The Wine Whore

I've never admitted this before but...

2010-03-10T20:31:00.006-05:00

... like many people growing up, I felt awkward. After years of reflection I've attributed my awkwardness to one characteristic. You see, up until I was 23, I had a snaggletooth overbite that made me feel as if it was stabbing people in the face when I smiled. It took me many years and a few thousand dollars worth of orthodontics to get over this flaw. Once I got to know people, I would feel safe and open up. Otherwise, it was hard to get me out of my shell.

I'm older now, more self aware, and most importantly, my teeth are straight, but one thing still hasn't changed. To this day, I still feel anxiety when put in social situations. Maybe that's why I love wine so much. A few glasses, and my stiffness seems to melt away.

Last night, I found myself in one of those situations. One of the dudes from Montaluce Winery just so happened to be in town and wanted to meet up. I was excited about the opportunity to finally meet someone I've only known by their twitter avatar but still apprehensive about being put in this sort of social situation. Lucky for me, Todd (aka Le Food Whore) suffers absolutely NO anxiety when put in social situations. Within seconds of meeting up, not only were we laughing and having a good time, but I was convinced that I was among great company.

At the end of the night, I was stoked to make my way home with some Montaluce wine to try later but the highlight of my night came from Queen. Well, not the band itself, but rather Todd's Karaoke version of the song "Somebody to Love." As he effortless sang the ball grabbing high notes of Freddie Mercury, I couldn't help but think about lyrics. I guess we all need to take some time to love our own flaws, abilities, and mistakes. After all, nobody's perfect! Todd however has nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to Karaoke... and that's all I'm gonna say about that!

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Don't let this happen to YOUR wife too...

2010-03-08T20:04:00.004-05:00

Sheila came home today from Target with this bottle of wine. When I asked her why in the world she bought it, she told me that it just looked "cute". I seriously can't believe after all of the wine we've enjoyed she STILL falls for stuff like that. Here's the worst part, for less than $10, it's not total crap. Don't get too excited... it's not amazing either. I think it has something to do with the alcohol level... most wines that are less than 13.5% usually aren't totally hideous.

Try this test the next time you try a bottle of wine just because it has a cool label or whatever: check the alcohol content and tell me if my theory is true.

Does lower alcohol wine suck less?

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Sunshine, South Africa, and St. Supery

2010-03-06T19:59:00.012-05:00

I don't care what anyone says, getting free wine in the mail is awesome! Driving halfway across town when you miss the third delivery attempt... not so awesome. I really hate the fact that I need to sign for wine shipments and they can't leave it on my doorstep... but then again, I don't think I'd want my wine sitting on my front porch all day long... especially when the Florida summer sun starts kickin' back in to affect!

As much as I would like to bitch about it, yesterday's trip across town to pick up my missed shipment was well worth it!

Not only did I pick up a twosome of Sauvignon Blanc from St. Suppery, but I then came home to a delivery of South African wine. I can honestly say that I've never had any wine from South Africa so I'm excited to see if it's awesome, or absolute crap!

As a perfect end to an otherwise long day of golfing in amazing weather, Sheila is on her way home from work and is bringing a Papa John's pizza with her! The works, minus black olives, plus tomatoes... the only thing missing is a bottle of wine. You better believe these bottles that showed up yesterday won't go unopened for long!

What's in your glass this weekend?

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Why GOOD Wine Costs More

2010-03-04T20:45:00.000-05:00

This has bothered me for a while, so I am going to get it out in the open. If I piss you off, I'm sorry. I have to say it...

Looking for a good bottle of wine from the U.S. that costs less than $10 is like sifting through the mud in your backyard and finding a golden nugget amongst the turds from your neighbors' dogs.

Can it happen? Sure! Is it likely? Don't count on it! In the end, the search will end with you completely covered in shit!

When I first started drinking wine, I thought most of the $10 bottles I drank were great. Sure, I liked some bottles more than others, but I didn't realize what they were ALL missing. There's just a depth of character, fullness, complexity, and beauty that can't be found anywhere else that distinguishes these "value" wines from those EPIC and coincidentally more expensive wines.

