#best california chardonnay

[liocowine]

This spectacular site with unobstructed views of the Pacific was a former apple farm and its soils are full of fossilized scallop shells. In the wild 2020 vintage we harvested early, fermented gently, and bottled only the free-run juice. The result? A wine stuffed with red currant, rhubarb, and pink peppercorn aromas and that electric, red crunch we've come to depend on from this zone.

[wine-porn]

Chardonnay

One sniff and the floral aromatics on this on are off the charts. Another and the chalky, mineralific, raspy match-head blows you away. Swirl again and the melding of these two is magical as it caresses thick buttery fruit. Is this how you spell perfect Chardonnay? I suppose that argument could be made. Significant golden straw showing here at 6, the chartreuse aspects a faint glow in the body. A…

[literatecowboy]

Dr. Feelgood

4. Nights Out

Part 1 Next Part Summary: You've been in trouble at work several times before for "lack of professionalism" but now you've gone too far. You've been reassigned to Task Force 141 as a temporary doctor to replace the ones they've made quit out of frustration. You must either prove yourself and earn your former position back at a prestigious military hospital in California or face dishonorable discharge. Author's Notes: This is my first fanfiction - please be gentle. Additionally, the reader's callsign is "Feelgood." I have done my best to write the reader as ambiguous regarding appearance, but she/her pronouns and AFAB anatomy will be utilized. I hope for this to be a slow-burn romance with Simon "Ghost" Riley.  Warnings: Gunshot wounds, medical terminology and procedures, inaccurate healing timelines, alcohol consumption, gentle angst, cringeworthy drunken conversations

-----

“I don’t know why you insist on me being in here when you do this,” Ghost growled from the corner, glaring down at his phone as you carefully applied eyeliner, leaned up close to the mirror in your bathroom. 

“You aren’t in the same room as me. I’m in my bathroom and you’re in the bedroom,” you quipped, blinking before doing the other eye. 

“I think it’s interesting to watch ye get made up. I’ve never seen a woman do it before,” Soap said. He was perched on your toilet, examining your mascara. 

“Want me to do yours?” you offered, turning to him and offering a smile. 

“Maybe you can share some of your lipstick with me, lass,” he said with a grin. You socked him in the shoulder lightly. 

“Quit it or I’m having Ghost over there hold you down while I put a full face on you,” you said, setting down your pencil and examining yourself. 

“Now get out while I put my dress on.”

—

When you opened the door to your room and stepped into the hall, Gaz and Price had arrived, dressed sharply like Soap. Ghost was another story - though he had swapped the sweatpants he’d been recovering in for jeans and tugged on a hoodie, he’d kept his balaclava on and stuck to dark colors. 

“You’re gorgeous, doc,” Gaz said, offering you a smile along with his arm. 

“It’ll be good to finally get off base for a change. I’ve hardly been out of the hospital since I arrived,” you laughed, letting him lead you down the hall as you followed the others out to the parking lot. 

“Drinks are on me for having to put up with that bastard for so long. Think you’ll manage alone alright?” he asked, fixing his gaze on Ghost. 

“As long as all of you don’t come back shot I’ll be alright. He’s recovering well. I might almost miss him brooding in my med bay when I send him back to sleeping in his room,” you admitted with a laugh, making Gaz chuckle.

As Price climbed into the driver’s seat of his car and Ghost slid in on the passenger’s side, Gaz opened the rear door for you. 

“You’re a gentleman, Kyle,” you said with a smile, squeezing his hand as he helped you in. 

“Simp,” Soap coughed from beside you as you slid into the middle seat and buckled in. 

—

The club you arrived outside of later that evening was crowded, but that was to be expected for a Friday night. You watched Ghost as he slid out of the car wordlessly and studied him for signs of pain as the group headed for the entrance and were relieved when you saw none. 

After getting your ID examined and heading inside, your group claimed a booth in the corner. Price had insisted on driving back so you had indulged, going to the bar to get drinks with Soap and Gaz. 

“What does Ghost drink?” you shouted above the music, looking questioningly at Soap who grinned. 

“Believe it or not, Chardonnay! You should take him a glass!” he shouted back as you flagged down the bartender. 

Perhaps trusting him was foolish because as you approached Ghost with the glass and a margarita for yourself in your hands, he glared at you. 

“Didn’t peg you for a wine guy,” you said, leaning over the table and holding it out to him. 

“I’m not,” he said coolly, folding his arms over his chest. Your face went hot and you straightened. 

“Making fun of me?” he growled, glaring you down. 

“No, I–” you turned back to the bar. Soap and Gaz were doubled over with laughter, wiping tears from their eyes. You sighed and looked back at Ghost who was glaring the two down. Not wanting to remain at the table with Ghost or go back to the bar to get laughed at, you tipped your head back, chugged the wine, and walked to the dance floor with your margarita. 

—

The evening started to blur after that. You could remember polishing off more drinks to soften your embarrassment and dancing with Soap before going off to the bathroom to check your makeup. When you’d come back you’d danced against Gaz, his hands finding your hips as you moved in tandem, laughing and chatting. 

After that you’d stumbled through a back door on accident while looking for a different bathroom, the first one having been full. 

Ghost stood alone, leaning against the wall as he smoked, his mask rolled up to his nose. 

“Those are gonna kill you early,” you slurred, stumbling up to him and leaning against the wall next to him so that your shoulders brushed. 

“The job’ll take care of that,” he grunted, not looking your way. It was quiet for a moment. 

“Why don’t you like me, Ghost?” you slurred after a minute, leaning your cheek against his bicep and angling your chin to look up at him with your best sad puppy eyes. 

“I like you plenty,” he grunted. Your lower lip wobbled. 

“M’ sorry. Wasn’t trying to be angry at you earlier, or before. Never tryin’ to be angry with you,” he mumbled, looking down at you as he tossed the cigarette away. Your eyes locked. 

“You’re pretty drunk, doc,” he said with a chuckle, brushing some of your tussled hair out of your face and rolling his mask back down. 

“Are you not?” you giggled, swaying in place. He took you gently by the arms to steady you. 

“I can hold my liquor,” he grunted, glancing back at the door to the club. “Come on, let’s round up the boys and get you home.” 

“You never told me what you drink,” you protested, your eyelids heavy. 

“You’ll find out.”

—

You woke up the next morning in your own bed, your dress unzipped but still clinging to you. A vague memory flashed through your head of you rubbing your back against the door like a bear in an attempt to get it down.

After taking some painkillers and a hot shower, you stumbled out of your room and to the med bay. It was empty, so you wandered further down the hall toward the rec room, where you found Ghost quietly eating cereal. 

“Oh, there you are. How’re you feeling?” you asked, yawning and rubbing your eyes. He chuckled. 

“Better than you probably. You remember anything about last night?” he asked. You searched your mind for a minute and froze. 

“Did I– did I almost cry to you about you not liking me?” you asked, your voice deadpan. 

“Yup.”

“Fuck.”

It was quiet for another moment, the only sound in the room being that of Ghost munching cereal. The bastard ate it dry. 

“I’m sorry,” you offered after a minute, your face feeling hotter than the heat from the bodies in the club the night before. 

“S’ alright.”

Price wandered in not long after, headed for Ghost. 

“Would you like to join us at the briefing later? I know you’re benched for this one but I don’t want to leave you out,” he said, sitting down across from the lieutenant with a stack of paperwork and his pen. 

“Sure,” Ghost grumbled. Price glanced back at you.

“You should get some rest, Feelgood. You had quite the night last night,” he said. Heat rushed to your face and you sat down on the couch, pulling out your phone. 

“I’m alright. I need to keep an eye on him anyway,” you said. 

—

The morning passed quietly. Eventually, Price returned to his office to keep working and Ghost joined you on the couch as you sat on your phones in silence. Gaz came in looking surprisingly alright for how much he’d had to drink last night, offering you a smile. You chatted with him idly before Soap came in, moaning about his head and digging through the fridge for something to drink. 

“Did he get you in alright lass?” Soap asked, nodding at Gaz as he plopped down by the three of you. Ghost looked up sharply from his phone, fixing you with a stare. 

“You helped me in?” you asked, looking at Gaz with a raised eyebrow. He nodded sheepishly. 

