A couple weeks ago, I was driving through Comfort, Texas, and to my left I saw an old friend. It was a friend that I first met in 2008 at the Newsom family’s Rock’n-N B&B […]
Some of you may recall what I did during the hot heavy heat in the Summer of 2023. I stayed inside, set the AC at between 74F and 76F (just like a nice October day […]
About a decade ago, Duchman Family Winery and its winemaker Dave Reilly made quite a statement with a wine that was made from a nearly unknown grape to most Texans – Vermentino. It was grown […]
New winery videos and walkthrough tours express dedication to making world-class wines Texas Fine Wine, a first-of-its-kind marketing group of four Texas wineries that organized in 2014 to promote their wines and wineries collectively, is […]
It’s Spring 2024, and it’s a good time to learn more about your local wines… Texas wines! But, you are running out of time to register for the Spring 2024 class and get your wines […]
It’s 2024 and the 2023 holiday season is now in our rear view mirror. Maybe you found wine-appropriate gifts for all of your wine-living friends, family and associates, and yourself, or maybe you haven’t. Well, […]
Bending Branch Winery’s Sparkling Picpoul Blanc… When your interest is piqued, you want to follow up and learn more about whatever excited you. I think that this word is particularly apropos when it comes to discussing Picpoul (also spelled Piquepoul) Blanc, referred to by some by it’s nickname “Lip Stinger”. […]
If you’ve been anywhere around Texas wines for the past 15 years or so, either at the winery or in just about any major supermarket you’ve seen Becker Vineyards “Claret – Le Trois Dames”. For many years, this was my “gateway” Texas wine for people that ask me for a suggestion and wanted something they could easily find locally. […]
Out of the bottle and in the glass, this Sangiovese quickly shows its color and medium-plus density, and then releases its red cherry, dusty earth, green herbs and toasted oak aromas. It’s complex and I have even tasted it yet. On the palate it is crisp and lively, with clean acidity and flavors of dried red cherry, cola and a sauté of wild mushrooms. […]
In the wild, grapes can hang on the vine between June and October, and in some cases, can remain on the vine into winter. They are moisture and sugar laden and an energy-rich food. Native grapes like European varieties can be consumed by wildlife & humans. Their juice provides a refreshing drink, pleasing jellies and jams, and can also be fermented to make wine. The taste of native grapes varies from what you might expect from European wine grapes, but their role in viticulture is important especially today in Texas. […]