Still think you can find that golden nugget? Here's some tips to help you stay away from the turds:

Stay away from many of the well known U.S. brands
Don't let marketing/packaging suck you in
Don't buy wine from a gas station, supermarket, or fast food joint

Let's face it, good wine SHOULD cost a little more... and we shouldn't mind paying a little more for it. Just make sure that you're getting your money's worth. Listen to people you trust with tastes similar to your own and don't be afraid to try something new. In the end, the experience of enjoying a GREAT wine is priceless.

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Corked by Customs

2010-03-04T18:59:00.008-05:00

Ever want wine shipped to you from another country, like Spain?

Here's how it will go...

Shipper in Spain will package a few bottles to be sent to your home
Shipper sends package through USPS and marks box as wine samples
Customs agents receive your wine, realize what it is, and drink it
Three months later, you'll get a letter in the mail informing you that your wine was "destroyed" in transit
You'll be really pissed off!

If you're shipping wine internationally, mark the package as something customs won't want to touch such as "vaginal creme", "toenail clippings", or "used jockstraps"

... otherwise, you're just asking for it!

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

What the heck?!?

2010-03-03T20:54:00.007-05:00

Sometimes you just have to say WHAT THE HECK!

Here I am... sitting at my computer... in my boxer shorts... and I'm thirsty!

Instead of opening a "safe" bottle of wine that I would miss even less than I would enjoy drinking, I said WHAT THE HECK! Well, actually Todd peer pressured me into doing it, but that's not the point. The point is that I am casually relaxing at home enjoying a VERY nice bottle of wine. Did you hear that? Yes, you don't have to have a fancy restaurant, reason to celebrate, or even a pair of PANTS in order to enjoy a nice bottle of wine!

There, I said it!

I'll let the image above forever haunt the minds of wine snobs everywhere!

Cheers!

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

I think I owe you an explanation...

2010-03-02T13:12:00.010-05:00

Ever have a conversation that makes you stop and think? I don't just mean for a second or two, I mean REALLY think?

Today I went out to lunch with Todd Sweeney. You may know Todd from my brother whoring endeavor aptly titled Le Food Whore. After going out to lunch with Todd, I came back with much more than a full stomach. I realize that I owe you all an explanation. Todd made me think about something. He made me realize that I should tell you all about the direction I plan on taking with this site going forward.

I know it may seem like things have been a little different around here lately and well, that's because it's true. While I have been consumed with getting back up to speed following my vacation, I've also decided to take a different track with this site. Instead of the "in your face" approach I took when I began my wine whoring, I've decided instead to devote more of my time to writing genuine stories about myself, my life, and most importantly, the wine that makes its way into my life.

You see, I've realized that the best way to keep people coming by the site to read about my affairs, is to make them more intimate and personal. That doesn't mean that I am going to ramble on for hours about my cat... it just means that I am going to share the story of how each bottle interacts with my life. After all, wine's really beauty is in how it affects those who enjoy it. That includes both the good, the bad, AND the ugly! :) My intention going forward is to structure this site and the posts I make into more of a journal format. That way I can look back on it in five, ten, or even twenty years and laugh about how my tastes have changed and about how little I REALLY knew!

Why the change?

Since starting this site over a year ago, I've learned a lot. Not only have I learned about myself but I've also learned how to work with folks in the wine biz. Let me tell you, I have met a lot of great folks, and I've met others that have made me quite disillusioned with the industry. Everyone's got a mouth to feed and bills to pay... I get THAT. But it really makes me sad to see some of the ways that people go about fulfilling these basic needs. At the end of the day, these people give the wine industry and all of those awesome people who are a part of it a bad name. Since I've started this site, I've made a lot of mistakes but I feel that now I've learned how to keep myself out of these types of situations. I've learned to be comfortable enough with myself to stand up for what is right, and spot a situation that only benefits the WRONG individuals.

I know this sounds vague, but in the end, I'd just like to say to you, if you are reading these words right now, thank you! You keep me going every day. You're love for wine and what I stand for makes me proud and renews my faith in people. You are the reason why someone like me who started off knowing so little about wine and life, could learn so much by sharing my experiences online.

... It is for YOU that I will continue drinking, writing, and loving life!

Cheers!

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Last Night's Affair: Fairchild Estate

2010-03-01T21:10:00.001-05:00

The Wine:
Fairchild Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

The Affair:
If you know anything about me, you need to know one thing. I am a head over heels, complete sucker for a seared fatty Ribeye steak and a nice bottle of Cab...

