How to Think Like a Wine Competition Judge

The stage is set for judging the wine competition.

My First Rodeo as a Wine Judge: Insights from the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Wine Competition I recently had the privilege of serving as a judge at the inaugural Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Wine Competition. This marks my first official wine judging experience. Naturally, as the wine enthusiast I am, I did […]

How to Understand St. Emilion wines in 5 minutes

A selection of Grand Cru St Emilion Wines

Exploring the Diversity of St. Émilion Wines: Soil, Winemaking, and Vintages Have you ever wondered how wines from one tiny region can taste so dramatically different? I recently attended a St. Émilion wine event in Dallas, (one of several cities in the United States). As guests of Misa Imports, we tasted over 75 wines from […]

5 Reasons to Visit Wineries in New Mexico

Jesse and Chris Padberg, the inspiration behind Vivac Winery

So you say there are wineries in New Mexico? Why yes, there are! From the Rio Grande Vineyards to the Ponderosa Valley Vineyards, from the Mesilla Valley to Alamogordo, vineyards and tasting rooms are popping up across the state. But what makes New Mexico wine unique or even special? I know you’ll be shocked, but […]

Ever wonder how to make rose wine?

Rosé wine takes on many colors!

Ever wonder how to make rose wine? What is a rosé?  Is it Red?  Is it White? Jancis Robinson, one of the world’s most famous wine educators and authors defines it as “ROSÉ IS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN WHITE WINE AND RED WINE.” I couldn’t agree more, but is that all there is to rosè? Not at all! Let’s […]

5 Odd and Funny Facts About Wine

I'm not an oenophobe, but there are people who have an utter fear or hatred of wine!

In a world where we’ve made wine so untouchable and scary, I’m lightening things up with my favorite five funny facts about wine. Now that’s a tongue twister! There are thousands of wine facts about wine tasting, red wine, white wine, wine production, and grape varieties. While these are interesting facts, they don’t make me […]

5 White Wine Grapes You Need to Try!

White wine grapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling are likely the first that come to mind.  If you’re really into wine, wine grape varieties like Chenin Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, or the Austrian wine, Grüner Veltliner, may come to mind. These all hail from traditional European growing regions […]

Fall in Love with Minnesota Red Wine Grapes and Other Hybrids

Sneaking a taste of Saint Croix Vineyards wine before it is released

I know you’re all thinking Minnesota red wine grapes? You mean Minnesota actually has wine? YES YES YES and YES!  In fact, Minnesota has numerous red grape varieties and white wine grape varieties. These are not only growing in the state but developed in the state! Let’s deep dive into some amazing hybrid varietals. I’m […]

Red Blend Wine Fans Will Love Field Blend Wine

With Anna Flowerday at Te Whare Ra

In wine terms, we’ve all heard of, and most likely enjoyed a red blend wine. Some of the most well-known in the U.S. include brands such as The Prisoner Wine Company’s Prisoner red blend of red wine Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Charbono, and the unexpected Zinfandel. This proprietary red wine blend hails from Napa […]

Fall in Love with French Wine Terms

French wine terms related to Champagne or sparkling wine

It’s easy to fall in love with French wine, but it can be difficult to fall in love with French wine terms. And, while French wine regions from the Champagne region to the Loire Valley and Burgundy to Bordeaux may make some of the best wine made anywhere in the world, they can be the […]

Italian White Wine You Need to Try!

Vermentino is one of my favorite Italian white wines.

In a country best known for its red wine, there are hundreds of Italian white wine grapes that deserve attention. Read on and explore with me! Many white wine varieties are indigenous to a single region or even a small district. These varieties work well in their particular locales. And, they tend to result in wines that have […]