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How I learned to Love Wine from “Humid” and Hot Years
Her comments and thoughts made so much sense when I was actually able to taste the wines as she discussed the challenges of the particular vintages and what she was able to do with the grapes. It truly was quite a thrill and I hope you’ll enjoy our conversation.
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What if You Had Nine Brands but Nobody Knew Your Name?
Oak Ridge Winery patriarch Rudy Maggio (left) is the classic immigrant success story; family emigrated from Italy and eventually to Lodi; at age 11 he joined his father in the packaged fruit business; in 1980 began growing and selling wine grapes; some years later the story continued.
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What Does that Bottle Cost? Depends on Where You Live and Who Your Retailer Knows
I was quite taken after a lunch conversation with an associate who had been in both the beer and wine industry on the distributor side and whose insight confirmed what I had suspected all along; when it comes to pricing in the liquor, beer and wine industry the only hard and fast rules are – that there aren’t any hard and fast rules.
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Wine by Land and Water
This edition of the whine offers an interesting contrast of two noted local winemakers; one who uses the land in his approach to winemaking and one who I jokingly observe is making wine from water. A note on slow growth in the fast food industry and Costco beats Amazon, yes that and more.
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Raves From a Special Bordeaux Vintage and Two Valentines Recipes
It’s a slow time in the industry and not much to report with the 2018 harvest all safely in tanks and barrels, wine makers and their staffs are on vacations or at least on short weeks But there is wonderful news from the fine folks that grow and make wine in Bordeaux. That and more is the subject of my Whine.
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A Little Beer, Lots of Wine and A Tenderloin
Thought that would get your attention, yes we do beer talk here too but in this case it’s for business not taste. We also have news and notes from a wine industry expo regards supply and demand as well as another round of sparkling wine and Champagne lists, that and more is the subject of my Whine.
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Notes From a Bountiful Harvest
This month, Woody’s Whine brings us stories of the wine harvest this year, news about restaurant closures and other troubles in the Napa Valley, and three great-tasting recipes that you’ll want to try!
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News of the Crush, Costco Liquor, Big Mac Sliders and Lagunitas Layoffs
I’ve seen, heard and cooked a lot in the past few weeks and wanted to share with you what I’ve learned and eaten. We are surrounded by the grape harvest that is in full swing and in good shape, even with a little rain, egad! That and more, he said, is the subject of my Whine
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And the Winner Is…
Why you may ask, is this man with a cheeseburger and a trophy smiling, has he won something, have you won something and is he looking for you??? Well the answer is yes and no but you have still won the opportunity to read this edition of Woody’s Whine and the story of two winners – funny place to put a window.
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So a Blazer Designer Decides to Make a Meatloaf
I made a meatloaf the other day from what might be called an old fashion recipe that I found to be credited to the late fashion designer, Bill Blass. I have no idea where he got the recipe or why his name is attached…
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Three Fresh, One Frozen
My curiosity has been at a “burger pitch” over wanting to try the new “Fresh Beef” quarter pounder to see if in fact there is a difference as frankly I am not a regular customer. So I thought who better to share my tasting with than you “Whiner’s” and of course I had to do a comparison tasting with Burger King and Wendy’s and I threw in the In-N-Out folks for my NorCal followers. Hope you’re hungry! Enjoy.
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Of Cheese, Bubbles and Foothills
I’ll be offering several veins of travel and information (think about it for a moment) relating some good insight into cheese and wine pairing, bubbles with brunch and Zinfandel from the Sierra Foothills. There’s a great new chicken recipe for you from Ian Garten matched with a Scotto Lodi Chardonnay, one of the best matches I’ve ever made – love it when a plan comes together, enjoy.
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A Light Whine of Pulled Pork, Total Wine and Costco Brie
Folks are you aware that most of you are buying your wine at grocery stores – really grocery stores where there is no chance of you getting any kind of qualified advice, much less a real discount, really a shame. But first let’s start with a great recipe and trends in wine sales from one of the big boys then some cheese news.
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Woody's Whines // Woody's thoughts and opinions on a variety of subjects
“Mother Nature is a Winemaker” or How I learned to Love Wine from “Humid” and Hot Years
Writing from the edge of the Russian River in Sonoma County Loyal readers will recall that I featured Ms. Montse Reece, the head winemaker at Pedroncelli several months ago (WW- Wine by Land and Water- March 2019) and the gist of the conversation was all…
What if You Had Nine Brands but Nobody Knew Your Name?
Writing from the edge of the Russian River in Sonoma County Oak Ridge Winery patriarch Rudy Maggio is the classic immigrant success story; family emigrated from Italy and eventually to Lodi; at age 11 he joined his father in the packaged fruit business; in 1980…
Wine Reviews // Tasty and reasonably priced reviews
Bordeaux You Could Actually Buy
Research tells me that the second label bottles of many Bordeaux wines – that’s what doesn’t fit in the first blend of major Chateaus, will be outstanding and probably at very good prices, a reflection of the old saw, “a rising tide lifts all boats”…..
A Whine of Wines
A Whine of Wines What follows is not truly a full Whine but it’s sort of a Whine and it’s about wine or should I say it’s information about wine that has come passed me recently and I as your faithful scribe am passing on…
Woody's Recipes // Great meals to go with great wines
Grown Up Grilled Cheese with Brie, Cheddar and Shallots
Equipment – Large non-stick skillet or griddle Look for a cheddar aged for about one year (avoid cheddar aged for longer; it won’t melt well). To quickly bring the cheddar to room temperature, microwave the pieces until warm, about 30 seconds. The first two sandwiches…
Latest Podcasts // Audio from interviews with the industry greats
podcast post
Our most recent wine adventure was a week long visit to the Willamette Valley wine country of western Oregon, what a remarkable area and what spectacular wines. It was the first week of October and the weather was terrific, sunny, warm and windy – they…
Chef and Retailer Michael Chiarello
As I travel and taste I always have my recorder and camera with me and I share those interviews with you at What Goes With What. We met at a wine tasting event in Chicago and on a trip to Napa and Sonoma I had an opportunity…