The long list of celebrities with their own wine labels seems to be growing at a steady pace. Many of these celebrities including the likes of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Drew Barrymore, Donald Trump, Dave Matthews and Kathie Lee Gifford are turning to the fruit of the vine for their next big project. After…
Pairing wine with chocolate sounds like a match made in heaven, but the wrong pairings can leave a bitter taste on your palate. However, the right coupling can create a euphoric experience for your taste buds! A general rule of the thumb when it comes to wine and dessert pairings is to select a sweeter…
Beer may be the beverage of choice for the big game, but wine can add another dimension to all of those culinary treats. To create some exciting Super Bowl pairings, keep things simple and budget friendly by sticking to three options. A dry sparkling, an off-dry white and a fruit forward full-bodied red will provide…
Salads can really pose a challenge when it comes to wine pairings. There are many components to consider when selecting the perfect wine for that bed of greens. For example, spicy greens like arugula and bitter greens like radicchio can create havoc with the flavor profile of a wine. A good rule of thumb is…
Now that your Christmas shopping is “hopefully” finished, it’s time to turn your attention to the holiday feast. As you plan your perfect meal, don’t forget about the wine! The right wine and food pairings can turn your meal from good to great! Since there are so many traditions this time of year, I chose…
Thanksgiving leftovers seem to be the gift that keeps on giving. From soups to sandwiches and everything in between, it’s easy to lose your love of the bird after a day or two. If you’re stuck in a rut, check out these turkey salad sliders for a delicious spin on that boring turkey sandwich. Or…
In search of the perfect dessert wine to pair perfectly with your cheese plate, pumpkin pecan pie, apple cobbler or pineapple upside down cake? Look no further than the Barboursville Malvaxia Passito out of Virginia. For all of you wine connoisseurs out there, this wine is a bit reminiscent of a Tokaji from Hungary. Luca Paschina,…
Selecting the perfect Thanksgiving wine doesn’t have to be a source of stress and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Consider starting your festivities with a sparkling rosé as an aperitif and then opt for a white and red option for your main course and let your guests decide what pairing they enjoy the…
There’s nothing more comforting than a hearty Italian dinner! When I am celebrating a special occasion, my Italian wine of choice is typically a Brunello di Montalcino or Barolo, but most nights I gravitate toward a fruit forward Barbera from Piedmont. The Pio Cesare Barbera d’Alba is always a reliable option. Pio Cesare has been producing…
Our celebration of Virginia wine month continues with a classic varietal from Michael Shaps Wineworks. Michael Shaps has been making wine in Virginia for nearly 20 years. He spent time working for two legendary vineyards (Jefferson Vineyards and King Family Vineyards) prior to opening his own operation in 2007. Shaps has a love for old world wines…
Barboursville Vineyards has a long tradition of making exceptional wine in Virginia. While they are best known for the bordeaux style blend “Octagon,” there are many other exciting wines in their portfolio. I am a big fan of the Barboursville Cabernet Franc Reserve and the Vermentino Reserve. Tonight, I opted for a bottle of the…
Horton Vineyards in Gordonsville, Virginia has an impressive portfolio of varietals. While they specialize in Rhone varietals like Viognier, the Horton Vintage Port really got my attention. The 2008 Vintage Port is a wonderful dessert wine. Horton was the first winery in Virginia to make a Port after prohibition – beginning with the 1995 vintage. It’s also a…
a href=”http://foryourloveofwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/JeffersonBottles.jpg”>The American Wine Revolution began in the heart of Virginia wine country. Thomas Jefferson had a vision of producing world class wines in the new colony that would rival its old world counterparts. Jefferson’s love of the European Vinifera began a 3o year old pursuit that didn’t end very well in his lifetime. Fast…
Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery is named after the historic home Valerie Hill in Stephens City, Virginia, about an hour outside of Washington DC. The Federal style brick manor house was built in 1807 and remains the centerpiece of the property. Valerie Hill is producing an exceptional dessert wine called Bellaria. Bellaria is an aromatic white…
Sometimes the best things in life can be found down the road less traveled. Chatham Vineyards on Virginia’s historic Eastern Shore is no exception to this rule. The 400 year old farm is nestled between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The maritime climate and sandy loam soil create the perfect dynamic for world…
