enjoy it solo, or paired with something like…oh, we don’t know…turkey?
Saturday. It’s the middle of the weekend. You (hopefully) got to sleep in and can be completely reckless with your day because tomorrow is Sunday and you are accountable to no one. Saturday is a good day.
Saturday night is even better. Don’t believe us? Check out this video.
Wine has never been funnier.
Elise is addicted to eMail, and for once her chronic clicking has lead her to more than time-wasting and potential carpal tunnel!
One of her beloved Ohio wineries, Markko Vineyards, was just written up in the Pittsburgh Examiner! She found out about it when the Wine2.0 Group on LinkedIn sent her a message. Apparently the 2003 Homage is a hit with more than just locals! We hate to bring up memories of slightly brainwashing DisneyLand rides, but…it is a small world after all.
The wine in the article is a Chardonnay and Pinot Gris blend that has a rich golden color and very fragrant nose (we can say this from experience. elise used to sling drinks from behind the tasting bar). Arnie himself said that it is literally an “homage” to Dr. Konstantin Frank, the man who taught him everything he knows about wine.
For another view on Ohio wineries, check out David Trattner’s blog. He is a local writer/restaurant critic for Cleveland Scene magazine.
If you’re enjoying wine at home several times a week, you’re probably developing quite the collection of corks. If you’re like us…possibly enough to recreate a cork tree in your front yard. Rather than throw them away, find something creative to do with them!
Need inspiration? Try wine supply websites! They specialize in developing ways to get you back to their site again and again (aka…spend money). You can also peruse craft stores like Joann Fabrics, Michaels and ACMoore’s.
Here are some ideas:
Message boards, “wall paper” or chair rails, pictures for your bar/wine cellar, serving trays, chess sets, wreaths, coasters and even costume jewelry! Elise’s mom uses them in decorative candle vases as a part of a seasonal rotation.
We wonder if this is actually comfortable??
If you want to go the Eco-Friendly route (or if cork just doesn’t mesh with your current decorating style), check out the blog “2Modern Design Talk”. There is a company in Missouri that will recycle them for you! You can also visit their website to get the details. They’ve had around 1200 contributors so far to their cause. Pass the information on to your local wineries, they are an excellent candidate for cork recycling!
After awhile, going to the movies or to a restaurant just doesn’t hold the same excitement factor for “going out”. You want to be spontaneous, but are hesitant to take full control of your event schedule. Start with what you like. You like wine? So do we! Maybe you’re a connoisseur, or are still wading in the kiddie pool, but regardless of your commitment level, everyone needs an “in”. By “in”, we mean “in”formant.
If you’re hankering for some wine related activity, hit up this Virtual Vino Database. No matter where you reside (or where you visit), the Local Wine Events website has a listing of wine events happening in your area. It’s easy to navigate, and you can even make reservations or contact the host from the site. Think of it as your personal assistant for fun, and watch your calendar fill itself.
If you own a wine related establishment and want to increase your online presence, it is easy to add your event to the calendar as well. If you post it, they will come!
