This week at the Italian Culinary Center in New York City I had the pleasure of meeting Adolfo Folonari, co-CEO of Ruffino, who put together a tasting of his wines, and Cesare Casella, currently of Salumeria Rosi, who created the pairing menu. After the initial tasting, we moved on to the luncheon where there were four more wines to sample. MORE >>

Just too many varieties of grapes yet to be tasted for a first time. This has been one fantastic year of enlightenment for me when it comes to all things wine. Believe I may do a year end article on the subject. If I do, I will have to include the German grape, Dornfelder as one of the highlights. MORE >>

** Disclaimer: I received these wines from Martellotto Wine s One of the benefits of writing a wine blog is the occasional UPS delivery of wine to taste and review on the blog. The wine is 85% Cab/Sauv, 10% Merlot and 5% Syrah which gives it a nice fruity and peppery finish. Now Cabs I have no problem with. MORE >>

Almost all that I had ever tasted were the Shiraz from Australia. While visiting Damiani Wine Cellars on Seneca Lake this past spring I tasted an excellent Syrah and I was sold. Then again maybe I just have to taste a few more and that's not a bad thing now, is it? From that day on I was a fan. MORE >>

Before now I have never tasted Gewurztraminer. Well it's time to try a new wine, at least new to me. Please, no comments on that issue. It took me over 30 years to appreciate any white wine, and now that I do, I am trying them all. The first was OK and will be nice at a evening get-together, but not one I would bring to the party. Great Buy! MORE >>