tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post2862175159001553896..comments2024-03-17T02:20:03.772-05:00Comments on Riding With The Top Down: Wine 101Kathleen Eaglehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-27968827954213536192010-01-17T09:27:00.622-06:002010-01-17T09:27:00.622-06:00I am a bit late to the party but here's a toas...I am a bit late to the party but here's a toast to you. Helen this was a very informative blog. I knew some but not all. I am a wino from way back. I love my glass of merlot nightly but unfortunately for my health and diet it is way more that 6 oz *wink*. Oh well it is what I love and you only live once.<br /><br />I'd love to read more on the subject.<br />Love & Hugs,<br />PamPamela Keenerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14408322453014180737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-31561190372875761272010-01-13T09:41:56.493-06:002010-01-13T09:41:56.493-06:00Helen, the monks don't make the wine--at least...Helen, the monks don't make the wine--at least not in ND. All they do is make a deal with the CA winery to put their label on it and sell it, which is apparently a common practice for monasteries.Kathleen Eaglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13561028604927993773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-63454685456440182932010-01-13T07:21:06.078-06:002010-01-13T07:21:06.078-06:00Paula, I'll take as many slips as your writing...Paula, I'll take as many slips as your writing hand can handle!<br /><br />Deb, we're all still excited about BelleBooks Kindle results. Keep it going!<br /><br />And thanks VC!Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-29776235453331640172010-01-13T07:19:03.131-06:002010-01-13T07:19:03.131-06:00Betina, we took a quick trip up into wine country ...Betina, we took a quick trip up into wine country before the RWA conference in San Fran a while back. My first time. Loved it! Want to do it again!Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-85241703323562950722010-01-12T19:21:04.776-06:002010-01-12T19:21:04.776-06:00Hello, Ladies! Here are some fine Virginia Wines &...Hello, Ladies! Here are some fine Virginia Wines & Wineries:<br /><br />Chateau Morrisette<br /><br />http://www.chateaumorrisette.com/<br /><br />Virginia Wineries and Vineyards<br /><br />http://www.chrysaliswine.com/virginia.htm<br /><br />Virginia Wine Country Tours<br /><br />http://www.virginiawinetour.com/index.cfm?action=page&id=4<br /><br />To your health : )Virginia Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09960370038323930029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-39620139061171951282010-01-12T19:02:46.269-06:002010-01-12T19:02:46.269-06:00Helen-- I didn't arrive until late today. Wi...Helen-- I didn't arrive until late today. Wish I could blame it on the wine, but we've been slammed with the lovely results of the Kindle program.<br /><br />Hubby loves wine. Poor thing often has to buy by the glass because I don't like most drinks and wine. Not my thing.<br /><br />But I feel very knowledgeable now! Great info.Debra Dixonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03992776098849029414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-62477788412400167052010-01-12T17:42:15.123-06:002010-01-12T17:42:15.123-06:00Um, how many slips would you like that stamp on? R...Um, how many slips would you like that stamp on? Research to your heart's content....LOL!!! <br /><br />I still don't drink much wine. It is really once in a blue moon that I will actually take a very small glass since a full one makes me very loopy...Hahahahahaha!!!<br /><br />Peace and love,<br />Paula R.Paula Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16683607612944753253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-77864740103377013552010-01-12T17:28:30.326-06:002010-01-12T17:28:30.326-06:00Helen, you clever thing, you! I'm a big fan o...Helen, you clever thing, you! I'm a big fan of wines, too, but I never thought about blogging about it! Cool.<br /><br />I love wine, too. One of my favorite memories of all time was a trip I made with my sister to Sonoma County CA and the Kendall Jackson Wineries. Actually, it was a free trip-- I won it at the I-MAX at the Minnesota Zoo! It was September and I remember stnading in the vineyards full of grapes almost ready to harvest. . . walking along the rows and touching the lovely ripe bunches of fruit. . . feeling somehow spiritual and connected to everything good and right with the world. It was such a profound feeling that I long for it again.<br /><br />I want another trip to Sonoma County or Napa. . . I soooo love to taste the wines and soak up the sweet air of the vineyards.Betina Krahnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11379124690406269848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-48946513483791447722010-01-12T17:21:05.073-06:002010-01-12T17:21:05.073-06:00Hi Paula.
