Tag: wine
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Sauvignon Blanc continues to grow in wine popularity
While consumer white wine continues to be Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc enjoys an increasingly strong second place. It is one of the world’s most widely planted grape varieties, originating in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, also notable in New Zealand, Chile, South Africa and Australia. The grape’s flavor profile comes in several styles, though it’s usually…
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Cabernet sauvignon finds a prestigious home in California’s Napa Valley
Cabernet sauvignon from California (especially Napa Valley) wasn’t always the most popular red wine in America. Having established its pedigree centuries ago as a foundation of Bordeaux, the grape began to be planted in Napa Valley in the late 1800s. Following Prohibition, the quality of Napa cabernet gained increased attention. Then, in 1976, a Stag’s…
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5 uniquely Colorado festivals to celebrate spring in 2026
Taste of VailApril 1-4 Now in its 35th year, Taste of Vail showcases chefs, vintners, brewers and distillers from the Vail Valley and throughout the world. “From sophisticated wine tastings to indulgent gourmet dinners, Taste of Vail promises a truly one-of-a-kind experience,” the website says. The festival kicks off April 1 with The Vail Pour,…
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Wine Guy: Chardonnay continues to shine in Cali
Despite its generally recognized wine characteristics of butter, vanilla, rich texture, citrus, apple, tropical fruit, etc., the chardonnay grape presents essentially a blank slate for producers. Sometimes this unfortunately means winemakers are tempted to imprint their own personality or respond to perceived consumer preferences. But with the wines below, winemakers attempt to express the source…
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Wine Guy: California is home to acres and acres of fine pinot noir
Over the years, pinot noir in California has had its ups and downs. But these days, you can find outstanding wines in just about every region of the state. Seek out as many of these wines as you can find: Anderson Valley 2022 Goldeneye Gowan Creek ($90), estate vineyard part of the Duckhorn portfolio; focused,…
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34th annual Wine Festival of Colorado Springs blends flavor with fundraising
Sweet, bold or a little bitter, however you take your wine, Colorado Springs will be pouring it by the glassful next week. The 34th annual Wine Festival of Colorado Springs returns Wednesday and runs through March 7, bringing four days of tastings, seminars, winemaker dinners and a grand gala to venues across the city. Since…
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Wallet a bit light? Try these wines that offer good value
Early in the year, I tend to look for value wines to ease the strain on my wallet from the holidays. That means budget-friendly wines ideal for everyday drinking. These wines from my tastings deliver a lot of quality for the price. Three producers emerged with multiple recommendations. Several brands from Bogle Family, a longtime…
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Craving a chef’s kiss? Try these Valentine-themed classes at Chef’s Kitchen
Chef’s Kitchen in Colorado Springs is celebrating Valentine’s Day with two hands-on cooking classes: a Steakhouse Cooking Class with Wine Pairings on Feb. 13 and a Kids’ Valentine’s Day Donuts Class on Feb. 14. The Steakhouse Cooking Class will be led by executive chef Abigail Lucas, who will guide participants through preparing a classic steakhouse…
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Wine Guy: Have a sparkling new year
Although sparkling wine is appropriate for any occasion, even weekly dinner, the holiday season – especially celebrating the New Year – is its prime time. Champagne is the world’s most prestigious bubbly. Produced with pinot noir, chardonnay, and pinot meunier grapes by a process where the bubbles develop in the bottle, it also is the…
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Wine Guy: Premium ideas for gifts this holiday season
As the holiday season reaches its peak, I’m back with more premium gift suggestions for the wine lovers in your life. WINTER WHITES Bouchaine Vineyards is a highly celebrated producer of chardonnay and pinot noir in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. Its 2023 Reserve Chardonnay ($70) is a barrel selection crafted to highlight a lush,…