Going Solo, Part 46

Posted by golfkat on May 10, 2021
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Travel. Leave a comment

I have always welcomed solo travel.  It began for me in the Seventies and Eighties, when I traversed our great country for business travel.  I was a health care consultant for over twenty years.  My job led me to about 35 or 40 of our states.  I completed my quest to visit all FIFTY states in 2014, with a train ride from Chicago to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Those of you who have never done it are missing out on one of life’s most interesting adventures.  Yes, I have the best travel buddy in the world, Mr. Mike.  But when he does not or cannot go, I will go.  Why not you?
Here are some interesting thoughts from Food and Wine:

“Traveling alone can be a unique experience, and it’s something that a majority (66 percent) of Americans either have done or would consider doing,” according to YouGov, a market research and data analytics firm that recently surveyed U.S. adults about solo travel.

According to the survey, 46 percent of respondents said their motivation to travel alone was to have the “freedom to choose their own itinerary without input from others.” The second most popular reason, selected by 37 percent of respondents, was that it’s “easier to relax and unwind when they’re alone.”

The other reasons people chose solo travel included bolstering their own sense of independence and self-confidence (32 percent), wanting to go to destinations that their family and friends weren’t interested in (32 percent), and finding it easier to meet new people alone (17 percent).Specifically, meeting new people and going to destinations others are not interested in are important.  But the sense of adventure is the driving force for me.  In other words, to just let the vacation “happen” without many plans or reservations.  Like my trip to Europe on Tuesday.


I am leaving on May 11 for Europe, with only a week in Greece as a set itinerary.  The rest is completely open, albeit for the pandemic restrictions.  Looking at the list of places I can go (welcoming vaccinated travelers), some interesting places to visit includes Estonia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Georgia, and Slovenia.  So, after my week in Greece, I will plane or train to one of these countries.


Much like visiting SE Asia, European countries are relatively close together, and normally easily reach by Eurail.  Both EasyJet and Ryan Air make air travel within Europe very affordable.


A few places I have been solo are:  Alaska (for the Auroral Borealis), the Trans Siberian Railway, VIA Trans Canadian Rail, Super Bowl 47, Istanbul, South Africa, Japan, Canada, Berlin, Tokyo, Bangkok, Amsterdam, Munich, Vienna, and Romania.


While not discounting a perfect travel companion like Mr. Mike, the solo experience has made me a better traveler, and perhaps a better citizen of the world.  One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to feed someone.  Some are homeless, some are needy, and some are just interesting.  I also give or donate some of my clothing to needy people along the way.  In fact, in South Africa, I gave away most of my clothing and shoes.


So, unless you have a Mr. Mike, I strongly suggest hitting the road or the airways by yourself.  You will never be alone again!  I met the great Barry the V in Santiago, Chile.  And the inimitable Jason and Chun in Langkawi, Malaysia.  Add a few others like Roath in Cambodia, Danny in Bangkok, Ta and CK in Chiang Mai,  Katy in Bucharest, and many others.  Or you can end up in Zurich playing strip poker (I was much younger) with two girls form New York?


Bottom line:  Do not limit yourself.  If you have a need to go and explore, please go.  There will come a day when you will not be able to do this!


PS:  I leave Tuesday for Europe, solo.

What Is Mother’s Day?

Posted by golfkat on May 8, 2021
Posted in: Cultures. Leave a comment

I remember my Mother every day, not just today.  I hope you do the same. From 2009:

I know we all celebrate Mother’s Day when we try to make our Moms and Grandmothers feel extra special.  My Mom is now 85, so I know the Mother’s Day celebrations remaining can be counted on one or two hands.  Both of my Grandmothers lived into their 90s, but are no longer living.  I know in my case, I owe them so much, for coming to a strange country, marrying a stranger via mail order, and trying to cope with a new and different world.

But did you know that Mother’s Day was promoted by a woman named Anna Jarvis?  She was born in West Virginia, and on May 12, 1907, two years after he mother died, she held a memorial for her mother and embarked on a campaign to make Mother’s Day a recognized holiday.  It became nationally recognized as a holiday in 1914.  But she grew weary of the commercialization of Mother’s Day.  She and her sister spent their inheritance fighting against the holiday.  She died in poverty, embittered because too many people sent their mothers a printed greeting card!  She never married or had children.  She is buried in Bala Cynwyd, PA. 

