The winner of the giveaway of free tickets for the Texas Hill Country Lovers Wine Trail Feb 6-8 & 13-15, 2009 was Bob Walker who lives in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. He described his most romantic Texas wine moment as follows:
“Over the past 32 years, my wife and I have had a great number of adventures all over the world… but, none better than our first venture to the Texas Hill Country and the wine trail....
More at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=462
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Winemaking Starts in Texas: Virtual Tasting
Winemaking Starts in Texas:
A Retrospective “Tasting” with Father Garcia de San Francisco y Zuniga
“When we entered the region, we saw grapes growing wild along the rivers of Tejas and they looked like I imagined they did for eons. The vines were thick, hanging from the trees on the river banks.”
This is how Father Garcia de San Francisco y Zuniga recalled the local landscape.....
More at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=458
A Retrospective “Tasting” with Father Garcia de San Francisco y Zuniga
“When we entered the region, we saw grapes growing wild along the rivers of Tejas and they looked like I imagined they did for eons. The vines were thick, hanging from the trees on the river banks.”
This is how Father Garcia de San Francisco y Zuniga recalled the local landscape.....
More at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=458
Sunday, January 25, 2009
VintageTexas Surpasses 10,000 Readers
VintageTexas State of the Texas Wine Blog Report - by Russ Kane
As many of you know, back in July 2008 I started my VintageTexas Blog Project at(http://VintageTexas.com/blog).
I originally viewed this as a writing exercise in preparation for a book project. With my sights now firmly set on the book and my detailed chapter outline in hand, I am starting the book that will contain my interpretation of the “Sense of Place” that IS the Texas wine experience.
When I started the VintageTexas Blog, I really did not know what it was going to be. I assumed that it would help me get back my writing “chops”. I also guessed that it would help me to document and organize my thoughts and experiences as I re-established old relationships and worked to understand the changes in the Texas wine industry that had occurred during my almost three year sabbatical. However, after a mere six months, I can definitely say that the Blog has taken on a life of its own, having connected with a readership that wants to share the Texas wine experience with me.
More at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=448
As many of you know, back in July 2008 I started my VintageTexas Blog Project at(http://VintageTexas.com/blog).
I originally viewed this as a writing exercise in preparation for a book project. With my sights now firmly set on the book and my detailed chapter outline in hand, I am starting the book that will contain my interpretation of the “Sense of Place” that IS the Texas wine experience.
When I started the VintageTexas Blog, I really did not know what it was going to be. I assumed that it would help me get back my writing “chops”. I also guessed that it would help me to document and organize my thoughts and experiences as I re-established old relationships and worked to understand the changes in the Texas wine industry that had occurred during my almost three year sabbatical. However, after a mere six months, I can definitely say that the Blog has taken on a life of its own, having connected with a readership that wants to share the Texas wine experience with me.
More at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=448
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Austin Events Feature Wines from Texas and Washington
Grow and Taste Texas Wines: Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association Annual Conference. The 2009 TWGGA Annual Conference will be hosted February 18, 19, 20 & 21 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Austin on I-35 North.
Taste Washington. A whirlwind tour of Washington State Wines in Austin.
WHAT: Join the Wine & Food Foundation of Texas as we partner with the Washington Wine Commission on Friday, February 20, 2009 at the Hilton Austin downtown for a grand tasting of Washington State wines.
More information at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=440
Taste Washington. A whirlwind tour of Washington State Wines in Austin.
WHAT: Join the Wine & Food Foundation of Texas as we partner with the Washington Wine Commission on Friday, February 20, 2009 at the Hilton Austin downtown for a grand tasting of Washington State wines.
More information at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=440
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Hill Country Hot Spot: The Cabernet Grill, the Texas Wine Country Restaurant
The Cabernet Grill is in a storied space at Cotton Gin Village, just south of Fredericksburg, Texas. The preceding restaurant in this space languished, never reaching notoriety for its drink or cuisine. But, within the past two years, this has all changed.
