This post was originally published on January 30, 2016. Tim and Phyllis have since sold French Country Wines and sadly, the new owners do not carry this lovely wine. Wine lovers in Houston and nationally are discovering sparkling wines that originated nearly 100 years before Dom Pérignon was born, and years before Champagne became the wine of celebrations. To taste true tradition first created by Benedictine Monks in the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire, look to the […]
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Golf, Wine create Safety Net for At-Risk Students
Sounds rather provocative does it not: wine as a benefit for school-aged children at risk of dropping out of their studies? But for students in the Clear Creek Independent and Dickinson area schools, it is just that — thanks to the fine folks at Communities in Schools – Bay Area. Each year Communities in Schools – Bay Area a 501(c)(3) non-profit hosts ‘Raise Your Glass to CIS’ a wine tasting event during the day-long Keep […]
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Soils make a Difference: The Zoning Project of DO Montsant
Why do we need to know about the soil? I asked, when I was first learning about wine. Because the composition of the soil can determine which grape grows best in the vineyard. The type of soil also helps decide the irrigation method needed in the vineyard. For example limestone, or calcareous soils are somewhat compact. Their origin from the erosion and sedimentation of rivers, these soils are rich in calcium carbonate, and provide excellent […]
Continue readingMake Your Own King Cake for Mardi Gras or Visit Limoux!
King Cake with wine? Mon Dieu, you say! Not so fast. Mardi Gras means King Cake, and we have just the recipe and wine recommendation to enjoy your own Fat Tuesday celebration! (Note: Part of this article originally appeared last year, we’ve updated it to include the 2018 dates for Mardi Gras in the United States and Limoux Carnival, in the Pyrenees-Mediterranean region of Limoux.) In the United States’ Christian traditions, Mardi Gras ( Shrove […]
Continue readingRaw Milk Does a Body Good: Healthyway Dairy
“It’s real milk, from a cow.” Jacob looks at me in disbelief and I realize that sounds crazy. “I mean straight from the cow, instead of the grocery store,” I say. It tastes different. Better. Thus becomes my love affair with raw milk and Healthyway Dairy farm in Santa Fe, Texas. Why a Dairy Farm? It started when my friend, Jerry, with whom we play Ingress, sent me on a mission. He told me to […]
Continue readingThe Suave, Seductive Italian from Valpolicella: Amarone
You know the type – dark, brooding, and a bit austere in youth. He needs time to mature, relax, and develop into the strong, seductive and attentive lover he was born to be. Those like him are few, and far between. He makes his entrance only when all conditions align to make a superlative statement. His roots may be in a small multi-generational enterprise or a sprawling and noble estate. But when he finally arrives […]
Continue readingPasaporte Mexico Comes to Central Market, April 20 – May 3
We love our Tex-Mex here in Houston! But many of us gringos have no concept of authentic Mexican cuisine, although we occupy land once part of Estados Unidos Mexicanos. While a certain orange-hued cartoon character drums up votes with his “Build a Wall” platform, the good folks at Central Market invite customers to embrace with taste during ‘Pasaporte Mexico,’ April 20 through May 3 throughout its stores across Texas. During the two-week event, visitors to […]
Continue readingTickets Still Available: Raise Your Glass to CIS!
A handful of tickets are still available for the Raise Your Glass to CIS! wine tasting event today at Bay Oaks Country Club in Clear Lake City, Texas. The event, which starts at 4:00 p.m. and runs until 5:30 p.m., raises money for Communities in Schools – Bay Area programs to keep at-risk students in school. UPDATE: DUE TO HEAVY RAINS AND FLOODING IN THE AREA ON APRIL 18th THE EVENT IS RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 26th. Each […]
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