Sparkling Wines, Wine Education, Wine Industry Jacqueline Mitchell Sparkling Wines, Wine Education, Wine Industry Jacqueline Mitchell

Proseccos That Make You Go “Hmmm”

Not all Prosecco is created equal, and the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary comes down to who made it and where. Let’s talk about what makes quality Prosecco, from the hills of Valdobbiadene to the people who are doing something worth knowing about. Here's why it matters, and why you should care.

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Wine Education, Winemaking Jacqueline Mitchell Wine Education, Winemaking Jacqueline Mitchell

Is Rosé Wine Just a Fad in America?

Rosé is one of wine's most misunderstood types of wine.

It has been flattened into a single pale image when the reality is far more diverse and exciting.

In this article, we explain how rosé wine is made, including the winemaking methods behind every shade of pink, and the styles beyond the Provence pale that most people have never had the chance to discover.

It’s time to take off your rosé colored glasses and explore the wide world of rose wine!

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Olive Oil, Pairings Jacqueline Mitchell Olive Oil, Pairings Jacqueline Mitchell

Become an Olive Oil Connoisseur

It is not often thought about, but the wine and olive oil worlds are very similar. Just like with wine, tasting and pairing extra virgin olive oils bring new aspects of the oil to light. What olive oil is best for salads? What olive oil is best for cooking? Read this article to learn how to taste olive oil and pair it with foods.

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Recipes, Pairings Jacqueline Mitchell Recipes, Pairings Jacqueline Mitchell

Comfort Food For a Winemaking Family

What is it about certain foods that takes us straight back home?

In this article we explore the power of nostalgia through a family recipe of a mother daughter winery. From kitchen to cellar, this mother daughter winemaking duo shares the nostalgia the brings the family together. Get their secret recipe ham and bean soup.

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Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell

Meet Schioppettino: An Outlaw Grape

It was forbidden to grow the Schioppettino grape only until recently.

Then Hilde Petrussa, 2nd generation owner of estate winery Vigna Petrussa, in Friuli, northeastern Italy, stepped in.

And thank goodness for that. With wine critics, like Ian d’Agata, calling Schioppettino “one of Italy’s most noble grapes” making “ unforgettable wines.” What are you waiting for?

Learn about this up-and-coming grape in this article.

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Recipes, Pairings Jacqueline Mitchell Recipes, Pairings Jacqueline Mitchell

Meat Meet Nizza, Nizza Meet Meat

This is not a pot roast recipe from your grandma… but a beef roast recipe with a piedmontese cuisine flair. Explore the bold red Nizza barbera wine and enjoy it with this traditional Monferrato roast recipe. It has a Piemontese touch with a hazelnut gravy and a wine pairing that will wow at your next dinner, and warm you up as the days get colder heading into fall.

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Recipes, Foods Sheila Donohue Recipes, Foods Sheila Donohue

Adapting Irish Traditions

Irish soda bread is an easy to make homemade bread which has become a way to celebrate Irish heritage. It is actually quite a versatile bread, especially when made as an Irish brown bread style, that makes it a great accompaniment with a hearty soup, for dipping in Italian olive oil, and with many other dishes. In this article we share a traditional Irish soda bread recipe passed down from generation to generation.

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Producers Jacqueline Mitchell Producers Jacqueline Mitchell

Women in Wine Marching to a Different Beat

The world of wine is being revolutionized by a surge of talented women winemakers. These passionate innovators are crafting unique and delicious wines using sustainable practices and minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process. From meticulous vineyard management to exploring new fermentation techniques, they're bringing a fresh perspective that's pushing the boundaries of what natural wine can be. This rise of women in natural wine is not only exciting the industry, but also offering wine lovers a diverse and ever-evolving selection of delicious wines to discover.

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Pairings, Wine Grapes Sheila Donohue Pairings, Wine Grapes Sheila Donohue

Where There’s Food There’s Wine

In Italy, when it comes to food as well as wine, you get to experience a living, breathing cultural heritage.

It is what elevates wine, and food and wine together, and makes an ordinary eating and drinking experience to become a sensory moment to fully enjoy.

But what are the key elements that allow wine to reach this level of appreciation? Find out in this article as we uncover the 3 pillars which makes Italian wine, along with food, a living and breathing UNESCO journey.

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Recipes, Foods, Pairings Jacqueline Mitchell Recipes, Foods, Pairings Jacqueline Mitchell

Bring Some UNESCO Heritage Into Your Kitchen

In a world of mass-produced "Italian-style" shortcuts, Italian cuisine has finally received the ultimate stamp of authenticity: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. But how do you actually bring this protected legacy to your table? We’ve curated a definitive guide to our most "Vero" (true) recipes, organized by the three pillars of Italian tradition. Discover the secrets of the Italian culinary identity and learn to cook with the mindful, seasonal rhythm that defines La Dolce Vita.

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Wine Education, Pairings Jacqueline Mitchell Wine Education, Pairings Jacqueline Mitchell

A Toast to Brunch Wines

Tired of "bottomless" house bubbles and uninspired wine lists? We’re reclaiming the Sunday Brunch Tradition. Discover the art of brunch sipping, including the secret to the perfect Mimosa, the rise of the Brachetto Spritz, and our definitive guide to pairing wine with everything from spicy eggs to syrup-drenched waffles.

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Travel, Foods Sheila Donohue Travel, Foods Sheila Donohue

For The Love of Italian Food

Most people don't like, but love, Italian food.

So, it did not come as a huge surprise that the first country to be awarded UNESCO status for its food was Italy.

But what were the elements that convinced the UNESCO committee to give the Italian cuisine recognition as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage?"

We broke it down for you into 3 pillars in this article.

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Wine Education, Wine Ideas Sheila Donohue Wine Education, Wine Ideas Sheila Donohue

Enter the World of Lesser Known Wines

Less well known wines are gaining traction in the US, with sommeliers, wine store owners and journalists talking and writing about them more. We, also, focus on curating off-the-beaten-path grapes beyond the most widely sold wine varietals in the US. Yet, with this trend, it can be difficult for our customers to select wines made from grapes they never had. Here we have some alternatives to suggest if you’d like to venture out on your own to try new types of wines. Whether you are a Chardonnay, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Malbec or Syrah wine lover, here are some other wines you should look out for and try. Let’s journey to discover unusual wines!

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Wine Industry Sheila Donohue Wine Industry Sheila Donohue

Yearning for the Human Touch

Turns out, we all are.

That's what we've found out after scouring data from this past year on what wine explorers and foodies are seeking out.

This past year is full of outliers, based on our own data insights as well as what news outlets are reporting.

Let's face it: we've been through a lot over the past year, as well as the past 5+ years, coincidentally right when we starting our blog and newsletter. 

What have we learned about you, our readers, and other engaged explorers? 

Find out here.

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