Chocolate has been around for civilizations, so when World Chocolate Day comes around July 7th, there is so much to know about Chocolate than what you see and taste. Wars were fought over chocolate. A civilization saw its demise over chocolate. There are also health benefits to eating dark chocolate bars, so let’s delve into
Long Meadow Ranch: Full Circle Farming At Its Best
Long Meadow Ranch is a pioneer in the concept of full circle farming. This notion plays a vital role in every aspect of their enterprise. This family-owned agricultural estate grows grapes, olives, fruits, and vegetables produces wine and olive oil as well as raises cattle, sheep, and chickens. Combining organic and sustainable practices to achieve
Fall Into the Autumn Colors of Ashland Oregon and the Rogue Valley
The colors of fall make Ashland Oregon, and the Roque Valley wine region are awe-inspiring and a place to either dream of visiting or to place on your bucket list of places to visit. Such was the case when I visited the area last fall. Nature is in its glory at that time of the
Best Father’s Day 2020 Wine: Seven Wines To Brighten The Day
Father’s Day 2020 is upon us. Many of us will celebrate as usual, but for others celebrating our dads is quite different in these days of the pandemic and sheltering at home. We can still have a barbeque, a picnic, or a brunch as long as we practice social distancing. For some, it may be
National Rosé Day 2020: Six Rosés For Your Summer Pleasure
June marks the beginning of Rosé season and the start of summer. Although we can drink Rosé all year long, it is really a summer wine to enjoy poolside or dining Al Fresco. National Rosé day 2020 this year falls on June 13th and is always celebrated on the second Saturday in June. I find
Ripe Life Wines: Elevating Unoaked Chardonnay and Rosé
What does a New Jersey Clambake have to do with wines made with Mendocino grapes? In comes Mary McAuley, owner of Ripe Life Wines, a sommelier and culinary school graduate, who wanted to pair the perfect wine for her friends at a clambake. Mary decided after struggling to find the ideal wine, and with her
Explore Pinot Noir from Alto Adige to its Exciting New Frontiers
Each year the World of Pinot Noir offers some excellent world class Pinot Noir seminars in addition to their main wine tasting event. Fortunately, the World of Pinot Noir’s 20-year celebration occurred just before the outbreak of the pandemic. I find the seminars the most valuable part of these wine events. I attended two that
Sugie’s Tale: USS Besugo SS321 Beloved Military Mascot and Sea Dog
On Memorial Day, we honor our Military, who served our country. What about the military dog and military mascot that served during combat? This story is about Sugie, a sea dog and military mascot of the USS Besugo SS321. The submarine saw five combat tours during World War II. My father-in-law, Morris Bornstein, was one
Memorial Day 2020: Honoring Ten Red Wines
As Memorial Day 2020 approaches, although most of us are sheltering in place, we can still enjoy a barbeque and open a nice bottle of red wine, even with friends, if respect social distancing. Whether you barbeque chicken, hamburgers, or a steak, you chose from an excellent selection of wine to brighten the Day as
Landmark Vineyards: The best in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Discovering wineries steeped in wine history gives us a better understanding of how our wine culture developed over the years. Landmark Vineyards represents one of those establishments that made its name with the growing interest in Chardonnay in the 1970s. The winery has since moved into producing some excellent Pinot Noir. Therefore, their wine prowess
