Chocolate Wine - Sweet Tooth Wine?

The popularity of chocolate wines (blends of wine infused with chocolate flavorings) has increased in the last few years. The two types are port-style wines infused with dark chocolate or wine mixed with cream and chocolate.

Chocolate wine is generally served chilled as a dessert wine. They are popular during holidays such as Valentine Day or Easter, however, I think they are also great for the Christmas holiday as well. Your guests may initially hesitant to try a chocolate wine but will enjoy it once they have sampled.

ChocoVine is one of the most popular chocolate wines on the market. They are the makers of ChocoVine Original (taste of decadent chocolate), ChocoVine Whipped Cream (creamy vanilla sweetness), ChocoVine Espresso (roasting coffee beans and cocoa) and ChocoVine Raspberry (fresh flavors of ripe berries.

Other chocolate wines include Cocoa di Vine (a blend of cream and white wines including Torrontes, Moscato, and Pedro Ximenez), Desiree by Rosenblum Cellars (a blend of chocolate and three grapes Zinfandel, Syrah and Touriga Nacional), and Black Beauty by Black Mesa Winery in New Mexico (Zinfandel and Cabernet franc grapes infused in chocolate).

For you true chocolate wines aficionados check out: Chocolate Cabernet Ice Cream from Divine Ice Cream; Chocolate-Dipped Wine from gifttree.com; or Chocolate Wine Cake from marthastewart.com.

Halloween Wine Tips

Whether you are hosting or haunting a Halloween party this year, there are plenty of fun, festive options to incorporate wine into the ghoulish occasion.  From creating your own Halloween specialty wine labels, to sharing wines from Vampire Vineyards, to serving themed wine mixed drinks.  With a little imagination and suggestions from Wine Colors USA, your Halloween event will truly be memorable.

Halloween-themed Wine Labels:

PersonalWine.com allows users to order wines from reputable vintners and design custom Halloween labels to appear on your chosen wine.  These would make terrific party favors or costume contest prizes.

Vampire Wines 

Vampire Vineyards now offers nine different wine varietals for your Halloween celebrations: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Merlot Rose, Zinfadel, White Zinfandel, Syrah, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  These wines that retail for around $10 per bottle come complete with spooky vampire wine labels.  These are sure to be a hit of the party.

Halloween-themed Drink:

Banshee Mulled Red Wine Punch

  

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• One bottle of red wine (suggestions: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot or a Spanish red)
• One peeled and sliced orange (keep peel to add zest to taste into cooking pot)
• One peeled and sliced lemon (keep peel to add zest to taste in cooking pot)
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 5 whole cloves
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 cup sugar (or honey can be substituted)
• 2/3 cup brandy or cognac
• 1/2 cup water

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients in either a large pot or a slow cooker. Gently warm the ingredients on low to medium heat (avoid boiling), for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure that the honey or sugar has completely dissolved. When the wine is steaming and the ingredients have blended well it is ready to serve. Ladle into mugs (leaving seasonings behind), garnish with a blood orange segment and perhaps black plastic, Halloween spiders and enjoy! 

Red Wine Feature: Malbec

Say ‘Malbec’ to a wine lover and they may immediately reply ‘Argentina’. It is the great wine of that country where defining examples of the variety are often found. Like Zinfandel and California, or Pinotage and South Africa are linked together, so is Malbec and Argentina which grows more than 70% of the world’s Malbec.

Malbec, a red grape that originated in southwest France, was first planted in Argentina as far back as 1852.  However in the past twenty years worldwide appreciation of Malbec has grown significantly.  And Argentina vintners have grown impressive dark red grape varieties to meet the demand.

So what should you expect from a red Argentinean Malbec? Think of spring flowers with soft tannins and a dense color. Sometimes you can taste hints of dark coffee and blackberries. It goes without saying that you get what you pay for but because Malbec is a name not yet recognised by the mass market you can get good examples reasonably priced.

Wine Colors Malbec Recommendations:  Bodega Colome from Argentina and Bellevue Estate Morkel from South Africa.

Fall Wine Recommendations

Cooler weather calls for crisp wines that make you think of changing leaves and cool, clear nights.  Embrace autumn with these delicious fall red and white wine recommendations, each for less than $20.