Last night, I had absolutely no reason to celebrate. What better reason to open one of the most expensive bottles I've ever received as a sample? I know what you're thinking. How could I possibly be honest about such an expensive freebie? After all, who wouldn't want a free bottle of Cab that costs most than $100? Let me just say that honesty is what got this bottle sent my way in the first place so I'm gonna stick with it... who knows, maybe an even MORE expensive bottle will make its way to my doorstep!

So here's a test... next time your sippin' on a glass of vino, ask your wine friend to name at least three Napa wineries known for their Cabernet Sauvignon. You'll probably hear Caymus, Silver Oak, and maybe even a Mondavi or Cakebread in there somewhere. But here's something they don't tell you in Wine Spectator... Well known doesn't equal well made. In fact, I would argue that some of the best Cabs I've ever had, I never heard much about before I tasted them. One of which was the Dominus Cab I had not too long ago at my $500 dinner, and I'd like to add this Cab from Fairchild Estate to the list as well.

My initial opinion wasn't so positive. At first, I wasn't sold. I pulled the cork, poured a dribble in my glass, and put it to my nose and lips. It seemed thin and tight. I poured the rest into the decanter and started searing the steaks for dinner. Once my Ribeye steak was perfectly blackened on the outside and rare on the inside, I tried the wine again. Let me just say that this wine had evolved into something truly awesome. It was fragrant, full bodied, and built with a structure that would make the Eiffel tower look like a toddler's tinker-toy creation.

Up to this point, I've been pretty unimpressed by many of the Cabs I've tried from CA. Although I think their "Bordeaux-like" Sigaro blend will really rock my world, I will say that I was very impressed by this "big" Napa Valley Cab.

The next time you reach for a bottle of Cab just because you recognize the name, do yourself a favor. Take a chance and choose something unfamiliar. Sure it may be a total flop, but what if it turns out to be one of the best bottles you've ever had? Isn't that worth taking a chance?

Ever had a chance wine encounter that actually worked out well?

For this and other affairs, check out the summary of scores, map, or even choose my next bottle.

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Last Night's Affair: Bivio Italia Chianti 2007

2010-02-28T11:40:00.020-05:00

The Wine:
Bivio Italia Chianti 2007

The Affair:
Yesterday was one of those days... you know the ones where you wake up, it's raining, cold, windy, and you think to yourself that you are probably better off just staying in bed?

Well, this time, I'm glad that I pulled on a uncomfortable combination several layers of mismatched clothing including shirts, sweaters, and a jacket, got into my car, and drove through the rain to the golf course. As if someone planned it this way, the rain stopped the second I turned off the ignition and the sun came out to kiss me hello as I stepped out of the car. Unfortunately, my golf game wasn't so lucky to have been blessed by this divine intervention. But hey, you can't win 'em all, right?

18 holes later, I packing up my clubs and heading home. Looking in the rear-view mirror, I realized that I'm one of the few people who can get a suntan while basking in overcast, forty degree weather. It's amazing how much a round of 18 holes can take it out of you. Well, maybe the golf wasn't entirely to blame. Smuggling in a case of beer to the golf course and getting rid of the evidence in less than four hours sure didn't help.

After stepping in the front door, taking a quick shower, and organizing my collection, I was faced with that tough decision yet again. Which bottle should I open for tonight's affair. While there was nothing exciting about the leftover chili that I was about to heat up in the microwave for the fourth time this week, I wanted to open something different. There was one bottle that caught my eye, this was my chance to try it out.

This particular bottle of Chianti from Bivio showed up just before I left for my cruise. Selling at around $10-$13 for a bottle, the Italian/English packaging seemed to reflect more of an Italian wine for American dummies than a solid Italian wine. The labeling and bottle appeared imported but also seemed to have been defiled by that American marketing feel. Hopefully not all of the features I love about Italian wine had been destroyed in the process.

While the body of the wine was as thin as many of it's "value" CA counterparts, its finish was a bit different. Unlike the obnoxious metallic, led pencil taste I get from many wines from the US, this wine ended with a musty, schweaty finish. It was almost like wringing out the sweat of a wife-beater tank top from one of those black and white striped Venetian gondola drivers into a cup and drinking it. Although I'm not particularly fond of either aftertaste, I'll take the schweaty one over eating led any day... but hey, that's just me!

