I know, I know – my homework sounds awful doesn’t it? Sitting around drinking wine and wondering how I’ll write up my next evaluation? Sometimes it takes more than one glass to get the descriptions rolling but once they do – look out! This weekend, I visited a local bottle shop in Bloomington – MGM… Continue
Saturday, May 8th – celebrated Mother’s Day early with a room full of wonderful folks raising a glass of vino to their moms. I taught a class at Cooks of Crocus Hill on Grand Avenue in St Paul that celebrated one of the best groups of people – our moms. With almost 50 peeps in attendance,… Continue
Dear Brett, Words cannot explain the anguish that you continue to dish onto your once, very loyal ‘Packer Nation’. Spoken as a true Packer fan and born and raised in a state where the blood of a Wisconsin native only runs the colors of green and gold – I am heartbroken. We lived for years… Continue
Richard Childress, hot rod on the NASCAR circuit, is just another case in point as to those who should stick to their profession, the one that made them money! Not, wine making. Seriously, take a look at this guy – really? Obviously has time to safari hunt, why would he waste time sinking his money… Continue
After two fun Amusée events with Jen T and her pals, I promised the gals that I give a ‘shout out’ for time well spent during our last two diva wine parties. Jen, who became a fan of Amusée after taking a couple of classes at Cooks of Crocus Hill with me, loves to let… Continue
Standing amongst the swaying group of Fleetwood Mac fans and almost deaf from the mesmerizing sounds of Lindsey Buckingham’s electric guitar, I kept thinking…what wine would I possibly drink with this concert? While Minneapolis’s Star Tribune viewed the concert as ‘addictive’ and Buckingham and Nicks’ performances as ‘non competitive’, I have a different take on last… Continue
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