 

Autumn red wines

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2008 ($7)

Don’t let the low price tag give you the illusion that this is a substandard wine; Georges Duboeuf is one of the most popular Beaujolais producers in the world. Exuding the aroma of bananas and tasting of red berries, pomegranates and plums, this wine’s freshness and light tannins make it a lovely go-to wine for fall.

Tudal Family Winery Flatbed Red Zinfandel 2004 ($15)

Red zin has gotten a bad rap over the years, but the Tudal family’s wine is a great example of the many delicious qualities a red zinfandel really has to offer. With notes of cherry and allspice as well as chocolate and blackberry, this full-flavored red from Napa Valley is just the red to transition you from summer into fall.

Alamos Malbec 2007 ($10)

Malbec may be an unknown varietal to some, but it is definitely worth trying. This particular red from Argentina is medium bodied, with the aroma of ripe blackberry and the taste of spice and black pepper. This is an impressive fall wine that is appropriate even into winter.

Autumn white wines

NV Ferrari Fratelli Lunelli Brut Metdo Classico Trento ($18)

This clean, bright chardonnay has a hint of fresh apples with a floral nose. Although chardonnay is associated with summer, this wine’s hint of apple makes it an enjoyable autumn wine.

Herman J Weimer Frost Cuvee 2008 ($13)

With a combination of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Cuvee of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this very crisp white wine is not dry and delivers a hit of sweetness. Coming from the Finger Lakes region, this is a great domestic wine that offers a unique taste with each vintage.

2006 Trimbach Pinot Blanc ($15)

Made from fruit harvested in the fall, this white has a clean finish and a slight acidity. With hints of citrus and red grapes, Pinot Blanc is a great option for a light white that imparts a warm feeling.

Autumn Entertaining Ideas

Autumn is here.  As temperatures cool, many begin to shift focus to indoor entertaining.  Suppose you would like to have a few friends over, but are tired of the same old, boring potluck dinner.  Here are some interesting ideas for Autumn wine parties.

• Host a wine and cheese party.  It's easy on the entertaining budget and here at the winery, we have a good selection of shelf stable cheese along with several cheese ball/dip mixes.  Yes, I know that that seems the same old, same old, but you can spice it up a bit by serving salsa.  

•  How about tasting some new wines?  To make the event interesting, have a blind tasting and have everyone rate and discuss their most favorite and least favorite selections.

• How about a night at the movies?  Know your guests.  Pick something all would enjoy. Decorate to the theme.  Maybe invite the guests to dress up as their favorite character.  You could get everyone to imitate a scene from a favorite movie.

• Host a book reading discussion, either from folks reading the same book or discussing their current reads.

These are just a few thoughts.  The key is having a good time with good friends and of course good wine.  Enjoy.

Wine and Prose Book Review: The Warmth of Other Suns

As the autumn leaves begin to change and you find yourself wanting to read a great book to pair with that glass of red wine, consider Isabel Wilkerson’s “The Warmth of Other Suns.” The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist brings attention to one of America’s most influential social transformations: the Great Migration.

The exodus of over six million African Americans from the rural southern states to the industrial north in a period of five decades (1920’s – 1960’s) remade New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. It transformed American culture; turned jazz, the blues and gospel music into national phenomena; and fueled the Civil Right’s Movemement.

Wilkerson's "The Warmth of Other Suns" is a brilliant and stirring epic, the first book to cover the full half-century of the Great Migration. A daughter of Southern migrants, Ms. Wilkerson combines impressive research—which included interviewing more than 1,200 people, she says—with great literary power.

Though "The Warmth of Other Suns" is a rigorous work of history and not a novel, Wilkerson humanizes history through use of narration, giving it emotional and psychological depth. She is especially good at capturing the experiential sense of life in the poor South and of the migration itself.

In a book that, quite amazingly is her first, Wilkerson has pulled off an all but impossible feat. She has not only documented the sweeping 55-year-long migration of African Americans, she has used narration to make her stories interesting and compelling, challenging dismissive assumptions about one of America's greatest social movements.

Celebrating South American Wines

Wine Colors celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Rita “That Wine Girl” Blackwell’s South American wine recommendations.

 

Torrontes Grape (Indigenous to Argentina)

Description: Notes of floral, fruit, bit of passion & blossom flower, peach, citrus, very exotic

Perfect for smoky or seafood dishes. Also great with Thai dishes.