“Couldn’t just leave you lost outside, lass. You couldn’t remember which door was yours first and said you were going to go sleep in the med bay,” he said with a laugh.

“Oh, god. Thank you, I swear I’ll make it up to you. Last night I acted…wildly unprofessionally.” you admitted with a sigh, rubbing your forehead. 

“You wouldn’t be you if you acted professional all the time, doc. That’s why you’re with us, isn’t it?” Soap asked with a grin, and you smiled. 

“I suppose so,” you said softly. 

Ghost sat on the couch, listening. He had been angry at first that Gaz had been so close to you the night before but did his best to let it go. He had never admitted his admiration of you with the others - of course they would assume that they might be able to cozy up with you. 

And he had been prickly with you before, even almost angry at you. His heart ached as he watched you talk with the boys, wishing that he could just express how he felt to you like a normal man. He wanted to hold you, to touch you more than just having his hand against your back while you listened to his heart race for you. Last night he’d wanted to kiss your worry away and tell you that of course he liked you, perhaps a little too much. 

—

As you walked with him back to the med bay later that day to change his bandages, he was quiet, lost in thought.

“I wanted to apologize again for last night. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable,” you said softly, heat finding your cheeks yet again. You could deny it to yourself no longer - you found Ghost interesting and attractive and you were desperate for him to think the same about you. Had you messed up your chances by drunkenly confronting him the night before?

“You didn’t make me uncomfortable, Feelgood. You don’t have to keep bringing it up,” Ghost murmured, opening the door to the med bay for you. 

“You’ve only got to spend one more night here with me, okay? After that, I’ll be comfortable sending you back to sleep in your room - just come find me each day so I can check your wound,” you said softly as the door shut behind you two. 

“Will you be coming with me to see them off at the airstrip?” he asked, settling down on the couch and pulling out his phone. 

“Sure, is it early?” you asked, getting the supplies to change his bandages ready across from him. 

“Wheels up at 0530. I’ll wake you up,” he grunted. You nodded and headed over to him, sitting on a stool and sitting down in front of him. 

“Shirt up please, big guy,” you murmured. He huffed softly, smiling under the balaclava. 

“You keep callin’ me that,” he murmured, sliding his shirt off completely. You put gloves on and pulled the old bandages off, setting them to the side and examining his wound. Even through the latex, the warmth of your touch made Ghost melt a little and he relaxed, leaning forward into you. 

“Sorry, do you want me to stop?” you asked softly, your brow furrowing as you began applying the new bandages carefully. 

“I don’t mind. It just means that I get to call you ‘love’ now,” he said with a chuckle. 

“Fair’s fair,” you murmured as your stomach did flips in your abdomen. 

—

When you’d finished bandaging Ghost and tossed the old bandages and your gloves into bins, you moved to leave, but he gently took you by the arm. 

“Love, I–”

Soap practically kicked down the med bay door as he came in, making Ghost go quiet and pull away from you sharply. 

“Hey lass, want to get dinner with me before I leave tomorrow? My treat,” he said, leaning up against the med bay wall and grinning. You smiled. 

“Sure! Come on, Ghost, get your shirt on, and let’s go,” you said.

“Yeah, LT, get your shirt back on. What’s going on in here?” Soap teased, making kissy faces behind your back. Ghost scowled as he put it back on. 

“You just missed seeing my festering wound, Johnny. Now get, I’ll catch up,” he grumbled, sitting back on the couch and folding his arms across his chest. 

“You sure?” you asked, smiling at him as you headed for the door Soap had opened for you. He nodded, jerking his head at the door. You went with Soap, leaving Ghost behind, words he was struggling to put together left unspoken on his lips.

-----

Taglist: @iamaliceinwonderland, @itsmeamysworld, @ghostlythots, @oranoyaora, @keiva1000, @aquarianix

[ripeteeth]

Hi!! First: congrats on becoming a sommelier! And relatedly, for the three q’s meme, in your opinion:

1) Best bottle of white and/or red under $50

2) best bottle of white and/or red under $30

3) the wine that’s tickling your fancy the most right now

Thanks! And god, it’s so hard to single it down to best, but here are some that I’m loving right now!

1. Under $50

2020 Au Bon Climat Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, California

As a general rule, I don’t think you can ever go wrong with Au Bon Climat. A truly iconic winery founded by the legendary Jim Clendenen, Au Bon Climat has been instrumental in influencing the style of California Pinot Noir away from the overly jammy and blowsy big fruity alcohol bombs to something a lot more refined and elegant, similar to those made in Burgundy. In fact, Au Bon Climat is the only winery where I belong to their wine club and get regular shipments, all because I’ve never had a wine I’ve disliked from them, but I have had many I love. They’re my go-to for introducing someone to getting more serious about wine, and this particular Pinot is a beautiful example from a famous vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, Sanford & Benedict, and from a parcel of vines over 50 years old, imparting a ton of flavor and character. I get notes of cherries and rosemary from this.

2. Under $30

2022 Greywacke “Wild Sauvignon” Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand

I’m a complete slut for New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs. Truly, they are just SO fucking good. Sauvignon Blanc is such a fun vibrant grape and the NZ climate brings out the best in it, with a moderately cool climate that preserves the acidity well, but also with a lot of sunlight that brings out notes of tropical fruit, green bell pepper, and jalapeño. (One of my favorite wine facts is that Sauvignon Blanc grapes have pyrazines, which are the same aromatic chemicals that give bell peppers and chili peppers like jalapeño that characteristic green vegetal flavor. So there’s a good reason you’re tasting these things in wine, even if the peppers have never been in the wine! Science, baby!)

My current favorite is 2022 Greywacke “Wild Sauvignon” Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand. It’s vibrantly green and lush and tastes almost athletic to me. Lots of papaya and green mango, something grassy and herbal, this is a perfect summer wine. I like to bring it down to the beach near my dad’s place and just drink it all day at the lake. I think Total Wine frequently carries this, so it shouldn’t be hard to find.

3. Wine tickling my fancy most!

2019 Left Foot Charley, “Gitali” Blanc de Blancs, Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan

If there’s something to know about me, I’m deeply passionate about Michigan wines. Michigan is where I grew up, not far from the Fennville and Lake Michigan Shore AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) and all of this pursuit of wine knowledge is in the hope of starting my own vineyard and winery there. Michigan has always had some great sleeper wines that you can get for a goddamn steal, since many people aren’t aware of how good they can be (to be fair, there is also a lot of really really bad wine), and Left Foot Charley is one of my two top favorite producers in the state (the other being Mawby). These two producers are really serious winemakers and they fully believe that Michigan is ideally situated for becoming the sparkling wine capital of the U.S., something I fully agree with and support. That said! This is a really delicious dry sparkling wine made from Chardonnay and in the traditional method, which is the same method used in making Champagne. The bubbles are very delicate, small, and explosive, and it has beautiful notes of yellow apple, toasted brioche, and yellow cherry.

[zappedbyzabka]

People like to gift Joanie clothes. Joanie should move in with Silver because Silver will buy her all the cutest clothes and actually have enough space for all of them and would have the time to lounge and enjoy a show of seeing Joanie wear them all...and ruin them all. Which she probably complains about but half the time doesn't actually mind. Only if someone else ruined them she would actually get pissed.

Absolutely. Joanie my tomboy princess.

(Just a quick note, I’ve been very much pondering fem Silver, who likes to be called sir and daddy by Johnny🙌 straight up making that boy her firecracker 50’s housewife and probably inviting John/Joan over to marvel at him all dressed up like a Barbie even though they can’t touch—it’s easy to tell his clothes were picked, but he doesn’t seem to hate it—and he’s even more of a spitfire than when Kreese last saw him.)

(I’m gonna say “they” for Silver because I can’t pick whether I want them as boy Silver or fem Silver.)

Silver is good at handling women, at least the ones that don’t see through their bullshit.

The problem is that they like the feisty ones. The ones that will bite but still look like Monroe attempting to seduce innocently. The ones with a backbone.

Joanie’s all those things. Exactly what they like, and then some.

