THANKFUL.......

WHICH WINE FOR EASTER DINNER?

If ham is on your menu for Easter dinner you may wish to serve a white wine with dinner. Chardonnay, Riesling or Gewurztraminer may be a good choice. These will smooth out the saltiness of the ham. 
If you are having a red meat such as prime rib you may like a Shiraz/Syrah or even a Bordeaux.  A Meritage would be a good choice. Well blended wine suitable for this menu. 
For those of you having turkey or chicken then you may like Pinot Noir, Syrah or Shiraz if red is your wine choice of preference. Some prefer Chardonnay with their turkey or chicken. 
Once again I believe it is truly in your preference of "which do you like"? Red or White? Just remember to enjoy your family, enjoy the time together. Relax, Sip, Reflect....and please do not drink and drive. Life is precious.
Salute'

Palm Sunday....HOPE

HAPPY PALM SUNDAY EVERYONE! SEASON OF ETERNAL LIFE.... OUR GIFT FROM GOD....Thank you Jesus!

VINTAGE ESTATES WINE AND BEER WINE TASTE..............

The wine tasting yesterday was simply fabulous as usual at Vintage Estate Wine and Beer in Boardman, Ohio. What started out to be a down pour of rain the whole way in from Pittsburgh turned into a sunny day at 4pm, right at the start of the taste. Somehow though the clouds moved back into the afternoon. But once inside and situated at a bar table of away from the crowd the weather was not important at all. I am a people watcher. Whether rain or shine or even snow for that matter it is always a nice therapeutic trip to Boardman for shopping, dining or just visiting the wine store. Sitting off to the side and enjoying time with my friend it was nice to see familiar faces and of course some new ones to me. It is a peaceful gathering. Relaxation and tranquility can be felt if you pay attention to the surroundings. You might think that at a gathering of so many people that it could turn chaotic, especially with alcohol involved. But, no....it always is a pleasant experience. This is why I go back. The cost is affordable. Where can you socialize, taste 6 wines, have as many appetizers as you wish and do your wine and beer shopping all at the same time.All for $15. And the bonus is you meet new people. It is a place where even though a wine taste is going on there are those who also love beer sitting and mingling with the crowd. They always have door prizes. Yesterday they gave away 2 VE Tshirts. I was wishing I would have won. But no luck for me yesterday. They sell the shirts there at the store. Gives me something to put on my wish list. 
Phil and Sandy the owners were of course the host and hostess with the gift of entertaining and at your beckon call when needed. They have a good thing going on there with this wine taste but you must check out their WEBSITE   to see all the events they have each week. They are both highly motivated to seeing your visit at the VE is enjoyable. 
Out of the 6 wines yesterday I had 3 favorites. 

• The Grinder Coffee Pinotage was my most favorite. It was served up last and that was a very fitting position for it. The description of it is: full of bright coffee, mocha & chocolate aromas & flavors integrated throughout the wine. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS...this one will be on my wine rack throughout the year! Good choice Phil & Sandy!
• Also there were 2 Kosher wines: Barkan Cabernet Sauvignon 
• and Baron Herzon Chardonnay...you must try these also. These were my 3 favorites yesterday. 
• The 2009 Hans Von Wilhelm Riesling Piesporter came in next by my choice
• The 2007 Windsor Sonoma Winery Sauvignon Blanc was next
• and my least favorite was 2010 Calcu Rose

Now this order is only my opinion....I am very, very partial to deep, bold, rich, intense red's. I am learning to love Chardonnay and White Burgundy has become a favorite. It was love at first sip for me when I tried that in February. 
All in all it was a great time in Ohio yesterday. It felt great to get out of the house and have some social time. And now looking forward to more trips for shopping, dining and wining. Oh...did I mention they have a patio? I used to love sitting there years back and chatting with friends, sharing a bottle of beer or wine and just enjoying the sunset. This is on my to do list for the summer and fall. Stop by...get to know this extraordinary wine and beer store and Phil and Sandy and there great crew of workers.
Salute!