Cartoon graphic showing a man with a ring, smoking a cigar, and enjoying wine in a square glass

Prohibition Repeal Day

On this day in 1933, Prohibition was repealed. While there are plenty of great resources online that go into great detail about the events that led up to the creation of prohibition, and the ultimate breakdown of prohibition, essentially allowing Americans to enjoy their drink again, we’re going…

Closeup of harvested red wine grapes in bins

Cabernet Franc Day!

Today (December 4) marks Cabernet Franc Day! Ah, the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon.  A very versatile grape that can span the spectrum of light bodied, pyrazinic wines like Chinon or Bourgueil, or be an over extracted beast of a wine like the fuller expressions from California, heavy in…

Vineyard sign reading Carmenere to mark the varietal on this vineyard row

It’s Carménère Day! 10 Carménère Facts

November 24th is Carménère Day! Let’s look at 10 facts about this historic European grape! Being one of the older vitis vinifera of Europe, Carménère is thought to have been a favorite of ancient Romans, especially when produced in modern day Spain. The grapes origins are in Iberia,…

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A Guide to Pairing: Holiday Pairings

Learn Holiday pairings with wine and festive holiday meals. The holidays are fast approaching, and while we’ve been doing variety-based pairings and brushing over general rules of food accompaniments, we felt it was a great time to discuss pairings for the big holiday feasts coming up. Not everyone…

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A Guide to Pairing: Zinfandel

Learn Zinfandel Pairing Today marks National Zinfandel Day, so here we are to discuss food and wine and things of that nature…on we go! First off, a bit about Zinfandel California has been shown to be the premier growing region in the world for this grape, and is…

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A Guide to Pairing: Tempranillo

Today marks International Tempranillo Day.  So let’s talk food pairings! First off, a bit about Tempranillo: Tempranillo is a VERY old grape, dating back to the Phoenicians over 3,000 years ago Tempranillo in its name (from temprano, meaning early) indicates it’s an early ripening red grape Tempranillo is…

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A Guide to Pairing: Merlot

Today (November 7th) marks International Merlot Day, so what better way to celebrate than talking about Merlot pairings! A bit about Merlot: Merlot, like Cabernet Sauvignon, is a child of Cabernet Franc, a fact that was only recently revealed through DNA testing Merlot has a silky skin for…

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A Guide to Pairing: Prosecco

The holidays are fast approaching, and if you’re like us, your wallet is starting to feel it a bit.  Now may not be the best time to splurge on an expensive bottle of bubbles, but you still want to enjoy a festive toast to life, family, and friends. …

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A Guide to Pairing: Provençal Rosé

Just because it’s fall doesn’t mean that you can’t drink Rosé, right?  Right!  And there is no more desired a Rosé than one from Provence. A bit about Provençal Rosé: They can be made from an array of Southern French red grapes, but primarily Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, or…

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A Guide to Pairing: New World Cabernet Sauvignon

We’re in the thick of our Big Fall Countdown, and as you’ve seen, we’ve been releasing the biggest and best Napa Cabs of the year in series of late.  But what to pair with them?  Here’s our handy guide to help you find your best match for these…