Who doesn’t LOVE Ladera Winery? I know, I know. I definitely have my favorites, that’s for sure. But Ladera…they are always at the top of my list when it comes to California’s Howell Mountain Cabernets. Ladera Winery founded by some of the nicest Minnesota peeps, the Stotesbery Family. With me is good friend, Dan Stotesbery,… Continue
A girl after my own heart! I took some time this weekend to hang out with one of my favorite people and close pal, Miss Kate, for a little 101 in swirling, how to ‘hard sell’ wine and ‘how to say sommelier’. I wouldn’t mess with her. She’s good, CUTE and is the first in… Continue
Not kidding, these are some crazy crows! Travelocity Gnome joins us on shoot while Minneapolis Sommelier Leslee Miller of Amusée (www.amuseewine.com) is attacked by wild city crows while talking about one her favorite rosés of the season from A to Z Winery out of the Willamette Valley of Oregon. In HD!
Sizzzzzzleeeee…is all you heard last nite in a room chucked full of almost 40 people for a very fun Smoked, Grilled and Sauced Class @ Cooks of Crocus Hill in St Paul with Minneapolis Culinary Superstars: Chef Mike Shannon, Sommelier Leslee Miller and Cicerone Michael Agnew. First thing you ask is…what’s a Cicerone and what’s he… Continue
If you didn’t get a chance to head over to my very good friend, Chuck Kanski’s Rosé Tent Tasting last year at Solo Vino – you missed out! Here’s your chance again. With over a hundred rosés to taste and buy, you’ll have a chance to dip into every corner of the world with these… Continue
After weeks of losing my mind over piles of books, grocery bags with stacks of flash cards and reading more than 2,000 pages of ‘review information’ from such books as The World Atlas Book of Wine, I’ve done it. I’ve certifiably driven everyone in my group of family and friends crazy, made myself a bit loonier… Continue
Today, as I sat in a ten hour lecture with four Master Sommeliers thru the Court of Master Sommeliers preparing for what seems like the hardest tests known to man of ANY subject, this question came up. And its answer…HUMILITY. Humility, here’s what Dictionary.com has to say: hu·mil·i·ty: the quality or condition of being humble;… Continue
So I’m in Seattle. And, I have to tell you, there is truly nothing like Seattle. It’s such a great city. Really. If you’re looking for fun, colorful, lively, fresh and open to anything – try Seattle. Not only are the steep-inclining city streets fun to walk up, but the peeps that you meet on… Continue
With the smell of fresh spring blossoms in the air, the season could not be more delightful here in Minnesota’s Twin Cities! I L-O-V-E this time of year when the season is just right. Today with all the gorgeous fresh smells and just the right temperature, I was suddenly in the mood to drink rosé… Continue
Thursday night, days after my birthday, I got together with girl friends to celebrate my ‘wonder years of the 80’s’ in real rockin’ style. Ever wonder how a sommelier spends her birthday? Some years it’s spent drinking those crazy spendy bottles from the cellar that are only allowed to be touched just a couple times a year, some… Continue
If you’re looking for one smokin’ hot winery out of Napa, California…here it is – Chappellet Winery! Such an amazing portfolio along with just ‘salt of the earth’ winery folks. While they are particularly known for their big, meaty Cabernets – I personally, love their soft and sumptuous Chardonnay as well. Here is a moment with… Continue
There is never NOT a season that I don’t drink rosé, BUT with the beautiful spring weather upon us, and ALL the new vintages of rosé on the shelf, now is probably one of THE most exciting times for rosé. I have a very good pal (also an avid CRUSH PAD reader) that sent his recommendations along to… Continue