It all started about 25 years ago. I started to enjoy an ice cold beer. Nothing fancy, a can of Bud or maybe for a special occasion I’d go for some fancy import, like a Molson. Back in those days I really liked a Ballentine Ale. It tasted good enough, and it did the job from a buzz prospective. But the best part was the little puzzles on the inside of the cap. Over the years I became an aficionado of watered down American beers, I just loved them. How could you not like something that tasted almost as good from the first one to the 15th! That old Schaefer commercial was right on. You know it “. . . the one beer to have, when . . .” There was even a little dive bar in town that served Bud bottles along with a little glass to pour... »View More
Added Friday, January 30, 2009
in Beer Guy on Wine
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In the winter we know most parts of the country are lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables that are at their peak. Well, Kale, a hardy, healthy winter green is grown in cold weather, so it is prime time for a neat Kale recipe. Kale is a member of the cabbage family and also rates high in the dark green leafy vegetable category that we always hear is so good for us. Kale is a source of several vitamins including, A, C, and K, it is high in antioxidants, calcium and fiber. We know all of these are helpful in keeping our immune system in balance and fighting off disease. Kale comes in several varieties including Curly Kale, Tuscan Kale and Red Kale. Keeping in mind that Kale has a strong, rich, flavor with an almost peppery kick, why not... »View More
Added Tuesday, January 20, 2009
in Wine and Food
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I often think of some of my favorite wines and can’t help but wonder when the vintage runs out before the next one is released, why they don’t make more? I mean sometimes you have to wait several months and that is pure torture in my mind. Imagine logging on to the winery website and seeing the words “sold out”. Or your local wine manager saying he can’t get any more from the distributor. Well, in all seriousness, I think that it is okay to wait even though I gripe as I wonder if they made more would they sacrifice quality? I’m inclined to think so. There are mass produced wines made that are very good, but I am talking about the handcrafted boutique winery that has a small case production. If they expanded production, they... »View More
Added Tuesday, January 20, 2009
in Wine Babble
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Tomorrow January 19th 2009, the United States will inaugurate our 44th President, and a very special day it will be. In need of a big and positive change we will make history with the inauguration of the first black president. The celebrations will begin soon after Barack Obama is sworn in with the inaugural luncheon. About 230 dignitaries will be treated to a three course lunch of seafood stew, duck and pheasant, and apple cinnamon sponge cake, as well as some of California’s finest wines, and all will toast our new president with a Korbel Natural “Special Inauguration Curvee” California Champagne. The food and wines were selected by a bi-partisan committee, chaired by California Senator Diane Feinstein, after tastings that were... »View More
Added Monday, January 19, 2009
in Wine Information
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As I sit here thinking of all the really great gifts I got this year at the holidays, including wine, it brings to mind the many wine themed accessories and decorations I got as well. The world of wine really is huge nowadays. I am not just talking about the standard stuff such as wine, wine glasses, decanters, coasters and wine charms. I am talking about your home décor. Accent rugs, wall hangings, dish towels for the kitchen. Don’t forget clothes too, I love the wine t-shirt I was given. One really cool gift is a Vineyard scented candle with a metal grapevine holder from Yankee Candle. The candle smells excellent, like fresh grapes growing in the vineyard. There is also a candle topper that allows the wick to burn more evenly by directing... »View More
Added Tuesday, January 6, 2009
in Wine Babble
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Another year has past and a fresh and new one has just begun. You know what that means? Yes the 2009 Napa trip plans will begin very soon. As I am sure everyone has, we have been hit by the economic down turn. Money has been a little tighter and I have all but given up on ever retiring, the old 401K was hit hard in 2008. Well, I refuse to let the bad times end my annual Napa trip, without Napa to look forward to it would be quite depressing. Anyway as soon as we arrived home from last years visit, I started saving for our return so I am ahead of the game. As usual we will visit as many new wineries as possible and of course head back to some old favorites. This years trip will be later in the year probably in August or early September. So stay... »View More
Added Saturday, January 3, 2009
in Napa Times
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The holiday season has come and gone and now we begin the long winter months. I was never a winter person, give me sun and warm weather and I am happy. Well maybe a snow storm around Christmas that melts away and is gone in two weeks, but otherwise that is enough for me. Here in New Jersey that is not about to happen, we can get some real wintery weather with bitter cold, wind and yes, a lot of snow. So if you are not a winter person how do you get through the long dreary months? My way of dealing with it is to always have some kind of entertainment planned ahead so I have something to look forward to. My wine hobby gives me great enjoyment, I did say hobby as it is not just about drinking wine for me. It involves everything from collecting,... »View More
Added Saturday, January 3, 2009
in Entertaining With Wine
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Historic Sebastiani Winery sold
A slumping wine market, lack of a clear succession plan and years of feuding between third generation family members were behind the sale of Sebastiani Winery, reportedly sold in late December 2008. While terms of the sale were not announced industry insiders say Foley Wine group paid $50 million for the winery with over 225 acres and facilities that dates back to 1904. Sebastiani Vineyards sells about 280,000 cases of wine annually. Similar issues of infighting and struggles between new generations have caused the sale of other famous name California wineries as well.
Foley Wine group is owned by William P Foley II, founder and chairman of Fidelity National Financial Corp. of Jacksonville Fla. Foley started his... »View More
Added Thursday, January 1, 2009
in Wine Information
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Another Christmas season is behind us as 2008 has ended and new fresh year is before us. This past year was very trying for us all to say the least. So much went on adding more stress to already hectic lives. Think back about the constant attention on the presidential election, the mortgage meltdown which led to the banking crisis, then a total financial collapse, which helped push the big three automakers over the edge. Add this to the already ongoing conflicts and problems around the world, and it makes you wonder how much we can take. We had some big wine stories this year also. Early spring saw the big freeze that wreaked havoc on the California vineyards. The most severe frost in 30 years estimated to have caused $80 million in lost... »View More
Added Thursday, January 1, 2009
in Anything Wine
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Napa Valley Mustard Festival
A Napa Valley 16th annual event, held every late January through March offering wine, art, entertainment and cultural activities throughout Napa’s famous growing region. The Mustard Festival, a non profit service organization serves businesses and non profit groups attracting visitors to the valley during a beautiful time of the year when wild mustard carpets vineyards with brilliant hues of green and gold; and it promotes national and international businesses that sponsor and participate.
A great time to visit and explore the culture, arts and argriculture of Napa Valley.
Web Site: http://www.mustardfestival.org
The 2nd Annual New York Wine Expo
Taste wines from around the world all in one large venue. Sample... »View More
Added Thursday, January 1, 2009
in Up Coming Events
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