Today's Fresno Wine Article

Wine Sampling Limousine Trip to Maryland

Are you and your wine enthusiast friends looking for some place to go to satisfy your wine ?cravings?? Are you also having problems as to who will be the designated driver after you have gone through the tasting of wines in the wineries? Is no one among you willing to sacrifice and not drink a drop of wine so that all of you will get home safely? If that is the case, there is no need for you or your friends to continue bickering about picking one person from your group to be the designated driver. The moment you book a limousine for your trip, the position of a driver is filled.

After you and your wine-drinking friends have booked the limousine, the best place to go to fulfill your wine ?cravings? would be Maryland. In Maryland, there are more than 180 different varieties of wine to choose from, and there?s bound to be something that?s perfect for you and your friends, and their skilled winemakers provide wine drinkers wonderful world-class wines. Meet the winemakers of the wineries in Maryland and see for yourselves how your favorite wine is made from grape to the bottle.

Begin your wine tasting excursion by asking your limousine driver to take you to Boordy Vineyards, said to be Maryland?s oldest family run winery. Boordy Vineyards was established in 1945 and owned by the R.B. Deford family. They also have escorted tours on the winemaking process and will take you to stroll through the vineyards to experience the beauty of a Maryland winery. If you like, you may even purchase their wines and who knows, you may even be given a discount for your purchase!

After you and your limousine friends have lingered long enough at Boordy Vineyards, it is time for you to move on to another winery. Tell your limousine driver to bring you to Cygnus Wine Cellars, located on 3130 Long Lane, Manchester, Maryland. Cygnus Wine Cellars became a licensed and bonded winery in 1996 and they are a small family winery.

For some fresh fruit flavor wines, ask your limousine driver to take you to Deep Creek Cellars. Located at 177 Frazee Ridge Road, Friendsville, it is a pioneering winery, vineyard, and farm market in the mountains of extreme western Maryland, near Deep Creek Lake. Their wines are inspired by the country wines of Europe and are distinctive and polished expressions of the grape, with a focus on fresh fruit flavors, with the subtle use of oak aging.

One thing that you can be sure of is that when you and your friends finally call it a day, your limousine driver is ever ready to bring you home. And hopefully, this trip has been one that you and your friends have totally enjoyed.

Fresno Wine and More

I Love Italian Wine and Food - Tasting A Noble Sicilian Wine


Once again, we are breaking into the series tasting wines from each of Italy?s twenty wine regions. This article examines a noble red wine from the is...


Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Fresno Wine Products we recommend

Wine (Madre Tierra Chardonnay), Cheese & Crackers


Assortment of cheese spreads are Camembert, Brie, Port Salut, Cheese Wedges are Tuscany, Kumin, and Edel Swiss, Cracker selections include Wheat Crackers, Waters Crackers, and Parmesan Cheese Focaccia Bits. Also included, Smokey Beef Sausage, Dark Chocolate Mint Delights. Wine selections are German Cabernet Sauvignon, Madre Tierra Chardonnay, Merlot QBA Trocken, Wehlener Mosel Riesling Auslese, or add one or more of our excellent wine selections to this basket for a wine tasting affair. WCC01 WCC01-Chardonnay


Price: 66.95 USD



Current Fresno Wine News

Get In My Belly...No, Wait

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:25:12 PDT
I am somewhat obsessed with two shows on TV - No Reservations and Bizarre Foods. In them, Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern (respectively) travel around the world soaking up local cultures and eating everything in sight, presumably whatever happens to land in front of them. I'm not sure why I'm attracted to these shows though I am interested in both history and culture and nothing speaks to history and culture like food. This got me thinking about my own gastronomical adventures. One - that

heartache to heartache, we stand

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:07:07 PDT
I think I come across as a pretty laid back person, but the truth is, no matter what time of day it is, something is going on that I am silently freaking out about. It could be something as simple as what to have for dinner or something big like, you know, what the hell I'm doing with my life. I've come to the conclusion that if I didn't have something to worry about 24 hours of the day, I wouldn't know what to do with myself. Sometimes, dear Internets, I have so much to tell you. Nothing impor

Hollywood History: What Happened On April 22? (NBC 11 Bay Area)

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:38:44 PDT
See what happened in entertainment history on April 22.


Wine Tours
Kosher Wine

Labels: Strawberry Wine

Posted by Larry Smithson | 0 comments

A Featured Wine Appreciation Article

4 Main Reasons That Started the Wine Rage

When people think of grapes, the first thing that comes to their mind is wine. This is because wines are generally made from grapes. That is why most people think of wine as grape wines.



However, there are wines that are made from rice, herbs, barley, and honey. Whatever material they are made from, wines are processed through fermentation.



Consequently, wines have definitely gained so much popularity throughout the ages. Since its inception, wines have continuously garnered the attention and interest of people from every part of the globe.



