October is the month to celebrate Merlot and recognize the amazing qualities of this grape, both as a single variety and as a blending grape. Now in its ninth year, Merlot Month has brought back some esteem for this noble grape as people worldwide celebrate through the promotion of #merlotme. The movie Sideways snubbed this
As we honor Washington’s wines during Washington Wine Month, it is important to recognize the pioneers who made Washington a viable place for cultivating grapes and producing wine. It is also a celebration of our 2nd largest wine-producing state in the United States. This year Washington Wine Month has more meaning because it is a
As a wine writer, 2020 took on a different significance in terms of wine tasting. You might say enjoying a bottle of wine brought us to a happier place. Virtual wine tasting was the norm and still will be in 2021. Wine get-togethers with friends are now virtual. Looking back at the wine I sip
For wine lovers, October is Merlot Month and time to refamiliarize yourself with the Merlot grape. For eight years, wine enthusiasts and producers have joined together for #merlotme to promote this noble red grape. Merlot went out of favor when in 2004, the movie Sideways snubbed the grape while bringing notoriety to Pinot Noir and
What do the Grand Reserve Wine Credit Card, a World Mastercard wine credit card, and Switchback Ridge Wine have in common? Grand Reserve Rewards gives you points toward specific wine-oriented products and experiences. Switchback Ridge is one of the winery participants partnering with this credit card. This wine credit card caters to wine enthusiasts and
When traveling, we never know the impressions a particular place will have on each of us. Sometimes our awareness pops up months after we return. Last fall, I traveled to Italy and visited Montalcino. I walked the charming village and visited a nearby Abbey and winery, but the true impact of this scenic spot did
They say the bells toll three times a day; morning, midday, and night, symbolizing the beginning and end of the workday and calling people to pray in what is known as the Angelus prayer. The story goes on to say that the chimes could be heard in the vineyards from the neighboring church. Presently this
We are now in the full swing of summer and I want to share those wonderful whites and Rosés that go so well with summer fare. We must also not forget about the reds that complement our favorite summertime dinner pastime, the barbecue. Reds and Rosés are great with grilled meats. A refreshing white wine
This year marks a very special one for DeLille Cellars in Washington State. The winery is celebrating its 25th year of making wine. March 22nd kicks off a yearlong celebration of this Woodinville winery. The winery was established in 1992. Chris Upchurch is the co-founder and executive winemaker. DeLille focuses on Bordeaux blends with a
Yearning to discover a new winery can be the most intriguing part of attending a wine tasting, and this year’s Stars of Cabernet, presented by WineLA, provided an opportunity to experience some superb wines from wineries not yet on Written Palette’s radar. There were six wineries that made an impression, along with one old favorite.