Enology in Nebraska

Nebraska grapes, award winners

The 15th Annual Nebraska Wine Industry Forum and Trade Show is approaching. This event takes place March 1-3 at the Kearney Holiday Inn and Convention Center. (Continued)

Chat-en-Oeuf, Cheeky French Wine

French wine, white wine, rosé wine, red wine

While in pursuit of a new tipple, I always come across a bottle that gets my attention simply because the label is fun. If it bears the image of a cat, all the better. I love cats. (Continued)

Drink All Day, it’s Mardi Gras!

Fat Tuesday is upon us again, and for the city of New Orleans its officially a Holiday.  Not so much for us here at the Wine Rack Store, but a girl can dream right?  I’ve been fortunate enough to partake in one Mardi Gras celebration myself, unfortunate I was 17 and not of the drinking age, but this is a celebration goes way beyond that.  Beads, floats, people, people and more people, truely fun for all ages! Its sure a happy time for those Catholic and non-Catholic party-goers (yes, Mardi Gras is technically a religious holiday, marking the last day of sinful living before 40 days of Lent)  But enough on that.  My mom’s favorite Mardi Gras memories (she’s a New Orleans native) is what she calls the pink phenomenon all over the famed French Quarter, caused by tourists unable to handle their Hurricanes (the traditional drink of the holiday).

 

So here I’ll sit, in Washington, just living vicariously through all those Gras-ers, perhaps when I return home tonight I’ll tuck the little one into bed and enjoy a glass of wine from off my wine rack.  Wild times.

Greek Labels You Might Encounter

Greek Wine, White Wine

In my search for the next worthy white to sample, I came across some Greek labels. I don’t notice Greek wines too much since they are overshadowed (like Hungarian and Czech wines for example) by U.S., French, and Australian bottles. (Continued)

Bear Flag Soft White Blend

White Blend, California

Bear Flag Soft White Blend from California is exactly what the title indicates: a soft blend of white grapes. (Continued)

Ridge Vineyards, California

Ridge Vineyards, California winery

Ridge Vineyards in Monte Bello California began with academic individuals at the helm each time it changed hands. The first owner was an Italian doctor from San Francisco in 1885. Then came a theologian in the 40′s. Finally, a team of engineers from Stanford (including Charles Rosen, important in developing the field of artificial intelligence) combined the might of their intelligence and their love of wine to develop sought after vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon. (Continued)

Chardonnay du Monde

Awards, France

This March 7th-10th, Chateau des Ravatys in the Burgundy region of France hosts the 19th annual Chardonnay du Monde Awards. (Continued)

Redecorating with Wine Furniture

wine furniture, wine racks

Wine storage can be more than functional. Make a design statement while organizing your reds and whites. (Continued)

Tasting Great Pinot Noir at Shell Beach, California

Pinot Noir, World of Pinot Noir

The World of Pinot Noir will host two Grand Tastings by the Sea on March 2nd and 3rd. During this, their 12th year of running the event, participants have the opportunity to learn more about Burgundy and to taste some; to attend seminars, and even sign up for ’adventure camp’. (Continued)

New World Pinot Noirs

Kosta Browne, Pinot Noir 

Suzy Atkins from the Daily Telegraph of England has a soft spot for Pinot Noir, especially New World examples. She cites bottles from New Zealand, Chile, California, and Australia which have pleased her palate. Atkins does not mention Oregon, but she can’t talk about all Pinots. There are lots of good ones out there. (Continued)