Wine Blog

A Vineyard in Tuscany: A Wine Lover’s Dream
“A sun-drenched memoir with a fairy-tale ending.”—Kirkus Reviews

In this laugh-out-loud tale, two adventurers discover that rare combination: joy and success. Candace, a painter, and Ferenc, a writer, begin a new life near the hill town of Montalcino. They restore a thirteenth-century friary, plant fifteen acres of vines, build a winery, tame a runaway tractor, excavate an Etruscan village, and battle volcanic fermenting vats, while learning from famous vintner neighbor Angelo Gaja the secrets of growing the best grapes and making superb, award-winning wine. This extraordinary tale will enrich the lives of travelers and wine lovers alike. A New York Times Book Review 2007 Notable Travel Book.

Customer Review: PARADISE REGAINED
I read the “criticisms” on this board and do not share them. This was not intended as a treatise on vine growing and wine making but a deeply personal account of one family’s quest for achieving a dream — told with wonderful writing style, transporting the reader into the magical and unique world of discovery, illumination, and appreciation of one of God’s gifts — Tuscany. Try to imagine yourself getting “tips” from Gaja; rubbing elbows in the rich soil of this region with the Conterno’s and Banfi’s; re-discovering the special beauties that the Etruscans built and the centuries hid from plain sight. This book is not a “how-to” dissertation; rather, it is a nearly mystical rendition of unearthing (literally) a treasure nearly lost to us, and a saga full of fun. Talk about being “transported”; Mr. Mate takes the reader on a “magical mystery tour” of his and his family’s sheer delight — and terribly hard work — in bringing back to life a thoroughly delicious slice of creation — God’s and man’s. Even if you’re one who puts ice cubes in your Syrah, don’t pass this up.

Customer Review: Depends on your expectation
Based on the other reviews, I had high hopes for this book; I expected a more thorough story of his experience starting his own vineyard, people he had interacted with and the “terrior” of his vineyard embedded with light-hearted anecdotes. Instead, I found the details lacking. Little time is spent on the characters who appeared in the book, the restoration of the estate, planting and cultivating of the vineyard, wine-making decisions, and his (and his family’s) tie to the place. The fact that this book is written in many short chapters averaging less than 10 pages each should have been the first sign. I do not doubt that Mr. Mate will be an interesting guy to have a drink with, and I am sure that he has many interesting stories to tell. But after reading this book, I get a feeling that this is a tale of a wealthy individual (despite his repetitive mentioning of being/getting poor as a result of this endeavor) who spent his way to have people make great wines from a land he has purchased. While this statement may not do him justice, and perhaps that is what this book is meant to be, but more on the people, more on the place, more on his (or the wine maker/consultant’s) philosophy of how to cultivate the land and make a great wine will greatly improve the book.

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Blomus Stainless-Steel Flask
The entire Blomus line of kitchen, living room, and bath items are designed in a sleek, functional style–with elegant, straightforward lines that complement most modern furniture–and this stainless-steel flask is no exception. It’s ideal for use in traditional flask locations, such as at parties or tailgaters or when hiking, but it also serves as an attractive display item on a shelf or table. The flask’s stainless-steel exterior is coated with a brushed matte finish, giving it a silky rather than sparkling appearance. Even better, it holds a robust 7.1 ounces of liquid, meaning you’ll always be well prepared for festive occasions. –Rivers Janssen

Customer Review: great piece
I am super happy with my purchase. No seams/seals to put it together. It’ll last my entire lifetime. The cap is not attached to the flask and makes for easier use. Lookin forward to using it.

Customer Review: It LEAKS (Otherwise it’s a great flask)
I bought my first flask and had it about a year. Then it started leaking where it is seamed togeather. I thought it was a fluke, so I simply replaced it with the same flask. After mild use, same exact problem in the same exact place, right at the bottom where the seam is welded. This saddens me. I love the flask, design, size, everything, except it’s useless when it fails and leaks.

A weekend of wine in Goshen – Waterbury Republican-American
Daily admission tickets are $20 in advance, available at select CVWA wineries, Adams Hometown Markets, online or by phone; and $25 at the gate. In addition to wine tastings, attendees can purchase bottles and cases of wine at a reduced price directly from the vineyards.

Reform efforts on hold while wine glut continues – Stock Journal
THE federal government will reconsider an overhaul of the taxes on alcohol but has ruled out making any changes while there is a wine glut driving restructuring of the industry. The discussion paper suggests wine should be taxed in the same way as beer and

Silenced By Syrah: A Wine Lover’s Mystery
As the Vineyard Manager at Malveaux Estates, Nikki Sands knows a lot about wine pairings, but she has a harder time making matches in her own life. Is it finally time to give up her crush on her boss, Derek Malveaux, and commit to winemaker AndrŽs? With big changes afoot at the Estates, Nikki’s days of wine and roses may be over sooner than she thinks…

Malveaux Estates has added a boutique hotel and spa to its beautiful grounds, and everyone in Napa is abuzz about the hotel’s restaurant, Georges on the Vineyard. Its opening has been delayed a bit by the quirks of star chef Georges Debussey, better known for his cuisine than his couth. When Georges doesn’t return to the kitchen after a relaxing Syrah bath splash at the spa on opening night, Nikki figures the bubbles must have gone to his head. But instead of bubbles, it was a bullet-leaving Nikki to wonder what kind of wine can be paired with murder…

Customer Review: Delightful!
Another delightful outing with vineyard manager Nikki Sands. Nikki has her hands full juggling two dashing suitors, but when a big-time chef is shot at the winery and spa, she takes on a new challenge: find the killer before she becomes the next victim. Lovable characters, steady pacing, and secretive suspects will keep you guessing until the end.

Customer Review: All Charming, but Three Times–my fave
I absolutely adore this series, but this is my favorite of the three. Once again Ms. Scott blends up a delicious concoction of mystery, romance and culinary delights. There are two big questions in this who dunnit. Who dunnit and who will Nikki pick to be her man.

The chef of the new restaurant on the vineyard, Georges Debussey meets his demise while bathing at the new Malveaux spa. Instead of r&r, he winds up DEAD with a bullet to the head. Nikki Sands once again goes to work solving the crime. She’s also got her plate full when it comes to the men in her life. Nikki has some love life decisions to make with two eligible bachelors. Filled with good looking men, plenty of murderous mystery and one charming heroine made a night out of it for me. A little Syrah and Ms. Scott’s third installent and I was completely content.