In most countries, Mother’s Day is a derivative of the U.S. holiday.  It was President Woodrow Wilson (that war monger) and Congress that created the law making it an official holiday. 

Even when we cannot be with my Mother, we send a card, fresh flowers, funny email and a phone call.  I can never thank my Mom enough for all the things she has done for me.  In college, she would send me money for dates, gasoline, and “tea”.  She helped me get through Pharmacy School, and the loss of several girl friends.

When my Dad died at the young age of 51, I came home and lived with her until we got her estate settled.  My Dad had an auto parts and repair business, along with some farmland.  I was the oldest of four kids, while the youngest two were still in college.  I am sure my Mom had a tougher time than she ever let on to us.

Though Sheri has never been a Mom, she was so helpful and necessary for raising my kids, after we were married.  She never complained, and was always there to help them with homework, drive them to and from school, and attend parent functions at school.  She was more helpful to them than their real mother.

Though I am sure Anna Jarvis must be turning in her grave, I think the holiday serves to remind us of how important mothers are to us, and our country.  They hold an unbelievable amount of power in the household.  They control the spending habits of a nation.  They decide which stores survive, and which ones fail.

I think it is nice to see the restaurants full of families having a nice Mother’s Day brunch or dinner.  Or to see the family barbecue or picnic gathering for food and drink.  My message to Anna is to overlook the commercialization and realize how lucky we are to have a mother.  And to any of you Moms out there, alone or with family on this special day, I salute you for everything you have done for your family, and for the world. 

Fast forward to 2021:  Well, my Mom is no longer with us.  She and my Dad raised us well, we were so fortunate.  But I have two Aunts over age 90, and another almost there.  We will celebrate Mother’s Day quietly at home.  But we always celebrate our Moms!

My Sparkling Obsession, Part 2

Posted by golfkat on May 7, 2021
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Travel, Wine. Leave a comment

Only one of the top sparkling wines sold in grocery stores was a champagne.  Guess which one?


With 90,000 cases sold in supermarkets, Veuve Clicquot came in Number 6 in supermarket sales of sparklers in 2020, according to the industry magazine Market Watch. Veuve Clicquot was also the most expensive sparkler in the top ten, selling in supermarkets for an average price of $54 a bottle. Moët & Chandon didn’t make the top ten supermarket sparklers list (it was Number 16). And Perrier Jouët was not in the top 20. Good for you if you knew that André was a trick answer. It’s not a Champagne; it’s made in California by E & J Gallo. It came in 4th in supermarket sales, costing an average of $6. a bottle.

Speaking of France and Champagne, have you seen this?The French government will pay out $1.2 billion in USD in emergency aid to French vintners and farmers whose vineyards and crops were damaged by devastating frosts earlier this month. Overall, about 30% of the potential 2021 grape crop in France was destroyed. According to Beverage Industry Enthusiast magazine, the 2021 destruction comes on top of frosts in 2017 and 2018 from which vines were just beginning to recover.  Would the US government do the same for us??

FYI, I buy my sparkling wines and champagnes several ways:


WTSO (Wine Til Sold Out) sells online, offers daily specials, and does not charge for shipping.  The wines arrive well packed, never broken, always!  I often buy the Aimery brut rose’ sparkling (crémant) on this website.


Trader Joe’s is another great source of sparkling wines.  Back when I drank Proseccos, I would buy at TJs.  Now, I look for special sparklings, many are Crémants.  My price point is usually $10 or less for everyday consumption.


Grocery Outlet has been a pleasant surprise lately.  But my strong suggestion is to shop often and carefully.  Their stock changes fairly often, so once you find something you like, grab it!  I found a nice little sparkler from Healdsburg, innocuously labeled, “451”, which was fairly tasty and very affordable.  I went back, put together a case, and shared it with a dear friend.


Total Wines is a place that is both interesting and confounding.  Their prices are usually a little higher than Bev Mo, but their selection is very good.  I do not buy much here, but I am impressed with their overall selection of wines and spirits, especially pricey single malt Scotch.


Bev Mo does not always have good prices, unless they are doing a close out.  And their layout in the store can be somewhat confounding.  I like their wide selection, but they, like many wine purveyors, try to sneak some close out or “junk” wines into the mix.  Of course, they call some of them “grower” wines.  Maybe you will find a bargain, maybe not.


Winery Direct means going to the winery and getting to taste what you buy.  I like this concept, as it has been around since the Sixties.  But now they tasting fee is quite substantial and may not always be applied to the purchase.


