Wine is A Gift

I love "wine" everything. You name it, I love it. I like to write about the wine experience as I see it, from a distinctly sassy & SoCal female point of view. I've been to many wineries; I'm friends with many of the owners, winemakers and chefs. I'll share my favorites with you in coming articles, but today I look beyond the winery-based experience to a favorite indulgence of mine, the wine store. What makes a great wine store? Read on!

Off the beaten path, but not so far from Temecula Valley Wine Country in Southern California, there is a fabulous boutique wine shop in Murrieta, Ca., called Dudley's Wine & Gifts. I like it because it provides a unique, unstuffy, unpretentious experience. It's where you go after the wineries close for a more pampered, focused wine experience. Love, love, love the large selection of hand picked small lot wines, the Friday and Saturday night tastings, and the cool gadgets. But the real fun comes in interacting with the owner Eric Dudley. He lives by a tri-arc of personal codes "Wine is a gift," "To know wine is to know the world," and finally "To know wine is to know history." We swear, pick up any bottle of wine in the store and he knows the story behind the wine. Share a bit about who you are buying wine for and the reason, and he'll literally skip over to just the right wine with just the right story for you to tell as you present the wine. He once shared with us that if he didn’t own his wine store, he would be a history professor. Yup, I get that.

Every Friday and Saturday night around 5 :30 PM, Eric holds a themed wine tasting. It's a focused, well thought out evening of carefully chosen wines, conversation, and nibbles. In keeping with Eric's philosophy of unstuffy wine tasting, there is a small tasting charge of $12-$15 per person and no reservations needed. Just show up and be wowed. I loved the "A Trip Around the World" tasting. Starting with French wines, Eric carefully weaved a story of international tastes including Italy, Chili, Argentina and California. We all gathered around the tasting bar and were engaged and delighted as he not only spoke to us as a group, but also individually, judging our interest and knowledge of wine, conversing on our level. Can't say I've seen anyone do it better. Coming up is the romantic Valentines tasting, complete with chocolate fountain and romantic wines, and the fun and fearless St Patrick's Day tasting featuring all "green wines."

Picks

Eric "An Italian favorite of mine, Moscato Rose. It's a gorgeous sparkling wine, soft pink, beautiful, with just a hint of sweetness. For under $20, enjoy with elegant chocolate and French pastries."

Linda, "The luscious Barbera d" Alba by Filippo Gallino. Love this fruit forward mid-bodied wine for under $30. It's full enough to go with a meaty Lasagna, yet elegant enough to pair nicely with an Alfredo dish."

Shopping Must: The new Wisp Wine Aerator System is THE gadget to purchase. About $38 it is simply the best drip less hand held wine aerator system on the market. It instantly softens tannins and lets the fruit come forward, but it’s not for meant for every wine. How will you know the tips and tricks? Call Eric.

Must Do: Go to an upcoming tasting. Sign up for Eric's weekly newsletter.

Dudley's Wine and Gifts
40674 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Murrieta, CA
951-461-2225 / http://www.dudleyswineandgifts.com/

Taste Toast & Shop!
Linda Kissam

http://www.The WineBuzzzz.com

Tasting Southern California Wines at Sea

Fernando Bacsa & Don Reha

A group of writers from the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) boarded Holland America's ms Eurodam a few weeks ago in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and set sail for the Eastern Caribbean. It was a frigid 42 degrees, windy and rainy when we left and several of us wondered if we had mistakenly boarded an Alaskan cruise. By the time we reached San Juan, Puerto Rico, the sun was shining, it was in the 80s and we were happy campers.

Among several other activities planned for our group, we were blessed not only to have Don Reha, Executive Winemaker for Thornton and Orfila Wineries with us, but also Linda Kissam who provided us with yet another opportunity to taste Temecula wines. On Sunday, Don Reha shared several wines from Thornton with our group. Holland America provided a delicious assortment of fruit and cheeses to pair with the wines. Red, White, & Brut was what Don called his tasting, and he started us off with the NV (non-vintage) Methode Champenoise. Reminiscent of a fine Champagne, the brut was crisp and clean. Next up was the 2008 Sans Oak Chardonnay. As the name implies, this wine is aged in stainless tanks and allows the taste of the fruit to shine through. We then sampled the 2006 Cabernet-Merlot blend. It showcased the best qualities of both grapes and was a crowd-pleaser. We finished with the 2006 Estate Syrah, a deep, complex wine that Cellar Master Fernando Bacsa said was one of the finest he had tasted.

