The Other 46

The hardest decision at the end of the day can sometimes be the wine choice.  Whether selecting a wine to pair with dinner, or simply finding a wine to enjoy on its own, the decision can be daunting. The other night I wanted a glass of wine to pair alongside a veggie flatbread pizza.  Nothing [...]

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 [...]

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. [...]

Terroir is the French term in wine used to describe the role geography, soil and climate of a certain place plays on a grape variety.  To put simply, you either have it or you don’t. Glen Manor Vineyards, located in Front Royal, Virginia, certainly has it.  Owner and winemaker Jeff White has turned his 4th generation [...]