Winemaking Made Easy
Tailgating Parties – Pairing Wine with Fun Times
January 8th, 2013 by eileen in wine lifestyle
Tailgaters have been known to “reach across the aisle” to fraternize with rival fans during pre-game parking lot festivities. It makes sense, then, that wine should join together with beer as a perfect pairing for burgers, brats and all of the other tasty tailgating food.
Tailgating has long been a tradition for sports fan gearing up to cheer on their favorite teams or players. What’s changed in recent years are the size and sophistication of the party. The menu has exploded beyond burgers and potato salad to include steaks and seafood and even seasonal and regional specialties, like grilled salmon and boiled lobster. Based on this development, it’s only natural that wine should suit up and get in the game.
So what wines fit the bill for tailgating foods?
Let’s start with the basics. Burgers. There are several great reds that pair nicely such as Syrah/Shiraz, Malbec, Dolcetto or Pinot Noir. If you are topping off with a strong cheese like Bleu, a Zinfandel might be a good choice. You can do Cabernet as well, but you might want to save that for your big juicy steak. By the way, Portabello mushrooms are a great vegetarian way to enjoy a “burger” and would pair well with Merlot.
If you are breaking out the barbecue sauce, by all means, uncork some Cab, Merlot, Syrah or, better yet, a blend of two or more of the above.
Spicy foods are popular tailgating fare. Wings, chili and even brats and hot dogs with spicy mustard fall into this category. Depending on the hotness and ingredients of your chili, you could go with Shiraz, Zinfandel or Grenache. As for brats and dogs, according to one tailgating aficianado on the web, a Riesling really brings out their spiciness. But others recommend sticking with a Malbec or Grenache.
Grilled shrimp, salmon, lobster – that’s tailgating and then some! For those special tailgating treats, you may want to make room in the cooler for a Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
While there is no shortage of beverage-related accessories for tailgating parties including everything from beer belts and backpack drink dispensers to portable bars, there does seem to be a lack of wine-themed gadgets and gizmos specifically made for the pre-sport sport. No worries, though. Any group that can inspire the need for bottle opener baseball caps and iPod ready radio coolers is bound to think of something.
Vintner’s Circle in Dickson City Hosts “Taste the Experience” Dinner
July 15th, 2012 by eileen in news, wine lifestyle
The recent “Taste the Experience” gourmet dinner and wine pairing hosted by Vintner’s Circle in Dickson City, PA was a great success. Sixty people gathered at Rossi’s Ristorante in Archbald on July 12, 2012 to enjoy a delicious five-course dinner paired with Vintner’s Circle handcrafted wines. (more…)
Wines that work with your Cinco de Mayo feast
May 5th, 2012 by eileen in wine lifestyle
Cinco de Mayo wines for this year’s feast
There are plenty of Cinco de Mayo wines to choose from. Who can resist a big plate of nachos – crispy chips, spicy beef, hot and hearty jalapenos and melted jack cheese?
The 5th of May – Cinco de Mayo – Commemorates Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It has since become a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride that is appreciated by people of all cultures. The tantalizing tastes of Cinco de Mayo are a celebration in themselves – and pairing them with wine is a rewarding adventure. (more…)
Wine Party Favors
September 28th, 2011 by eileen in wine lifestyle
Wine and Party Favors
Favor your Guests with Wine, the Perfect, Personalized Give-Away for Showers, Weddings, Anniversaries and Party Favors.
Those novelties, goodies and other creative tchotchke remind us fondly of the people and events that we celebrate. So why not bottle that sentiment? With wine. (more…)
Great Gifts for Father’s Day
June 15th, 2011 by eileen in wine lifestyle
Wine Gadgets and Gizmos Make Great Gifts for Dad
Dads are notorious tinkerers. They just aren’t content unless they are fiddling with, figuring out, measuring or jury-rigging some contraption, mechanism or widget.
Now, if you combine that inclination with a great hobby like making or enjoying wine, you have the ingredients for some fabulous Father’s Day gift ideas. (more…)
Ice in Wine | It could be the cool thing to do this summer.
June 1st, 2011 by eileen in wine lifestyle
Unfortunately you can’t drag a wine fridge full of wine out to your pool or to a friend’s picnic on a hot summer day. Why would you? That’s too much heavy lifting. But after about ten minutes on a hot summer day your glass of wine is going to slowly wilt and loose flavor. Aside from gulping it before this happens, you do have another option to keep wine cool – add ice in wine. (more…)
Poems for Mom
May 3rd, 2011 by jenn in wine lifestyle
Poetry is a unique way to show appreciation to your Mom. And, Robert Louis Stevenson, in his poem, certainly captures a sentiment to which we all can relate. But, for those of us not quite as eloquent with a pen, the Scottish poet, novelist and essayist has inadvertently given us an alternative solution in his quotation: “Wine is bottled poetry.” (more…)
When Judging Wine, Taste Rules
February 24th, 2011 by eileen in wine lifestyle
What makes wine good? Better? The Best?
While there undoubtedly are circumstances when optimal conditions and quality craftsmanship come together to produce a superior wine, there also are a lot of great accessible wines to taste and enjoy. Among these wines, how do you pick a winner? (more…)
Think Outside the Bottle
February 8th, 2011 by jenn in wine lifestyle
“Blind” Wine Tasting Party blends mystery and fun!
There are a lot of reasons why people select the wines they do. But if you take away information on the region, the grape variety, the vineyard, the age, and the price, what you are left with is simply the taste. Hosting a “blind” wine tasting is a great way (more…)
Host a Chocolate and Wine Pairing at Home
January 25th, 2011 by robin in wine lifestyle
Who doesn’t love chocolate and wine? Put them together and you really are in for a decadent taste experience.
Hosting your own Wine and Chocolate Pairing at home is simple and fun if you follow some basic guidelines and keep it simple. (more…)