Wine Education Jacqueline Mitchell Wine Education Jacqueline Mitchell

Wines that are 'Just Right'

Are you planning a party ? Are you going to one?  Needing a gift but not sure what wine to select?

Hosting a  party or finding a great gift for a wine lover just got easier with our tips on finding crowd-pleasing, drinkable wine that caters to diverse tastes, while also finding wines that are unique and stand out.

We have an approach to finding crowd pleaser wines in our latest blog article. We liken it to Goldilocks - remember her? But now we've moved up, from porridge to wine.

Read on for expert tips and find your own Goldilocks wine!

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Wine Regions and Appellations Guest User Wine Regions and Appellations Guest User

Native Americans' Rich Heritage of Holistic & Sustainable Sustenance

Amidst the post-Thanksgiving festivities, let's reflect on the roots of gratitude by exploring the enduring legacy of Native Americans and their traditions to preserve the natural ecosystems around them in a regenerative way. Join us on a cultural journey through some Native American peoples’ rich history, legends, and spiritual landscapes, such as the Chumash which thrived for thousands of years in Ventura County and the Ojai Valley. From Dolcettos and winemaking traditions to the Channel Islands' significance, discover the profound connection between the Chumash people and their ancestral lands. Delve into a narrative of resilience, preservation, and leadership in holistic and sustainable marine life and agriculture conservation, as we honor the original inhabitants of our homes during National Native American Heritage Month.

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

Learn the Art & Science of Wine and Food Pairing

Wine and food pairing can seem like a daunting task, yet, once you get down the basic principles, there is almost no right or wrong. It can turn into a life long skill that you can practice all the time, while alone or in groups, while at home or out and about. Start with this article which lays out an easy to follow approach to pairing foods. Then you’ll be on your way to doing fun and tasty food and wine pairings with others.

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Producers Jacqueline Mitchell Producers Jacqueline Mitchell

Master Barolo Vintages

The Langhe region in Piemonte, Northern Italy, is renowned for its exceptional red wines, but the story of each vintage is written by Mother Nature herself. Barolo winery owner Aldo Clerico wisely notes that winemakers don't make the same wine every year; it all depends on nature's whims. In this article we explore the Langhe's most recent vintages as we've witnessed first hand the impact of climate shifts on this terroir with extreme weather, such as devastating hailstorms, altering the winemaking landscape. Learn how Dolcetto, Barbera, and Nebbiolo grapes adapt to vintage variations from 2016 to 2021. Join us in understanding how the weather's ever-changing story shapes Langhe's timeless wines.

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Producers Jacqueline Mitchell Producers Jacqueline Mitchell

No Wine Before Its Time

Case Corini, a biodynamic winery in Piedmont, Italy, stands out for its unconventional approach to winemaking and the unique philosophy. How does this philosophy extends to their vintages? Learn how the sixth generation, siblings Guido and Luisa, handle vintage variations and get the low down on their prestigious Barla wine, in an exclusive year by year tasting that you can even recreate yourself. Learn about how the weather impacted Case Corini wines vintage by vintage in this article.

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Farming, Wine Education Jacqueline Mitchell Farming, Wine Education Jacqueline Mitchell

Mother Nature + Math = Wine Vintage

In the captivating world of wine, there's an age-old secret that lies within each bottle—the vintage. It's a timestamp of history, a testament to the unique interplay of climate, terroir, and winemaking expertise. As we delve into the climatic nuances of wine vintages, we unlock a trove of stories, each sip an invitation to a specific moment in time. From the warmth of a sun-soaked harvest to the cool feeling of a late autumn rain, wine vintages encapsulate the essence of the year they were born. Find out how you too can assess a wine vintage in this article.

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Farming, Producers Jacqueline Mitchell Farming, Producers Jacqueline Mitchell

The Corino Family's Lay of the Land

In the heart of the Corino family's vineyards lies a beautiful union of natural wine craftsmanship and regenerative agriculture practices. Discover how their commitment to sustainability and biodiversity not only produces exquisite, vibrant wines but also regenerates the earth, ensuring the longevity of the vineyards for generations to come. Explore with us today vineyard by vineyard what the differences are, and why only certain vineyards make certain wines.

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Recipes Jacqueline Mitchell Recipes Jacqueline Mitchell

Make a Quiche Just Like an Italian Nonna

It is a simple dish found throughout Italy, a staple of family gatherings and the ultimate svuota frigo or pantry meal: the torta salata, aka an Italian version of quiche. With endless possibilities for ingredients, they can be both an exercise in culinary creativity and a way to finish up bits and bobs of food in the fridge. No wonder that the Italian nonna is often behind the makings. Straight from nonna Petrussa of 3 generations of women at Vigna Petrussa, we have this breakfast recipe casserole to share. Grab a pie crust and let your imagination run wild.

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Producers Jacqueline Mitchell Producers Jacqueline Mitchell

Carrying on a Family Legacy of 6 Generations

In the world of wines, few stories are as captivating as the one that unfolds across six generations of natural winemakers in the Corino Family. From Nebbiolo wines to the rustic charm of Barbera wines, the Corinos have embraced the art of crafting exceptional, vegan, biodynamic, and organic wines. Their biodynamic winery stands as a testament to their commitment to farming sustainably, practicing regenerative agriculture that nurtures the land. Their dedication to nature wines and the ethos of natural winemaking showcases the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, making them true pioneers in the realm of biodynamic farming.

