Jun 012011
 

A couple of years ago some Napa winemaker friends suggested we visit Alpha Omega Winery on Hwy 29 near St. Helena in Napa Valley. The tasting room is sleek and modern but more importantly the wines were phenomenal. On that trip we had the pleasure of meeting their winemaker Jean Hoefliger and were captivated by his passion and energy. Since then we have visited A/O and Jean many times.

Winemaker Jean Hoefliger

Jean is a big broad-shouldered guy who wears his zeal on his sleeve. He speaks of wine as emotion and art intended to create a “deeply moving reaction, good or bad”. As you will see, Jean’s winemaking style and philosophy is unique and is considered “high risk.” Long natural barrel fermentation, often leaving his red wines on skins for up to 90 days, is his trademark technique which creates wines that are delicious, intriguing and complex.

Pull up a chair and a glass of wine. Join Jean and myself as we explore his fascinating and passionate approach to his “art.” Continue reading »

May 262011
 

I thought it might be interesting, if not self-indulgent, to share some personal experiences, insights and emotions  over the next few posts. We’re friends, right? That’s what friends do…we share…among other things. In addition, writing in this context gives you a peek, assuming you want a peek, into a week of wine blogging travel and first impressions of winery visits. Continue reading »

May 182011
 

Bacchus and Beery Wine BlogWith summer soon to be upon us and the patio calling for an evening of warm sunsets and cool white wines, I thought I’d share some of our favorite white wines from the recent posts Bacchus and Beery Wine Reviews page. There are many more great whites out there and part of our job is to find them for you… and we will!

Check out our free wine reviews. We update them all the time. Just click on the Wine Review tab up above. Continue reading »

May 092011
 

Spring is upon us and nature has provided another excuse to spend a day or a weekend in Wine Country. Napa Valley is so beautiful in the spring and summer that often we’d rather taste outdoors immersed in the vineyards and terrior while we enjoy a glass or two from the winery. There are any number of wineries offering outdoor wine tasting or drinking opportunities so I thought I’d share with a few of our favorites, V. Sattui, Mumm Napa and Alpha Omega Winery. So sit back and imagine an 85 degree cloudless day in Napa Valley and we’ll head out to spend a leisurely afternoon at three of our favorite spots. Continue reading »

Apr 142011
 

So here’s the question: Can a Wine Drinking Dude secretly be a Thirsty Girl? At 6’ 3” and well north of 200 pounds, I’m not exactly the kind of attendee you would expect to see at a Thirsty Girl Live Austin Tour Event. I wasn’t sure what to expect, maybe a bunch of chicks talking about their favorite Pinot Grigio and new Jimmy Choos? Well, I was wrong and had more fun than I imagined.

Thristy Girl is the creation of self-proclaimed “Head Thirsty Girl,” and NBC Television wine expert / contributor Leslie Sbrocco. This girl is high energy bawdy fun. No wine sipping here, this is a drinkin’ girl. Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog was the guest of Head Thirsty Girl of the evening, Fall Creek Vineyards co-founder/owner Susan Auler. Fall Creek was the only Texas winery pouring and their wines stood well against Thirsty Girl nationally known sponsors Ravenswood, La Crema, Cambria and others.  Continue reading »