Valentine’s Day delights: Expert tips for pairing wine and chocolate 

As Valentine’s Day approaches, I have a confession: I’ve avoided writing about wine and chocolate pairings in the past, because, frankly, the ones typically presented by wineries, wine bars and restaurants have been boring.   The art of pairing wine with chocolate has become more popular in recent years, with connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike seeking […]

Rack ’em and stack ’em: To keep your wine from spoiling, proper storage is key

As the holiday season winds down, many of us find ourselves with an abundance of gifted wine. While this is a delightful problem to have, it raises two important questions: How should we store our wine at home, and why does proper storage matter?  Light and heat can damage wine, rendering it undrinkable in as […]

A new tradition for Christmas: Move over, milk and cookies. I’m leaving Santa some wine.

Christmas traditions are among the things I love about the holiday season. Watching the same movies, making the same foods, sharing the same stories—these are all things that strengthen the family and friendships around us.   It seems the tradition of leaving milk and cookies for Santa started in the United States during the Great Depression. […]

Wine train: A historic V&T Railroad passenger car doubles as a tasting room in motion

All aboard—and cheers!   I know that isn’t the traditional call made by a train conductor, but I hope to hear it one day soon on the Virginia and Truckee Railway’s wine train, called the Toast of the Canyon.  The V&T, as it called colloquially, is one of the most famous short-line railroads in American history, […]

Pack a picnic: Summer is the time to sing the praises of Portuguese vinho verde

Vinho verde is a refreshing Portuguese wine that’s low in alcohol, slightly tart (in a good way!) and a little fizzy. It’s an all-purpose partner for summer meals. Photo/David Robert This time of year is perfect for a picnic—to pack a hamper, pick a spot and enjoy oneself in nature eating al fresco. You know […]