Wine Blog: Moments in Wine

Check the Crystal Palate blog often for my latest wine adventures and subscribe to our digital wine education channel to take your wine knowledge to the next level. Also, check out my weekly feature on hrScene.com, an affiliate of WAVY-TV for all the latest on the wine scene in Hampton Roads, Virginia and throughout the Commonwealth.

Thanksgiving Wines

Thanksgiving Wines Selecting a great Thanksgiving wine doesn’t have to be a source of stress and it doesn’t have to break the bank. There are a lot of different flavors and textures on your Thanksgiving plate, so you really want a “bridge” wine that will harmoniously blend and stand up to the cornucopia of … Read more…

Keswick Vineyards 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is revered as one of the most sought after wines in the world. Look no further than Bordeaux and Napa Valley and you will find a cult following for prestigious bottles produced in those regions. Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Other regions like Washington State and Australia are … Read more…

10 Must-Try Virginia Rosés

By now, many of you know that I absolutely adore a great rosé. Hands down, it’s my go-to summer wine. I always have a chilled bottle ready to go in my refrigerator. Why? It’s incredibly versatile. Contrary to popular belief, many rosés are actually dry and make a great companion for many foods including salads, … Read more…

Wedding Wines

Tis the season for love, laughter, beautiful brides, handsome grooms, breathtaking venues, delicious food and inevitably bad “banquet wine!” I am always amazed at how many brides obsess over every detail from the gown to the flowers to the photographer to the caterer, but when it comes to the wine selection, it’s usually a complete … Read more…

Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants Mid Cape

There’s something about Cape Cod that never seems to get old. My husband and I just returned from a lovely ten day vacation through southern New England. I grew up in central Massachusetts and have spent most of childhood vacations in New Hampshire, Maine and Cape Cod, but this year we added a couple of … Read more…

2016 Virginia Wine Summit

The beautiful Salamander Resort and Spa tucked away in the rolling hills of picturesque Middleburg served as the backdrop for the 2016 Virginia Wine Summit. The day long conference on April 5 brought together some of the country’s leading wine experts, writers and critics with some of the best winemakers in the Commonwealth to celebrate the Virginia wine … Read more…

Valentine Pairings

If you have a love affair with wine and chocolate, and let’s face it, who doesn’t? I have a line-up of of perfect pairings for you to explore with your Valentine. I am partnering with one of my favorite chocolatiers, The Royal Chocolate, in Virginia Beach for a wicked sweet tasting experience tonight. While, the … Read more…

Wine Barrel Art in Hampton Roads

Mike Prieto, owner of Barrel-Art, opened his rustic workshop in Norfolk in the spring of 2013 and has been creating exquisite pieces ever since. He is one of the few artisans in the country creating handcrafted furniture exclusively from wine barrels. Prieto is constantly coming up with innovative ideas. Today, he has more than 50 products … Read more…

Protocol Wine Studios

After spending years creating exquisite desserts as a pastry chef and the owner of a wedding cake company in California, Tina Morey developed a deep love for the fruit of the vine. She is the co-founder of Protocol Wine Studio – a wine think tank of sorts. Protocol is the parent company of five endeavors including the innovative wine club, Le Metro, … Read more…

Williamsburg Winery

Virginia’s rich wine history dates back more than 400 years and Williamsburg Winery prides itself on honoring the legacy of the Commonwealth’s sometimes tumultuous but emerging wine industry. I believe Thomas Jefferson is smiling down on his beloved Virginia today and beaming with pride that his dream of turning Virginia into a world-class wine destination has finally come to … Read more…