There are many reasons why wines have become so popular throughout the ages. Many factors have affected the popularity of wine. Some say that wine is popular because of its health benefits. Other people say that wine simply taste good. Whatever available reasons these people wish to convey, wine is, indeed, popular. For people who wish to know why wine has become so popular, here are some definite reasons why:



1. Lack of alternative



In history, wine had started to gain their popularity when there was no available potable water in the early years of Europe. That is why during those times, wine was considered as part of the daily diet of the Europeans.



2. Historical progress



Many people just love wine. From the ancient history of Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, wine has continuously dominated the world because people learned and realized the benefits and goodness of drinking wine.



Among the three, the Romans are the greatest wine lovers. That is why they instigated the development of wine in other countries, particularly in Spain, Britain, and France. It was when the colonization had started that the popularity of wine was passed on from one country to another.



3. Christianity



Because of its popular part in the "Christian Eucharist," the popularity of wine has continuously grown. More and more manufacturers created wine in order to supply the growing demands of the church as Christianity continued to proliferate around the globe.
Learn the art of Wine Tasting



4. Sign of "opulence"



Since the history of wine transgressed from the ancient Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians, wine has always been a symbol of opulence, wealth, and luxury. This is because early wine drinkers were prominent people.



Indeed, the popularity of wine can never be underrated. It has successfully gained its popularity at the right age and at the right pace. Just as it gradually tastes good with age, the popularity of wine continues to increase as time passes.



Wine making is an easy, cost-efficient way to stock up on your favorite vintages. Although the wine-making process is fairly simple, it's important to follow the steps carefully to ensure you don't miss any elements. These steps will be crucial to the success of your batch.

About the Author

Join Wine Tasting Party.

Another short Wine Appreciation review

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Veneto Region


If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Veneto region of northern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you?ll have f...


Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Featured Wine Appreciation Items

$40 Gift Certificate

Wine Gift Certificates

Wine gift certificates online are our most popular gift item for last minute wine gifts. Buy a wine gift certificate online and we can deliver it instantly via email or on any date you choose in the future. Or you can have it delivered through the postal service. Wine gift certificates work just like cash on our site and can be applied against all charges including sales tax and shipping. If you’re having a hard time deciding which wine gift to buy, make it simple. Give your friends and family the luxury of choosing anything on our site. It’s the easiest way to send wine gifts regardless of personal taste. Online wine gift certificates make shopping a snap. Send one today! GC0040


Price: 40.00 USD



Headlines on Wine Appreciation

How to Run Dreamweaver CS3 on Linux using Wine

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:23:13 PST
Why would you want to run Dreamweaver under Linux? If you have to ask, then you probably haven't used it or you're not a serious web developer. Adobe's Dreamweaver is the premier web editing tool on the market today. There are many free alternatives to this expensive software program, but they don't come close to Dreamweaver's capabilities....

Star Wars: Republic Commando with Wine

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 05:31:56 PST
A first-person shooter Star Wars video game, released in the US on 1 March 2005. It was developed and published by LucasArts for the Microsoft Windows and Xbox platforms. This game can now be played on Linux with Wine!

Google's support for Wine in 2007 and 2008

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:37:50 PST
We all know Google helped Wine get PhotoShop CS and CS2 working, but what about 2008? From recent post on the wine development list it looks like 2008 will be the year the majority of Adobe products start torun on Linux. As well as ITunes, Microsoft Office 2007 and we shouldnt leave out the improved gaming support that comes with each new release

WINE 0.9.56 Released

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 02:01:54 PST
The developers behind WINE are out with another two-week software update for this popular open-source program. WINE 0.9.56 introduces proper handling of OpenGL/Direct3D windows with menu bars, stubs for all the d3dx9_xx DLLs, several graphics optimizations, many installer fixes, improve MIME message support, and the usual assortment of bug-fixes. M

GENERAL ELECTRIC WIRELESS THERMOMETER

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 18:57:50 PST
Easily monitor indoor and outdoor temperatures with the General Electric wireless thermometer.Developed with state of the art components, this device is great for the baby"s room, basement, attic, wine storage or just about anywhere.$12.53


Wine Writer
Dutty Wine | Elderberry Wine

Labels: Napa Valley

Posted by Larry Smithson | 0 comments

A People Wine Artilce for Your Viewing

I Love Italian Wine and Food - The Lombardy Region

If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider the Lombardy region of northern Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you'll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour.

Mountainous Lombardy is located in the north central zone of Italy on the Swiss border. It is one of the few regions of Italy without a seacoast. On the other hand Lombardy is known for its beautiful lakes. Lombardy owes its name to the Lombards, a Germanic people who ruled it and neighboring regions for two hundred years well over a thousand years ago. Other rulers included the Celts, the Romans, and the Franks. Its population is 9.4 million, the largest in Italy. In fact, about one of six Italian residents lives in Lombardy.

Lombardy is second to Emilia-Romagna in agricultural production. Among its many agricultural products are rice, wheat, corn, fruits, olives, cattle, pigs, and sheep. Natives still eat more risotto (a rice dish) and polenta (corn bread) than pasta.

The capital of Lombardy's is Milan, Italy's financial, fashion, and media center. With a population of 1.3 million, Milan is larger than seven regions of Italy.