Joanie can live a rough and tough life, get dirt under her shiny fingernails and get bruises the size of a crater, grit her teeth to show she can take it. She can carry men twice her size on her back. She can take care of herself physically (questionable) and do it all without a single complaint because she’s always trying to prove herself and prove that she’s not a nuisance—you don’t have to scream at her to be better; she’s doing her best. She can kick your ass and your father’s too.

But she also loves sheets as silky as her beautiful hair. She loves wearing makeup on days that she isn’t dressing like the skater boys she hung out with when her Cobras were busy, when she puts her hair up and takes off her nail polish, makes the only girly thing about her be the black thong Silver bought her hidden in her cargo pants. She loves hot bubble baths with rose petals scattered about and fancy-lit candles surrounding her like she’s a goddess worthy of an alter.

She has a room-sized closet to hold her contrasting styles. She has a tub fit to hold three people in a bathroom filled with every product she could ask for. She has a California king fitted with inky black Egyptian cotton sheets and another sateen set waiting for her when she wants a new feeling sliding on her soft skin.

Not to mention the tall beauty that sleeps on them with her, who brings her a tea in the morning with a “Good morning, pretty girl”. The one that has a masseuse nearby but insists on massaging her themself.

She went from being a lonely, poor little girl to an abused, rich girl who hardly could enjoy the money when it came at such a price, when it came with immense anxiety due to who it came from.

But she learned to manipulate quickly. She learned she had her mother’s beauty with her own unique edge to it that she could use on men and women alike. She got her dough.

Silver is similar in that way. There are a lot of things they bond over.

People bought Joanie gifts without her asking, simply to get a chance to see their own decorations on such a cute girl. Snooty, high class people with piled up secrets to share with her once she’s made them comfortable and they’ve had a little too much chardonnay.

They had no idea what a troublemaking minx she really was.

But she’s happier than ever as Silver’s girl.

Silver does expect things from her, of course they do, but nothing Joanie doesn’t enjoy. Nothing she wasn’t already craving the day she saw Terry (gender neutral name wahooooo). She doesn't always enjoy the sadism but boy can she take it.

She has to behave, to an extent. with them at the very least. Get on her knees and say “yes, sir/ma’am/master/sensei” when told to. Open her legs when large hands snake up her thighs or a tongue slithers into her, a smooth voice cooing at her.

All she needs to do is be a good girl for them. She doesn’t have to be very behaved in any other place since Silver could buy out any prison, any judge, anyone for her. Just be good for them.

Though Terry loves a pushback and it’s clear that once a brat, always a brat—because their dearest still runs her mouth quite a bit when they aren’t in the bedroom—especially on days she wears black/red/purple lingerie. On days she wants it hard.

(another trick is to spark that possessiveness in Silver and bring up Danielle/Daniel, everything she used to think about them, how she wondered what they’d feel like inside her. Bring up Kreese and their thick fingers, ask Terry if they can tell her how they felt. Maybe not necessarily because she actually wants to know, but because it always works in getting her spanked and drilled into sobs.)

Joanie knows Terry loves to give up control sometimes as well—not nearly as often as they love to make her writhe and whimper, but enough to make Joanie feel special that they would ever show that side to her.

She’ll guide them sweetly as they lap at her cunt, brush their long hair with her fingers, grind down on their beautiful face while giggling at their polite and proper way of speaking when they’re in that submissive mindset, all “I would like to [blank], ma’am” and “May I please?”

Or Joanie’ll wrap their hair around her hand and shove their face into it, order them to show it some love, kiss it . Then she’ll push them down later and lick their cock/clit until they’re dripping sweat on her and squeezing their eyes shut. It’s really fun to overstimulate them. They’re not just a sadist, but a masochist too.

Joanie’s much softer in her pink/blue/concubine gold lingerie.

a lot quicker to slink her way into Silver’s lap and allow herself to be needy.

And it isn’t just lingerie that dictates these mood shifts. She also has skirts, designer purses, dresses (summer, mini, sheath, blazer dresses, every style), and so so so much jewlery. Doesn't even cover her boyish clothes.

Terry has ruined many garments, they can always buy her something newer and even better than before.

How can they not devour their darling when they see her all prettied up and confident? or acting demure with her flower already dripping? (which Terry loves; that sweet, glassy-eyed, blushed deliciously hot shyness that Joanie falls into gets them going like crazy.)

There are a number of reasons to workout, and one of them is how easily they can rip off Joanie's clothing. (And that their riding hood likes to lounge and watch them do their entire set while drinking a beer, sometimes likes to bathe almost their entire body with her tongue like a cat before they jump in the roomy shower for even wetter action.)

Or they’ll just tear the crotch area so they can continue to enjoy the sight of her in the attire while they fuck her stupid.

On every single surface and in front of every painting.

Other times, Terry lets her keep just her jewlery on so they can hear it all jingle when they’re pounding her good, staring at the way it looks on her. They get the most fixated on Joanie’s bracelets.

It’s a true win-win.

Now all they need is to have a child and build a legacy when Joanie decides she’s ready.

(Yes I face claimed Sheryl Lee as Maddy in this specific picture as Miss Silver. I think Joanie gives off Laura vibes though—maybe I just love Sheryl.)

[brookston]

Holidays 5.23

Holidays

Angelica Day (French Republic)

Aretha Franklin Appreciation Day (Michigan)

Aromanian National Day (Balkans; a.k.a. Aromanians, Vlachs, or Macedo-Romanians)

Asian Corpsetwt Day [Every 23rd]

Best Friend-in-Law Day

Bifocals Day

Bluebell Day

Caracal Day

Climb A Tree Day

Day of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Azerbaijan)

Day of Ukrainian Marines (Ukraine)

Divorce Day (UK)

Empire Air Day (UK)

Empire Day (Bermuda)

EMS Save-a-Life Day Day

Festival of Saint Sarah the Egyptian (Sara Kali the Black Queen; a.k.a. Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France) begins [until 25th]

Go For A Walk In Your Swim Fins Day

Go Nissan Day

Harvesting Healing Day

Heroes’ Day (Ukraine)

International Day of Women’s Football

International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (UN)

International GM1 Gangliosidosis Awareness Day

International Synthesizer Day

Isis Asteroid Day

Kids Ocean Day (California)

Kiss Day (Japan)

Komagata Maru Remembrance Day (Canada)

Labour Day (Jamaica)

Linnaeus Day (Sweden)

Lucky Penny Day

Mass Graves Day (Iraq)

Mayoring Day (Rye, Sussex, UK)

Melissa McBride Day

Mesmerism Day

Moog Day

National Apology Day

National Best Friend-in-Law Day

National Braid Day

National Canine Cancer Awareness Day

National Day (Morocco)

National Ethan Day

National Fill Your Thermos Brand Bottle Day

National Girls Learn Coding Day

National Goat Day

National Infantry Day (Ukraine)

National Medical Coder Day

National MILF Day

National Reed Day

National Stop the Bleed Day

National Tea Cosy Day

143 Day (Mr. Rogers)

PitDark Pitch Day

Stormy Daniels Day

Students’ Day (Mexico)

World Crohn's and Colitis Day

World Day Against Melanoma

World Turtle Day

World Wrestling Day

Youth Day (Tajikistan)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Dunkin Iced Coffee Day

National Asparagus Day

National Drinking with Chickens Day

National Pork Roll Day

National Taffy Day

Independence & Related Days

Ausveria (Declared; 2019) [unrecognized]

Bonumland (Declared; 2015) [unrecognized]

Constitution Day (Germany)

Plan for Palestine Independence by 1949 (Approved by UK Parliament; 1939)

Reberia (Declared; 2020) [unrecognized]

South Carolina Statehood Day (#8; 1788)

4th Thursday in May

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day [Thursday of Memorial Day Weekend]

Red Nose Day (US) [Last Thursday]

Throwback Thursday [Every Thursday]

World Chardonnay Day [Thursday before Memorial Day]

Weekly Holidays beginning May 23 (3rd Full Week)

National Safe Sun Week (thru 5.29)

Festivals Beginning May 23, 2024

Asian Festival of Children’s Content (Singapore) [thru 5.26]

Book World Prague (Prague, Czech Republic) [thru 5.26]

Hay Festival of Literature and Arts (Hay-on-Wye, United Kingdom) [thru 6.2]

Hot Luck (Auto, Texas) [thru 5.26]

