USA, Virginia, Central Region, Monticello. Even though the White House is no longer printing the names of the wines on the menu nor releasing them after the fact, it turns out that we had our own “deep throat” at the event: none other than the wine person of the last decade , founder of Cellertracker, Eric Levine. Find it. MORE >>

This is a raw milk washed rind cheese from the mountains of south-western Virginia, made somewhat in the style of the classic Italian Taleggio. We've been delving further into domestic cheeses lately with some very good results, mostly. It continues to fascinate me, the challenge of pairing wine with cheese. Strange. MORE >>

Sparkling Chardonnay, Thibaut Janisson Brut, Monticello, Virginia. ? Right now, at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Dr. Manmohan Singh, prime minister of India, is being feted at a state dinner! The Obamas brought in chef Marcus Samuelsson of Aquavit in New York to cook a meatless, Indian-inspired meal for the 320 honored guests. Green Curry Prawns. MORE >>

It turns out there is a winery angle: they are owners of a Virginia winery that has filed for bankruptcy. SPIT: invitations. SPIT: glassware. All the talk this long weekend was about the White House state dinner. SIPPED: logistics photos! The Daily Mail published photos 36 million bottles of wine in an English warehouse. Only $2,500 each! MORE >>

Host Virginia Prescott and I chatted about plotting your wines to the seasons and some holiday wines. It’s time for a review of some reviews! Thanks to all who have taken time to write their thoughts about one or both of my books; I’m glad they have gotten a warm reception. And thanks for buying the books and giving them as gifts! MORE >>