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Wine Education, Wine Industry Jacqueline Mitchell Wine Education, Wine Industry Jacqueline Mitchell

The Art of Mindful Drinking with Thoughtful Wines

In this article, we explore the practice of Mindful Drinking. As with many wine related “trends” that propagate in the US, they may be new to us Americans, yet have deep roots somewhere else. In this case, European culture embraces mindfulness both in wine and food, as its culture is about sipping and savoring, with long and deep traditions that are hardwired into their culture. To explore what mindfulness drinking entails, we’ve called on a wine and wellness expert to share with us her personal journey and how we could all benefit from following some of her tips.

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Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell Wine Grapes Jacqueline Mitchell

The Difficult Child of Winegrowers in Piedmont

Did you know that winegrowers have their preferences when it comes to grapes? But it’s not based necessarily on the sensation when tasting the wine. Instead it’s based on the work and attention involved to cultivate the grape and make a good wine out of it. Barbera is one of those grapes. Think of it as the grape that’s a difficult child: needing extra rearing and care as it ‘grows up and becomes a wine.’ But, boy, can that extra effort yield great results!

And there is another silver lining: it weathers climate change quite well.

Find out more in this article.

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Pairings, Farming Jacqueline Mitchell Pairings, Farming Jacqueline Mitchell

'Tis the Season for Mushroom Hunting

In the heart of Piedmont, where vineyards and truffle scented air reign supreme, there's a hidden treasure waiting to be uncovered – wild mushrooms. In the forests different kinds of mushrooms are just waiting to be foraged, and not just the famous white truffle. even though truffle hunting season is just starting. Conveniently, mushrooms native to Piedmont go well with the rich and complex flavors of Barolo and nebbiolo wine and other red wine from the Langhe and Piemonte. With the start of truffle hunting season upon us, ‘tis the season for a bit of mushroom foraging and red wine pairing. Follow us on our journey into the world of natural wine and wild mushrooms in Piedmont.

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Producers Sheila Donohue Producers Sheila Donohue

Lorenzo Corino: Viticulture Researcher, Vigneron, Winemaker & Friend

There aren’t enough words to express our admiration and fondness for the natural wine legend, Lorenzo Corino.

He was learned yet approachable, passionate yet pragmatic, wise yet obstinate. All of these character qualities made him a vocal and admired figure in natural wine circles, first to defend natural wine, yet first to say that the term doesn’t exist, seemingly paradoxical until you sat down and really listened to him. Then you got hooked, like we did.

We take you down our journey, short as it was, in getting to know our friend, viticulture researcher, vigneron and winemaker, Lorenzo Corino.

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Wine Industry Sheila Donohue Wine Industry Sheila Donohue

The World of Wine's A-Changing

What in the world is going on with wine? Both globally, where France is reporting to be throwing out 80 million gallons of perfectly good wine, while in the US wine sales are down 7% in the first half of the year.

In this article we’re going back to the future in wine to get beneath the numbers and to the people and wine drinking American public to understand the dynamics and trends since we started our business 5 years ago. Our findings are revealing.

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Recipes Jacqueline Mitchell Recipes Jacqueline Mitchell

A Spanish Take on Brunch & Breakfast

Who doesn’t love home brunch ideas? Why not for your next brunch, choose a brunch recipe that is steeped in tradition. So much so that its name Duelos y Quebrantos could possibly have influenced the origin of the word “breakfast”.

Try a delicious and easy eggs and chorizo recipe, direct from the windmills in Spain and a Spanish amporae winery. Inside find out what Duelos y Quebrantos is, its historical importance in Spain and even influencing our culture. Then make this breakfast recipe casserole and try pairing it with a natural wine.

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Wine Education Sheila Donohue Wine Education Sheila Donohue

Breaking the Glass Ceiling on Rosé

Who says there has to be a season for rosé wine?

Who says that a rose wine has to have a specific pale pink color?

Who says that a rosé wine is not age worthy?

Whether you drink rose or not, this article will open your eyes to rose wine dry. We’re breaking the myths on rose wine in this article!

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Recipes Jacqueline Mitchell Recipes Jacqueline Mitchell

The Secret Sauce of Midsummer

Nothing quite says summer like a big basket of juicy tomatoes, ready to be cooked down into a fresh tomato sauce or sugo. But that can be labor intensive and take ages… sometimes we need a pasta sauce quick to put on the table and enjoy! Enter the cherry tomato. These small ruby rounds have their own flavors and deliciousness to share. So come inside to find our Italian Vero Chef’s favorite recipe for a cherry tomatoes pasta and our suggested wine pairings.

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Pairings Jacqueline Mitchell Pairings Jacqueline Mitchell

Your Go-To Guide For the Best Wine and Cheese Pairings

Now that you have at your fingertips these 5 Tips for Pairing Cheese and Wine let’s put your knowledge to practice with some of the best cheese and wine pairing suggestions. In this guide we break down wine and cheeses by category including favorite wine and cheese pairings by some Vero producers. Pairing cheese and wine allows for a lot of fun experimentation, making get-togethera more engaging and interactive. Use this guide as a “go-to” when seeking out the best cheese and wine pairing to have at your next party.

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

5 Tips for Wine and Cheese Pairings

It may seem like a daunting task: pick out and pair wine and cheeses. But when done right, it is so worth it! It is also not quite as hard as it may seem to pair wine and cheese together. Inside we have 5 tips and tricks to help you learn what wine goes with cheese! So get your local cheese monger on speed dial, open up a new tab with the VeroShop, and get ready to enjoy a delectable article!

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