Wine and writing. I know, and I thought...Hi Paula.<br /><br />Wine and writing. I know, and I thought it best not to go there! So if I'm understanding correctly, you've put your stamp of approval on me doing research? Lol <br /><br />Actually, I should do more research about the names of the wine regions. I probably listed mostly French simply because they're the most familiar to me, but there are so many more.<br /><br />Next blog.<br /><br />I didn't drink wine at all, until I met my husband and his dad opened up his cellar. Of course, I had no clue what I was drinking. Wish I knew then what I know now!Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-38861318608987083932010-01-12T16:54:56.732-06:002010-01-12T16:54:56.732-06:00Hi Helen, I don't know much about wines, so th...Hi Helen, I don't know much about wines, so thank you for the lesson. I didn't drinking wine, white, until my late 20s/early 30s, and I discovered that I like the taste of Pinot Grigio...I am don't reds that much, but I do like the taste of some Reislings.<br /><br />When I started reading your blog, my mind simply went to France when you started discussing those wines. And, who says wine has nothing to do with writing? Come on...LOL!!! It is a great point of research, which will take you to many different settings, that could end up in a book...you know what I am saying...hahahaha!!! Thanks again. Have a great rest of the day.<br /><br />Peace and love,<br />Paula R.Paula Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16683607612944753253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-83974379150744147522010-01-12T16:53:08.475-06:002010-01-12T16:53:08.475-06:00Christie, I would love to set a series of romances...Christie, I would love to set a series of romances around a winery! So fun! Can't wait to hear about yours.<br /><br />And do the blind tasting!! They're a hoot. We did one once with ports and everyone was surprised with the findings. We all picked the middle of the road one for taste.<br /><br />We didn't blindfold the people, though. We covered the bottles so no one could see the labels.Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-25445709620022154152010-01-12T16:49:53.851-06:002010-01-12T16:49:53.851-06:00Anna, that's basically the way I buy wine. I l...Anna, that's basically the way I buy wine. I love experimenting. And if I remember correctly, the ice wines, are similar to Sauternes only they come from Germany. So, yeah, I get the heavy part. And sweet.<br /><br />I remember having some local Virginia wines when I was with my husband on business some years back, but I don't remember the names of the wineries. Maybe Virginia C can help with that?<br /><br />But you're in luck. Virginia has a lot of wineries and you could plan out a tasting tour! Check it out:<br />http://www.virginiawine.org/<br /><br />If you do, you'll have to fill up all in!Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-17578752055941058422010-01-12T16:19:14.911-06:002010-01-12T16:19:14.911-06:00Helen: I think we'll be talking wine around h...Helen: I think we'll be talking wine around here for the near future because my next trilogy takes place around a winery! So I'm a "swirl girl" too.<br /><br />Surfer Guy and I were just talking last night about a winetasting party we're going to have in March. A friend is a real expert. We're trying to decide format. May do a tasting to see how price matters, or even a real "blind" tasting (blindfold) to see if people can guess which is red, which white. Or Napa v. Sonoma.Christie Ridgwayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17036552271272402052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-11452358950076067482010-01-12T15:09:38.203-06:002010-01-12T15:09:38.203-06:00I love this post! Definitely do another. Maybe one...I love this post! Definitely do another. Maybe one that has food pairings. I'm always confused about stuff like that. I'd love to know what to serve guests on those rare occasions that I entertain.<br /><br />Wine is my drink of choice but I don't have it all that often anymore. My favorites are cabernet savignon, pinot noir and syrah. I just try different brands until I find the ones that I like- so I guess that means I'm not too discerning:) My husband did buy me an ice wine a few years back because I really wanted to try one, but I couldn't drink that all the time. Too strong for me. <br /><br />I try to buy wine from each place that we are stationed and from each vacation spot. Since we are in Virginia I am looking for a couple of good wines. Any recommendations?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-36041975525440524092010-01-12T15:04:07.558-06:002010-01-12T15:04:07.558-06:00Kylie, I think I will blog next time about buying ...Kylie, I think I will blog next time about buying wine. What to look for, etc... I'm not an expert. Self taught, but might be useful info.