Join a wine club means just that, a periodic (usually quarterly) shipment of wines.  Normally, I can specify what I want, but some clubs send a “special” wine to you.  Beware the special, since they may be dumping lesser vintages on your doorstep.  I belong to the Domaine Carneros club, and have done so for at least ten years now.  It also affords preferential treatment at the winery for special seating, special tastings, and further discounts on purchases, with no tasting fee.


Please remember to share what you have found that you like.  Do not worry what anyone else thinks or says.  I will respect you even if you drink pop wines!

What’s In Wine?

Posted by golfkat on May 5, 2021
Posted in: Cultures, Wine. Leave a comment

Have you ever thought about the ingredients in wine?  Why do they not list the ingredients like most food and beverage products?  Why are they not held to the same standards as others in the food and beverage industry?  Well, the Reverse Wine Snob will reveal some information that may or may not influence your purchasing, and enjoyment of wine.


I will quote RWS (Jillian Johnson), rather than try to paraphrase in my own words.


Yeast and Yeast Nutrients
There are hundreds of different yeast strains available specifically for fermenting wine. Yeast can impart aroma and flavor, as well as increase mouthfeel. Most yeast strains are non-GMO. Yeast metabolize the sugar into alcohol, but they need other nutrients to keep the fermentation healthy. There are two main choices for yeast nutrition, Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) and autolyzed yeast (amino acids). Yes, the organic answer for yeast nutrition is feeding yeast with pulverized yeast parts. DAP is the manmade option that the yeast gobble up and kick into high gear fast fermentation.

Enzymes
Enzymes are used in many food industries as process aids. In white wine, enzymes are used to help extract more juice from the grape berry and help clarify the juice. In red wine, enzymes are used to extract more color and tannin from grape skins. Pectinases make up the majority of the enzymes used in grape processing.

Tannins
Tannins naturally occur in wine, coming mostly from the grape berry and oak aging. Through extensive research and development, many different tannin products are available for all winemaking stages. Tannins are purified from the grape skin and seed, oak staves, and other exotic woods (Quebracho, chestnut, cherry, citrus, etc.). Tannins add more structure, help to stabilize color, protect the wine from oxidation and add flavor complexity.

Fining Agents
When a wine has an off flavor, too much tannin, bitterness, or oxidized color, a fining agent can be used to correct the issue. Fining agents come is all shapes and sizes, but function by binding with the compounds that are causing the issue and settling out of the wine. There are many choices for protein based fining agents; albumin (egg white), casein (milk), isinglass (fish), patatin (potato), gelatin (porcine), and pea protein. Other fining agents are bentonite (sodium/calcium clay), and Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP). Depending on the wine and the issue, a combination of these can be used to fix the problem. Fining agents do not remain in the wine, they are considered a processing aid.

Mouthfeel Products
As wines age in the cellar, the wine comes into balance and the texture or mid palate richness develops. Often a wine might be lacking mouthfeel and need help achieving this balance. The tools available are products extracted from yeast cell walls, such as mannoproteins and polysaccharides. Gum Arabic, a product that is commonly found in ice creams, can also be used to soften a wine and bring more mouthfeel.

The above mentioned ingredients are used in very small amounts, typically measured in “parts per million”. Other ingredients not mentioned above are sulfur dioxide, tartaric acid (naturally found in grapes), malolactic bacteria, and other stabilizing agents. Wine is a commercial product and winemakers use these ingredients to make the best wine and a stable product to sell to the customer. If (or when) the TTB requires ingredient labeling for wines, the ingredient list will be a short one compared to many commercial beverages sold today.

Next time you open a bottle of wine, take a look at the ingredients.

Obscure Wine Wisdom and Sancerre

Posted by golfkat on May 2, 2021
Posted in: Cultures, Food, Travel, Wine. Leave a comment

Which country drinks the most wine?  Perhaps this has changed due to the pandemic?  In all of these countries (Italy, France, Portugal, Argentina),  per capita wine consumption is high. But Portugal comes out on top with 16.4 gallons/62.1 liters of wine per person per year (for people over 15 years old). According to the OIV (International Organization of Vine and Wine), the next three countries in descending order are France (13.3 gallons/50.2 liters), Italy (11.5 gallons/43.6 liters), and Switzerland (10 gallons/37.8 liters).