Wine Pick: Tango Tango Torronetes (lovely, exciting, valued price)

Malbec Grape (Originally from France, but gained most popularity from Argentina. It is the number one  growing red grape in South America).  

Description: Med-full bodied, ripped fruit favors, plums, blackberries                                              

Perfect for gaucho style steak 

Wine Pick: BenMarco 

Carmenere Grape (Originally from France, excels in Chile)

Description: boldness, blackberries, chocolate, dried fruits, smoky but sweet aromas                 

Perfect for bison 

Wine pick: Quasar Gran Reserva

Meet Rita "That Wine Girl" Blackwell

Starting this month, Wine Colors will feature monthly wine tips from Rita Blackwell, aka "That Wine Girl", President and Co-Founder of Wine Express. 

Blackwell's company creates intimate in home wine tastings, lively monthly themed wine events, creates and operates local wine clubs, corporate events and seminars and partners with local charities and organizations to help raise funds.

After earning her Certification for Wine Studies from the French Culinary Institute in New York City where she studied under the world renowned Andrea Immer-Robinson, master sommelier and dean of wine studies, Blackwell was thoroughly convinced that wine tasting should be presented in a way that is fun, accessible and less intimidating.

Blackwell is a member of the Society of Wine Educators, and also writes a wine column for Charmed Magazine.

For more information on Wine Express and Rita Blackwell visit www.wineexpresstastings.com

WineColors Reviews Wine Spectator's New iPad App

It almost seems there is an app for everything.  And yes wine lovers there is an app just for us.  Wine Spectator's Magazine has launched a new iPad app called Wine Spectator’s Guide to Napa Valley. 

This quality app blends magazine-style content with a traditional travel guide. It is truly a one-stop source for information about Napa Valley, local vineyards, geography and fine dining.

While the app is indispensible for anyone planning a trip to California’s storied wine region, there is more than enough information to satisfy the user whose only journey is going to a local wine shop for a bottle of Cabernet. 

The knowledgeable staff of Wine Spectator shares their own "Inside Information" using a video to take users inside their tasting department to see how they review and rate wines.

Wine Spectator’s Guide to the Napa Valley for iPad is available for download in the Apple App store for $4.99.

What WineColors staff liked:  The app offers both broad and specific information that is entertaining.

What WineColors staff didn’t like: The app only works in portrait orientation.

Wine Tasting 2.0: The Growing Popularity of Tweet-Ups

The latest phenomena in the vintner community is the growing popularity of Twitter wine tastings.  It's not a radical concept, says Rick Bakas, Director of Social Media for Napa Valley’s St. Supery Winery.

“The digital space is just another place where people talk to each other.” But instead of 20 people talking to each other at a traditional tasting where the winemaker has flown in to host a dinner party for wine collectors and journalists, there are 200 people sitting at home with a bottle of the same wine, tasting it at the same time and twittering back and forth with each other about what they think.  

The winemaker (Michael Scholz, in the case of St. Supery) is sitting at his desk at the winery, available via video to answer their questions.

Other vintners are following St. Supery's lead. More than 50 wineries have experimented with Twitter tastings, says Kendall Johnson with Charles Communications, a PR firm that has helped create Twitter tastings for winery clients including Wente and Deloach Vineyards. “They have become part of the discussion with every marketing plan.”

Check out how Urban Grape located in Boston’s Chestnut Hill participated in a Pinot Tweet-Up.

Meet Ntsiki Biyela: South Africa's First Black Female Winemaker

In 1998 Ntsiki Biyela won a winemaking scholarship that changed her life.  Growing up in a small village in South Africa, Biyela had no idea what was wine.  At the time she boarded a bus to travel across South Africa to the wine country of the Western Cape, she thought of wine as another name for cider.  The only alcholic beverage most people of her village drank was beer.

When Biyela first tried wine, she thought the taste was disgusting.  Eleven years later, Biyela is one of few black South African winemakers and the first black woman.  Her blends of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and pinotage have won gold medals and four-star ratings. She was named South Africa’s Woman Winemaker of the Year in 2009.

