Van Duzer Pinot Is A Doozy!!

Owners Carl And Marilynn Thoma In his youth he learned to love agriculture from his family’s cattle ranch in California. In his adulthood, Carl got his degree in agricultural economic in Oklahoma and became a equity fund manager. Marilynn got her B.S. degree as well in Oklahoma and a MBA at Stanford. A love of […]

Are You Stuck In Aisle #1??

I realize even for myself, change is difficult. We all get stuck in ruts. I interact with so many consumers on a daily basis shopping at the retail store I work at, that has a large wine selection, who in 15 years never knew we had 10 other Aisles with wines from all over the […]

A Softer Version Aglianico!

Irpinia Campi Taurasini Irpinia Campi Taurasini is a sub region of the Irpinia DOC of Central Campania in the South Of Italy. Aglianico (My Favorite Italian Grape Varietal) grapes are grown on the Campi Taurasi (the ‘Taurasian Fields’). In contrast the wider Irpinia DOC covers rosso, bianco, rosato, spumante and varietal wines made from any […]

Who Are These People On Wine Apps?

Yes, I understand clearly that everyone has a different palate when it comes to wine or food. Yes, I understand that everyone in today’s world has a smartphone with various apps. Yes, I understand that the most important review of a wine is YOURS!. I also understand that a doctor has a better shot at […]

The ARTZ Of Not Holding Wine Too Long!

Tim And Nancy Of Fall Line Fall Line Winery is owned and operated by winemaker Tim Sorenson and his wife, Nancy Rivenburgh. Nancy is a professor of communication at the University of Washington. Tim retired from his ‘day job’ as an economics professor at Seattle University in 2011. “Academics is a great gig,” says Sorenson, […]

Back To Basics! How To Open A Bottle Of Wine With A Corkscrew!

I know it sounds so simplistic to us “Cork Dorks” but the number one question I get asked by consumers is “Can you show me a bottle of wine that has a screw cap only?” I always respond ” I am with you. I prefer Stelvin Closures too because I am sick of Cork Taint […]

Aryn Morell…My New Hero!!

Who Is Aryn Morell? I Surely Know Now! I Must admit as much as I am Captain Washington, Aryn Morell wasn’t in my wheelhouse until this review. Aryn Morell is originally from Western Washington and was a top golfer growing up. He attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), for their golf program and […]

Gluten Free, Organic, Vegan, Sulfite Free Wines? Let’s Decipher!

In this new Keto Friendly, Plant Based world we live in now, many consumers daily ask me for wines that are, low calorie, gluten free, keto friendly, organic, vegan, sulfite free, wine free, alcohol free. It’s just not red, white or rose anymore. I hope this video clarifies some of these truths and myths. Wine […]

Don’t Buy Hype! Try And Buy New Champagnes

OK!! The Secret Santa and White Elephant, And Buying for OTHER people season is over. This is now ALL ABOUT YOU. When you go to the heart of the Champagne region, to any restaurant, small or very large list of Champagnes will be none of the ones you have ever heard of. Why you ask? […]

Santa Came Early To Florida!

Good QPR Wines For Everyday Santa Carolina is part of Carolina Wine Brands, one of the leading wine groups in Chile, which belongs to the Watt’s S.A. agribusiness group owned by the Larrain family. With a history spanning over 140 years, Santa Carolina is one of the oldest wineries in Chile. As Carolina Wine Brands’ […]