At any one time, there are one million wines available for sale around the world, according to Julian Perry, CEO of wine-searcher.com, the world’s largest database for wines, spirits, and beers. Wine Searcher was founded in 1998 by Martin Brown a former e-commerce manager for the prestigious London wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd.


Kendall Jackson’s new low-calorie chardonnay called Avant which will launch in May. Avant ($17) has 23% fewer calories (only 85) than Kendall-Jackson’s super popular Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay. The lower calorie count is the result of Avant’s lower alcohol—just 9% abv. The grapes for the wine are harvested early in the growing season when they contain less sugar.


Sauvignon Blanc is arguably the world’s greatest white grape, for its richness, herbal notes, complexity, minerality and aging potential. And while there are notable examples of Sauvignon Blanc produced in New Zealand, northern Italy, California and Chile (as well as a few other nations), my pick for the greatest example of Sauvignon Blanc is Sancerre from Loire.

Sancerre is a district in the Loire Valley wine territory in north-central France, named for the Loire River. Sancerre itself is a medieval town in the Upper Loire where Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are planted; Pinot Noir is used here to produce Sancerre Rouge and Sancerre Rosé.

But it is the white Sancerre, made entirely from Sauvignon Blanc, that is the most famous wine of in this district. Styles vary according to producer, but a typical Sancerre features aromas and flavors of stone fruit (apricot), white flowers and especially notes of freshly cut hay or a light herbaceous quality, such as yellow pepper or even asparagus. The wine is medium-full to full-bodied with many examples made without the influence of wood, although there are numerous oak-aged versions that are dazzling. The finish is often one with distinct mineral notes, as well as the same herbal character found in the aromas; the wines produced from flinty soils known as silex are especially singular in their flavor profiles. These are wines to be paired with rich seafood, game birds (pheasant) or goat cheese. (from Tom Hyland, Food and Drink, Forbes magazine)

Here are a few to try:

Domaine Vacheron Sancerre 2019

Pascal Cotat Sancerre La Grande Cote 2019

Pascal Jolivet Sancerre 2019 ($26)

Henri Bourgeois Les Barrones Blanc 2019


I love a good Sauvignon blanc or Sancerre.  Try a few and let me know your favorites.

Many thanks to Winespeed for this great information.

Lodi Cycling and Wine Visit

Posted by golfkat on April 29, 2021
Posted in: Cultures, Sports, Travel, Wine. Leave a comment

We will be cycling in the Lodi wine region on a rather warm Friday.  For most people, the preference is, of course, Napa, Sonoma, or most recently, the Central Coast.  But I must confide, the Lodi region is perhaps more diverse, lower cost, and just as interesting.  The crowds are smaller as well!  And more conducive to safe cycling.
(From a previous trip)     

                                                                               
One of the wine regions I had the most fun visiting was Lodi, California. Almost seems like yesterday, but I enjoyed several lovely spring days there in 2014. Even though Lodi (Central Valley of California) is largely known for red wines with Zinfandel topping the charts, the area’s diversity, both in soil and climate, accommodates the planting of over 75 [commercial] grape varieties. The region benefits from pretty significant diurnal temperature swings. I needed a sweater by evening time. The cooler nights provide balance to the warm-to-hot, sun-filled days allowing the berries to retain good natural acidity while achieving optimal flavor development. This is why some of the region’s more substantive & robust red wines are also well-balanced. Lodi has a number of multi-generational, small-production family wineries and vineyards with old, head trained Zinfandel sites (and even Cinsault) dating back to the 19th century. Walking through these vineyards was truly amazing! And more importantly, these old, gnarly vines are producing rock solid juice. Behind the delicious wines, I found a collection of passionate and ambitious wine-growers, winemakers, and grape growers. From tasting-room to tasting-room you will find a lot of variety. For example, Sue Tipton of Acquiesce Winery & Vineyards crafts small amounts of bright and refreshing Rhone-inspired white wines (and only white wines with one pink exception) from 100% estate-grown fruit; Ryan Sherman of Fields Family Wines makes wines that are meant to be shared at the dinner table with family & friends (I highly recommend his Syrah); Markus Bokisch of Bokisch Vineyards has grown and produced Spanish-style wines in Lodi since 2001 – his Albariño is scrumptious; and Markus Niggli of Borra Vineyards and Markus Wine Company is doing something rousing and unique with German and Austrian grape varieties. When is the last time you tried Kerner and Bacchus? I could go on and on about varying styles & varieties; but the bottom line is: diversity is the spice of life when it comes to Lodi wine country. Lastly, and sort of the cherry on top, what also made my trip so much fun and special were the wine personalities I visited Lodi with: The Great Gregory Dal Piaz, Wine Harlots, Cuvee Corner, Wine4Me, and the late Ben Carter of Benito’s Wine Reviews. Ben was one of the smartest, funniest, and quick-witted people I have ever met; he left us way too soon and is sorely missed in the wine blogging commune. In closing, if you plan to visit Lodi, I leave you with two tips: follow @Lodi_Wine on Twitter and be sure to stay at Wines & Roses Hotel, Restaurant, and Spa (you will not regret it and you may want to stay). Cheers!