Check out a recent New YorkTimes feature on Ntsiki Biyela's fascinating journey and her rise from living in a shack in the hills of Zululand to judging the countries entries to the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

Tip of the Week: Wine and Food Pairings

Wine and food pairings is an individual choice.  Every person's sense of taste is different. In general, each person should decide for him or herself what combinations of wine and food taste good - don't worry about what anyone else says should work.  However, understand this is difficult when you are just starting as a drinker of wine.

Typically, you want to drink light-to-dark, just as when you plan a meal you start with delicate tastes and work towards heavier tastes. For this reason, Champagne tends to go very well with appetizers or opening courses in a meal. White wine is usually a match for salads and lighter dishes, while red wine works perfectly with steaks and heavier meat sauces.  A port is often the perfect end to a meal, sipped with a piece of chocolate cake. 

Remember - trust your own judgement, and eat and drink what you enjoy!  You will figure out quite quickly that your own tongue has its own idea of what goes well with what.

Therapy Wine Bar: Relaxing Oasis in the Heart of Brooklyn

Next time you are in Brooklyn, New York, and you find yourself in need of therapy be sure to check out Therapy Wine Bar.  In the heart of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood that also produced diverse performance artists such as Lena Horne, Jay-Z and Norah Jones, Therapy Wine Bar is an intimate treasure with an eclectic character and big heart for wine.  Therapy offers a variety of red and white wines from around the world.

Angela Terry, owner and a former educator, began the Therapy Wine Bar in 2009 with a mission of transferring her love of wine into a business where people could enjoy and learn about wine in a non-intimidating atmosphere.  Terry got the idea for the business while participating in a monthly wine club and recognized the need in Brooklyn for a neighborhood venue for people to relax, learn and enjoy quality wines.

Check out an interview with Angela Terry, owner of the Therapy Wine Bar.

Therapy Wine Bar

364 Lewis Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11233
nr. Halsey St.   See Map | Subway Directions
718-513-0686 Send to Phone

 

Sugarleaf Vineyards: A Wine Colors Trip to Remember

This past Saturday, the Wine Colors crew traveled to Sugarleaf Vineyards in North Garden, Virginia, to join in celebration for the fifth anniversary of their tasting room. 

Just 10 minutes outside Charlottesville, Sugarleaf Vineyards is a family-owned and operated boutique winery located on an 126 acre estate. 

This treasure of the Virginia’s Monticello Wine Trail offers wines of superior quality in a breathtaking setting.  Notably, Sugarleaf Vineyards is one of only two African American owned vineyards on the East Coast.

After one taste of several Sugarleaf Vineyard’s signature wines, Wine Colors was smitten.  We strongly recommend you make the trek.  Our entire experience at Sugarleaf Vineyards was outstanding.  From the knowledgeable and welcoming staff who freely answered our questions to pristine views of the vineyard landscape, and of course their well crafted wines, Sugarleaf is more than a must visit place; it is a must visit experience.

Check out a video below about our visit, which includes wine tasting tips from Sugarleaf staff and an interview with owner Jerry Bias.

Sugarleaf Vineyards

3613 Walnut Branch Lane

North Garden, Virginia 22959

tel: (434) 984-4272

email: info@sugarleafvineyards.com

website: www.sugarleafvineyards.com

Lauren Maillian Bias and Jerry Bias, Proprietors

Daniel Neumeister, Winemaker

Wine Colors Visits Sugarleaf VineyardsThis Weekend

Join Wine Colors this weekend (Saturday, August 20th, 11am-6pm) as we tour Sugarleaf Vineyards in North Garden, VA.

Celebrate Sugarleaf's fifth anniversary of winemaking.  Activities include live jazz, presentation of new wine releases, and tours of the vineyard, barrel room and much more.

Cost is $10 per person.  Light fare will be served.  For more information go to  www.sugarleafvineyards.com.

U.S. Surpasses France in Wine Consumption

For the first time the good old U.S.A. in 2010 exceeded France in purchasing wine. Reportedly, it is the millennial generation -- consumers in their 20s and 30s -- that are leading the way in driving upward the overall consumption numbers, much of which is fueled by their interest not only in wine but in pairings with artisan cheeses.

Last year, the French consumed 321 million cases of wine. But the U.S. sipped up 330 million cases. Although the number of American wine consumption has increased, Americans are seeking the most bang for their buck in this era of recession.

