OperaWine, the Wine Spectator presentation of their selection of the best Italian wines is in its 6th year I believe. I've been to every one of them and now it is the beginning of Vinitaly to me, every year I see producers I know whose wines I love and others that I only read about.... Continue Reading →
Women in Wine Fridays: A Chat With Stellekaya’s Ntsiki Biyela
I am reposting this article on Ntsiki because I see she is coming to town this weekend. Here is a link for an event at Pierre Loti that I saw on Local Wine Events. Ntiski is really inspiring and if you can, this is a great way to taste her wines. I met Ntsiki Biyela,... Continue Reading →
The Italians Are Coming, The Italians Are Coming
During the next two weeks, New York City will host so many Italian wine-focused events that everyone in the area has an opportunity to try Italian wines from producers they know and those that they don't. The week begins on Wednesday with the Slow Wine tour and continues next week with Vino 2016, Doctor Wine's... Continue Reading →
Musings On Wine Events: Five Things That Make Them Special
1. Location: The above photo has nothing to do with events I have hosted but is a shot from Cortina where VinoVip is usually held. Thinking about that event that I attended two years ago, the wines were great, the seminars too but it was the location that made all the difference. 2. Product: Of... Continue Reading →
Day 1: Society of Wine Educators Conference In Orlando, Florida
I'm in Orlando, Florida for my first leg of the marathon that is the Society of Wine Educators conference (SWE). I am a big fan of the SWE, their classes, approach and staff alike. This is my fifth conference and at the gym this morning I already noted some familiar faces. I'm looking forward to... Continue Reading →
Upcoming Italian Events In NYC: “BARRIQUE…The Third Life of Wood” at the 2013 Summer Fancy Food Show in New York -BOOTH 2809-Level 3 & Italian Dine Out Week
For those who are attending the Fancy Food show in NYC this coming week, you have a great opportunity to try wines from some of Italy's best producers who together with San Patrignano have been showing their wines throughout the country during this past month. I worked at their opening event in New York last... Continue Reading →
Mother’s Day, Gruner and Riesling
A happy Mother's day to my sister and my mother, both interested in imbibing along with me through the years, one way in which we bond at every occasion. I spent yesterday with my mother, buying her lilacs and chatting about life. One of our favorite topics over the last 15 years has been wine.... Continue Reading →
Italian Indigenous Varieties: Catanese Bianco & Nero
This week's grape varieties are Catanese Bianco e Catanese Nero. The former is almost extinct because of its' extremely sensitivity to disease while the latter is generally used as a blending grape with other varieties in Sicily. This grape grows only in the provinces of Palermo, Trapani and Arigento. While the red version of the... Continue Reading →
This Land Is Your Land..This Land Is My Land From California…
I'm in California for the second leg of the Morellino di Scansano 2012 Tour on Monday, October 1 at David Lynch's place, St Vincent's.. I'm very excited for the event but I am also interested in the developing scene around me. While out here, I found such an amazing diversity of people from all walks... Continue Reading →
Buon Ferragosto and Bon Anniversaire to Julia Child
Today is Ferragosto or the holiday that celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. That said, mostly it's a day when every Italian save the very unlucky few, is on holiday. The entire country is basically away this week and I for one applaud such dedication to relaxation for the mind, food & wine for... Continue Reading →