Kerrville Folk Festival (Kerrville, Texas) [thru 6.9]

Kodiak Crab Festival (Kodiak, Alaska) [thru 5.27]

Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival (Port Clinton, Ohio) [thru 5.27]

Patriotic Festival (Norfolk, Virginia) [thru 5.26]

Ware Shoals Catfish Feastival (Ware Shoals, South Carolina) [thru 5.25]

Feast Days

Aaron the Illustrious (Syriac Orthodox Church)

Amaldus Nielsen (Artology)

Anathansius (Positivist; Saint)

Appreciate Reptiles Day (Pastafarian)

Bertholet Flemalle (Artology)

Bluebell Day (Shamanism)

Bufi the Toad (Muppetism)

Carl Bloch (Artology)

Carista (Day of Peace in the Family; Pagan)

Declaration of the Bab (Baba'i)

Desiderius, Bishop of Langres (Christian; Saint)

Desiderius of Vienne (Christian; Saint)

Euphrosyne of Polotsk (Christian; Saint)

Franz Kline (Artology)

Giovanni Battista de' Rossi (Christian; Saint)

Guibert of Gemblours (Christian; Saint)

Harold Hitchcock (Artology)

Ivo of Chartres (Christian; Saint)

John Baptist Rossi (Christian; Saint)

József Rippl-Rónai (Artology)

Julia of Corsica (Christian; Saint)

Leontius of Rostov (Christian; Marty)

Margaret Fuller (Writerism)

Mitch Albom (Writerism)

Nicolaus Copernicus and Johannes Kepler (Episcopal Church (USA))

Peter Matthiessen (Writerism)

Quintian, Lucius and Julian (Christian; Saints)

Rosalia (Ancient Rome)

Simon the Zealot (Abkhazia)

Slim Pickens Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Tubilustrium (Ceremony to Purify the Ceremonial Trumpets; Ancient Rome) [also 3.23]

Turtle Day (Pastafarian)

Vulcan's Day (Ancient Rome)

William of Perth (Christian; Saint)

William of Rochester (Christian; Saint)

Lunar Calendar Holidays

Full Moon [5th of the Year] (a.k.a. ... 

Bright Moon (Celtic)

Buddha Day (Buddhism)

Budding Moon (Traditional)

Corn Planting Moon (Alternate)

Dragon Moon (China)

Egg Laying Moon (Traditional)

Fell Moon (South Africa)

Flower Moon (Amer. Indian, North America, Traditional)

Grass Moon (Neo-Pagan)

Hare Moon (England, Wicca)

Leaf Budding Moon (Traditional)

Milk Moon (Colonial)

Panther Moon (Choctaw)

Planting (Cherokee, Traditional)

Southern Hemisphere: Beaver, Frost, Hunter’s

Buddha Day [Around 5th Full Moon of the Year] (a.k.a. ... 

Buddha Jayanti (Nepal)

Buddha Purnima (Parts of India)

Buddha Purnuma (Bangladesh)

Hari Raya Waisaki (Indonesia)

Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana (Bhutan)

Saga Dawa (Sikkim, India)

Shyadar Pidar (Parts of India)

Vesak Day (Singapore, Sri Lanka)

Visakha Bucha Day (Thailand)

Visakh Bochea (Cambodia)

Wesak (Malaysia)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

Addicted to Love (Film; 1997)

The Asphalt Jungle (Film; 1950)

Blended (Film; 2014)

Born This Way, by Lady Gaga (Album; 2011)

Brassed Off (Film; 1996)

Bruce Almighty (Film; 2003)

Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins (Novel; 2012)

Cat Nipped (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1932)

The China Plate (Silly Symphonies Cartoon; 1931)

David and Goliath, by Malcolm Gladwell (Book; 2014)

Doctor Faustus, by Thomas Mann (Novel; 1947)

Dragonquest, by Anne McCaffrey (Novel; 1971) [Dragonriders of Pern #2]

The Dwarf, by Pär Lagerkvist (Novel; 1944)

The Fabulous Riverboat, by Philip José Farmer (Novel; 1971) [Riverworld #2]

Fidelio (Final Version), by Ludwig Van Beethoven (Opera; 1814)

Fish Tales (WB LT Cartoon; 1936)

Follow That Dream (Film; 1964)

Gigantic: A Tale of Two Johns (Music Documentary Film; 2003)

The Gong Show Movie (Film; 1980)

I’ll Be There For You, by The Rembrandt’s (Song/Friends Theme Song; 1995)

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (Film; 1984)

Injun Trouble (Mighty Mouse Cartoon; 1951)

Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O'Dell (Novel; 1960)

The Kids Are Alright (Documentary Film; 1979)

Law and Audrey (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1952)

Lights Fantastic (WB MM Cartoon; 1942)

The Lost World: Jurassic Park (Film; 1997)

The Marshall Mathers LP, by Eminem (Album; 2000)

Much Ado About Nutting (WB MM Cartoon; 1953)

A Mutt in a Rut (WB LT Cartoon; 1959)

Nutty News (WB LT Cartoon; 1942)

Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (Film; 1973)

Patience, by Gilbert & Sullivan (Operetta; 1881)

Persepolis (Animated Film; 2007)

The Shining (Film; 1980)

Silly Scandals (Betty Boop Cartoon; 1931)

Taking the Long Way, by the Dixie Chicks (Album; 2006)

The Thin Man (Film; 1934)

Tommy, by The Who (Album; 1969)

X-Men: Days of Future Past (Film; 2014)

Today’s Name Days

Alma, Desiree, Renate (Austria)

Deziderije, Nada, Vilim, Želimir, Željko (Croatia)

Vladimír (Czech Republic)

Desiderus (Denmark)

Lii, Liidi, Liidia, Ly, Lydia (Estonia)

Lyydia, Lyyli (Finland)

Didier (France)

Alma, Désirée, Renate (Germany)

Dezső (Hungary)

Desiderio (Italy)

Leontīne, Ligija, Lonija (Latvia)

Gertautas, Ivona, Tautvydė (Lithuania)

Oddlaug, Oddleif (Norway)

Budziwoj, Dezyderiusz, Dezydery, Emilia, Iwona, Jan, Leontyna, Michał, Symeon (Poland)

Mihail (România)

Želmíra (Slovakia)

Desiderio (Spain)

Desideria, Desirée (Sweden)

Allard, Desirae, Desire, Desiree (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 144 of 2024; 222 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of week 21 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Huath (Hawthorn) [Day 12 of 28]

Chinese: Month 4 (Ji-Si), Day 15 (Ding-Hai)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 15 Iyar 5784

Islamic: 15 Dhu al-Qada 1445

J Cal: 24 Magenta; Threesday [24 of 30]

Julian: 10 May 2024

Moon: 100%: Full Moon

Positivist: 3 St. Paul (6th Month) [Anathansius]

Runic Half Month: Ing (Expansive Energy) [Day 14 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 66 of 92)

Week: 3rd Full Week of May

Zodiac: Gemini (Day 3 of 31)

[artsychowroamer]

Pick of the Month: Downtown Kitchen

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

Pick of the Month:

DOWNTOWN KITCHEN

There are a number of high quality, consistently good eating spots in downtown Canton, Georgia. One of our latest favorites for date night dinners is Downtown Kitchen. Claiming not to follow trends but setting the standard, this local favorite wants to provide perfection for your best dining experience.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LOCATION

Located behind the black exterior at 140 East Marietta Street, this cozy casual spot offers bar, booth, table and outdoor patio dining options. Simplicity is the word of the day with entrees changing daily according to market and seasonal availability for a farm-to-table experience from a practiced hand in the kitchen.

We hit the place with friends most recently on a Friday evening without a reservation. We like early dining so the fact that Downtown opens earlier than most is great. At 4:30, we were one of two or three tables and had our pick of where to sit.

COCKTAILs & BREAD

Our waiter arrived with cocktail menus and trays of fluffy fresh bread with a spicy tomato dipping sauce on the side. We looked over the menu and odered a few drinks first. While some of us stuck to the usual like a martini with blue cheese olives, others chose a Tom Collins, a Georgia peach old fashioned and a ginger jackass mule from the make-your-own-mule choices.

