For more musings from wine country, please visit my new blog, Woman in Wine Country. It's a lifestyle blog where I give wine recommendations to pair with food, fluffing pillows, pruning rose bushes, reading, collecting vintage, and even a few recipes. If podcasts are more your thing, you'll find me on your favorite podcast app with more of Woman in...

For more musings from wine country, please visit my new blog, Passementaries. It's a lifestyle blog where I write about food, fluffing pillows, pruning rose bushes, and yes - from time to time I talk about wine. It was a walk back into time. It was a walk I thought I would never do again. Walla Walla received another visit from 350 wine bloggers, ...

Founded in 2008, Wine Trees, LLC is a collection of thirty-some wine brands highlighting some of the world’s most exciting regions. And the Pacific Crest Trail wines is one of those collections. The Pacific Crest Trail is named after its namesake that spans over 2,600 miles, trekking up the United States west coast, and crosses some of the area's ...

Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman blog has slowed down a bit, but that's okay. I also own another blog, Passementaries that let's me be creative and share things I enjoy beyond wine - and most of all, there is no pressure. It's certainly not a barn burner in readers like my original W5 blog that went off the charts, but I love the freedom of Passementa...

When you receive an invitation to attend a special wine tasting with actor Kyle MacLachlan and winery owner, you pay attention. This event also happened to be close to my "Kid Sister's" birthday - so I impressed her with a birthday present to meet one of her favorite actors. Kyle MacLachlan, known to many as his role as Special Agent Dale Cooper i...

Named after a little black bird in France, merle or merlau, it was only fitting this dark blue-colored wine grape variety the little bird enjoyed dining on would be referred to as “merlot.”As early as 1824, the name merlot referred to the second most popular grape grown in the Bordeaux region of France - following after its cousin cabernet sauvigno...

Humans have been creating images of mothers since men, and of course women, who crudely etched with a jagged rock on the walls of caves. Through the centuries European artists like Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Claude Monet, and Gustav Klimpt to American artists such as James Whistler to Norman Rockwell painted portraits of mothers. ...

The verdict is in: Some wine lovers enjoy a bite of chocolate with a sip of red wine, and others do not. Opinions by winemakers and wine writers for loving or not loving these two luxurious “food groups” can be as contentious as ... well ... as the recent presidential election.There are numerous articles claiming one must stop the “silliness” of pa...

Wine is personal. It’s personal when it comes to favored tastes and aromas, but there are often personal stories in a bottle of wine. Sometimes the stories are from the winemaker, and sometimes there are new stories and memories to be made by the collector of the bottle. Today, wine consumers want to know everything about a bottle of wine – and the...

Studies have shown a mother’s impulse to love and protect her child appears to be hard-wired. This impulse is often referred to as “maternal instinct.” Is there a mother’s impulse to love and protect the wines and vines, as well? In the Walla Walla Valley, it is certainly true. There are at least 1,200 people...

After a very long and unusually hard winter’s nap, the grapevines of the Walla Walla Valley are beginning to come alive. The Valley is home to 116 vineyards with a total combined of 3,100 acres of wine grapes. SeVein Vineyards, home of the or...

Often known as a girlie drink because it's so pretty in pink... It was the drink fit for kings and aristocrats.Provence is a historical province of southeastern France. It is known for its vast fields of lavender, as well as known for being the oldest wine growing region in France. It was in 600 B.C. when the Greeks founded the area and introduced ...

“Out with the old and in with the new” is a concept many people celebrate as December ends and a new year begins. However, it isn’t always accurate when it comes to wine; there, it’s more about “out with the oldest, and in with the old.”Many a wine-lover can quote lines from the movie “The Jerk,” starring Steve Martin. His character, Navin Johnson,...

The following appeared in the Yakima Magazine, a monthly publication of the Yakima Herald News.In 1865, Horace Greeley, an American author was quoted in the New York Tribune encouraging America’s expansion westward, “Go West, Young Man, Go West…” Who knew that a little detour to the south of the Columbia River, to the now abundant Willamette Valley...

The following appeared in the Yakima Magazine, a monthly publication of the Yakima Herald News. We have been told for centuries that it started with an apple. After all, it was Eve who was tempted by the luscious red orb and plucked the first forbidden fruit from the tree. It started once again in Washington State when the oldest state’s apple tree...

Yeah, I missed the traditional American calendar New Year, so how about celebrating the Lunar New Year? Here is what's ahead for you and me in the year of the Monkey - 2016.The positive and negative quality of the Monkey Year 2016 culminate in a year that anything can happen. There is little point in storing up goods or planning one’s life. The inf...

Right. I know. I live in Walla Walla and typically write about Walla Walla and other wines from Washington State, but once in awhile one must "think" outside the box, or more like go beyond the border. Many of us locals have cut our teeth on the wines of the Walla Walla Valley, but as we explore in our pursuit to become knowledgeable about wines, i...

