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
All of our Wine Related News Stories in One Place
The writers in this section have a vast experience and knowledge of wine. You'll find all kinds of articles, from equipment, to selecting wines, suggestions, and travel experiences.
Small Wines – Suggestions for Good, Everyday Drinking Wines
I have this memory from when I was a teenager. I had developed an insatiable appetite for Mandarin oranges. You know the kind, the ones that come in a can covered in sweet syrup. I would pop them open and devour one after the other. Then one day, after about four of these cans, I became quite ill, somewhat hallucinogenic in fact. At the end of this orange-induced trip, I … [Read more...] about Small Wines – Suggestions for Good, Everyday Drinking Wines
So you’re a Sommelier?
Customers often say to me, “You must really love your job. But I’m not sure exactly that you do?” So with that in mind, I’ve decided to outline my perception of what a sommelier is, and what he/she should be expected to do.Basically, I dispense hedonism for a living. I bring wines, great and small, to thirsty folks. I also believe wine to be one of the magnificent gifts … [Read more...] about So you’re a Sommelier?
No ‘Pagne, No Gain – All About Champagne
My first column of the year is on Champagne. I know you’re thinking, “What kind of a ninny does an article on Champagne AFTER the biggest Champagne-drinking day of the year?” Well, this kind of ninny does. That’s because I don’t believe that Champagne is only a wine for celebrations a few nights per year, and it deserves more attention than the standard “Oh, it’s two weeks … [Read more...] about No ‘Pagne, No Gain – All About Champagne
Wine Descriptions – Terms Wine Writers Use
Ken Collura has been around the wine scene for many years. His bio is rather impressive: a syndicated columnist for over five years (printed on the east coast in Tampa and Richmond and in Taos, NM.,) and writes for the trade magazines Cheers (on the Editorial Advisory Board) and Sante on a regular basis. Prior to moving to Portland, he was head sommelier for nine years at the … [Read more...] about Wine Descriptions – Terms Wine Writers Use