This bottle by far was NOT my favorite bottle of Italian wine. There are just so many better examples of what this country can do however they usually cost more than $10/bottle. If you haven't been spoiled by these "other" bottles yet, and you are looking for a nice table wine, or everyday sipper, this one will work just fine. Otherwise, I'd save up my pennies for something better.

What's your favorite Italian wine?

For this and other affairs, check out the summary of scores, map, or even choose my next bottle.

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

What a Mess!

2010-02-27T18:49:00.005-05:00

Ok, so I went away for a week thinking I would just deal with the piles of boxes of wine when I got back. Now I'm drowning in a problem. This mountain of brown cardboard is starting to look more like a landfill than my office. I've decided that tonight is the night for me to go through what has arrived over the last two weeks so I can catalog, store, and organize them appropriately.

Unfortunately, since I live in Florida I am not lucky enough to have a cellar to store my wine. I have two wine fridges for the "special" bottles and the rest are stacked patiently into my closet to be enjoyed later.

I'm not too disappointed about the whole basement thing. After all, that just gives me an excuse to drink the wine that comes in faster. Someone once told me that nobody should ever outlive their wine collection. This is easier said than done, but I still think the message is important to remember. What's the use of having thousands of nice bottles of wine, if they never have the chance to be enjoyed. That's like having the cure for cancer and never sharing it with the world.

Okay, I'll leave you to think about this while I work on cleaning up this mess!

What are you drinking tonight? Will you be sharing one of wine's miracles with someone else?

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Unexpected Saturday Pairing

2010-02-27T10:36:00.006-05:00

It's Saturday morning, it's cold (for Florida), it's raining outside, and you'll never guess what I am going to do....

I'm loading up the car with some beer, my clubs, and a jacket, and I'm going to go play a round of golf. There's just something about this game that really pulls you in once you start playing. Hopefully I'll play well enough to merit opening a nice warming bottle of red to celebrate.

(The view from my back yard)

What are you up to today? Is this weather affecting your weekend plans?

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Where in the World is the Wine Whore?

2010-02-25T19:39:00.013-05:00

You may be wondering where I've been the last couple days...

I wish I had some sort of story to tell you about drinking the world's most expensive bottle of wine or winning the lottery, but the truth behind my absence is nowhere near that exciting. You see, coming back to reality after spending seven days on a cruise has been more difficult than I thought. Between work, personal life, and sleep, I've been spending my time just trying to catch back up to speed.

I will tell you that I have been thinking a lot about the blog, my next steps, and my thoughts about wine and the wine industry in general. I can't wait to get out of the weeds, clear my head, and get back to posting regularly...

One thing is for sure... it may be good, it may be bad, but you know that I'll be sippin' on something again VERY SOON!

What's been filling up YOUR life's wine glass lately?

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Last Night's Affair: Harvest Moon Sparkling Gewurz

2010-02-23T19:47:00.001-05:00

The Wine:
Harvest Moon Russian River Valley Sparkling Gewurztraminer 2007

The Affair:
Drinking wine is a lot like jumping out of an airplane. You pack up your parachute, patiently await as butterflies circle madly in your stomach as you climb thousands of feet in the air, and then it all ends with that one moment you step out of the plane. It's at that moment that all of your fear, apprehension, and anxiety are given a roundhouse, knockout kick by a shot of excitement, adrenaline, and then hopefully a safe landing back on the ground. Sure, sometimes your chute doesn't open or something goes wrong and you end up like a splatter of bird poop on the ground... but sometimes the thrill of trying something new is rewarded with an intensely awesome experience. That's what living is all about!

The good news about drinking wine is that when it sucks, nobody gets hurt. You may lose of few bucks, but at least you still walk away with an experience... good OR bad. Last night's affair was one of those moments where I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. Not only do I have little experience with Gewurztraminer, but I've never had one with bubbles before. So I strapped on my chute, grabbed the bottle, and gracefully attempted to pry the cork out of its neck (see picture above). Okay, maybe not quite graceful, but what do you expect from me? :)

If you've ever asked someone to describe their experience after they jump out of an airplane, you've probably gotten the same lame, non descriptive answer. It's usually either "awesome", "peaceful", "beautiful", or something else like that. You'll never really know for sure how it feels until you try it for yourself. Well, this affair can only be described as tasty, enjoyable, and FUN! This is one jump that ended well... I didn't worry for a second about my chute not opening! It was THAT good!