Our drinks arrived quickly and perfectly with the right chill, glass choice and garnishes-both pretty and delicious. They were a heavenly match with the bread and spice of the dip. If those don’t do it for you, there are Margarita and Sangria choices as well as a very nice curated menu of white and red wines.

California, Oregon and Washington are represented with a couple of Rieslings, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnays ranging from $7-11 a glass. Italy and Eastern Europe provide some nice Pinots. California and Italy provided some lovely reds like Malbec, Zinfandel and Cabernets ranging from $8-12.

FIRST COURSEs

We opted to order both Caesar and kitchen salad plates for table sharing with our bread and drinks. Both were very good with fresh crisp greens and just the right amount of dressings with anchovy forward creaminess and sweet tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

The caesar had crunchy bits of sunflower seeds for a twist making it even saltier with the sprinkle of parmesan. The kitchen offered juicy grape tomatoes, red onion and crisp cucumber with bits of blue cheese.

SECOND COURSE

Pay attention to the blackboards for the daily soups and specials. We ordered the French onion and fall squash for a second course. Both were a tasty different take on the usual recipes. The broth had a different herb that popped with gruyere cheese instead of Swiss while the squash offered creamy smooth texture and warm herbs like cinnamon and nutmeg.

We also decided to try the Asian tuna tartar. Served in a martini glass, the fish was rough chopped in small cubes and super chilled. Cold avocadoes and chopped green onions were mixed in with a dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar and sesame oil for shut-the-front-door goodness topped off with a crunchy crisp fried wonton chip.

Want other choices? You got them with fried calamari or shrimp, hanger steak wontons or crab cakes. We’ve also had the spinach and artichoke dip mixed with cheese along with tortilla chips for some lip smacking dipping on previous visits.

ENTREES

The kitchen specializes in steak and offers a lot of different items to pair with it should you opt to go that way for your entree. A sirloin, filet, strip or hanger are the four cuts of choice. Your pairings range from Asher blue cheese to mushrooms and chimichurri or horseradish sauces.

We opted to try a special from the board as one choice and took two items off the regular menu as well. Fried green tomatoes came to the table crispy and hot with a touch of sour cream, sweet berry jam and micro greens for a perfect finish. The mushroom raviolis with tomato cream sauce are a menu staple that everyone raves about. They were pretty gosh darn good. Hands down however, the winner was the short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes with crispy fried onion rings. The demi-glace was delicious and hearty while the meat was fork tender.

DESSERTS

A word about desserts. Leave room for some. We decided two to share was about all we could do so pistachio pie and creme brule were the evening picks. The former was creamy and semi-sweet with the crunchiness of fresh nuts on top. The brule classic and prepared properly with the crisp sugar topping to the finish.

COZY DATE NIGHTS

I like sitting at the bar on the weekends just to run in and grab a quick drink sometimes. The interior is casual, dark and cozy which makes for the best date night dinners. The high booths provide privacy and a level of quiet that makes this restaurant unusual as well. Loud experiences are the norm everywhere anymore so this spot makes it easy to have a conversation with your peeps.

CONCLUSION

This is the same team that brought you Queenie’s and Goin’ Coastal also in downtown Canton. So you can see why this spot should be next on your bucket list whether it’s for date night or a get together with friends. The food is simple, well prepared, fresh and tasty. The seasonal changes mean you won’t tire of the menu. You never know what might be on the blackboard as a special. Grab your better half and check it out soon. Tell ‘em I sent ya OK?

If you enjoyed what you read, you might also enjoy other posts under Edible Fare. There you will find restaurant reviews, recipes, foodie tips and best spots to eat in a variety of cities. Check out the next post on traveling off-season in Italy. Until next time…

Cheers!

ArtsyChowRoamer

Follow me on You Tube, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter

[winelimos]

Travel Packages to Napa: A Comprehensive Guide to California's Best Wine Country

Travelers from all over the world are drawn to Napa Valley, California, because of its gorgeous scenery, award-winning wineries, and verdant vineyards. Napa Valley, one of the world's best wine regions, provides tourists with a wealth of activities, including excellent dining, opulent lodging, and vineyard excursions in addition to wine tastings. Travel packages to Napa combine these components into carefully chosen experiences that suit a variety of interests and preferences, making travel planning easier. Napa vacation packages are the ideal way to take advantage of everything the valley has to offer, regardless of your level of wine experience.

Why Select Travel Packages from Napa?

Selecting a Napa travel package is a practical and frequently more economical method of making travel arrangements. These packages are made to include everything you need, so you don't have to bother about arranging for individual components. These include staying, getting around, guided tours, and even meal options.

Additionally customisable, Napa vacation packages let you tailor the trip to your tastes. There are lots of options to fit your preferences, whether you're searching for a family-friendly excursion, a romantic retreat, or a group wine tour with friends. Furthermore, a lot of packages provide access to unique activities that might not be available to the general public, like gourmet dining events, private wine tastings, and behind-the-scenes tours of wineries.

Travel Package Types in Napa

There are many different wineries, lodging options, and things to do in Napa Valley, so it's simple to select a vacation package that fits your interests. Among the most well-liked varieties of Napa vacation packages are:

1. Winery tours and tastings of beverages

Since Napa Valley is known for its wine, seeing its top vineyards is a popular theme of travel packages. Visitors can experience a variety of varietals, including the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay of Napa, by purchasing wine sampling packages. These packages usually include expertly guided tours of multiple vineyards, sommelier-led tastings, and educational elements that teach you about the history of the area, the process of creating wine, and the distinctive qualities of Napa's terroir.

Certain packages provide private wine excursions with special access to smaller, boutique wineries for a more personal experience. You may get a behind-the-scenes peek at the winemaking and aging process on these trips, which frequently include one-on-one time with winemakers. Barrel tastings are another feature of certain packages that let you taste wines straight out of the barrel before they're bottled.

2. Luxurious and Captivating Travels

A common place for couples seeking to get away and enjoy a romantic getaway is Napa Valley. Couples vacation packages frequently include lodging at opulent resorts or small boutique hotels with perks like personal hot springs, spa services, and in-room meals. In addition, a lot of romantic Napa vacation packages include private vineyard lunches, candlelit dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants, and customized wine tastings based on your tastes.

Some packages include extra benefits for couples celebrating their anniversary or honeymoon, such as free wine, exclusive tours of vineyards, or romantic outings like hot air balloon rides over the valley.

3. Packages for pairing fine wine and food

In addition to its wines, Napa Valley is renowned for its top-notch eating options. Travelers may savor the rich culinary culture of the area by booking trip packages that include wine tastings and gourmet dining experiences. Multi-course meals at well-known Napa restaurants, cooking lessons with regional chefs, and food and wine pairing events—where you can discover how to pair the wines of the area with the flavors of Napa's seasonal cuisine—are frequently included in these packages.

A few packages include farm-to-table dining, where meals are made using seasonal, locally sourced products from the many farms and vineyards in Napa Valley. A gourmet Napa trip package is the ideal way to indulge your taste and your love of wine, regardless of your preference for elegant dining or more laid-back culinary experiences.

4. Programs for Nature Journey

Napa Valley has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts who want to do more than just taste wine. Opportunities to experience the area's natural splendor, such hiking, biking, or horseback riding amid the valley's undulating hills and vineyards, are sometimes included in travel packages. Packages that include bird watching, kayaking on the Napa River, and guided nature walks are also available.

Some Napa vacation packages include hot air balloon rides over the valley, which offer breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside and vineyards, for those seeking a genuinely unique experience. These adventure-focused itineraries offer a wonderful way to mix wine sampling with leisurely outdoor exploration.

5. Packages for Group and Professional Vacations

Napa Valley is a well-liked location for group travel, team-building exercises, and business retreats. Large-party lodging, exclusive wine tastings for the group, and specially crafted team-building and collaboration activities are all common features of group trip packages. It's simple to mix business and play with the many corporate retreat packages that include meeting rooms, event planning services, and group meal options.

Travel packages for families or groups of friends can be tailored to incorporate fun activities like spa treatments, cooking classes, and wine tastings. With these packages, you may explore Napa's vineyards and wineries in comfort and with the company of others.

