About Wine

This Fourth of July... Drink What the Founding Fathers Drank

2009-07-02T01:16:26Z

Madeira has a fascinating history and is well known for being the dominate �toasting� wine option for our nation�s Founding Fathers. To begin with, the island of Madeira served as a well-known port for various shipping routes going to and from the New World. England had specific legislation (�The British Navigation Act�) in place that ultimately prevented the exportation of wine (and other goods) to British colonies in the New World, unless it came on a British vessel and originated from a British port of call. However, the island of Madeira was exempt from this pesky law and Madeira became a �staple� wine on the vessels bound for the American colonies.

Madeira

Declaration of Independence

Washington�s inauguration

Rare Wine Co

The "Patriot" Sangria Recipe

2009-07-01T01:59:11Z

If you are looking for a little red, white and blue in your Independence Day beverages, then the "Patriot" sangria has got you covered. This festive Sangria is perfect for the Fourth of July or any summer cookout! The white wine, red raspberries or strawberries and blueberries give the sangria both its color and flavor theme, but it's the dash of Limoncello that adds zest and vibrancy to the recipe. Check it out for yourself here.

Wine of the Week: St. Supery Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (CA) $38

2009-06-28T18:30:02Z

The 2004 St. Supery Cabernet Sauvignon does a masterful job of showcasing what Napa Valley Cabs are all about. You'll find dark cherry and blackberry aromas on the nose, wrapped in whispy veils of vanilla spice. The palate profile maintains the ripe cherry drive along with a bit of coffee and a touch of tobacco, all melding together to produce high flavor appeal.

Cab

red wine

Intro. to Chablis

2009-06-28T17:24:56Z

Chablis is the Chardonnay of France. French Chablis is a dry, typically unoaked, white wine that is composed of 100% Chardonnay grapes and hails from northern Burgundy. To learn more about Chablis, check out the quality classification levels and producers to try here.

Wine of the Week: Gunderloch Jean-Baptiste Riesling 2007 (Germany) $18

2009-06-23T18:38:38Z

The 2007 Gunderloch "Jean-Baptiste" Riesling is a lovely example of a Rhine Riesling at the Kabinett classification level. You can expect an off-dry, highly aromatic white Riesling wine with pronounced peach flavors, ripe apple laced with lively citrus fruit and a distinct minerality. The careful attention to the balance of acidity and residual sugar is apparent and serves to make this wine an extremely versatile white wine for a variety of foods.

Gunderloch

perfect

Thai food

Adventure Tours through California's Wine Country

2009-06-18T19:03:56Z

While most people rent a car and take to the main roads to explore the wineries of Sonoma and Napa Valley. There is plenty to be said for those brave souls who are willing to turn up the "adventure meter" and take to the wine trails by bike or horseback. California's most engaging wine country begs to be surveyed from the basket of a hot air balloon or aboard the famous Wine Train, but most settle for the convenience of the almighty rental car and risk missing another memory making experience. If you are planning a trip to the crown jewels of California's famous wine country, then consider reserving your spot on a wine country adventure tour - you won't be disappointed! Check out the Top 10 Ways to Experience California Wine Country here.

Image Courtesy of Getty Images / Andrew Gunner

The Aspen Food & Wine Classic runs from June 19-21

2009-06-18T17:46:33Z

The 27th annual Aspen Food & Wine Classic begins tomorrow. Picture the crème de la crème in both food and wine offerings, and then insert the Rocky Mountains as the unforgettable backdrop - and you've got "foodie" heaven here on earth. About.com's own John Mitzewich, guide to American Food, is attending the three day event to savor the flavors and scenery live and in person. He will be posting daily blogs to give readers a play-by-play of the day's best events.

Wine of the Week: Shafer Vineyard's One Point Five 2006 (CA) $70

2009-06-15T20:02:11Z

I am always intrigued by wines that have their own story. Not merely the story of a wine with a sense of place, but a wine that offers a sense of who. Wines that pay tribute to their roots and their relationships are compelling, even before you sip and savor.

Shafer Vineyard's

One Point Five

sustainable vineyard practices

2006 Shafer Vineyard's One Point Five

Father's Day Wine Gift Ideas

2009-06-11T02:39:55Z

With Father's Day just over a week away, it is time to start the search for the perfect Dad's day gift. If your Dad, happens to be a wine enthusiast, then you're in luck!

Father's Day wine gift ideas

Ros� and Berry Sangria Recipe

2009-06-10T20:42:02Z

This berry-based Sangria recipe takes a rosé wine and infuses it with the fresh flavors of raspberry and strawberry - two of the dominant fruit flavor characteristics inherently found in many rosé wines. The berry magnifying match up is delicious!

Rosé and Berry Sangria Recipe here.