The Other 46

Staying true to my home state and my drink local motto, I recently pulled the cork on a local wine not far from my home base in Orlando.  Located in Plant City, Florida, Keel & Curley Winery was started in the spring of 2003 by founder and owner, Joe Keel.  A blueberry farmer, Keel decided to try [...]

After the classic vintage of 2007, Virginia turned in a typical, if not uneventful vintage in 2008.  In a state where quality can vary greatly, I usually turn to winemakers who consistently produce excellent wines no matter the vintage.  This is never more evident with Jeff White, Owner and Winemaker of Glen Manor Vineyards. The [...]

I’m often asked what I miss most from Virginia.  Aside from the four seasons, the history and of course Virginia wine, I often receive a puzzled look when I mention apples.  As the cold weather moves in, I often find myself reminiscing about my trips to the farmer markets to get my fill of hot [...]

Blind tastings don’t lie.  It’s an opportunity for the underdog to shine, especially in the case of local wine. Usually not given a fighting chance, especially by the mainstream media, a blind tasting removes the regional and label prejudices.  So when I read Yonah Mountain Vineyards eked out a victory against the mighty Kistler in a controlled [...]

I’m often forced to make difficult decisions when it comes to planning my Virginia itinerary.  With 200 plus wineries throughout the state, and that number growing each month, it’s a painful selection process. That said I always include the “classics” and make an effort to visit a new and upcoming winery. Since their opening in [...]

Overshadowed by its bigger brother, the outstanding Octagon, Barboursville Vineyards produces a reserve Cabernet Franc that can stand toe-to-toe with any in the world. The Barboursville Vineyards Cabernet Franc Reserve is the house red wine at the world famous “The Inn at Little Washington“, the only Five Star and Five Diamond inn and restaurant in America. [...]

I made an exception last year and published my first review on a wine from outside the other 46 states.  Since that inaugural post, I’ve managed to feature wines from not only New York, but Canada as well.  Highlighting emerging wine regions, or better yet, wine regions often neglected by the mainstream media has and [...]