How it begins

Being in the wine industry for the past 7+ years now, I constantly have friends and family members asking me what they should drink, buy, mix with, etc.  After visiting with one of my best friends this past weekend, she mentioned I should start a blog, to help people choose wines when going to the store.  I considered it, but it wasn't until the next day I had another request of some wines from a different friend.  So, here it goes.  Feedback is definitely welcomed, and I should start by saying, there are MANY different fantastic wines that I will probably forget to talk about.  Luckily, I guess I can post anytime. 

Having just celebrated the Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo (or Cinco de Drinko as some call it), and a Wine event, there were many things to get excited about.  What do we all do when we are excited and or celebrating, DRINK?! 

One of my new favorite liquors is called St. Germain.  It is a liquor made from the elderflower.  The taste is semi-sweet, but mixes with many different drinks and wines.  Of course the favorite is the St. Germain cocktail:  in a tall Collins glass, fill with ice, then add 2 parts Champagne (told you it's great) and 1 1/2 parts St. Germain, and 2 parts Club Soda.  Talk about spring in a glass!  This is great for brunch, after dinner, sitting on the porch, anytime!  You can make a batch of this too, if your having friends over, and trust me, they will all want it too.  Some of my favorite affordable Sparklings would be Sofia (by Coppola), Mumm Napa, Schramsberg, and Domaine Ste Michelle.  I mentioned the Kentucky Derby, and you have to have your Mint Julep and wear your largest hat while watching the derby.  Once again, make your mint julep (hopefully with the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, Woodford Reserve) and add a splash of St. Germain to the top!  Or, for Cinco de Mayo, the lower calorie St. Rita:  2 parts tequila blanco (I would go with Republic tequila 100% organic) 1 part St. Germain, and 1 freshly squeezed lime.  Mucho bueno!


Well, I didn't really talk very much about wines this time, but I will get there.  Don't want to cause information overload.