Off The Vine Media

It may be one of the most romantic days of the year.  However, Valentines day wouldn’t be complete with out a great wine.  When planning your wine choice take into consideration what the plans for your day will look like.  If the day consists of a fancy dinner your wine should compliment and create that luxury once a year vibe.  If your day will include chocolate pick a wine that will stand up to that wonderful silky feel in your mouth.   Finally, if no food will be involved think of how the wine you pick will help enhance your romantic activities.

If you will be enjoying a luxurious dinner my suggestion is to pick a wine that falls on the higher end of your budget that you normally wouldn’t drink.  This will help in making your dinner feel that much more luxurious.  Ask your local wine store or Somm. what will pair nicely with what will be on your plate.  For the chocolate you will be enjoying I suggest a rich, intense or velvety wine. This will help to ensure that the wine compliments and holds up against your lovely chocolate your enjoying.  Finally, for that romantic or spontaneous event try a wine that invokes fond memories for you, maybe its a favorite wine, or a wine you had when you first met or even a wine from a place you both want to travel to.  No matter what wine you choose for your days events remember it will only help to enhance your romantic day!

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The view from Sonoita Vineyards

Do you ever find yourself in places that you don’t expect there to be vineyards and wineries ? I do, from time to time and one of these happened just recently when my family went on a vacation to just south of Tucson Arizona.  As you travel through this area two things will pop out at you.  The first is there is desert as far as the eye can see.  The second is that there seems to be mountains that have sprouted up off the ocean floor all around you.  This did not seem like a place to find wineries, vineyards, or an AVA.  However,  I was wrong all of these could be found here.  Fifty miles from the border of Mexico and south east of Tucson lies the Sonoita AVA which contains about 10-15 wineries and vineyards.

My question was how can this be ?  What I found out was the reason for this was that the area is approximately 5,000 feet above sea level in elevation.  This gives it a much more favorable growing area for grapes than the desert floor.  Once you arrive in the heart of wine country after traveling about 45 minutes from Tucson you will quickly notice the familar surroundings of vineyards and wineries.  The operations in this area are not large commerical ones but smaller boutique and family run operations.  We had the pleasure to check out three of these wineries while visiting.  The first was Whilhelm Family vineyards.  This family operation has been around since 2003 and has seven varietals planted on site.  They offer a nice selection of reds and whites crafted by their female wine maker Karyl who was trained in California.  The second we ventured to was Kief-Joshua Vineyards on “Winery Row”.  This winery has two different vineyard sites and a winemaker who was trained in Australia.  Finally, we stopped at Sonoita Vineyards.  This is the oldest vineyard in the area dating back to 1979 where currently there are 10 varietals grown on site.  The founders granddaughter is currently the head winemaker.  This winery is situated on a hill with beautiful views of the rolling hills.

This isn’t the only wine region in Arizona, however it was the only one we were able to visit.   The other two areas are the Verde Valley which is south of Flagstaff and the Wilcox area which is northwest of the Sonoita/Elgin area we visited.  So next time you are on vacation in Arizona try some of the wines you may be pleasantly surprised.

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A beautiful day in paradise

Tropical locations and wine such a great combination.  Then add in a floating resort and the fun continues.  While on a cruise ship this day in age you will find the usual suspects in beverages while cruising in the Caribbean such as beer, rum, and other assorted mix drinks.  However, the other drink that makes a wonderful compliment to a great meal or a relaxing time up on deck is of course wine.

The great thing about cruising with wine is being able to sample many different cuisines all within walking distance of your room paired with your favorite wine (my favorite pairing while at sea was a petite syrah paired with a wonderful steak).  Not to mention being able to pair your glass of wine with a great view from your balcony or from the top deck (my favorite while on the balcony watching the ocean pass by was a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc).

One of the things I enjoy most about wine is that it is such a cameleon.  It can be enjoyed on a beach, at poolside, or enjoyed at a five course meal with tuxedos and dresses all in the same day.  What will wine come up with next ?

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