The restaurant at Cotton Gin Village was rebranded as the Cabernet Grill. Executive Chef Ross Burtwell totally revamped the menu specializing in fresh seafood along with tantalizing offerings of Angus beef and wild game for his Fredericksburg-area patrons. The restaurant has a knowledgeable, “Texas friendly” staff. But, best of all, the Cabernet Grill can boast of the largest, restaurant-based Texas Wine list available anywhere in the Texas Hill Country, and most likely anywhere.
Saturday Night Dinner
Last Saturday, my wife and I decided....
For more: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=432
The restaurant at Cotton Gin Village was rebranded as the Cabernet Grill. Executive Chef Ross Burtwell totally revamped the menu specializing in fresh seafood along with tantalizing offerings of Angus beef and wild game for his Fredericksburg-area patrons. The restaurant has a knowledgeable, “Texas friendly” staff. But, best of all, the Cabernet Grill can boast of the largest, restaurant-based Texas Wine list available anywhere in the Texas Hill Country, and most likely anywhere.
Saturday Night Dinner
Last Saturday, my wife and I decided....
For more: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=432
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Write Off the Vine - Texas Wine News: January 17, 2009
Write Off the Vine - Texas Wine News: January 17, 2009
PROVENCAL WINE LUNCHEON: THIS SUNDAY, January 18th 11am at Mirabelle.
The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas
Mirabelle Restaurant - Austin, Texas with Christine Chapot, Owner / Chef Jardin de Bacchus- Tavel - Provence (www.jardindebacchus.fr and www.provence-escapade.fr)
GREAT VALUE! $35 (all inclusive of tip/tax). Call 327-7555 Reservations Only.
The State of Texas Wine
by Gretchen Roberts
I was in Texas in November for the San Antonio Food & Wine Festival, and while there hopped up to Becker Vineyards in the Texas Hill Country, an hour or so northwest of San Antonio, for a lunch and tasting….. I only brought back one bottle of Texas wine from my trip: the Becker Vineyards Prairie Rotie, a Rhone-style blend of Carignan, Mourvedre, Syrah, and Grenache.
Read more at: http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/11/the-state-of-texas-wine-wine-of-the-week/#thankYou
Win Two Free Tickets to the Texas Hill Country Lovers Wine Trail - February 6-8 & 13-15, 2009 - 26 entries received so far…send us your Romantic Texas Wine Moment to enter!
Post your Romantic Texas Wine Moments to VintageTexas.com using the comments field (bottom of page) at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=408. This will enter you to win two free tickets good for 4 people, to the Texas Hill Country Lovers Wine Trail compliments of http://www.texaswinetrail.com. The deadline for posting your comment to VintageTexas.com is Friday, January 23, 2009. The winning entry will be selected and notified by email by Wednesday, January 28, 2009.
More Texas Hill Country winery and wine trail details at: http://www.texaswinetrail.com
More Texas Wine News at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=423
PROVENCAL WINE LUNCHEON: THIS SUNDAY, January 18th 11am at Mirabelle.
The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas
Mirabelle Restaurant - Austin, Texas with Christine Chapot, Owner / Chef Jardin de Bacchus- Tavel - Provence (www.jardindebacchus.fr and www.provence-escapade.fr)
GREAT VALUE! $35 (all inclusive of tip/tax). Call 327-7555 Reservations Only.
The State of Texas Wine
by Gretchen Roberts
I was in Texas in November for the San Antonio Food & Wine Festival, and while there hopped up to Becker Vineyards in the Texas Hill Country, an hour or so northwest of San Antonio, for a lunch and tasting….. I only brought back one bottle of Texas wine from my trip: the Becker Vineyards Prairie Rotie, a Rhone-style blend of Carignan, Mourvedre, Syrah, and Grenache.
Read more at: http://www.slashfood.com/2009/01/11/the-state-of-texas-wine-wine-of-the-week/#thankYou
Win Two Free Tickets to the Texas Hill Country Lovers Wine Trail - February 6-8 & 13-15, 2009 - 26 entries received so far…send us your Romantic Texas Wine Moment to enter!