The Lodi Wine Center is a great place to start.  Free parking, and a wide selection of wines are available.  In 1991 local growers voted to fund the Lodi Winegrape Commission. The Commission conducts programs in marketing, grower education, and viticultural research. The Commission represents 750 winegrowers farming nearly 100,000 acres of wine grapes and has successfully moved the Lodi region well into the 21st Century.

Mission Statement
To serve the common interests of all Lodi Crush District 11 wine grape producers and to enhance the profitability of wine grape production through promotion, research, and education.


The Lodi Wine Center is located at 1545 W. Turner Road.
What about the grapes?  


Lodi Wine says:  Lodi is predominately a red winegrowing region, with approximately two-thirds of the acreage dedicated to red varieties.  Lodi is home to all of California’s leading varieties and has long been the leading producer and California’s best kept secret for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel.  Zinfandel holds a special place in Lodi’s history as a winegrowing region. Continued care has allowed many of Lodi’s original gnarly old Zinfandel vines to thrive, making the region home to the highest concentration in the state.  However, with over 100 varieties now in production, Lodi offers a vast portfolio of diverse and interesting wines.
Albariño,  Verdejo,  Graciano,  Tempranillo, and Garnacha are just a few of the interesting Spanish varieties grown in Lodi soils.  Local vintners have been experimenting with and leading California viticulture in the planting of these Spanish varieties. Today, these varietal wines are capturing critical attention from top wine writers and the hearts of wine enthusiasts from across the country.  German, Italian, Southern Rhone, and Portuguese varietals are also some of Lodi’s hidden gems.

My personal favorite is the Inkblot Cabernet franc from Michael David Winery.  So, after 25 or 30 miles of cycling, we will end up there, and most likely have lunch at their cafe. 

One perfectly nice day, “stuck in Lodi” again!


Fast Forward to today, Friday, April 30.  On the last day of the month, why not enjoy a nice day in Lodi?  It is about a 2+ hour drive from home, straight up the 99.

Daou (Jones) or Justin (Time)?

Posted by golfkat on April 27, 2021
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment, Food, Travel, Wine. Leave a comment

Wine tasting on the Central Coast is rapidly becoming “the place to be”, as Frank Costanza once said on Seinfeld, playing billiards with George and The Maestro.  I would much prefer wine tasting to playing billiards with Frank and Bob Cobb!

Justin


(Photos, in order, Dauo, Justin, Laetitia)

Laetitia Vineyards


Many of my wine connoisseur friends speak highly of Dauo Vineyards in San Luis Obispo.  And their prices certainly reflect their newfound popularity.  It is impossible to make a weekend tasting reservation unless it is made weeks in advance.  I plan to visit on a Tuesday morning.
Just a brief word about Dauo (less than the Jones):  

DAOU Mountain rises 2,200 feet in elevation in the hills of the Adelaida District on the west side of the Paso Robles AVA. With its steep mountain slopes of up to fifty-six percent, DAOU Mountain rises dramatically above the Coastal Range with breathtaking views from the highest winery on the Central Coast of California. The mountain is cooled by the Pacific Ocean, fourteen miles away, and gentle breezes that flow over the Templeton Gap.

Warm, temperate days and cool nights guarantee even ripening and vine balance every year.

“We have, arguably, the most perfect climate in the world to ripen Bordeaux varieties and Cabernet Sauvignon.” Daniel Daou

Dauo’s Estate Cabernet is pricey, at $95.  But they have a wide range of offerings for most palates and pocketbooks.  We will do our best to find something drinkable and affordable.