“Find a Tall Sage and you have found a place that will sustain superior grape vines.” - Dr. Walter Clore, "Father of Washington Wine."Goose Ridge Estate Winery in the Columbia Valley at Richland, Washington is located in the center of their 2,200 acre vineyard. Founded by the Monson Family in 1999, they have diversified with growth of their vineyar...

Yes, I am still writing about wine. So, I took a couple of months off. You're not going to rid of me that easy ... Like most families, we are all busy, including my mother. My mother is legally blind, but can still maneuver her house chores, she coordinates neighborhood gatherings, walks with her morning walking group, and has the most beautiful fl...

There's a side of me that almost gave a second thought about adding "Brosé" to the title of this blog, but I think it needs to be addressed. The new, yet hopefully short trend in the USA is the name, Brosé. Somehow, somewhere, someone gave "permission" to the male wine consumer that it was okay to drink that pretty pink wine, but only if it is ref...

I've been sitting on this blog for a few days now. Every year now, for almost 10 years, I write one with similar content, while I ponder, "Should I post or ..." You disagree? Go write your own wine blog, but at least I got your attention with the locker room title. Picture this ...A steamy locker room filled with male wine aficionados. There are m...

When I was asked if I wanted to participate in a Finger Lakes virtual wine tasting, of course I said, "Yes." I was particularly looking forward to it when they mentioned the wine tasting would include three of each, 2012 Cabernet Franc and 2012 Lemberger. It just so happens that Cabernet Franc is my favorite red wine grape, and I am always intrigue...

Ten years ago, I never thought I would be writing this ... It was 10 years ago, June 14 when I first started my wine blog, Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman. What a ride! I had no idea that anyone was reading it. It was merely a collection of my own tasting notes and amusements. I just rather hung on and let the experiences fly rather serendipitous. So, ...

Every spring, I look forward to the Small Vineyards (August Wine Group, LLC) tasting for industry members. This year, I especially thank Michael and Mark, from Noble Wines, LTD and Susie Curnuette of the August Wine Group, LLC for allowing me sit in, sample, and enjoy the afternoon learning about the new vintages from Italy. The August Wine Group, ...

What is Passementaries? It's my newest journal. Oh no, I am not forsaking this Wild Walla Walla Wine Woman blog. She will be celebrating 10 year anniversary next month, and I will continue to write about my wine experiences and opinions. I am just mixing things up a bit. Passementaries is about the simple trimmings for an elegant life ... I'll even...

Once in awhile, you happen to come across a wine that you continue to ponder, long after the last sip. Castillo de Feliciana Winery Tempranillo - 2012, with grapes sourced from the Rosebud Vineyard at the Wahluke Slope, was that wine for me. The estate of Castillo de Feliciana is located in the heart of the Walla Walla Valley AVA, encompassing 66 a...

We've heard of "Fusion Cuisine," the trend of cuisine that combines elements of different culinary traditions. Wine fusion? Jacob's Creek is Australia's largest wine brand, and one of the oldest Australian wineries since 1847. Jacob’s Creek Chief Winemaker, Bernard Hickin reached out 7,982 miles crossing the equator from Barossa Valley, South Aust...

There were a couple of years when I missed Feast Walla Walla, and several years when I had a press pass and "worked" the venue by taking notes and videos. This is the first year when I Me with Shane of Downtown Walla2 Farmer's Marketwas on "my own" and it was fun to relax, sip some good wine, visit with friends, and sample many goodies. Feast Wall...

The phone rang. I looked at the caller-ID and my little heart started racing as if it was a call from a former love. It was the call I had been waiting for. It was from Stoller Family Estate in the Willamette Valley. They were letting me know my Spring Wine Club shipment was getting ready to be packed and while they were at it, was there anything e...

The other day I was working on my blog. I decided to change the coloring and just freshen it up. As I was "cleaning" it, I happened to notice some former blogs I wrote, especially one where I ranted about some of the customers I have met along the way.Now you could wag your finger at me and admonish me for "picking" on the customer, but technically...

Scintillating Definition: (adjective) sparkling or shining brightly, effervescent: "the scintillating sun"brilliantly and excitingly clever or skillful: "the audience loved his scintillating wit"Exactly! The audience loved his scintillating "Scintillation." When I first saw this exciting label and the fact there was a new bubbly in the Northwest, I...

Syrah is one of France's most noblest black grape varieties. This dark inky grape is known for its dark brooding color, distinctive and intense nose and palate. Here on the West Coast people will often think of California for Syrah. However, I will differ on that. Washington State, notably those Syrah vines from Walla Walla AVA, and especially now ...

Last week I had the opportunity to participate in a Virtual Twitter Tasting. It's been a few years since I have particpated in one, but when I do, I always enjoy them. They are quick, yet fun. How tough is it to sit in front of your computer with three bottles of wine, sip on them, and then tweet up some wine tasting notes? This Twitter Tasting in...