Linda got her turn on Monday afternoon as she treated our group to wines from Keyways, Tesoro and newcomer Lorimar Winery. Keyways holds the distinction of being the only woman owned winery in Southern California and we tasted their 2008 Sauvignon Blanc. Winemaker Mike Tingley has produced a classic, with tropical fruits on the nose and a crisp finish. We were treated to eight offerings from Tesoro, made under the guidance of Etienne Cowper. The Rose of Syrah had a magnificent color and is an excellent summertime wine, not too sweet with a lot of character. The 2006 Sangiovese was the favorite of many. One person asked if they could find it in New York. The final Tesoro offering was the 2006 Petite Sirah, inky dark with a great nose, a deep fruit flavor and solid finish. Linda wrapped up the tasting by introducing us to the wines of Lorimar. Mike Tingley again is the principal winemaker and we enjoyed his 2009 Gewurztraminer, slightly sweet, but a wine that would pair beautifully with Asian or spicy cuisine. We moved on to the 2005 Medley, a Meritage that showed nice elements of oak and a full mouth feel. We finished with the 2005 Solo Cabernet Sauvignon. Cab is one of my favorite varietals and this was exceptional.

On Thursday, Don took the helm once more as he shared wines from Orfila Winery in Escondido. This presentation was The Terroir of San Pasqual Valley. Orfila is located just north of San Diego in Escondido. We began with the non-vintage Lotus Viognier. It was hard to stop smelling it. The nose was ambrosia and the taste was heavenly. Next Don had us try the 2006 Sangiovese. This classic Italian varietal was light with brilliant fruit and would pair perfectly with pasta. The 2006 Ambassador's Reserve Syrah was next. It was interesting to taste the same wine from the same winemaker grown in different vineyards. The Orfila Syrah was also excellent. I’d be hard pressed to pick a favorite between the two. Our last selection was the 2007 Ambassador's Reserve Merlot. Merlot took a pretty hard hit after the movie Sideways came out, but if you have stayed away from this varietal, try it again. This was a solid representation.

Having Cellar Master Fernando and his highly trained staff of wine stewards on hand was a real plus. Fernando was impressed with several of the wines he tasted and gave lavish praise to Don for his winemaking artistry. The stewards made sure that everyone always had wine in their glass. My hat is off to IFWTWA, Linda Kissam, Don Reha and Holland America for doing an exceptional job organizing these events.

Wine Tasting For the Ages--Dr. King & Fine Wine

One of our members, Doc Lawrence, of Atlanta fame, has given us permission to share his article on Dr. King and wine. We felt our members would appreciate and enjoy.



On a rainy night in Atlanta, four men met somewhat accidentally in a wine store with a rear lounge. One was the great Civil Rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Another was the segregationist governor of Georgia. They were joined by the Pulitzer Prize winning newspaper editor Ralph McGill and the store owner, Jim Sanders, the foremost wine importer in the South at that time. Sanders, a gifted writer, recorded the events of that evening, typing everything on his ancient Underwood typewriter.

As he approached death in 1999, Sanders told me the story and entrusted me with his manuscript. I promised to share it with the world and to this day believe it to be one of the most fascinating tales involving wine and its potential for peacemaking.

I read Sanders' transcript of that historic evening on my Atlanta radio show and proudly share it as Jim Sanders intended. I hope you join in sharing this with others.

Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Doug Pike Winner of 2009 Gourmand Award for "Gone with the Wine"

The International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association is proud to announce that member Doug Pike's book, "Gone with the Wine," has been named "Winner in United State of America" in the GOURMAND WORLD COOKBOOK AWARDS 2009 in the category: BEST WINE PHOTOGRAPHY ILLUSTRATION.