• Shoppers flocked to bottles priced at less than $7 during the peak of the recession; sales of $7 to $14 bottles were up 5% last year.
• Domestic wine sales were up 7% over 2009.
• California's vintners saw sales increase 1%, to $18.5 billion.
• Wine exports were particularly rosy: up almost 26% to a record $1.14 billion.

Check out the article in Time.

Quick Tips for Pairing Wine and Cheese

Pairing cheese and wine can be intimidating, but really, it’s all about experimenting. There are no set rules, only guidelines. The five pairings below are a good place to start.

Salty with Sweet:
The salty flavor of blue cheeses, and even some washed rind cheeses, balance out the sweetness of dessert wines, and vice versa. Try Stilton with Port or Epoisses with Sauternes.

Regional:
Try pairing cheese and wine produced in the same region. Spanish Manchego or Zamarano with an Albariño wine, and Beecher’s Flagship Reserve cheddar with a Washington state Syrah are examples of regional pairings that work well.

Creamy with Tannic:
Triple Crème cheese is buttery, smooth and gentle; the perfect foil for the rough tannins found in a young red wine from Bordeaux. Although slightly less creamy, Brie might be another good match.

Acidity with Acidity: 
Repeat after me: Goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc. You will not be disappointed. Why?
The acidity in goat cheese gives it a tangy zip that matches perfectly with the crisp acidity of most Sauvignon Blancs.  Try French Selles-sur-Cher with Sancerre.

Rich and Creamy with Bubbles:
If the only reason for this pairing is complete decadence, so be it. Champagne or
any sparkling wine paired with a rich, creamy cheese is one of life’s great pleasures.
Try it with St. Andre Triple Crème or a wedge of rich, dense Gruyere.

Wine & Notes: Review of the Ninety Miles Project

Next time you relax and uncork that bottle of Merlot be sure to check out the recently released cd "Ninety Miles." Critically acclaimed jazz musicians vibist Stefon Harris, saxophonist David Sanchez and trumpeter Christian Scott have joined forces to create a distinctly unique collection of songs.  Ninety Miles refers to the distance between Miami and Havana, Cuba. 

Recorded over a week in Cuba, these young lions collaborated with local musicians to create brilliant sounds that shows how good music not only transcends but defies political borders. The music is a splicing of maze-like 21st-century post-bop melodies and sensuous Cuban dance rhythms.

An anticipated documentary with the same name showcases the trio's journey to Cuba. Below is a sneakpeek of the film produced by the Fortess Entertainment Group in association with Concord Records.

Ebony Magazine Talks Wine

The August issue of Ebony magazine features several articles focused on wine.  Topics include great wine gifts, cooking with wine, and an interview with Stephen Sterling, owner of Esterlina Vineyards.

Of particular interest, Sterling was asked about
differences in wine pricing. Sterling responded, "Wine is one of the few commodities where price and quality do not necessarily have a strong correlation.  Generally, the difference between grape pricing has to do with the real estate costs in the area where grapes are grown. Napa and Sonoma area grapes cost more than grapes grown in Texas."

Who knew wine price and real estate were closely connected?

Red Wine & Skin

Can a glass of red wine be that anti-aging miracle?  Several health benefits of moderate wine consumption have been documented such as increasing good cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease, and preventing molecules known as “free radicals” from causing cellular damage in the body.  But can wine roll back the hands of time?  

Recently an article on the Nyraju Skin Care website, entitled “Is A Glass of Red Wine Good For African American Skin”, discussed this topic.  According to the article, Resveratrol, a phytochemical in wine, found in the skin of red grapes and in other fruits-may help with anti-aging.  

However, studies have shown only large amounts of Reseveratrol are shown to counter free radicals.  But many scientists agree the anti-aging benefits of wine are inconclusive since wine, and red wine in particular, only contains trace amounts of Reseveratrol - one milligram per glass.

So go ahead eat antioxidant fruits such as blueberries and grapes for your “health” and drink  red wine –responsibly and in moderation of course- for pure “enjoyment”.

Yoga and Wine...Why Not!?!

This video is sure to put a smile on your face.

 

Mastering the Lingo...Terms to Know

Most wine lovers get easily excited about discovering a new wine they enjoy.  And often they want to share the experience.  The only trouble is finding the right words to describe your new wine find.  

Talking about wine does not have to be an intimidating, mysterious, nor pretentious experience. The key is taking the time to learn the language.  Below are a few key terms to help get you started.  Even if you never use the terms, you'll understand what is being said when other people use them.