Lombardy devotes about 66 thousand acres to grapevines, it ranks 11th among the 20 Italian regions. Its total annual wine production is about 44 million gallons, also giving it an 11th place. About 62% of the wine production is red or ros?, leaving 38% for white. The region produces 15 DOC wines and 3 DOCG wines, Franciacorta, a sparkling wine made in the traditional (Champagne) manner, and 2 red wines; Valtellina Superiore, reviewed below, and Sforzato di Valtellina. DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, which may be translated as Denomination of Controlled Origin. The G in DOCG stands for Garantita, but there is in fact no guarantee that such wines are truly superior. Over 47% of Lombardy's wine carries the DOC or the DOCG designation. Lombardy is home to about four dozen major and secondary grape varieties, approximately three fifths red and two fifths white.

Widely grown international white grape varieties include Pinot Bianco, known as Pinot Blanc outside of Italy, Chardonnay, Trebbiano, and Malvasia. The best known Italian white varieties are Gargena, an Italian variety of Riesling, Renano Italico, and an Italian variety of Trebbiano, Trebbiano di Lugana.

Widely grown international red grape varieties include Pinot Noir. The best known strictly Italian red varieties are Barbera, Bonarda, Lambrusco, and a local Nebbiolo called Chiavennasca.

Before we reviewing the Lombardy wine and cheese that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region.
Start with Pizzoccheri della Valtellina, Buckwheat Flour Ribbons with Wilted Cabbage, Potatoes, and Mountain Cheese.
For a second course try Ossobuco all Milanese, Braised Veal Shanks with Grenolata (Parsley, Garlic, and Lemon).
And for dessert, indulge in Budino di Pannetone, Pannetone Bread Pudding

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY While we have communicated with well over a thousand Italian wine producers and merchants to help prepare these articles, our policy is clear. All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Triaccio 'Sassela' Valtellina Superiore 2002 13% alcohol about $16.50 DOCG

In his work Codice Atlantico, Leonardo da Vinci described Valtellina, the source of this wine as "A valley surrounded by tall and terrible mountains, it makes really powerful wines." This area has made wine since the days of the Etruscans and the Ligurians, prior to the ancient Romans. It is the northernmost area for growing the Nebbiolo grape. The wine itself is one of the three DOCG wines in Lombardy.

The marketing materials stated that its nose is quite outspoken, with aromas including mushroom, dried cranberry, and paraffin. It is dry with good fruit, surrounded by supple tannins. This medium-bodied wine is recommended with hard cheeses or grilled game birds.

This wine was aged 18 months in large wooden casks and a further 6 months in steel tanks. The producer says it can be cellared for 8-10 years and suggests drinking it with pasta of all sorts, air-dried beef, and cheese.

I first tasted this wine with beef ribs. It was round but a bit intimidated by the spicy cumin and curry sauce. Paired with a slow cooked beef and potato stew it handled itself better. It was quite fruity and cut the meal's grease. It almost tasted like a Beaujolais.

I tried it with two cheeses. Grana Padano is a classic Parmesan-type cheese made for a millennium in northern Italy including the Lombardy region. It is a cylindrical, cooked, semi-fat cheese which matures slowly. It has a grainy consistency and may be sliced or grated. The cheese's taste is fragrant and delicate. The wine brought out the nutty aspect of the cheese, while intensifying its fruit. It paired well with Pecorino Toscana from Tuscany, two regions south of Lombardy.

Final verdict. I was a bit disappointed with this wine, DOCG is supposed to mean top of the line, and it was not.

About the Author

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His wine website is www.theworldwidewine.com . You can reach him at ital@mail.theworldwidewine.com.

A synopsis on People Wine.

Frost Bite - Ice Wine is More Than Just Frozen Grapes


One of the most rapidly growing trends in the world of wine seems to be with the rise in popularity of ice wines (or eiswein in German). This is inte...


Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Recommended People Wine Items

The FTD Touching Thoughts Arrangement - Deluxe


Bright yellows and oranges burst forth in this uplifting vased bouquet of roses, mums, and carnations. C21-3122D


Price: 66.99 USD



People Wine in the news

Wine Articles to Become a Wine Expert

Sun, 30 Dec 2007 17:44:39 PST
Great wine articles on topics from how to cure a hangover to how to buy Italian wine. Explains regions of France and how to store wine.

Vinitaly - Salone dei vini doc italiani e internazionali

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 03:23:41 PST
Vinitaly is the landmark event for the Italian and international wine world.The largest wine show in the world has progressively and increasingly become a mainstay even on an international scale by welcoming innovations and appealing to operators not only as a trade exhibition but also and especially as a full-scale reference "event".

Wines of FreshDirect: Sugary-Sweet Sangiovese

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:17:58 PST
Most wine drinkers experience the Sangiovese grape is in various Italian wine blends generally. Continuing his review of the wines available on FreshDirect.com, Eric Hazard tasted the sangiovese varietal on its own finding a maraschino cherry, candy apple sweet explosion.


Tasting Notes
Wine Drink | Wine Education

Labels: Wine Quotes

Posted by Larry Smithson | 0 comments