I'm not a big fan of the idea behind "dry January" ... the notion of creating a "time out" implies that overconsumption instead of moderation is ok and while for some this might be the opportunity to put them on the right path again, I'd prefer that people approach the concept of bing drinking in othere more practical ways. Regardless though, this is a great time of year to take a look at non-alcohol wines and how the industry is evolving in terms of packaging, production quality, and technology that allows them to be a palatable alternative to alcoholic wines for folks who, for whatever reason choose not to imbibe.
- Written by: James Hills
- Hits: 1034
Alexander Valley AVA in Sonoma is one of my favorite regions for Cabernet Sauvignon. This is partially due to my inclination to rebel against the overwhelming snobbery of its big brother next door in Napa - but also due to the fact that for a fraction of the price, you can get phenomenal vintages from more unique, often boutique wineries where the winemakers are approachable and willing to talk about why they love what they do. While Napa has priced out all but the wealthiest winemaking families and is now essentially controlled by historic families, corporations, and celebrities - there's still a sense of innovation at work in Sonoma. This includes the story of father and son team, Wayne and Samuel Jordan who are building Red Bear Winery.
- Written by: James Hills
- Hits: 1255
I recently heard a saying that great storytellers never finish the tale because they fear they will lose their value if all the secrets are shared. That same thing seems true for good holiday recipes passed down from mother to daughter and father to son. In my wife and I's case, though - neither of us has a Puerto Rican family to rely on and I swear the person who was responsible for getting us hooked on her coquito deliberately omitted an ingredient or a key process. Over the years, Heather has continued to research and experiment in a quest to create if not the PERFECT Puerto Rican Coquito ... at least one that is uniquely ours and a holiday tradition that we both enjoy making, drinking, and sharing with others.
- Written by: James Hills
- Hits: 853
For this recipe I've created something of an excersise in conflict - the rich, creamy alfredo sauce, topped with the earthy, rustic mushrooms, roasted chicken, and spicy chili flakes spice blend that is brought together with a hearty quality pasta that is better that anything you can find at the grocery store and then a strong drizzle of Frankies 457 Calabrian Chil Oil to bring everything together. OMG it's so good!
- Written by: James Hills
- Hits: 1307
Every Passover and Hanukkah it seems like different Kosher or Isralie wineries appear on our editorial schedule and each year I become more and more impressed with not just the realm of "Kosher Wines" but in the taste and quality of wines from Israel. Plus, if you are a wine conessour like myself where every sip is a way to travel virtually to a new land, a journey to try something new beyond just a tasty beverage - there are few places on Earth with as rich of a vinocultural heritage as the Golan Heights.
- Written by: James Hills
- Hits: 1239
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