Feasting With Winemakers – Salmon, Chicken, Lemon Tart
I recently enjoyed a cook-fest in southern France - trying out recipes supplied by winemakers from around the world for the forthcoming book - The Winemakers' Cooking Companion. After cooking,…
Raclette and Wine in the Pyrenees
Here in the French Pyrenees ski town of Cauterets, seven kilometers from the border with Spain, there may be little snow, but there is ample hospitality. Cauterets is in the province…
Almost Bought A Farm
About a year ago, during winter, I was driving away from the city of Bergerac, some 120 kilometers east of Bordeaux. Along this highway I said to myself - I need…
Holiday Wine Reads
Who has time to read books during the holiday season? There are people to visit, food to eat, movies to watch, and trails to walk. But lists of wine books…
Premier Crus – the Movie
Months ago, there was a showing in my home town of Blaye, Bordeaux, of the new French movie Premier Crus. Some of the actors attended and answered questions. I was…
Life Advice from the World of Wine…
People shared the following wisdom - not about wine, but about life - during conversations for my book Vino Voices (now in paperback). "People work for one of two reasons. One:…
Southern Wine Surprises – UK and France
I'm far from Europe now, recalling highlights. Here are some notes about recent surprises from both France and England. Burgundy - Expensive and Sometimes Deservedly So The author of the…
Black Wine of Cahors
Three hours east of Bordeaux and an hour and a half north of Toulouse, the sine-shaped River Lot snakes through the hills of Cahors wine country. Red wine from the…
Harvest Buzz in Wine Country
This post includes four topics - Harvest! And Recipe New Videos New Paperback How the Wine Scoring Algorithm Works Harvest! There is a unique harvest tradition in a small region…
Battle Wines from Castillon
In 1953, residents in southern France voted to change their town's name from Castillon-sur-Dordogne ('Little Castle-on-the-Dordogne River') to Castillon-la-Bataille, or 'Little-Castle-of-the-Battle.' This wasn't just some plucky whim to add drama…