Martinelli Winery, with five generations deep of family wine growing, the Martinellis are a family held to their roots by tradition, sincerity and quality. While on her short visit to the mid west, I had an opportunity to visit with daughter Regina Martinelli of her family’s ancestral wine making roots. Just to get down to the… Continue
As summer is full in swing and almost more than half over!, my travels and ventures have taken me away from my writings. With lots to share on comparison tastings, fun + exciting trips to Aspen, and many new food ventures – I’m ready to divulge all that has been scribbled on countless scraps of paper, bar napkins… Continue
Survival of the fittest they say, right? Well, only the strong drink pink is what I say! Here we are again, another spring season and another vintage struggling to make folks understand in the great state of Minnesota – just how lovely PINK can be. I watch as some of my favorite wine shops pile… 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
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
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