Thinking About Drinking
Ever had a sommelier describe a wine as “jammy” and wondered if they were literally talking about grape jelly? I’m kicking off my Bonne Maman 12 days of Christmas calendar today (yes, I’m that person who gets genuinely excited about…
The best winter wines for fireside evenings, hearty meals, and staying warm when temperatures drop. There’s something about winter that makes you want to trade your crisp Sauvignon Blanc for something with a little more weight. When temperatures drop and…
If wine grapes were characters in a drama, Pinot Noir would be that girl. You know the one—gorgeous, captivating, impossible to ignore, but also high-maintenance, unpredictable, and absolutely exhausting to deal with. She’s the grape that winemakers both obsess over…
Picture this: You’re standing in the wine aisle, Thanksgiving is in 72 hours, and you’re having flashbacks to last year when Uncle Mike’s wine choice made everyone politely switch to water. We’ve all been there. But this year? This year…
I'm currently road-tripping through the Finger Lakes, and honestly? I can't believe it took me this long to make the drive from D.C. This cool-climate wine region—sitting at the same latitude as Oregon's Willamette Valley but with way more brutal winters—is quietly producing some of the most exciting wines in America. From world-class Rieslings that rival Germany's best to plot-twist Cab Francs that prove New York can do reds, the Finger Lakes is having its moment
What Actually Is a Wine Clone? If you’ve ever heard a winemaker drop “777” or “Wente” like they’re discussing Marvel character codes, welcome to the world of wine clones. Think of wine clones like different versions of your favorite song.…
While France gets all the prestige and Italy…has a lot going on, Spain has been quietly perfecting some of the world’s most exciting wines—from age-worthy Tempranillos that could make Bordeaux jealous to crisp Albariños that taste like a day at…
Fresh off a wedding weekend in Virginia wine country, I'm sharing my ultimate guide to Charlottesville's most charming vineyards. From King Family's polo fields and wine wagons to Veritas's Napa-worthy elegance, these rolling Blue Ridge destinations prove why Virginia was named Wine Region of the Year. Whether you're planning a girls' weekend, romantic getaway, or solo sipping adventure, discover the perfect blend of crisp rosés, floral Viogniers, and food-friendly reds—all just 2.5 hours from D.C. Plus, insider tips on the best seasonal dishes, Instagram-worthy spots, and why this transitional time between summer and fall makes Virginia wine country absolutely magical.
Think of Cabernet Franc as the original influencer—she was here first, creating beautiful wines in France's Loire Valley while everyone else was still figuring out their aesthetic. She's the wine for people who appreciate artistry over accessibility, nuance over noise.