"Gone with the Wine...The Wine Cartoons of Doug Pike" has a forward by Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Mr. Parker says, "Doug has a real feel for the psyche of the serious wine nut (and his/her long suffering spouse) and never fails to poke fun at them with a deft hand and his own trademark brand of humor.

Doug Pike, the acclaimed cartoonist of eRobertParker.com, the website of wine-czar Robert M. Parker, Jr., wields his rapier wit at the native inhabitants of the wacky world of wine in this collection of 100 of his best-loved works.

Topics include (by chapter):

The Merchant of Vinous: The Retail Experience

Silence of the Lambruscos: The Uneasy Consumer

Beauty and the Yeast: The Waiter’s Lament

Ben-Hermitage: The Winemaker at Work

Saving Private Rhine Wine: The Domestic Front

Lord of the Rieslings: Wine and Life.

Doug Pike's wine cartoons are a regular feature on the on-line version of Robert M. Parker Jr.'s, The Wine Advocate, the most highly trafficked wine-related site on the Web.

His cartoons that take a poke at the business world have been used by Forbes, former CNBC anchorman Ron Insana, The Munder Fund, Dick Davis Digest, GE Private Asset Management, Standard & Poor's and many others.

Doug is now in the competition for the BEST IN THE WORLD COMPETITION. The Winner’s of this competition will be announced at the Paris Cookbook Fair and on http://www.cookbookfair.com/>www.cookbookfair.com site.

CONGRATULATIONS !!!

Gone with the Wine is available on http://wineappreciation.com http://Amazon.com and http://search.barnesandnoble.com.

Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success With Writing Where & What in the World

WRITE AROUND THE WORLD

By Carol Oldham O'Hara

Escape into the world and live to write about it. The travel writing life is like no other, sending you into seamy hideaways and opulent hotels around the globe, and your stories could pay for your travel -- much of the time.

To win as a traveling wordsmith, you must love new faces and places and want to write about them. You must also forget forever being a tourist. Each trip becomes a story, or even many stories, and you're always at work, no matter where you are -- investigating, interviewing, interpreting. You'll show every experience -- from dreaming upon a down pillow to dining in a local dive -- drawing upon your senses for lively words to make those moments come alive for your readers. So many times their treks are based upon your travels.

You'll also pack fewer duds -- a plus with today's airline restrictions -- and place business cards in every pocket. You'll tote more than one camera, manila envelopes to mail burdensome brochures home, pads, pencils, pens, and of course a notebook computer along with other small electronic devices of your choosing. You'll add an open mind and enough sense of adventure to deviate from a planned itinerary in pursuit of a story -- the one you didn't know existed.

And you'll never return home without anything to look forward to; for while you write your stories from where you've just been, your heart will leap as you plot your next escape.

Give travel writing a try, if you haven't already, and the world could become your home.

Rest Easy with No Fear of Bed Bugs

Fortunately, I have not needed to use the all natural non-pesticide Rest Easy Cinnamon Scented Bed Bug Spray on any IFWTWA press trips.

Unfortunately, I did have a bad experience on a road trip a few years ago. Oh, how I wish I would have had this product.

Now that I have this organic spray in a travel size bottle, it will go in my suitcase. I would rather be prepared than itching.

What is great is that Rest Easy is available just about everywhere from Amazon to Bed, Bath and Beyond. When I looked it up on-line, it was all over with testimonials, reviews, availability and great comments.

So, now when I'm in a less than desirable situation, I can rest easy with Rest Easy.

Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success With Writing Where & What in the World

Homemade Confections, Delectable and Decadent

Our group of 38 International Food and Wine Travel Writers Association participants received the sweetest little package from old friend and master chocolatier, Judith Galindo of Homemade Confections in Medford, Oregon.

I am not sure everyone knows what a variety of taste temptations we have on the Holland American Line Cruises. We do have a little will power, but their food is difficult to resist. There is even a Holland American gold wrapped chocolate on our pillow each night. I nearly saved the lovely little package I found while leaving Grand Turk, until I saw who it was from, Judith of Homemade Confections. Who could resist? Certainly not us. We have tasted her delectable confections.