But Justin (time), the more affordable of my two visits, offers one of the most interesting names for their wine.  I just love their Isosceles, a blend of Cab, Merlot, and Cab franc, but rather pricey at $75.  I am sure when they first planted their vineyards back in 1981, they did not envision even remotely being called, “the new Napa Valley”, or as Frank would say, “the place to be.”

Justin looks like a great place for a wedding or private party, though I would avoid the summer and its day time heat.  Evenings are pleasant though, and would be perfect for a party.  Justin offers an evening shuttle service from their downtown tasting room.  But I must warn you, $25 for a lunch time burger is a little pricey.  And their premium tasting flight is $75!!  It does not look like a comfortable place for a casual lunch with Lexi!

Perhaps, for us, it is best to buy some sushi at the California Market in Pismo, and head to Arroyo Grande.  Our little Laetitia Winery has a low key tasting room, and a nice, quiet picnic area for Lexi and our sushi.  Their brut rose’ is quite good, as are some of their Pinots.  Then a stop at Dauo on the way home.

We decided to stop at Firestone Walker for lunch since they can accommodate Lexi on their patio, in case of rain.  Then we had to find some food for Lexi since we forgot it at home!!!  But we will make up for our wine shortcomings by having dinner at Ember in Arroyo Grande.

Aphorism

Posted by golfkat on April 23, 2021
Posted in: Cultures, Entertainment. Leave a comment


An Aphorism is a statement of truth or opinion expressed in a concise and witty manner.

♦ I find it ironic that the colors red, white and blue stand for freedom until they are flashing behind you.

♦ When wearing a bikini women reveal 90% of their bodies . Men are so polite they only look at the covered parts.

♦ Relationships are a lot like algebra. Have you ever looked at your X and wondered Y?

♦ You know that tingly little feeling you get when you love someone? That’s common sense leaving your body.

♦ My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We’ll see about that!

♦ I think my neighbor is stalking me as she’s been Googling my name on her computer. I saw it through my telescope last night.

♦ Money talks … but all mine ever says is good-bye.

♦ If you think nobody cares whether you’re alive, try missing a couple of payments.

♦ I always wondered what the job application form is like at Hooters. Do they just give you a bra and say, “Here, fill this out?”

♦ I can’t understand why women are OK that JC Penney has an older women’s clothing line named, “Sag Harbor”

♦ The location of your mailbox shows you how far away from your house you can go in a robe before you start looking like a mental patient.

♦ Money can’t buy happiness, but it keeps the kids in touch.

♦ The reason Mayberry was so peaceful and quiet was because nobody was married. Andy, Aunt Bea, Barney, Floyd, Howard, Goober, Gomer, Sam, Earnest T Bass, Helen, Thelma Lou, Clara and, of course, Opie were all single. The only married person was Otis, & he was a drunk.

Does all this make you feel better about aphorisms?

“Diapers and politicians should be changed often…, and for the same reason” Mark Twain

(from a dear friend)

What About Riesling?

Posted by golfkat on April 23, 2021
Posted in: Cultures, Travel, Wine. Leave a comment

Another underrated wine is the Riesling, often overlooked, mistreated, and certainly disrespected.  But as I have widened my wine palate, Riesling seems to have garnered greater appeal.  Or maybe the Rieslings are better now? 

There is a lingering perception of inexpensive German wines that has “tainted” our minds and palates over the years.  Its spiritual home is the Rhine and Mosel regions, two of Europe’s great wine rivers.


From the Reverse Wine Snob:  Riesling, often seen as the wine connoisseur’s white, is a rather amazing variety that can range from sweet to dry, from simple to complex and from young to age-worthy. It offers a fascinating (and delicious) look into just how different the same variety can be expressed in different areas with different winemaking techniques. And while many of these wines can be quite expensive, in our list of the best Riesling we’ve highlighted some very affordable and delicious picks under $20.


Originally from Germany, where it still prospers, excellent examples are also found in nearby Alsace and Austria. Not nearly as widely grown as grapes like Cabernet and Chardonnay, the variety needs the right conditions to really prosper. Outside of the aforementioned regions, we’ve also found remarkably good Riesling in Australia and New Zealand.  Closer to home both Washington state and the Finger Lakes region of NY state produce some of the best domestic Rieslings.


Most wine people agree the best Rieslings come from Germany (Alsace), and Australia (Eden and Clare Valleys).
For me, the style I prefer is on the drier or less sweet side.  But fortunately for all of us, there are many in between.  But most people prefer the “leaner” tasting Rieslings.  The best temperature for Riesling is 43 degrees F.  And best of all, most Rieslings are under $20.  Sparkling wines are also made from Rieslings.