<br /><br />Terry, I'd be so curious to learn what the mark up is on wine. I hope the vineyards make some decent money because it seems to me they're taking an awfully big risk.Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-86224072596165004392010-01-12T14:41:55.510-06:002010-01-12T14:41:55.510-06:00The most interesting thing I learned about wine wa...The most interesting thing I learned about wine was when my brother worked for Jordan Wineries, and I found out what a bottle of Jordan cab cost when it left the vineyard, and how Florida distributors gouged the heck out of us poor consumers. (And at the time, he couldn't send me any because it was a felony to ship wine to Florida)Terry Odellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610682530545306687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-25600460269019464502010-01-12T14:29:28.054-06:002010-01-12T14:29:28.054-06:00Now I know who to come to for wine recommendations...Now I know who to come to for wine recommendations! I'm not much for wine, but have a couple kids and daughter in laws now that like to drink it. It's hard for me because I never know what to buy.<br /><br />When we went to meet one set of prospective in-laws, their daughter told us they liked wine. And I sort of knew of them through *my* kids, so this didn't come from way out of left field. As a joke, we took some nice wine, but we also brought a bottle of Bitch wine (yes it's a real label!) They thought it was pretty funny and the next times we went there she had it on a little table on a tray with faux grapes. It's a conversation piece...I'm told it isn't the greatest tasting.KylieBranthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521116390801346909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-11037628122742613162010-01-12T12:30:59.200-06:002010-01-12T12:30:59.200-06:00Michele - I think the average syrah is softer than...Michele - I think the average syrah is softer than the average Zin. Maybe not so fruity, though. Hmm. I like 'em all!Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-26772853124654916832010-01-12T12:29:49.788-06:002010-01-12T12:29:49.788-06:00Thanks Virginia! I love all those ways to say Che...Thanks Virginia! I love all those ways to say Cheer! And yes Virginia state has some wonderful vineyards. It would be fun to own a vineyard, but you know you can make wine out of just about any kind of fruit. One of these days, I'm think I'm going to give that a shot.<br /><br />Anyone here made her/his own wine?Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-11812546199779523482010-01-12T12:27:27.023-06:002010-01-12T12:27:27.023-06:00Catslady, I can imagine the Italians and the Frenc...Catslady, I can imagine the Italians and the French argue just a bit over who has the better wine!! Very cool that you have those connections.Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-30581092145657239542010-01-12T12:25:02.198-06:002010-01-12T12:25:02.198-06:00Sangria's great in the summertime!Sangria's great in the summertime!Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-40773401515030476152010-01-12T12:24:33.278-06:002010-01-12T12:24:33.278-06:00Exactly, Kathleen!
Keri, I never used to like the...Exactly, Kathleen!<br /><br />Keri, I never used to like the rose, blush, pink wines. It seems they tend to be sweeter than most whites, except the Sauternes. But I've noticed they're gaining popularity. If you like sweeter, check them out.<br /><br />Don't be afraid to go to a small wine shop and ask questions. They'll tend to know a LOT more about wine than a regular liquor store and just because they're a specialty shop doesn't mean everything is expensive. They'll have many reasonably priced bottles.Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-57814364782136495282010-01-12T12:21:47.537-06:002010-01-12T12:21:47.537-06:00Oh yes, I have tried Applebee's peach sangria....Oh yes, I have tried Applebee's peach sangria. I love it. <br /><br />It was a red zin, Helen. For some reason it just didn't taste like wine to me, and was more interesting. Hmm...<br /><br />I also have a Vampire syrah, but am afraid to try that.Michele Haufhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12255612473985897103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-80230738594819883792010-01-12T12:20:46.968-06:002010-01-12T12:20:46.968-06:00GunDiva - I'd like to go to Italy JUST for the...GunDiva - I'd like to go to Italy JUST for the red wine!!Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27662400.post-21886371092827222482010-01-12T12:19:57.112-06:002010-01-12T12:19:57.112-06:00Kathy - those monks make some great vino!
Santa M...Kathy - those monks make some great vino!<br /><br />Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is marvelous, Cindy. That's a mildly sweet wine, btw, in case the Sauternes prove to be too heavy.Helen Brennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08680081195181747377noreply@blogger.com