Blog

Congratulations Cold Climate Competition 2014 Winners!

Congratulations to my friends and colleagues in MN Wine Industry!  I was exceptionally proud to be one of the judges for yesterday’s event.   Minnesota, you did us proud – way to go! And hey!  All you Minnesotans that still haven’t been out to visit these fabulous wineries in your own backyard…here’s just another reason… Continue

A tasty summer sipper!

This month in my column for Edina Magazine, I give you one tasty wine recommendation that will keep you quench free for the rest of the summer! From BBQ grills to pool floaties, long summer days in July remind us why we live here. The fresh aromas of newly cut grass and lush garden flowers… Continue

Black n Blue Sangria Recipe!

Need a Sangria recipe for sipping on those nights where you’re grilling in the backyard?  When notes of peppery smoke, spice and warm roasty aromas fill the air – we’re reaching for a smoky red wine to satiate our palates! We have just the perfect answer… Our Black n Blue Sangria! The wine you should… Continue

Silky Zucchini Soup Recipe & Wine Pairing

This recipe was so good and the wine I selected to pair was such a perfect pairing, I just had to share! This time of year, I crave lite foods, veggies – in particular, lite soups with a fresh summer side salad.  What’s even better?  The delicious fresh, clean wines for pairing to them all!    Which… Continue

A Recap of my Trip to Spain & Portugal

This month in Edina Magazine, I share our adventures in Spain & Portugal.   Internacional Tips for Edina travelers interested in the wine regions of Spain and Portugal Leslee Miller explores the Douro Valley in Portugal. Leslee Miller is a certified sommelier and regularly shares her expertise and love of wine in the ‘Drink’ segment… Continue

‘Minnesota Summer’ Sangria

‘Minnesota Summer’ Sangria, yum! Ever thought about using the wines from our wine community (Minnesota) to produce your next Sangria? For this delicious, refreshing, zesty white version from one of our native white grapes,  I used the Crow River Frontenac Gris as the base. Then add: 1 lime 2 kiwi Cpl handfuls of green grapes… Continue

#SangriaForLife Recipes!

My goodness, here they finally are!   Our Sangria recipes from last week’s Fox 9 sangria segment, yum.  Mojito Sangria Base Wine Vinho Verde from Portugal (Wine Suggestion: Famega Vinho Verde) Lime wheels Green grapes Kiwi sliced in wheels Cucumber Wheels Mint leaves 2-3 cups of Soda water Strawberries  1 cup of Rum (optional) Lemongrass/Mint… Continue

The Best Wines for your Memorial Day Weekend

The best wines for your Memorial Day Weekend Article by Marsha Trainer (City Pages) Friday ~ May 23, 2014  It’s finally balmy here in the Twin Cities, so this Memorial Day will mean picnics, grills, and all manner of outdoor eats. Of course, someone will show up with the obvious beverage choice — beer —… Continue

Super Summer Sippers for your Memorial Day Weekend

Summer is almost here and boy, it’s finally starting to feel like it.  Toasty weather means only one thing, MORE WINE! In the spirit of the holiday weekend, I thought I’d toss out some easy pairing tips while you’re loading your fridge up with foods & bevis for your weekend menus. Want the best grapes for… Continue

Rioja’s Sleeping Lion

Day 7:  An entire day of Wine Tasting amongst Rioja! The day begins with a quick drive from our place in the small town of Laguardia to our first appointment in Rioja Alavesa to the gorgeous, very modern estate of Viña Real. Viña Real, a winery which is part of the group, C.V.N.E.  Otherwise known… Continue

#ManicMondays with The Chucker!

#ManicMonday is here and so is Chuck!  Back with his monthly post for Amusée, the Chucker gives us another reason to drink more BOX WINE! Everyone needs a safety net!  I am always making the statement that Minnesotans’ are not FRUGAL it’s more that Minnesotans’ are NOT WASTEFUL. There is a big difference between the… Continue

Did you know?

Looking for wine suggestions, new recipes for your everyday eats or entertaining needs, or even a list of cool wineries in a particular region you’re heading to?   Did you know that between Amusée’s Facebook, Blog, Pinterest, and Instagram pages – we have you covered from A to Z? Amusée’s Blog lists a zillion Wine… Continue