Blog

Let’s Talk About Craggy Range Pinot Noir

Posted on

Do you drink much New Zealand Pinot Noir? Though the variety is a favorite in our house, we don’t often come across bottlings from New Zealand. That’s why I was so excited to try a sample of Craggy Range Martinborough Pinot Noir. ⁠Read on for my take on the wine and accompanying escapades in pairing.

The grapes of this Pinot Noir are hand-harvested from selected blocks at Craggy Range’s Estate-owned Te Muna Road Vineyard. Due to its higher elevation, harvest takes place about a week following other nearby Martinborough sites in order to reach the desired ripeness.

 

From the 2023 vintage, the youthful wine is light, fresh, easygoing and food friendly. It’s totally quaffable on its own, but it was fantastic with our dinner!⁠

Food Pairing for Craggy Range Pinot Noir

Continue reading “Let’s Talk About Craggy Range Pinot Noir”

Explore Washington Wine from Woodinville to Red Mountain

Posted on

Are you interested in spending a relaxing day enjoying outstanding food and wine? Or wondering where to road trip? My latest writing projects offer insight into some of the best places to explore Washington wine country.

Spend a Weekend at Red Mountain

Hedges Family Estate on Red Mountain

Pack your bags! One of my articles for Explore Washington State shines light on some of the top boutique and family-owned wineries in the magnificent Red Mountain AVA, places to eat, and intriguing places to stay among the vines. Although the destination is home to some of the state’s most prestigious vineyards and extremely sought after wines, it’s not unusual to encounter winemakers and meet proprietors during a winery visit.

Discover some of the top boutique and family-owned wineries in the AVA, places to eat, and intriguing places to stay in “Spending a Weekend at Red Mountain.”

Explore Woodinville’s Wine Walk Row

Woodinville’s Wine Walk Row in the Schoolhouse District

What is Woodinville’s best kept secret? A hedonistic range of wines from Washington, Napa Valley, Oregon, Rioja and Champagne along with decadent wine country fare and Spanish tapas are all available along one pedestrian walkway. Experiences range from a killer happy hour to an upscale legacy wine tasting experience. Discover them by “Spending a Day at Woodinville’s Wine Walk Row.” Continue reading “Explore Washington Wine from Woodinville to Red Mountain”

Easy Leek and Zuchinni Yogurt Sauce Recipe with Wine Pairing

Posted on

This recipe calls for yogurt in place of cream to create an easy and healthy sauce. It’s unctuous mouth feel enhances fish as well as some delightful white wine pairings.

recipe ingredients

 

Yogurt Sauce Recipe

  • 1 leek (white and light green parts), diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (I use 2%)
  • 1/4 cup chopped chives
  • Zest of 1-2 lemons

Continue reading “Easy Leek and Zuchinni Yogurt Sauce Recipe with Wine Pairing”

Let’s Talk About Orange Wine

Posted on

A friend posted about orange wine on Instagram saying she hates to do so because the term leads many to ask her if it’s made from oranges. Sure, it’s not your garden variety wine but it’s been made for thousands of years. Perhaps we need to talk about orange wine?

I remember when I had my first orange wine from Washington. Gah! It was not for me. You know how when you make a cup of tea and accidentally let it steep too long and the aromatics are like *kapow*? Then, each sip leaves you with kitty cat tongue. Yeah, that’s what it was like. Subsequently, I tried one from another producer. Hmmm, better I thought. Then, I had the good fortune to travel to Slovenia and experience orange wine the way it was meant to be. There it is typically crafted from the Rebula grape, often spending months in large vessels. It was just right! Food friendly, too.

As winemakers here in the United States gain more experience crafting orange wines, I’m finding more to my taste. Here are some recent highlights from Washington state and beyond.

Continue reading “Let’s Talk About Orange Wine”

Explore Seattle’s Urban Wine Scene

Posted on

Did you know that the Georgetown neighborhood is part of Seattle’s current urban wine scene?

Explore Seattle Cascade Cliffs Georgetown

As a volunteer board member for Seattle Urban Wineries I’ve enjoyed traversing across town and exploring the different neighborhoods in which the wineries and tasting rooms are located. My latest day trip took me to this historic area where the town’s first railroad began, Rainier beer originated, and the city’s first municipal airport opened. Discover why this neighborhood is a terrific destination to explore Seattle’s charming architecture of a bygone era while taking in some wine tasting and craveable food in my latest article for Explore Washington State.

Thirsty for more? Read about wine tasting in West Seattle or spending a day in Pioneer Square. Or, in case you missed it, check out the partnership between a Seattle Sounder MLS Cup champion and a Seattle winery.

Have you visited these places in Seattle’s urban wine scene? Or maybe there are some spots I missed. Head on over to Instagram and share your favorites!