Erin-Marie Palmer was the owner of The Wine Cellar in Beaverton as well as Shaker and Vine in Portland [ed 2016 - now closed]. Palmer is best described as a feisty, well-spoken local wine expert who has no qualms about expressing her preferences for what makes a great glass of vino. Shaker and Vine is a quirky, hip reflection of this passion set in what is otherwise a very … [Read more...] about Interview: Erin-Marie Palmer of Shaker and Vine
News Stories Relating to Alcoholic Beverages
This covers all of our posts about alcohol: wine, beer, cider and spirits. You'll find all sorts of interesting stories here, new businesses, classes and more.
Think Globally, Drink Locally
Portland has become positively civilized with its recent explosion of small distilleries. Let's raise a glass and have a proper drink toasting the city's burgeoning local, made-by-hand liquor producers. Classic cocktails are nothing new, but small-batch artisanal liquors are showing up in liquor stores, restaurants and bars all over town.It should come as no surprise that … [Read more...] about Think Globally, Drink Locally
Reaffirmations – as a Sommelier, How Am I Doing?
Food Dude Article #10 By Ken ColluraEvery year, I try to assess the goals I've set for myself as a sommelier and whether they are being achieved. I know most people do this around New Year's Day, but August is just as good.So now is the time to reaffirm a couple of these resolutions, my raison d'etre, so to speak. So, here's what I came up with, and how I feel I'm … [Read more...] about Reaffirmations – as a Sommelier, How Am I Doing?
Pucker up! – About Sour Beers
By Suds SisterI have a confession to make: I have grown to love what most people find repugnant.It's not as though I have a girly palate. I'm a hoppy girl at heart, swilling Imperial IPAs with enough IBUs to take the enamel off your teeth, slap you across the face and say, "I'm Rick James, bitch." Ballsy, bitter beers were my first foray into extreme beer tasting. And I … [Read more...] about Pucker up! – About Sour Beers
Wine Competition Pits France Versus USA
30 years ago, a blind tasting was held comparing French and California wines. At that time, France was defeated after French judges decided the wines from California were superior. From the BBC News, "The result was seen as a blow to French national pride and shocked the country's wine industry."Now the contest has been recreated, and once again, California wines have come … [Read more...] about Wine Competition Pits France Versus USA