Travel Packages with Transportation in Napa

A fundamental element of every Napa vacation package is lodging, and Napa Valley has an extensive selection of choices to accommodate every preference and financial capacity. There is something for everyone, ranging from opulent resorts and boutique hotels to quaint bed & breakfasts and grape estates.

To offer guests a full wine country experience, luxury resorts frequently feature features like fine dining restaurants, private pools, and full-service spas. Conversely, boutique hotels provide a more private setting, frequently with distinctive decor and attentive care.

Some travel packages include lodging at grape estates, where visitors may take advantage of on-site wine tastings and excursions, for those looking for a more immersive experience. These lodgings provide breathtaking views of the vineyards and a tranquil, isolated setting that elevates the experience of being in wine country.

Travel offerings for Transportation in Napa

Transportation is often included in Napa travel packages, which can enhance the convenience and enjoyment of your vacation. A common choice is chauffeured transportation, which lets you unwind and take in the breathtaking vistas of Napa Valley without having to worry about finding your way around or operating a vehicle.

While some travel packages include shared shuttle services for group tours, some provide more upscale transportation alternatives like private cars or limousines. Some packages even include aircraft journeys or hot air balloon rides, which provide breathtaking views from above of the valley's vineyards and make for a genuinely unique experience.

Choosing a Travel Package to Napa

With so many alternatives accessible online from travel companies, tour operators, and vineyard websites, booking a Napa vacation package is simple. It's best to make reservations well in advance, particularly in the summer and autumn when Napa's vineyards are at their most colorful and popular travel times. Make sure to enquire about any extra benefits or savings when making your reservation, such as free wine tastings, access to exclusive events, or reduced spa services.

In results

Travel packages to Napa Valley provide a convenient way to experience California's famed wine region. There is a Napa travel package that is ideal for you, whether your goals are an outdoor adventure, a romantic vacation, or a fine dining and wine experience. With opulent lodgings, expertly led wine excursions, and an abundance of options for activities, these packages offer an unparalleled experience in one of the most renowned wine areas globally. You may unwind, indulge, and take advantage of everything that Napa Valley has to offer by selecting a Napa vacation package, which will make your trip truly memorable.

[bottlebarn]

Best White Wine

Discover the best white wine selection, showcasing an impressive array of exceptional bottles. Experience the convenience of having your favorite white wines delivered straight to your doorstep in California, or visit our store to explore our curated collection in person. Whether you prefer crisp Sauvignon Blanc, elegant Chardonnay, or refreshing Riesling, we have something for every palate!

[whitewine123]

White Wine

The Allure of White Wine: A Guide to Its Varieties and Pairings

White wine, with its diverse range of flavors and aromas, has captivated wine lovers around the globe. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned connoisseur, understanding the nuances of white wine can enhance your tasting experience and food pairings.

Varieties of White Wine

Chardonnay

Profile: This popular varietal ranges from crisp and mineral-driven to rich and buttery, often influenced by the region and winemaking techniques.

Regions: Notable areas include Burgundy in France, California, and Australia.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with seafood, roasted chicken, and creamy sauces.

Sauvignon Blanc

Profile: Known for its zesty acidity and vibrant citrus flavors, Sauvignon Blanc wine often has herbal and green notes, making it refreshing.

Regions: Famous regions include the Loire Valley in France and New Zealand.

Food Pairings: Complements dishes like goat cheese, salads, and grilled vegetables.

Riesling

Profile: This aromatic grape can range from dry to sweet, showcasing floral notes, stone fruits, and sometimes a hint of minerality.

Regions: Predominantly found in Germany, Alsace, and parts of Australia.

Food Pairings: Excellent with spicy Asian cuisine, pork dishes, and fruity desserts.

Pinot Grigio/Gris

Profile: Light and crisp, Pinot Grigio typically features notes of green apple and pear, while Pinot Gris can be fuller and richer.

Regions: Italy is well-known for Pinot Grigio, while Pinot Gris thrives in Alsace and Oregon.

Food Pairings: Ideal with light pasta dishes, seafood, and fresh salads.

Viognier

Profile: This aromatic variety is known for its lush stone fruit flavors and floral aromas, often resulting in a full-bodied wine.

Regions: Grown in the Rhône Valley and increasingly in California and Australia.

Food Pairings: Works well with spicy dishes, duck, and creamy cheeses.

Serving and Tasting White Wine

To fully appreciate white wine, proper serving techniques are essential:

Temperature: Generally, white wines are best served chilled, around 45-55°F (7-13°C) for most varieties. Lighter wines should be on the cooler side, while fuller-bodied ones can be served a bit warmer.

Glassware: Use tulip-shaped glasses for aromatic wines like Riesling and Viognier, which help concentrate the aromas, while standard white wine glasses are perfect for others.

The Art of Food Pairing

One of the joys of white wine lies in its versatility with food. Here are some classic pairings:

Seafood: The acidity in white wine enhances the flavors of shellfish and fish, making it a natural choice.

Salads: Crisp whites cut through the freshness of greens and vinaigrettes, providing a refreshing balance.

Cheese: Soft cheeses, particularly goat and brie, harmonize beautifully with the bright acidity of many white wines.

Conclusion

White wine is a vibrant and varied category that invites exploration. From the crispness of Sauvignon Blanc to the rich textures of Chardonnay, there's a world of flavors waiting to be discovered. Whether you're enjoying a glass on a sunny afternoon or pairing it with a gourmet meal, white wine offers a delightful experience that celebrates the art of winemaking. Cheers!

[liocowine]

DATE NIGHT!  SKL’s Local Valentine Menu.

Full disclosure: I’m a bit biased on the pairings, so you might need to swing by the LIOCO Healdsburg Tasting Room to get stocked up on wine before making this dinner!! ( ;

 The most important thing about a romantic dinner is to ensure that you aren’t too stressed out preparing and serving the meal, so that you are able to actually enjoy the evening and connect with your valentine.  There are tons of ways to keep the meal elevated and classy without having to break your back. 

 Flirty Snack

Potato Chips w/ Crema & Caviar

 Easy, fun and no cooking involved! Just put the chips in a bowl, open up the caviar and voila! 

*Pair with LIOCO Lolonis Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (wine that begs for something from the sea!).

 First Course

Crostini w/ Lox, Horseradish Crème Fraiche & Fresh Dill 

 Swing by Grossman’s in Santa Rosa and grab some legit lox. Then hit up Red Bird Bakery for a sour baguette. You won’t be sorry. The horseradish crème fraiche is as easy as it sounds—throw a little Dijon mustard in there as well, along with some salt and pepper. These can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature. 

*Pair with LIOCO’s best California Chardonnay (IMHO!): Tidal Break Vineyard from the true Sonoma Coast.

 Main Course

Seared Bone-In Ribeye

Winter Lettuces with Radish, Fresh Dill, Pt Reyes Bleu & Red Wine Vinaigrette

 Sorry, but yes, you have to throw money at the problem. Grab your wallet and head to Journeyman Meat Co. Trust me, it’s worth it, and you’ll realize this as soon as the first bite of rib eye melts in your mouth. Adding Pt Reyes Bleu to your salad adds yet another local touch and will be a great compliment to the steak as well. 

*Pair with LIOCO Sativa Carignan (wine truly from a special place).

 Dessert

Short Bread Cookies & Black Sesame Ice Cream from Noblefolk

 Everyone knows we tout the best wine tasting in Healdsburg, but did you know we have the best pie and ice cream too?!?!?  Why slave over dessert when someone’s already done that for you and achieved perfection? 

[ypgoz9939s]

The Best Wine and Food Pairing Experiences in Tourism for Wine Enthusiasts

Exploring the world of wine is about more than just tasting exceptional vintages; it’s also about discovering how wine complements diverse culinary delights. For wine enthusiasts, tourism offers incredible opportunities to experience the synergy between wine and food in ways that delight the senses and enhance their appreciation of both. Here are some of the best wine and food pairing experiences that stand out in tourism for wine enthusiasts.

Gourmet Wine and Food Tours in Napa Valley, USA

In the heart of California’s Napa Valley, tourism for wine enthusiasts often includes indulgent gourmet experiences that perfectly pair with local wines. Napa Valley’s acclaimed wineries offer curated tours where visitors can savor meals prepared by renowned chefs paired with award-winning wines. These tours frequently feature multi-course lunches or dinners in picturesque vineyard settings, showcasing how local produce and wine can harmonize to create a memorable dining experience.