Dry - This word is the opposite of sweet.  When all the sugar in the grape juice has been converted to alcohol and carbon dioxide, the wine is said to be bone-dry.

Balance - None of the wine components (i.e., acid, alcohol, fruit and tannins) are out-of-whack.  All work well together so that no one component stands apart from the rest.

Finish - A wine's aftertaste, flavor, or aroma that lingers after its swallowed.  The longer the  "Finish" the better wine.

Complex - Layers and nuances of wine flavor.  This quality is achieved with the aging of wine.  A complex wine is also said to have more depth.

Fruity - Fruit flavors you perceive as you taste the wine.  Besides grapes, blackberries, strawberries, and currants are just a few of the other fruity flavors you can detect in wines.  Many people confuse sweetness with fruitiness.  Sweetness deals with the taste of the wine, while fruitiness is more about sensing the aroma of the fruit.

Crisp - A wine with good acidity and taste, and no excessive sweetness.  Think of an apple.

Virginia Wine Festival - Top 10 Festivals

If you are in the Washington DC/Northern Virginia area check out the
Virginia Wine Festival, September 18-19, 2011 in Centreville, VA. It has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Wine Festivals in the country.


The festival offers several workshops & seminars including "wine an food", "wine appreciation" and "wine 101 plus".

Virginia Wine Festival

Saturday, Sept. 18th & Sunday, Sept. 19th, 2011

11am-6pm

Bull Run Regional Park Special Events Center

14925 Compton Road

Centreville, VA 20121

Tickets $25 (adv) $30 (gate)

Information at www.virginiawinefestival.com

Summer White Wine Sangria

As summer temperatures reach seasonal highs, a cool glass of white wine sangria could be an appealing source of relief.  Check out the mix below. 

INGREDIENTS

• 3 bottles pinot grigio
• 1 1/2 cups brandy
• 3/4 cup orange liquer
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1  blood orange, thinly sliced
• 3 kumquats, sliced
• 1 lime, thinly sliced

Directions

In a large pitcher, combine the wine, brandy, and orange liqueur. Pour in the sugar, stir or shake the pitcher thoroughly to mix. Add all citrus slices at once. Allow the mixture to sit for 1 hour before serving to allow the citrus flavor to come through.

Wine Festival Tips

One of the perks of summer is the diversity of food and wine festivals. These can be great venues to not only satisfy your palate, but also a low-key and super easy way to learn more about wine. Here are a few tips to make the most of festivals:

1. Sample from a wide variety of wines. Make a point to jot down on a notepad selections you like the most, and feel free to chat with the winemakers.
2. Remember to pace yourself. The goal is to taste the wine and not get intoxicated. As a precautionary measure, it is always a good idea to have someone serve as the designated driver.
3. As you taste hold each sample in your mouth for about 15 seconds before spitting it into a convenient cup or spittoon. This will ensure that you have a better chance to discern the subtleties of flavor. And yes, spitting is actually an acceptable practice at a tasting.
4. Eat before going to the festival and eat again while there. You definitely do not want to taste on an empty stomach.
5. Start sampling at the end of vintner displays. Most people start at the beginning. Starting at the end (or back) will allow you to deal with a smaller crowd.
6. Dress comfortably. At most festivals, you will be walking and standing quite a bit. Also, you might want to carry a small bottle of “Wine Away” or a Tide Stain stick for those unexpected wine accidents.
7. Most importantly, have fun. Wine festivals are about savoring the moment with all your senses.

Chef G. Garvin Shares Wine Picks for Three-Course Meal

Check out a feature in People Magazine about Chef G. Garvin's wine selection for a three-course meal.  Click HERE for the article.

 

Featured Wine Store: Harlem Vintage

Eric Woods and Jai Jai Greenfield, co-owners of Harem Vintage

Next time you are in New York City, be sure to travel uptown and check out Harlem Vintage. Store owners Eric Woods and Jai Jai Greenfield with their charming, unimposing style are on an ongoing mission to educate and share their passion for wine. Although the store carries up to 300 different labels, the boutique vintner has a special “Wines of Color” selection, which features wines made by African Americans. 

 

“Harlem is such a special place,” says Greenfield, “and we wanted the store and selection to reflect its rich history.”