Cheers!

When was the last time you pushed your palate to the EXTREME?

For this and other affairs, check out the summary of scores, map, or even choose my next bottle.

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Last Night's Affair: Numanthia Termes 2007

2010-02-22T18:40:00.000-05:00

The Wine:
Numanthia Termes 2007

The Affair:
To celebrate our first night home from our cruise, I decided to open a bottle that I KNEW my wife and I would love. We first tried this Spanish beauty while dining out about a month ago... in fact, YOU recommended for me to try it!

We enjoyed it then, and we TOTALLY enjoyed it last night! Coming home after a long relaxing trip can be depressing. You just know the fun is over. Work, life, and everyday problems are just around the corner. Isn't it nice to know that you can open a nice bottle of wine and delay everyday life just a moment longer?

This is just one of the reasons why I love wine...

Why do YOU love wine?

Cheers!

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Cruisin with the Wine Whore

2010-02-21T21:28:00.005-05:00

I'm all about celebrating...

Okay, well maybe I just love having a good reason to celebrate. That's why for my second wedding anniversary and Valentine's Day, I packed up my wife, my wine, and headed to the Caribbean on a seven day cruise. I know you must be dying to know how it went... so like a cheesy 80's movie, I've created a video montage to commemorate the event.

Grab a bottle of your favorite booze, a bag of popcorn, and enjoy:

What did you celebrate while I was away?

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Out of Office Alert - The Wine Whore

2010-02-12T15:52:00.004-05:00

To celebrate my wedding anniversary and Valentine's Day, I'm packing up my wine, my wife, and some clothes (more wine than clothes) and heading on an overseas excursion. While I will probably go through serious withdrawal from being away from the blog, and will miss you all terribly while I am gone, rest assured that I will be having a good time and enjoying lots of great wine!

I hope you will be doing the same and I can't wait to hear what I miss while I am away and tell you all about my affairs while I am gone.

How are you going to celebrate Valentine's Day this year?

Until then...

Cheers!

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Tonight's Affair: Collier Falls Petite Sirah 2005

2010-02-11T15:00:00.000-05:00

The Wine:
Collier Falls Hillside Estate Dry Creek Sonoma Petite Sirah 2005

The Affair:
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I took this bottle out last weekend to enjoy with a nice cigar but ended up drinking beer, shots, and whatnot instead. Passed over and lonely, this bottle sat quietly next to my computer for several days. That is, until last night...

I love a good Petite Sirah. Perfect fuel for staying warm on a cold night or calming down after a long day, Petite Sirah just seems to sooth the soul. The better quality bottles of this grape tend to be packed with tons of that gritty, fruity, character that causes my cares to melt faster than a stick of butter in Paula Deen's kitchen. The thinner, less robust Petite Sirahs are okay, but nothing compares to a well made bottle of this beauty.

Last night's affair was one of the better Petite Sirahs that I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying. It was full bodied, dry, and ready for action. Maybe I've just had a rough week, but I found myself quickly emptying my glass and looking for more.

If you like dry reds, this bottle will deliver. If you have more of a sweet tooth and dread smokey oak, this may be an affair you would want to pass on. In any case and for whatever reason, this hump day affair was a great way to improve an otherwise busy, and overwhelmingly rough week. For that, I am very thankful!

Cheers!

For this and other affairs, check out the summary of scores, map, or even choose my next bottle.

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

New Arrivals: Fairchild Estate

2010-02-10T19:07:00.012-05:00

Here's a riddle:
How do you get a bottle of Silver Oak and two bottles of Fairchild Estate wine sent to your door?

Answer:
Either spend about $350 plus shipping... OR write a post entitled "Opus One Sucks the Big One"

Maybe it's just a coincidence, but since that controversial post about Mondavi's lovechild, I've been getting some seriously expensive bottles in the mail. This may sound like I am bragging.... well, actually that's because I am bragging! That's not the point. The point is that I feel like the wine world is embracing my honesty and rewarding me for giving the finger to all of the wine snobs out there who have no REAL taste. Now THAT'S something to brag about!

Okay, so if it's honesty you want, it's honesty you're gonna get!

That doesn't mean I'm gonna start bashing every bottle out there... it means that I am going to keep telling you the honest truth about the wine I taste. After all, pretend to like crappy wine, and you'll just get MORE crappy wine! No thanks!