Wine and Culinary Festivals in Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is a premier destination in tourism for wine enthusiasts, especially during its renowned wine and culinary festivals. Events like the Bordeaux Wine Festival bring together the best of Bordeaux’s wines with gourmet food from top local and international chefs. Attendees can enjoy tastings of Bordeaux’s famous blends alongside expertly prepared dishes, providing a rich exploration of the region’s culinary and vinous heritage.

Farm-to-Table Wine and Food Experiences in Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany offers an exceptional experience in tourism for wine enthusiasts with its farm-to-table wine and food pairings. Visitors can explore rustic vineyards and agriturismos (farm stays), where they are treated to meals made from fresh, local ingredients paired with Tuscan wines such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. These experiences often include hands-on cooking classes and traditional meals in an authentic, countryside setting.

Malbec and Meat Pairings in Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza, Argentina, is renowned in tourism for wine enthusiasts for its exceptional Malbec wines and their perfect match with Argentine cuisine. Wine tours in Mendoza often feature tastings of Malbec alongside traditional Argentine barbecue (asado). The robust flavors of Malbec complement the smoky, grilled meats, offering a quintessential taste of Argentina’s culinary and winemaking traditions.

Port Wine and Gourmet Delights in the Douro Valley, Portugal

The Douro Valley is a top destination in tourism for wine enthusiasts, especially for those interested in exploring the pairing of Port wine with gourmet cuisine. Visitors can experience guided tastings of various styles of Port wine, often accompanied by Portuguese delicacies such as cheeses, pâtés, and desserts. The region’s stunning landscape adds to the enjoyment, making each pairing a visual and gastronomic delight.

Cape Winelands’ Wine and Food Pairing Adventures in South Africa

The Cape Winelands, South Africa, offer a rich experience in tourism for wine enthusiasts through its diverse wine and food pairings. The region’s wineries often feature culinary experiences that showcase local flavors, from game meat and rich sauces to seafood and fresh produce. Wine tours here frequently include gourmet meals prepared by top chefs, highlighting how South African wines enhance a variety of dishes.

Wine and Food Pairing Cruises in the Yarra Valley, Australia

In the Yarra Valley, tourism for wine enthusiasts can include luxurious wine and food pairing cruises. These cruises provide an elegant way to explore the region’s cool-climate wines, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, paired with expertly crafted dishes. Onboard chefs create menus that highlight local ingredients and wines, offering an immersive and sophisticated culinary experience.

Conclusion

For wine enthusiasts, tourism that focuses on wine and food pairing offers an unparalleled way to explore new flavors and traditions. From Napa Valley’s gourmet tours to Bordeaux’s festive celebrations, each destination provides unique experiences that showcase the art of pairing wine with exceptional cuisine. These experiences not only enhance your appreciation of wine but also offer a deeper connection to the culture and culinary practices of each region. Whether you’re sampling Malbec with Argentine barbecue or savoring Port with Portuguese delicacies, these wine and food pairing adventures promise to be unforgettable highlights of your travel experiences.

[winesinsingapore]

5 Must-Try White Wines for Every Occasion

White wines offer a delightful range of flavors and styles, making them perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you're hosting a formal dinner, enjoying a casual picnic, or celebrating a special event, there’s a white wine to suit your needs. This article highlights five must-try white wines that cater to different tastes and moments, ensuring that you have the perfect bottle for every occasion.

1. Chardonnay: The Classic Choice

Chardonnay is often considered the king of white wines, and for good reason. This versatile grape variety can produce wines that range from light and crisp to rich and buttery, depending on where it’s grown and how it’s aged.

Best Occasions: Chardonnay is an excellent choice for formal dinners and celebrations. Its rich, full-bodied texture pairs beautifully with dishes like lobster, roasted chicken, and creamy pasta.

Top Pick: Look for a Chardonnay from Burgundy, France, if you prefer a more elegant and mineral-driven style. If you enjoy a richer, oak-aged wine, try a bottle from California’s Napa Valley. These wines are often top-rated and are among the best quality white wines available in Singapore.

Pro Tip: When buying white wine in bulk, Chardonnay is a safe bet. Its wide appeal ensures that your guests will find it enjoyable, making it ideal for large gatherings.

2. Sauvignon Blanc: The Refreshing Option

Sauvignon Blanc is known for its bright acidity and vibrant flavors, often featuring notes of citrus, green apple, and herbs. It’s a refreshing choice that’s perfect for warm-weather occasions.

Best Occasions: Sauvignon Blanc is ideal for outdoor events like picnics, barbecues, and summer parties. Its crispness complements light fare such as salads, seafood, and goat cheese.

Top Pick: New Zealand’s Marlborough region is famous for producing some of the world’s best quality white wines, known for their intense flavor and aromatic profiles. These wines are not only highly rated but also readily available when you shop white wine online.

Pro Tip: When hosting a casual event, consider buying Sauvignon Blanc in bulk. It’s a crowd-pleaser that offers great value, especially for larger gatherings.

3. Riesling: The Sweet and Versatile Wine

Riesling is a versatile white wine that can range from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. It’s often characterized by its high acidity, floral aromas, and flavors of stone fruit and honey.

Best Occasions: Riesling is incredibly food-friendly and can be served at both casual and formal events. It pairs well with spicy foods, making it a great choice for Asian cuisine or any dish with a bit of heat.

Top Pick: German Rieslings are some of the best quality white wines in the world, especially those from the Mosel or Rheingau regions. These wines are often praised for their balance of sweetness and acidity, making them top-rated choices.

Pro Tip: If you’re shopping for a diverse group of guests, Riesling is a great option. Its range of styles means there’s something for everyone, whether they prefer a drier wine or something sweeter.

4. Pinot Grigio: The Light and Easygoing Wine

Pinot Grigio, known as Pinot Gris in France, is a light and refreshing white wine that’s often dry with notes of green apple, pear, and citrus. It’s an easygoing wine that’s perfect for casual sipping.

Best Occasions: Pinot Grigio is a great choice for casual get-togethers, beach outings, or as an aperitif. It’s also a fantastic match for light dishes like seafood, salads, and vegetarian fare.

Top Pick: Italy is the go-to region for Pinot Grigio, particularly wines from the Veneto region. These wines are typically crisp, refreshing, and affordable, making them popular choices when you shop white wine online.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning an informal gathering or need a wine that will appeal to a broad audience, consider buying Pinot Grigio in bulk. Its light, easy-drinking nature makes it a hit at any occasion.

5. Viognier: The Aromatic and Luxurious Wine

Viognier is a white wine known for its aromatic profile, often featuring lush notes of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle. It’s a fuller-bodied wine that offers a luxurious drinking experience.

Best Occasions: Viognier is an excellent choice for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests. It pairs beautifully with dishes that feature rich flavors, such as roasted poultry, creamy sauces, and grilled vegetables.

Top Pick: The Rhône Valley in France is famous for producing some of the best quality white wines, known for their intense aromas and complex flavors. These wines are often considered top-rated and are highly sought after for special events.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your event, Viognier is a fantastic choice. Its unique flavor profile sets it apart from more common white wines, making it a memorable option for your guests.

Buying White Wine for Every Occasion

When it comes to buying white wine, whether in bulk or for a specific event, it’s important to consider the occasion and the preferences of your guests.

Buying in Bulk: For large events, buying white wine in bulk can save you money and ensure you have enough to go around. Consider wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which have broad appeal and pair well with a variety of foods.

Shopping Online: Shopping white wine online gives you access to a wide selection of top-rated white wines from around the world. Whether you’re looking for the best quality white wines in Singapore or something unique from a specific region, online shopping makes it easy to find exactly what you need.

All White Wines: When choosing a white wine, consider the flavor profile, acidity, and body of the wine, as well as how it will complement the food you’re serving. From the light and crisp to the rich and aromatic, there’s a white wine for every occasion and palate.