Post your Romantic Texas Wine Moments to VintageTexas.com using the comments field (bottom of page) at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=408. This will enter you to win two free tickets good for 4 people, to the Texas Hill Country Lovers Wine Trail compliments of http://www.texaswinetrail.com. The deadline for posting your comment to VintageTexas.com is Friday, January 23, 2009. The winning entry will be selected and notified by email by Wednesday, January 28, 2009.
More Texas Hill Country winery and wine trail details at: http://www.texaswinetrail.com
More Texas Wine News at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=423
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Zraly’s Sixty Second Wine Expert
Zraly’s Sixty Second Wine Expert
Kevin Zraly is acknowledged to be one of the best wine educators of our time. His widely popular, “Windows on the World Complete Wine Course” is one of my favorite and often utilized reference books. It is a straightforward and succinct presentation of wine, the major wine regions, the quality producers and the art of wine tasting and pairing.
My absolute favorite part of Zraly’s book is his description of the “60 Second Wine Expert”. He insists that his students spend one minute in silence after they taste a wine.
More at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=417
Kevin Zraly is acknowledged to be one of the best wine educators of our time. His widely popular, “Windows on the World Complete Wine Course” is one of my favorite and often utilized reference books. It is a straightforward and succinct presentation of wine, the major wine regions, the quality producers and the art of wine tasting and pairing.
My absolute favorite part of Zraly’s book is his description of the “60 Second Wine Expert”. He insists that his students spend one minute in silence after they taste a wine.
More at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=417
Monday, January 12, 2009
Win Two Free Tickets to the Texas Hill Country Lovers Wine Trail
Post your Romantic Texas Wine Moments to VintageTexas.com using the comments field (bottom of page) at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=408. This will enter you to win two free tickets good for 4 people, to the Texas Hill Country Lovers Wine Trail compliments of http://www.texaswinetrail.com. The Lovers Wine Trail details are given at: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=408.
The deadline for posting your comment to VintageTexas.com is Friday, January 23, 2009.
The winning entry will be selected and notified by email by Wednesday, January 28, 2009.
The deadline for posting your comment to VintageTexas.com is Friday, January 23, 2009.
The winning entry will be selected and notified by email by Wednesday, January 28, 2009.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Texas Winemakers Get Coonawarra Envy….
Texas Winemakers Get Coonawarra Envy….
Just a short post today, but it is something important. A few days ago, I blogged on the terrior of the Texas High Plains at:
http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=387
In response, a half a world away (but virtually in our backyard), Aussie wine writer PHILIP WHITE responded to my blog on his blog (Drinkster) as follows:
White wrote, “Texas has up and got Coonawarra envy….”
For more, go to: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=402
Just a short post today, but it is something important. A few days ago, I blogged on the terrior of the Texas High Plains at:
http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=387
In response, a half a world away (but virtually in our backyard), Aussie wine writer PHILIP WHITE responded to my blog on his blog (Drinkster) as follows:
White wrote, “Texas has up and got Coonawarra envy….”
For more, go to: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=402
Friday, January 9, 2009
Write Off the Wine: Texas Wine News for January 9, 2009
Write Off the Wine: Texas Wine News for January 9, 2009
Wow, 2009 is starting off with a bang. Lots of excellent wines to taste, new things to learn, and great wineries to visit. See below….
The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas: Wine 101 Class - Wine & Sushi
Wednesday, January 14, 2009; Time: 6:30 P.M. - 8 P.M.Where: Kenobi Restaurant & Sushi Bar; 10000 Research Blvd. in the Arboretum Austin, Texas 78759. Cost: $50 for Foundation Members and $60 for general admission.
For more on this, Fodor's Texas Winery Destinations, Texas Enology Seminars, go to: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=397
Wow, 2009 is starting off with a bang. Lots of excellent wines to taste, new things to learn, and great wineries to visit. See below….
