Off The Vine Media

You get home after a long day at the office.  Your tired and frustrated mood leads you to open a bottle of something heavy and thick.  Maybe a Merlot or Port.  Anything that may help you to relax and unwind after a long day.  Maybe, you are out with friends at a park having a picnic on a beautiful summer day and everyone is in a upbeat and light mood.  You may find yourself sipping a floral and light Riesling, sauvignon blanc or a Gewurztraminer.  I find it amazing that so many times what we drink is closely related to the mood we are in.  Next time you find yourself opening a new bottle of wine ask yourself is what I am drinking reflective of how I feel, and should it matter?

Be the first to like.

Like

Unlike

The Távora river meandering through the terraced hillside

If you have never had the opportunity to visit the home of Port then you are missing out on beautiful scenery, wonderful people, great history, and amazing port.  The Douro Valley and Porto /Vila Nova De Gaia is where all the magic happens.  What I enjoyed most by this experience was the fact that I got to see and enjoy where this wonderful wine calls home and how its home has shaped it through the years.  We often forgot what has shaped the wines we drink.  Port is no exception with its beautiful terraced hill sides, storied port houses, and families.  All of these have made what port is today.  If you have never tried this fortified wine I suggest giving it a try.  It is wonderful on a cold evening or after a meal with family and friends.  While you take a sip you may find yourself tasting raisins, leather, tobacco, or something else even more amazing

Be the first to like.

Like

Unlike

So what did you do for valentines day, your birthday, or holiday?  Most people would say they had a nice meal and spent time with family or friends.  Now how many of you also had some wine with your occasion?  I know that on many special occasions wine makes an appearance.

I know for me this valentines day I had a glass of sparkling wine with my meal.  It was a Grand Mark from Tabor hill winery in Michigan.  It was wonderful and hit the spot.  I don’t know why so many people pick to drink sparkling wine or champagne on a special occasion.  Maybe it is because of the advertising and marketing we see.  Maybe it is the notion that this type of wine doesn’t go well with a lot of food, or maybe because we think it is to expensive.  Let me tell you that champagne and sparkling wine can be affordable and pairs well with many dishes and deserves a place at our tabel on more then a special occasion.  So next time you are at the store pick up a bottle for your next meal.  I think you may enjoy it.

Be the first to like.

Like

Unlike

So its 5 degrees outside and as you stare out the window you find that snow is gently falling.  Yes you are correct it is winter.  While for some this may leave a bad taste in there mouth, but for others it means it is time to break out the winter wines.  It seems that as the weather changes so does our taste for wine.  I know for me that on a cold winters evening I love a nice glass of port after my meal, or if I am looking for something with my meal I may pick a bold and hardy red.  I think there is something about a a bold, deep and rich wine on a winters evening that helps to warm you up. I think this excerpt from the Chicago tribune gives a great picture about what I am talking about

“Speaking of alcohol, more red wine, full-bodied beers like stout, and liquors that can be mixed with coffee, such as Irish whiskey, are sold in Illinois during winter, said Daniel Clausner, executive director of the state’s Licensed Beverage Association.

On particularly cold nights, Clausner may order a beer with an appetizer, a glass of wine with dinner and whiskey with dessert.

“It definitely would warm me up from the inside and give me some stamina and determination to face the nasty cold weather,” he said.” (Chicago Tribune, “Chicago Singing winter blues”,Gerry Smith and Robert McCoppin, 2/9/11)

I think this principle also plays true to other seasons as well.  I find it amazing that something as simple as the seasons changing can have a profound impact on what we eat and drink. It just goes to show you that it isn’t as complex as we may think. Let us know what your favorite wine is during the winter months.  Cheers

Be the first to like.

Like

Unlike

Out in the far reaches of the Chicago suburbs lies a new winery called Acquaviva that I recently visited.  This doesn’t seem like the first place for wine to be made.  However, the question is why not?  The Midwest may not have the ocean and climate like the west Coast or the storied history and topography of the old wine world.  However, what they do have is the love of wine and what it signifies and as they say where there is a will there is a way.

What I always find amazing about these wineries is there passion and love for the wine and all that surrounds it.  This was evident when I visited Acquaviva recently.  There love of family, passion for wine, and hospitality showed in all that they did.  From the time we walked in to the time we left we were greeted by family members and employees willing to share their passion and knowledge of their wine.  I look forward to going back and seeing how they continue to improve on a good thing.

If you have never experienced wine from the Midwest let me suggest a few places to cut your teeth on.  If you are in Illinois you may enjoy Galena Winery, Bluessky Winery, and Acquaviva Winery.  If you are in Wisconsin make sure to check out Cedar Creek Winery and Wollershiem Winery.  If you are in Michigan a few to check out include Round Barn Winery, Tabor Hill Winery, and many more.  I am unsure about what exists in other Midwestern states, but I would love to hear what your suggestions are.

http://www.acquavivawinery.com

2 people like this post.

Like

Unlike

So you may have heard that Sonoma is beautiful.  Let me me tell you they aren’t lying.  This area of California isn’t just rich in natural beauty but also in the beauty of the lifestyle.  If you are like many people these days you never have a moments rest or opportunity to enjoy life.

However, the pace of life in Sonoma is relaxed and the beauty of the vineyards and mountains are stunning.  When you step into a local winery you can just feel your stress melt away as you taste amazing wines and have the opportunity to speak to some of the amazing people that helped to create it. Oh yea and let me not forget the food which is always stellar.

While this is one of the only areas of California wine country I have had the privilege to visit it is not to be missed if you have the opportunity.  If you get the chance stop by one of my two favorite wineries that are both located in Sonoma county.  Harvest Moon and Eric Ross.  You won’t be disappointed.

Be the first to like.

Like

Unlike

The View from Deerfield Ranch Winery

Everything has to have a beginning and so must this. Off The Vine Media exists as a new way to think, act, interact and enjoy wine. We believe that wine is more than a drink, we believe that it is a lifestyle and culture to be enjoyed.  We hope that you enjoy what is said, what can be learned, and what can be done.  Lets get going……

Be the first to like.

Like

Unlike

We are hoping to be up and running soon

Be the first to like.

Like

Unlike