Woods decided to open the store because of his difficulty in finding a decent bottle of wine in his Harlem neighborhood. So the ad exec-by-day and wine enthusiast-by-night teamed up with college pal Greenfield to break new ground in Harlem's flourishing restaurant scene.

“People were so ready for us,” recalls Woods. “We had a sign in the window that read ‘Wine Store Coming’ and people kept peeking in asking ‘When are you opening?’” 

Green and Woods have also expanded their business by opening a wine bar, Nectar,  next door to the store.

Harlem Vintage and Nectar are located at 2235 Frederick Douglas Boulevard, Harlem, NY.  Click HERE to view the Harlem Vintage web site.

Wine, Soul Food & Wine-Simmered Collard Greens

Have you ever considered wine and soul food?  The two surprisingly can be quite complimentary.  By expanding the imagination, you could be substituting a glass of sweet tea for wine.  Check out a few suggestions for the next time you are preparing a soul food (or southern cuisine) meal.

  

• Pair Viogner wine with fried chicken.  This white wine has a rich full bodied taste and can be a satisfying compliment with the "gospel bird."

• At the next cookout, consider a Rosé pairing with your potato salad.  This red wine has a combination fruity, acidity and refreshing taste. Zinfadel (red, dark fruit) is also an excellent compliment with the traditional soul food side dish.

Wine Simmered Collard Greens

Spice up those greens, by simmering them in a white wine such as gewürztraminer .
 
4 tbsp. canola oil
1⁄4 lb. slab bacon, cubed
6 cloves garlic, smashed
1 yellow onion, quartered
1 1⁄2 lbs. collard greens (about 40 leaves),
stemmed and roughly chopped
2 cups white wine, such as gewürztraminer
4 cups chicken broth
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper,
to taste
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. sugar

1. Heat 2 tbsp. oil in an 8-qt. stockpot over medium-high heat. Add bacon; cook, stirring occasionally, until bacon is browned and crisp, about 12 minutes. Transfer bacon to a bowl with a slotted spoon.


 2. Add garlic and onions to pot; cook until onions are golden, 8–10 minutes. Using the slotted spoon, transfer the garlic and onions to the bowl with the bacon.


 3. Add the remaining oil and greens to pot; cook until greens are slightly wilted, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Add broth, 4 cups water, and reserved bacon, onions, and garlic; season lightly with salt and pepper. Boil; reduce heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the collards are tender, about 2 hours. Stir in vinegar and sugar and season with salt and pepper.

SERVES 6 (recipe from saveur.com)

Wine 101: White Wines

White Wines for the most part are appreciated for their light, subtle favors.  They tend to not be as overpowering as the reds so they are often easily accessible.

As you sample white wines, and reds as well, note the flavors and aromas identified.  Wine tasting is about enjoying a sensory experience.  Make a point of trying several of the popular white wine varieties below:

Chardonnay is a versatile wine grape whose flavor and aromas are easily influenced by where it’s grown and how it’s made.  Chardonnay grows well in Burgandy, France and cool coastal area of California. Favorite with seafood.

Riesling is a crisp, clean wine with green apple, pear and lime flavors.  With age, Riesling takes on honey flavors.  Riesling grows well in Germany, the Alsace regions of France, Finger Lakes region of New York, and parts of Australia and Washington State.  Pairs well with spicy foods, poultry and pork.  Try with Thai food.

Pinot Gris is made from grapes that generally produce different styles of wine depending on where grapes are grown.  Pinot Gris grows well in the Alsace region of France, Oregon and New Zealand.  The Italian style, Pinot Grigio, tends to be fresh, crisp and refreshing.  Sample either with seafood and pasta dishes, vegetarian food and poultry.

Sauvignon Blanc is a fresh, crisp, aromatic wine with grapefruit and grassy flavors.  This wine is the star of the Loire region of France.  It also shines in the Bordeaux region and New Zealand.  Sauvignon Blanc is a food friendly wine that goes well with seafood, poultry and vegetable dishes.

 

Common White Wine flavors & aromas

• Citrus (lemon, orange, grapefruit, lime, nectarine)
• Floral (honeysuckle, violets, jasmine)
• Fruit (apple, pear)
• Tropical (melon, pineapple)
• Butter
• Honey
• Herbaceous (grass, herbs)
• Earthy