So let's get down to business...

Why does Fairchild Estate believe they can charge over $100 for a bottle of their juice?

Ironically enough, Paul Hobbs, the winemaker for Fairchild Estate, worked for Mondavi earlier in his career and was even assigned to the Opus One team in 1981. Oh, now we're getting somewhere! I wonder if Paul has managed to create a wine worth its hefty price tag or if this is just more overhyped California crap? There's only one way to find out.

This sounds like a job for The Wine Whore!

Until then...

Cheers!

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Six Steps to Enjoying Your Next Sip

2010-02-10T16:15:00.009-05:00

People are often intimidated when they first get into wine. Others drink it for years yet still manage to completely miss the most important part of the wine experience: enjoying the wine.

Over the past year of my "wine whoring", my perspective on wine has changed dramatically. One thing is for sure... The more I learn about wine, the more I realize how little I know.

Of all the lessons I've learned, I find the following six steps to enjoying wine to be the most important:

1) Don't Drink Alone
You wouldn't show up at a party with a case of beer, hide it, and then drink the entire thing by yourself, would ya? Well, maybe that's a bad example. But the point is that the key to enjoying wine is to enjoy it with other people. Not only is it more fun to drink in groups, but it is also a great chance to hear how other people perceive the same wine you're drinking. Everyone has different tastes, knowledge, and experience in wine. Learn, live, and enjoy the fact that we are all different!

2) Drink as Much as You Possibly Can
No, I'm not suggesting that you binge drink and puke on the family dog. Moderation is essential to avoiding this sort of embarrassment. What I AM saying is that you should seek out different types of wine and enjoy them on a regular basis. If you pair your wine with your everyday meals, after a few months you'll find that you've gone through quite a few bottles.

3) Travel
The best way to learn about wine is to go right to the source. I learned more about Bordeaux by visiting this region for a few days than many people learn during their entire lifetime.

Don't let your budget stop you from getting out there. In most cases, you don't have to travel far to find a winery since every state in the U.S. has one! Visit and support your local wineries and plan trips to other areas known for their wine. If you can swing it, plan a wine tour overseas. Who knows, you may find a new favorite varietal, region, or type of wine.

4) Eat More Food
The more I drink, the more I realize that food, beer, wine, cheese, etc... all have similarities. Just look at Stilton and Sauternes... I know it sounds like a ridiculous combination but it actually tastes AWESOME! Like a symphony of the senses, food and wine can be combined in many different ways. Experiment with different combinations and don't be afraid to think outside the box. Often the most bizarre or unlikely combos offer the most rewarding results.

5) Ask for Suggestions
I like to keep a list of all of the wine suggestions that people give me. When it's time to go to the wine shop or out to a nice dinner, I print out the list and choose the ones that have gotten the best props. This works much better than trying to find Wine Spectator's over inflated and often out of stock top 100 selections.

6) Have an Open Mind
This is by far the most important lesson I've learned when it comes to enjoying wine. Don't ever rule a bottle out for ANY reason. PERIOD!

Am I missing anything?

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Friends with Benefits: Le Food Whore

2010-02-10T07:23:00.015-05:00

Looking back on it, I have to believe that some divine being must have planned the whole thing out from the very beginning. There are just some things in life that happen without explanation but seem entirely too coincidental to be left to pure chance...

Todd Sweeney, the guy to the right of me in the picture above, has played an interesting, almost serendipitous role in my life. I met him over four years ago. I still remember the day he started working at the same corporate gig as me. We shared a common love for music and instantly became friends. Since then, he has introduced me to my wife who just so happened to work at the same hospital as his wife. He was a groomsman at my wedding. And now the winding paths of our lives are crossing once again.

Please allow me to introduce the newest member of the Wine Whore Brothel, Le Food Whore. This new addition will be hosted by my good friend and food lover, Todd Sweeney. Much like my blog, Todd will provide his honest, down to earth story... with a dash of his personality for flavor. If you've never met Todd, you'll quickly discover that he is an interesting character.

Don't take my word for it, find out for yourself by reading his first post "I am what I eat".

I am really excited to see where this chapter takes us. If the past is any indicator, it's going to be one heck of a ride! Also, get ready for some more announcements in the coming weeks. This Brothel is about to get more new residents!