Time rolls along and before we know it, we look at a landmark and it is ten years later. Indeed. When I think of the time Mannina Cellars was first getting their start, so was this wine blog - ten years ago.Don and Jason It's with a sad heart that I read last night Don and Nicole Redman have chosen to close Mannina Cellars after ten years of operat...

The last couple of years I have really paid attention to Champagnes, and other sparkling wines, such as Cremants and Cavas. We seem to have this attitude that Champagnes and other sparklers are reserved for special occasions. Not so! The older I get, every day I wake up is a special occasion. Possibly the myth behind it all is that Champagnes are e...

Mr. Thurston Howell, IIIIs it you? How about you, Mr. and Mrs. "I Only Drink 95+ Parker Point Wines." Are you responsible for making wines snobby? Or you over there who rambles on incessantly about your "allocations." Are you responsible for making wines snobby? We just heard you over and over again that you are in town to pick up your "allo-caaaay...

Oh the joy of Malbec. It's that dark purple inky little grape with a French and Argentinian lineage, that often finds its way into my glass. And like many Malbecs before, the 2012 Henry Earl Estates Malbec also found its way into my glass - - until the last drop. Who is Henry Earl Estates, you ask? The owners of Henry Earl Estates are Dick and Wen...

Children of the Concords The average American watches more than five hours of live television every day. Somewhere in that television viewing, there are several commercials. Commercials have a way of either enticing us with their goods or just numb our brains. I know when and if I watch a channel dependent on an onslaught of commercials, it is my ...

Can wineries and wine blogs be "family friendly?" Why yes, they certainly can be family friendly. However, there is no unwritten "rule" that claims wineries need to be family friendly, nor should there be expectations of wineries, and even wine blogs should be family friendly. After all, at least in the majority of the United States the drinking a...

Anytime there is a book or an article that features a group of women, especially women in the wine industry, I am drawn to such. This must be due to I was raised by one of the first feminist in the 1950-60's, and that feminist was a man - - my dad. He believed that women, especially little girls, should learn how to bait a hook on their fishing pol...

"Great people talk about ideas, average people talk about things, and small people talk about wine." - Fran Lebowitz, Writer and Humorist When I heard this quote a few years ago, at first I was offended. Hey, I love talking about wine and I don't think I am "small" other in height of 5 feet 2". I try to keep a very open mind when it comes to social...

It's been asked if I will be around this weekend and the answer is, "Yes!" However, I won't be around to taste and take notes, but I will be around to sign books, Wines of Walla Walla Valley: A Deep-Rooted History. The good news is that you can find me at various wineries signing my new book, giving you an opportunity to taste the wines of where I ...

It had been in my brain since I was about seven years old, I was going to write a history book about Walla Walla. Growing up, next door to our house was a wheat field and nearby the field was a road sign that said, "Welcome to Walla Walla. Cradle of Northwest History." I would often stand in front of the sign and stare at it. One summer when I was...

Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arriv?! The New Beaujolais has arrived!If you are a knowledgeable wine retailer, you know it's rather festive to bring a case or two of Beaujolais Nouveau in for many reasons: to educate some wine newbies and to assist those wine lovers who keep this tradition. Also, if you are a wine retailer it is best to calculate how m...

Yeah-yeah-yeah, it's been awhile since I have lectured y'all on tasting room etiquette, but in my couple of years of being away from my wine blog, but still behind the wine counter, a few of you have gotten a bit rusty on your tasting room etiquette. I would like to say, "You know who you are ...," but you obviously don't know who you are or you s...

When I chose to return to blogging about wine, one of the plans was to mix it up a bit. While I will continue to write as much as possible about Walla Walla and her wines, I want to shake things up a bit by writing about wines that are not from Walla Walla ...So let's start with a California wine, shall we? An affordable little wine, but from a win...

In France, it is known as Grenache. In Spain, it is Garnacha. Cannonau is the synonym it's referred to on the island of Sardinia. In the 19th century this spicy berry-flavored red grape, with notes of pepper, found its way to California, more than likely from Europe. It was mostly planted in the San Joaquin Valley, where it was mainly used as a ble...

I am not sure what else there is to say that hasn't already been fondly, yet passionately said. On Thursday, October 23 the wine community of Walla Walla lost one of their best - Eric Dunham, a founder and partner of Dunham Cellars. Eric was a son, brother, husband, father, friend, and a winemaker. Today a celebration of Eric's much too short, yet ...

No, I am not calling anyone a name ... Last weekend I gathered with 19 of my "sorority" sisters for our annual "tea." However, I would defy anyone to even find a tea bag at our gatherings. Instead, corks fly like witches on brooms and bubbles dance in our wine glasses. For that true effect of Halloween gore, every good party needs a little red win...

If you have ever written a book, then you will understand. This is one of the reasons why I took time off from the blog so I could put my energy into "The Book." It consumes you. Even when you have reached a "writer's block," it still consumes you, as you sit and stare onto the computer screen, and keep telling yourself you are working. You pass up...