Maralyn, Norm and I first met Judith and her husband at the Oregon Chocolate Festival nearly a year ago. Since Maralyn and I were wearing our Tandem Tasters aprons, as food judges, we simply had to try everything. I remember pulling Maralyn away from a booth to say - "You must try these chocolates right now." She did, and became hooked.

Judith's business was so new that she did not have a website. Despite that, she was a winner. We were not the only judges who tasted something delightfully decadent. Norm, the true chocoholic on our team, was an unofficial judge, and he knows his chocolate. Plus, two other judges from Oregon agreed with us.

Since Maralyn and I had recently returned from tasting and learning about the finest chocolates in the world at Bocuse d'Or in Lyon France, we could have been spoiled. However, our taste buds burst back to life discovering the excellent artisan chocolate makers at the Oregon Chocolate Festival.

So, Thank you Judith, for your vision, perseverance, and marketing skills. Most of all, we all appreciate your sharing your delicious products with the International Food and Wine Travel Writer's Association food loving members. I am privileged to have participated in the 2010 IFWTWA Conference at Sea.

Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log

THOUGHTS ON TRAVELLING SUCCESSFULLY VIA WHEELCHAIR OR SCOOTER

By Carol Oldham O'Hara

Time was when those who walked by wheelchair or scooter rarely ventured beyond their homes. Not so today. The world has changed. Folks who travel in wheelchairs and scooters are commonplace throughout the world. Sidewalks in many countries are wide, with ramps to crosswalks; many cruise lines are proud of their cabins and their ships that say welcome to the less-able, and hotels are becoming better and better in this respect. From our travels of more than twenty years, with both a wheelchair and a scooter, my husband Jim and I have developed tips that might be useful to many of you.

1. Planning ahead cannot be overemphasized. Disabled cruise ship cabins are usually reserved way before the cruise you desire sets sail. The same is true of high quality accessible hotel accommodations. Travel agents who specialize in disabled travel can be useful, but it is often beneficial to take the effort to make your own reservations, if for no other reason than personal contact -- so you have no unwelcome surprises upon your arrival. Confirm and reconfirm before leaving home. Our cruise lines of choice are Holland America and Royal Caribbean. Hotel chains we like include Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt, although a number of others are equally accommodating.

2. When reserving, be certain to specify exactly what you need, whether it be a lowered bed, a wheelchair accessible shower, a shower chair, or equipment for deafness of blindness. If an outside cabin or a hotel room with a view is important, make that very clear. If you rent a vehicle, state your necessity, if need be, for one equipped with hand controls and a wheelchair lift. Often, you will be referred to personnel whose goal is to be certain you receive what you need.

3. If air travel is involved, make all airlines aware of your disabilities and let airline personnel know your specific needs and the type of help you’d like. We have always found the airlines to be more than accommodating -- providing help before boarding, while in the air, and upon landing. If you are traveling economy, request reserved bulkhead seating for more leg room. This may sometimes be difficult, but persistence usually pays off.

4. Many first-class trains around the globe offer quality accessible accommodations, including appropriate restroom facilities--some of them private--making rail travel a pleasurable way to see the world.

5. In many US cities, Super Shuttle offers private handicapped van travel to and from the airport you have chosen. We have found this service tops in quality and courtesy.

6. Keep a fully charged cell phone with you at all times. Be certain it gives you the capability of calling your home from whatever region your travels encompass.

7. Allow extra time before and between plane or train transfers, even if it means extra waiting time. This avoids rushing, which can be nerve-racking.

8. It is beneficial to learn a few important phrases in the languages of the countries you will visit, or carry with you a booklet of word translations. In Japan I once asked a rail attendant if he spoke English. "It depends," he answered. That was not what I wanted to hear. I didn't get an answer to my question.

9. If you are not certain where you want your travels to take you, spend time researching the web to learn of spots user friendly for your capabilities. For instance, the island of Oahu in Hawaii offers a very low-cost door-to-door service called Handi-Van, an arm of the city bus system. By registering via telephone for the service before leaving home, you and your companions may travel any place on the island, be dropped off, and later -- at the time of your choosing -- be picked up and returned to wherever you are staying. Young children must be in a car seat to ride with you.

