Girls n Grapes: A Summer Wine Picnic

Time is just flying by these summer months!  And as I would love for the August summer clock to tick a bit slower, I still found myself these past few weeks counting down the days to our Girls August Tasting Nite.  Blogs past recap our past events, yet none can seem to truly encapsulate the amount… Continue

Sade Sizzles the Senses

You’d think I went kicking and screaming, I was so ‘unenthrauled’  with going to the John Legend/Sade concert last nite at the Target Center downtown Minneapolis.  My husband, an avid live music fan, bought tickets to the concert months before and had become increasingly more excited about the event than his own birthday in a few… Continue

Beer Wine & BBQ

Once a quarter friend Michael Agnew, Cicerone of A Perfect Pint, and I teach a joint culinary beer/wine class at Cooks of Crocus Hill with our good pal, Chef Mike Shannon, the school’s culinary director.  With every class we teach, the crowd seems to get bigger and the wait list just that much longer.  Folks line… Continue

Perfect Pairings with a Fresh Summer Menu

Still looking to put together that perfect Summer Supper?  Look no farther!  We have your answer for an entire menu of fresh, fun summer ingredients, all the way through to their recipes. Not only are we going to share with you one terrific menu HERE, but we’re going to share some of our favorite summer… Continue

Spicy Thai Marinade with Just the Right Vino

I love throwing a good flat iron or flank steak on the grill in these summer months. Whether you serve it with warm tortillas, over fresh salad greens, or just as is – it truly is one of my favorite summer suppers. Salt n Pepper does just fine – however, I often love to throw… Continue

Gadgets, Glassware & Wine – Oh my!

The world is full of a zillion gadgets, gizmos and glassware when it comes to vino.  How do we know what to pick up and when?  Here’s a fun little video I put together with my friends from CambriaQuartz – that really does give you a full 4-1-1 on some of the newest wine devices in… Continue

Friends of Fred Wine Club

This week I am reminded of ALL the ‘wicked cool’ peeps I know and admire in the wine world as my friend, Fred, joins us for a week’s stay in sunny Minneapolis.  A Dry Creek, Californian with integrity and passion for his industry.  A soul bound and determined to make wines with, well only one… Continue

They say It’s the ‘Experience’

I teach only what I believe.  I believe only what I experience for myself and actually end up feeling, from my own view point.  Yes, I teach the facts with every wine class – but in all reality – I also allow folks to ‘experience’ wine from their own point of view.  You know why? … Continue

Red, White and Of Course…Rosé!

Celebrate the 4th of July in style with…Rosé!  Check out my latest column in Artful Living Magazine’s Summer Edition regarding this rosey subject with a few recommendations as to my favs this summer.  Coming up Rosés!

Minnesota Wine

If I had a dime for all the times I’m asked about Minnesota Wine, I’d be a very wealthy lady.  Or, if I had a FAQ List of the things I’m asked about coming from a wine basis every nite – What do you think about Minnesota Wine? – would be at the top of… Continue

The Tale of Two Wineries

Funny how life brings us to where we are.  Just 4 and 1/2 years ago, I sat in an office perched above the Dundee Hills of the Willamette Valley.  My life, belonging to one of the most coveted Oregon wineries, was quite…as I look back at it…a pretty kick ass life.  Director to one of… Continue

Summer Sips with Grilled Goods!

Summer brings out the best in our grilling skills, doesn’t it?  While hot dogs and hamburgers are a quick and easy way to satisfy your inner grill master, why not whip up a fabulous marinade to throw on your favorite cut of meat, throw it on and call it good?  Here, in Cooking Club Magazine, is… Continue