The Wine and Food Foundation of Texas: Wine 101 Class - Wine & Sushi
Wednesday, January 14, 2009; Time: 6:30 P.M. - 8 P.M.Where: Kenobi Restaurant & Sushi Bar; 10000 Research Blvd. in the Arboretum Austin, Texas 78759. Cost: $50 for Foundation Members and $60 for general admission.
For more on this, Fodor's Texas Winery Destinations, Texas Enology Seminars, go to: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=397
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Write Off the Vine - Texas Wine News for January 8, 2009
Write Off the Vine - Texas Wine News for January 8, 2009
Happy New Year from Pleasant Hill Winery (www.pleasanthillwinery.com); A rare snow settles on the barrels at Pleasant Hill Winery; December, 2008.
Wishing you health, happiness and prosperity in 2009. Thank you for enjoying Pleasant Hill wines. Maybe you missed our 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon release and food pairing, or it’s time for a ride to the country? Join us for a glass of our award-winning....
For more: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=394
Happy New Year from Pleasant Hill Winery (www.pleasanthillwinery.com); A rare snow settles on the barrels at Pleasant Hill Winery; December, 2008.
Wishing you health, happiness and prosperity in 2009. Thank you for enjoying Pleasant Hill wines. Maybe you missed our 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon release and food pairing, or it’s time for a ride to the country? Join us for a glass of our award-winning....
For more: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=394
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Texas Terroir: A “Land – Man” Conjunction
Texas Terroir: A “Land – Man” Conjunction
Earlier this year, I visited the Texas High Plains to observe the grape harvest. As I chronicled my trip and experience on this blog, I had an intimate awareness of what wine writers and even more French viticulteurs describe as “terroir”. In a search for words at the time, I tried to capture the experience and blogged…..
“The scenery is dominated by red-brown dirt and sky that gives me the feeling that I was viewing the land that was created very early on the morning of third day of creation. This was before God had yet worked up the idea of making high mountain vistas on the newly created land.” See: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=27
For more: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=387
Earlier this year, I visited the Texas High Plains to observe the grape harvest. As I chronicled my trip and experience on this blog, I had an intimate awareness of what wine writers and even more French viticulteurs describe as “terroir”. In a search for words at the time, I tried to capture the experience and blogged…..
“The scenery is dominated by red-brown dirt and sky that gives me the feeling that I was viewing the land that was created very early on the morning of third day of creation. This was before God had yet worked up the idea of making high mountain vistas on the newly created land.” See: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=27
For more: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=387
Friday, January 2, 2009
Five New Year’s Wine Resolutions for 2009
Five New Year’s Wine Resolutions for 2009
1. Drink Well, Drink Local
In 2008, I blogged about “Food/Drink Miles” as applied to wine selection. In 2009, I reconfirm that I will drink well, but drink more locally produced wine. This action may help to reduce my wine cooler’s carbon footprint a tad. But, more importantly it will help support our struggling local economy as well as the winemakers in Texas that are making great strides with each vintage. I also hope that people in other states will do the same. Remember – Each bottle of wine from New Zealand has more than 23 times the carbon footprint of a bottle of Texas wine. See: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=49
For four more resolutions:
http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=381
Blog Main Page: http://vinetagetexas.com/blog
1. Drink Well, Drink Local
In 2008, I blogged about “Food/Drink Miles” as applied to wine selection. In 2009, I reconfirm that I will drink well, but drink more locally produced wine. This action may help to reduce my wine cooler’s carbon footprint a tad. But, more importantly it will help support our struggling local economy as well as the winemakers in Texas that are making great strides with each vintage. I also hope that people in other states will do the same. Remember – Each bottle of wine from New Zealand has more than 23 times the carbon footprint of a bottle of Texas wine. See: http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=49
For four more resolutions:
http://vintagetexas.com/blog/?p=381
Blog Main Page: http://vinetagetexas.com/blog
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