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

This Week's TWWTV: Careme's Market

2010-02-09T08:48:00.006-05:00

This week I'll be doing something different. Instead of my usual solo broadcast, this week's TWWTV wine tasting will be open to the public. I won't be airing this week's show LIVE so if you want to join me, grab your liver and head over to Careme's Market in Lutz next Thursday for some FREE food, wine and HOT SAUCE!

Here's your chance to taste wine with me as I pour, taste, and discuss some new wine selections. Not only will this be a fun chance to wet your palate, but I'll also raffle off some sweet Wine Whore gear (shirts, glasses, bumper stickers).

See you there!

(This message brought to you by The Wine Whore)

Showin' the Love: Jacob's Creek and Langetwins

2010-02-08T19:52:00.026-05:00

Whoever said that whores don't get any love clearly wasn't talking about wine whores! To start off this holiday of love, Cupid has delivered not one, but TWO Valentine's Day treats. Ok, so maybe the schweaty UPS man with the gravy stain tie plastered to his uniform doesn't quite count as cupid. But hey, he brought me wine. That's good enough for me!

The first gift came from Jacob's Creek. A bottle of their Centenary Hill Shiraz along with a heartwarming note and some suggestions of local places where one can "Bring Your Own Bottle". Wait a minute... places that DON'T charge ridiculous corking fees DO exist? Maybe that WAS cupid at my door earlier today afterall!

The next arrow of love was thrown by one of my favorite repeat mistresses: LangeTwins. Joe Lange always knows the way to my heart and coincidentally, my liver. Joe and the folks over at Langetwins have my V-Day covered with a nice bottle of their 2006 Midnight Reserve. I can't wait to have an affair with this Bordeaux blend, a nice steak, and ... oh yeah, how could I forget, Mrs. Whore!

Thank you Constance and the folks over at Jacob's Creek as well as Joe and the folks at LangeTwins. After all, what would Valentine's Day be without several bottles of wine to enjoy?

Cheers to you all this Valentine's Day!

What will be in your glass?

Get 50% off shipping of 6 or more bottles of our fine wines with coupon code "febwine"

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Wine Whore Wednesday: February's Nominees

2010-02-08T09:10:00.010-05:00

This month's Wine Whore Wednesday entries are in and NOW it's time to vote for your favorite!

Here's how it works:
Every month a theme will be announced. Post your essay/response to the theme on your blog, Facebook page, or wherever else you can find a place to post it on the internet. The deadline to post the link to your entry (in the comment section below) will be the first Wednesday of every month. After this deadline, there will be exactly one week of voting. After the votes are tallied, the winning entry will be announced and prizes, fame, and bragging rights will be awarded!

This month's topic:
Ever puke on your dog, wind up lost in another country, or just swirl onto the person standing next to you? What's your most embarrassing wine moment?

Thank you for participating and good luck to those who entered... the deadline to vote for YOUR favorite entry is 2/12/2010 at midnight ET. Hurry up and vote using the form below!

Cheers!

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Super Bowl Wine Pairing

2010-02-07T11:38:00.005-05:00

Ok, I've gotta be honest here... Although there's a good chance I may crack into a bottle of wine tonight, most likely I'll be drinking beer. And that's okay! Don't ever feel like you HAVE to drink something because of what your eating or doing. Instead, drink WHAT you like WHEN you like! This recipe is the key to a perfect pairing every time!

What will YOU be drinking tonight?

Cheers!

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Last Night's Affair: Beer, Wine, and Booze

2010-02-06T12:59:00.010-05:00

After a long week, I felt that it was only fair to celebrate the weekend in proper wine whore style. To kick off the party, I made my way to the "World of Beer" to meet some old friends and make some new ones. I wasn't about to order a glass of wine at a place named after its selection of beer, so I started off the evening with a Rogue Dead Guy Ale followed by a Bellhaven Scottish Stout, and finished with a hoppy 90 Minute IPA.

Feeling pretty good, I made my way to a friend's house for some dinner and drinks. Once I arrived, all bets were off. Everything from Bogle Old Vine Zin/Grenache to Red Zeppelin Syrah was flowing. I even remember having a shot of Citron at one point in the evening.

Last night was about enjoying life, not about tasting notes. Sometimes you just have to forget about WHAT you are drinking, and just focus on enjoying time with your friends, family, and whoever else you are sharing the moment with at the time. After all, isn't that the whole point?

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