This week I had the good pleasure of spending a day with Ms. Alison Sokol Blosser of Sokol Blosser Winery from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. After catching up on some shared old friends amongst the Willamette Valley, Alison and I spent a great day discussing the progress of Sokol Blosser’s vineyard estates and… Continue
On Wednesday, February 18th, I had the honor of presenting wines for the second year to one of radio station’s, KBEM, ‘RestauranTOUR Jazz Dinners’. The event, which was held at The Red Stag Supper Club, showcased a wonderful four-course menu featuring an array of international wines and local sustainable food. Kim Bartman, owner of The Red Stag and other local goodies… Continue
I just had to take the time this morning to jot a quick ‘thanks’ for all who made my ABC’s of wine class a smash hit last nite at Cook’s of Crocus Hill in St. Paul. With 30 folks in attendance, almost 95% of those who came were brand new faces to an Amusée wine class. With… Continue
As you may have heard, Winemaker and founder of Archery Summit, Pine Ridge and Gypsy Dancer Wineries, Gary Andrus, passed away last Friday. We are thankful for the vision and dedication that drove Gary to start both Archery Summit and its sister winery Pine Ridge. With his love for classic French wines and intense passion, he created… Continue
For those of you who are not lucky enough to have your own neighborhood fan club, you’re missing out! There are many wonderful things about moving back to the Midwest – the Packers!, big fluffy snowflakes, ice-skating on small quaint ponds, bright pink and white blossoms in the spring, red gold and orange maple… Continue
Sounds impossible, almost slightly ridiculous – but in truth, absolutely do-able. I know, I know, you’re not supposed to stump a sommelier, well…it was almost done! I am preparing for an event on February 12th at Bergstrom Jewelers which includes pairing to cheese and chocolate. Normally, two of my favorites ‘pairables’. However, when my chocolatier,… Continue
With the launch of my new website, I have many people to thank for the design, mechanics, and behind the scenes work that have truly made my site a success. I have received many wonderful comments in the way of feedback and honestly, none of it could have been done without these very special people.… Continue
Monday, January 26th, I teamed up with good pal, Dagan Lynn, Executive Chef from B.A.N.K. Restaurant in the Minneapolis Westin. Again, if you missed the class, bummer for you! A good time was had by all with 24 people in attendance and some delicious wines and food to enjoy ~ the menu was truly a… Continue
If you didn’t attend the ‘Holiday Sparklers!’ mini class that I taught at Cafe Ena in south Minneapolis on Wed, Dec 12th, you missed a good one. With a great turnout of 40 people, we filled the restaurant with bubbly fanatics from across the Twin Cities. Knowing that this would be a great subject,… Continue
Isn’t that what wine is all about, after all? Complimenting. Giving your experience the ‘cherry on top’? All in all, we get too wound up after a hard day’s work. We sit starting at computers, we sit in traffic, we race around trying to accomplish everything. Let’s face it…it’s a rat race. No matter the… Continue
Ever wonder what drinks good with the sly sounds of a sweet, sweet jazz musician, or the goopy romantic tunes of an acoustic guitar or better yet…the hot and sultry moves of a fun salsa band? My answer ~ drink what’s right! This came to mind a couple of weeks ago when I set out… Continue
Last night before heading off to the John Legend and Raphael Saadiq concert at the Northrop, I decided to whip up one of my old cold weather stand bys ~ my famous Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas…so tasty, and perfect on a chilly Minneapolis night! (Guess it’s my answer to Minnesota’s ‘Hot Dish’) As I chopped up the… Continue