I knew this would be a life changing trip. I'm not willing to spend another ten years in therapy so I have to take those lessons where I get them. Of those I am currently working on? 1) Take the Money and Run 2) Ask for what you need.

Professor Attilio Scienza Seminar Seminar Tasting "The 34;The Italians seem so happy to be here in New York," says a friend, after the Friday night close of the Italian Wine Exchange Grand Tasting. "Why 34;Why is that?" 34; Yes,

This past week, VINO2010–Italian Wine Week–descended upon NYC, bringing together wine writers and buyers, importers and makers, educators, distributors,  and noise-makers; together beneath one roof and a million rooms at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.  There There were presentations and guided tastings, meet and greets, and a Grand Tasting with no end in sight.  Apulia,

One of Peconic Bay Winerys’ sister brands, Nautique is a hearty blend of 95% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc produced in Cutchogue, Long Island. First thing that stands out is the bottom-heavy and tapered shape of the bottle, kind of like… well, a lighthouse. Ruby colors with likewise aromas of dark red fruits and blackberries.

We now take a commercial break As first in a series of shout outs about an April event in New Orleans, for an amazing debut. Meet the next generation of wine weekends. Never before has any one put together such celebration of bubbles. And if you can't figure out a sweet Valentine Day gift, get yourself a bottle

SPIT: “pinot noir” Pinot Pinot or dunno? The caché of the fickle pinot noir has led to a proliferation of low-priced pinots, which, by US law, must only contain 75 percent to state the grape on the label. Decanter reports that French authorities have brought charges against 13 defendants in the the south of France for stretching pinot more than that, selling the equivalent of 16 million bottles worth of cheaper merlot and syrah to E & J Gallo for their $9 Red Bicylcette pinot noir.

I should start at the beginning, but I need to tell you about something that happened in the middle. The punishing wind, the sweet asses, Millesime Bio and Domaine des 2 Anes behind us we Jenny, Francois (of the selections) and Kate, the lasagna maker and crack sales chick, took the road for the seven -hour drive up north. One hour into it, I saw the Toulouse signs. "Hey!