The Other 46

Free The Grapes Year End Summary

Before I jump back into reviews, I thought I would provide the year end summary received from Free The Grapes.  Although a bit delayed, I feel it’s important to share the great progress the organization continues to make in expanding consumer choice.

Tennessee created a direct shipping permit.
Kansas passed a direct shipping statute.
Maine passed a direct [...]

The Keystone State

Surrounded by a few of my favorite states (yes I admit, I love New York wine), the Keystone state is quickly making some noise of its own.  Home to more than 100 wineries throughout the state, Pennsylvania’s wine industry is growing in both production and reputation.  A moderate climate combined with rolling terrain provide ideal [...]

Caution, High Altitude Ahead

With elevations ranging from 4000 to 7000 feet above sea level, Colorado’s vineyards are among the highest in the world.  The continental climate (warm days + cool nights + low humidity) creates ideal conditions for the cultivation of grapes required to produce premium wines.  Home to 2 designated American Viticultural Areas, Grand Valley and [...]

Maryland’s Growing Wine Industry

Growing at a staggering 25 percent a year, Maryland’s wine industry is no longer the best kept secret on the East Coast.  With 38 licensed wineries on the map, encompassing 5 trails, 4 distinct growing regions, and 3 AVAs, Maryland offers visitors a wine for every palate and makes for the perfect weekend getaway.
I recently [...]

2009 Regional Wine Week

Today marks day 1 of Regional Wine Week, an annual event started by Dave McIntyre and Jeff Siegel over at DrinkLocalWine.com in 2008.  Wine writers and bloggers across the US will be sharing their stories about “wine from around here” -– wherever “here” might be.  During the week, DrinkLocalWines.com will act as a portal to [...]

The 2009 Maryland Governor’s Cup

The new kid on the block, Black Ankle Vineyards, has won their second Governor’s Cup in as many years.  The soon-to-be-released 2007 Crumbling Rock follows its predecessor, the 2006 Crumbling Rock, in winning Maryland’s top prize.  The Crumbling Rock is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.  Situated on the [...]

Missouri and Virginia Wine Regions on CNN

When it rains, it pours.  Especially in the case of national coverage for the other 46 states of late.  In a new article published online in the travel section of CNN, 4 Wine Country Contenders, Virginia and Missouri wine regions are recommended.
The Hermann Wine Trail includes six wineries on a 20-mile stretch along the Missouri [...]

A Napa Valley Alternative

Michigan wines are in the news again!  CNN recently recommended Michigan’s Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas as a nice alternative to Napa Valley in the online Travel Companion.
Here you’ll discover more than 850 acres of land and more than 20 wineries for your choosing.  The area offers tastings and gourmet meals, and Kantrowitz says, “The [...]

Michigan’s Best In Class

Congratulations to the following list of Michigan wineries for their award winning wines at the recent 32nd annual Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition.  The competition only accepts wines produced from Michigan grapes (bravo), and attracted a record 395 wines from 42 of the state’s 64 wineries.  The top award winners were:

Best of Class Dry White: [...]