Today was the first day of the Languedoc Roussillon Study & Certificate Program offered by the French Wine Society with support from Sud de France. Twenty lucky students (most of whom I knew through my travels) crowded into the Maison de la Région Languedoc -Roussillon. very successful first day. I will try. Loup (21.50). MORE >>

What I did find, is the Vin D'alsace region of France can produce a very nice Riesling. Nothing really here that would change my opinion of Finger Lakes Rieslings, but now know that I will be comfortable ordering European Reislings when traveling to areas where I cannot find my favorite Finger Lakes wines. Recommended. MORE >>

Born in Cognac in the same house where his father was born, and raised in Bordeaux, it would have been easy for him to continue his family’s wine tradition in France. His family has owned vineyard property in France since the late 1600s. Due to the similarities of several of his favorite wine regions in France, it was California’s. MORE >>

note: from my travels in France, this is actually a familiar story!). HdR2011 is kicking off with a bang with the first panel, which is moderated by Christophe Tassan, sommelier at MIX in Las Vegas. The room is full of Rhone wine fans from around the world! The French wine makers on the panel are very excited as well. 100% Syrah. MORE >>

Narrating the seminar was Anne Parent of Domaine Parent, a very important producer in France that has been in the Parent family for generations. In my last travels to Beaune in November I ordered wine from Beaune quite a bit, impressed by the flavor profile and value. Yet it was rich, buttery, and racy, with intense acidity. MORE >>