We strive to provide our readers with High Quality, Informative and Entertaining content. Our focus is on the enjoyment of wine. From the beauty of vineyards to the aromas and tastes of the final product, we will explore the nuances of growing and harvesting wine grapes and the production methods to make good table wine.

Geography is a central component of wine appreciation. Terroir is the term that oenophiles (wine geeks) use to describe the unique character of wine from a specific region. Some varieties (grape types) do better under certain environmental conditions and can produce distinctive flavors and aromas that reflect the location of their growth. Not all varieties will grow and produce good wine in every location. Growers and wine makers have experimented, often over centuries, to determine the best grapes to plant in their geographic area. Thus, the results of trial and error have drawn the map of the world’s wine regions.

Our passion is to experience wine at all levels of geographic detail — from nations and regions down to the scale individual villages and the plots of land on which vines are grown. This blog is to share our experiences and to try to understand the who, what, where and why of the fascinating world of wine.

The topics of wine appreciation are so numerous that it is hard to expect that we can cover everything. While we encourage YOU to bring up any question or comment on whatever topic(s) interest you and we will try to keep the discussion going and perhaps contribute to your interest. But for now we will identify a short list of favorite topics:

** Interesting wine regions. Places producing fine wines not usually included in the “well known” viticultural areas (appellations). You are probably familiar with the “biggies” — Napa Valley, Burgundy, Tuscany — and perhaps branching out to New World regions — Australia, Chile, Argentina or New Zealand. We will venture off the beaten path and explore fascinating areas such as Languedoc (southern France), Fruili (northern Italy) or Temecula (southern California.) And we encourage your input on your favorite places.

** Tasting Itineraries. Though it is difficult to travel anywhere past the grocery store right now, that won’t always be the case. And when we are able to travel again, we will be eager to explore new places .. with a glass of wine.

** Unusual grape varieties and wine styles. Ever had Mueller-Thurgau? Tempranillo? Sangiovese? Primativo? You may have without knowing as some relatively unknown varieties are the basis for some famous wines — Tempranillo/Rioja, Sangiovese/Chianti. You don’t have to drink weird wines to amaze your friends.

** What about vinification (the process of making wine)? What does Brut or Demi Sec mean? When is a wine “on the Lees?” Why are some wines “oaky?” How do you get Champagne bubbles in the bottle? We are not interested in making you a Sommelier, but it is nice to know what they are talking about!

** Good wine. Our personal quest is to find high-quality wines at reasonable prices. I don’t know about you, but a $40 bottle is not an “Every Day” wine in my budget. But “reasonbly priced” means different things to different people. We will try to introduce wines from several “price-points.” Strategies for wine selection — Yours and Mine — will make for convivial conversation. Share your favorite finds, we’ll thank you.

So that is what we are about. Check back often for new posts and leave comments wherever appropriate. No politics or religion. Wash your hands and wear a mask!!