Conclusion

White wines are incredibly versatile and offer something for everyone, no matter the occasion. Whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of Chardonnay, the refreshing zest of Sauvignon Blanc, the sweet complexity of Riesling, the lightness of Pinot Grigio, or the luxurious aroma of Viognier, there’s a white wine that’s perfect for your next event. So the next time you’re planning a gathering, consider these five must-try white wines and enjoy the perfect pairing for every occasion.

[queerworldtravelers]

Rome, Italy

41°53'30" N, 12°30'40" E

All roads lead to Rome. Rome is also home to Mary’s high school friend Janel and her family. We sped through the Tuscan countryside at 250 km/hr and made it from Florence to Rome in an hour and a half. The trains in Italy are far superior to any train we have ever been on. We also dreamed of living in an old ramshackle villa surrounded by olive trees. The subway in Rome ushered us to possibly the steepest escalator in the world just west of Vatican City. We welcomed the comfort of our one star hotel after hiking up and down the San Francisco steep hills loaded with all of our possessions: Anno Domini for the win! We plunked down on our patio overlooking an incomprehensible intersection and marveled at the bustling web of organized chaos then headed to the local grocery store for some epic snacks.

We have both been to Rome and in the past it hasn’t been our favorite. Given that we planned to be in town for less than 48 hours. This visit changed both of our hearts thanks to the welcoming love of dear friends and the best tour ever. We were welcomed for the most incredible home-cooked meal! French cheese, eggplant parmesan, lamb skewers, a bolognese that hit Krystal right in her Italian DNA, killer pastries from Pasticceria Siciliana Switzerland, and more sparkling chardonnay than either of us has consumed in years. Thanks to Bea (7 years old) we had the best party makeup to play a side-splitting game of Cards Against Humanity. HUGE shout out to Massimo for epic interpretations of US innuendo. Janel’s mom was also visiting from California and hooked us up with the trick to being able to wake up for a day of Roman adventures after drinking 7 bottles of sparking wine: MetaRelax® and really good wine. 

Rome in a day! It can totally be done and sort of broke our hearts to leave at the end. Thanks to Janel’s incredible knowledge we traded busy sites for intimate portraits of Roman history. We wandered across Isola Tiberina on our way to circo Flaminio, a gorgeous collection of ruins from 221 BC. Then through the Jewish Ghetto (Stolperstein here too) to a little shop with a photo collection that dared to melt Krystal’s little heart. Libreria-Galleria Il Museo del Louvre has an online presence and you can peek through the image collection from the comfort of your living room. We wandered up the spiral stairs to admire the work of Francesca Woodman, a young woman who captured a prolific amount of images before ending her own life at the age of 23. We pulled chairs up to tiny tables squeezed on the side of a bustling street to enjoy pasta. The passing garbage woman shouted “Buon appetito” as she and her garbage truck just barely fit by us. Our dear friends made us dinner again and a few secrets we learned include cooking your pasta IN the artichoke water and soaking the bread crumbs before adding them to your meatballs. It was truly a gift to dine with our friends for a second night. The next morning we woke at 4am to catch the 7am flight to Palermo. Rome, we love you!

The adventure:

JANUARY 15, 2023

[thevillagebistrorestaurant]

Discover the Best Wine Tasting Experience at The Village Restaurant in Salinas

Welcome to The Village Restaurant, where culinary excellence meets a warm, inviting atmosphere in the heart of Salinas, California. Renowned for its exquisite dining experience and unparalleled service, The Village Restaurant stands out as the best restaurant in Salinas, California, catering to both locals and visitors with a penchant for gourmet cuisine and fine wines.

A Culinary Haven in Salinas

At The Village Restaurant, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse menu that showcases the finest ingredients and culinary craftsmanship. From delectable appetizers to mouthwatering entrees and decadent desserts, every dish is a testament to our commitment to quality and flavor.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, our restaurant provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience.

Exceptional Wine Selection

Complement your meal with a selection from our extensive wine list, curated to enhance every culinary creation. Our collection features some of the finest wines, ensuring that each sip perfectly complements the flavors on your plate. Here are some of our standout offerings:

DOMAINE ST. MICHELLE BRUT, N.V: A sparkling wine that adds a touch of elegance to any meal with its crisp and refreshing profile.

CHARDONNAY LOCKWOOD: A rich and creamy Chardonnay with notes of tropical fruit and a hint of oak, perfect for pairing with seafood and poultry dishes.

MONTEREY CHALONE: This wine boasts a balanced acidity and a complex flavor profile, making it a versatile choice for various dishes.

MONTERREY BERNARDUS: Known for its full-bodied character and vibrant fruit flavors, this wine is a favorite among our patrons.

MONTEREY J. LOHR: A robust and flavorful wine that pairs beautifully with our hearty meat dishes.

WHITE ZINFANDEL: Light and slightly sweet, this wine is ideal for those who enjoy a fruity and refreshing beverage.

PINOT NOIR MOSCATO CAVIT: A delightful blend that offers a unique combination of flavors, perfect for a special night out.

The Perfect Ambiance

Step into The Village Restaurant and be enveloped by an ambiance that blends sophistication with comfort. Our attentive staff is dedicated to providing an exceptional wine and dine experience, ensuring that every visit is memorable. Whether you’re dining with family, friends, or a special someone, our Restaurant in Salinas CAoffers the ideal setting for any occasion.

Visit Us Today

Discover why The Village Restaurant is celebrated as the best restaurant in Salinas, California. Join us for an evening of fine dining and exceptional wines, and let us take you on a culinary journey that you’ll remember long after the last bite.

[saylessspritz]

The Art of Blending Wines: Techniques and Traditions

Blending wines is a time-honored tradition that winemakers use to create complex and balanced wines. This process involves combining different grape varieties, vintages, or regions to achieve a desired flavor profile. In this article, we’ll explore the techniques and traditions of blending wines and how this art form enhances the wine you enjoy.

Historical Context

Wine blending has been practiced for centuries, with roots in ancient winemaking traditions. Historically, winemakers blended wines to enhance flavor, balance acidity, and improve consistency. In regions like Bordeaux, blending is an essential part of the winemaking process, allowing vintners to create harmonious and balanced wines year after year.

Techniques

The art of blending requires a deep understanding of each component's characteristics. Winemakers often start by creating a base wine, which they then enhance with other varietals. They may use small amounts of certain wines to add complexity or adjust the final product's acidity and tannin levels.

Base Wines

The base wine serves as the foundation for the blend. It is typically a varietal that provides the primary flavor and structure. Common base wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay.

Enhancing Components

To add complexity, winemakers may blend in small amounts of other varietals. For example, adding a touch of Syrah to a Cabernet Sauvignon base can enhance the wine’s fruitiness and spice.

Modern Practices

Today, blending is used to produce a wide range of wines, from everyday table wines to premium blends. Winemakers experiment with different combinations to create unique and innovative wines that appeal to modern consumers. The use of technology and scientific analysis allows for more precise blending, resulting in wines that are consistent and high-quality.

Blending in Different Regions

Blending practices vary by region. In Bordeaux, for instance, blending is a fundamental part of winemaking, with most wines being a combination of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other varietals. In contrast, many New World regions, like California, often focus on single varietal wines but still produce exceptional blends.

Benefits

Blending allows winemakers to achieve a balance that might not be possible with a single varietal. It can enhance aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel, resulting in a more harmonious wine. Blending can also help winemakers manage the effects of variable weather conditions, ensuring consistency in their products.

Wine Spritzers

Blending is also essential in creating high-quality wine spritzers. By combining wine with sparkling water and other ingredients, producers can craft refreshing beverages with balanced flavors. The best wine spritzers online often showcase the artistry of blending, offering a delightful mix of wine and effervescence.

Creating Your Own Blends

For wine enthusiasts, creating your own blends at home can be a fun and educational experience. Start with a few different varietals and experiment with different ratios to find a blend that suits your taste. This can also be a great activity for a wine tasting party, allowing guests to create their own unique blends.

Conclusion

Blending wines is both an art and a science, requiring skill and creativity. Whether you're a winemaker or a wine enthusiast, understanding the techniques and traditions of blending can deepen your appreciation for this craft. From enhancing flavors to creating balanced and harmonious wines, blending plays a crucial role in the world of wine. To explore a variety of blended wines and wine spritzers, consider ordering from an online wine shop or alcohol store. Cheers to the art of blending!