10. For success, when traveling outside your own country, be sure to register with the appropriate consulates, tip generously for extra help, schedule light tour days, allowing yourself the luxury of lots of down time for resting and pondering your next adventure, and consume food considered healthy and safe But wherever you go and whatever you do, do not leave home without that important safety net -- trip insurance. With it, you will have no worries. Without it, your bank account could be depleted.

.***

It’s a wonderful world. Enjoy its pleasures for as long as you're able,

Carol Oldham O'Hara

POM Wonderful Thank You!

What a wonderful gift our group from International Food and Wine Travel Writers Association received from POM Wonderful. It is a large pomegranate shaped cutting matte (dishwasher safe) visual called: How to Open A Pomegranate.

This was the perfect pillow present to give a group of foodies who were on a sea cruise to the Caribbean.

First of all, the simple instructions are easy to read and to follow. Secondly, it was light and flexible for easy packing. I thought I knew how to open a pomegranate, one of my favorite foods in the world. However, now I have the proper techniques right in front of me.

We have already written about the many ways of enjoying pomegranates in our articles and recipes published in Where and What in the World, and in The Big Blend Magazine. Three of our favorite cocktails are the POM martini, POM in sparking wine and those Caribbean rum drinks turned into the color of a sunset with healthy pomegranate juice.

There is no end to the uses of this delectable ruby red gem in drink making and food preparation. We also find the Pomegranate arils to be a colorful and tasty garnish.

Thank you POM Wonderful, for a wonderful surprise.

Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log

A Bit of Left Bank in Scottsdale - Petite Maison

By Douglas MacKenzie

A town famous for authentic Mexican food and a cowboy steak is surprising many with the new and intimate French bistro inspired Petite Maison. Chef James Porter brings farm to table freshness to brunch, lunch and dinner in a stand alone building yet small location on Shoeman Lane in Old Town. There are only eight tables inside and about ten on the patio. There is a comfortable bar as well.

The food is classic French from escargot and foie gras to steak tartare and Coquille Saint-Jacques for appetizers. Don’t miss out on this first course – the plates tend to be on the smaller portion size so you will have room for the main course. The escargots have just the right hint of Pernod and the foie gras is accompanied with warmed caramelized apples.

For entrees the steak frites was pan seared and meant what a bistro plate should be. For a more wintry dish, the coq au vin’s braised chicken is what comfort food is all about.

Desserts include a soufflé and crème brulee with French press coffee. The wine list is reasonable with a fair selection of both US and French vintners.

Petite Maison, 7216 Shoeman Lane, Scottsdale, AZ. 480-991-6887; www.petitemaisonaz.com

Cuzzin's in St. Thomas--What a Find!

How lucky for me to find one of the best cafes in the Virgin Islands of the Caribbean.

Cuzzin's conch, creole, and curry creations are full of Calypso crunch and spice. I felt right at home when served a surprise side of authentic Johnny Cakes.

But first, our small, hungry group of IFWTWA food, wine, travel writers, and photographers, gathered at the busy bar.

By noon, the Cuzzin's landmark bar was full of visitors and locals -standing room only. This made for a jolly beginning. We sipped delicious rum punches made with fresh citrus and island rum. The locals advised us what to order - conch and more conch.

We also had to try the local lobster. A large half of tender lobster meat on the shell was stuffed with fresh seafood and served with warm sweet butter. We all dug in and had some to spare. I am a Maine lobster lover, yet Cuzzin's prepared one of the best lobsters I have ever tasted. My mouth waters when I picture that delectable lobster. Another adventurous food lover ordered stewed island style mutton, with a Jamaican twist.

Cuzzin's is that perfect combination of flavor, local ambiance and a professional staff of mixologist, waiters and managers. The owner was visible at every table of happy diners.

I do not know how I missed Cuzzin's on my many visits to St.Thomas. Thanks to our knowledgeable guide, Keezi Pinney, a local from the St. Thomas Tourist Bureau, we discovered many new delightful spots on this beautiful island.

I am on a quest to try the new, before the tried and true. However, I cannot wait for my next journey to St. Thomas. I will call Keezi and ask her to meet me for another memorable feast at Cuzzin's.

Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success LogGlobal Log