Pairings are always based on personal preference, but here are a few suggestions.  Cheese choices would be the soft cheeses, and less aromatic. Spicy foods, including the hotter curries, like Thai and Indian cuisine would work well too.  The perfect pairing in Wine Folly is a spicy duck leg and a Riesling.   Dried fruit and freshly grilled vegetables are also excellent.  Meats would be duck, pork, bacon, chicken, fish, and crab.  I picture a nice Crab Louie with my Riesling.


Here are a few recommendations from the Reverse Wine Snob:


Schneider Riesling
Emma Reichart Dry Riesling (I want to try this!)
Loosen Dr. L Riesling


I have tried several Rieslings, from Washington, California, and Germany.  Whether sweet or dry, they all seem to have a rather tart finish. 

I am still looking for the perfect Riesling.  Let me know if you find one!

Travel Quotes (Jan-Mar, 2021)

Posted by golfkat on April 22, 2021
Posted in: Action, Cultures, Entertainment, Health. Leave a comment

I promise this year will be better than last year, in just about every way.


“Quarantine has me realizing why Lexi gets so excited about something moving outside and going for walks and car rides.  I just barked at a squirrel”  -Me, but I changed the words to fit my little Lexi.


“Travel expands the mind and fills the gap” – Sheda Savage


“Time flies.  It is up to you to be the navigator” – Robert Orben


They cannot scare me with their empty spaces
Between stars—on stars where no human race is.
I have it in me so much nearer home
To scare myself with my own desert places. (from Desert Places by Robert Frost)

“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.”— Anais Nin

“Surround yourself with people who make you hungry for life, touch your heart, and nourish your soul.” — Unknown”This is a day that will live in infamy. The very people who believe they are protecting our democracy have succeeded in destroying it.” – Marcia Fudge, US Rep.

“The work of putting America back together, of truly repairing what is broken, isn’t the work of any individual politician or political party. It’s up to each of us to do our part. To reach out. To listen. And to hold tight to the truth and values that have always led this country forward. It will be an uncomfortable, sometimes painful process. But if we enter into it with an honest and unwavering love of our country, then maybe we can finally start to heal.” – Michelle Obama

“As with any journey, who you travel with can be more important than your destination” – Cecily von Ziegesar

The new dawn blooms as we free it

For there is always light,

if only we’re brave enough to see it

If only we’re brave enough to be itAmanda Gorman
“Leave behind your sorrows Let this day be the last Tomorrow there’ll be sunshine And all this darkness past Big wheels roll through fields where sunlight streams Meet me in a land of hope and dreams” – Bruce Springsteen

“The idea that you can get up here and talk about what you know, what the evidence, what the science is … It is somewhat of a liberating feeling.” – Dr. Anthony Fauci

“Whether you’re going 50 miles from your home or 5,000 miles from your home, it’s about discovering something new” – Jessica Nabongo (who has visited every country in the world)

“Remember gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne!” – Winston Churchill

“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.”— Anais Nin

“Surround yourself with people who make you hungry for life, touch your heart, and nourish your soul.” — Unknown“You’d be surprised who the love of your life turns out to be. After all, adventure fell in love with lost.” — Mary Oliver

We are young
Wandering the face of the earth
Wondering what our dreams might be worth
Learning that we’re only immortal
For a limited time – Rush, Dreamline

And by turning our attention to the physical landscape that sustains and connects us, we can nourish “topophilia,” a sense of attachment and love for place. You’ll never get that from waiting for a satellite to tell you how to find a shortcut. —  M.R. O’Connor, Journalist, Author
The morning wind spreads its fresh smell. We must get up and take that in, that wind that lets us live.  Breathe before it’s gone. — Rumi

And this pearl:  “I liken making pinot noir to waking up a woman at three in the morning. You never quite know what you’re going to get.” – Luke Smith (a smart, insightful man who likes to live dangerously).
“(Hope is) more powerful than hatred and peace more powerful than war.”  – Pope Francis

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru

​“Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.”– Paul Brandt
“I don’t know the question, but travel is definitely the answer.” – Unknown
​“Adventure should be part of everyone’s life. It is the whole difference between being fully alive and just existing.” – Holly Morris

“Of all the books in all the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport.” – Unknown

OK, see you next quarter.  Send me your favorites.