I was thrilled to be honored with the Texas Wine & Grape Grower’s Association’s 2022 Wine Press Award at the February annual conference in Denton. What a surprise and an absolute honor. Meet the winners here: https://www.txwines.org/association-awards/
It’s no secret that many women in Dallas want to know more about wine. Women want to feel more confident when they looked at a wine list. They want to know what wine to take to dinner at a friend’s house. Or what to serve with Thanksgiving dinner. But where should they even begin? It’s a big, wide wine world out there.
Last fall, I sent an email to a group of women with whom I had either drunk wine, talked about wine, or that I knew had a serious interest in wine. Would they, perhaps, be interested in gathering regularly to learn more about wine? I made it clear that I wasn’t just putting together a group for socializing. My plan was more much more educational. I was launching the Dallas Women’s Wine Club.
I am forming the Dallas Women’s Wine Club, a group of women who are interested in meeting every 4-6 weeks for wine tasting and education. It’s like a book club, but better. I’ll serve fine wine, and no advance preparation is required.
You don’t need to have any previous wine experience to participate, but you should have a sense of curiosity about wine and a willingness to learn. If you only drink Pinot Grigio and don’t want to veer away from it under any circumstances, this isn’t the group for you! It will be lively like happy hour, but with an educational focus.
The response was tremendous. I sent 41 emails and got 38 responses from women who immediately said, “Yes! Please include me!”
We met for the first time in October at my house. I poured a few of my favorite wines and talked about what I hoped we would learn over time. Mostly I listened to what they wanted to get out of their participation in the club. Here’s what I heard:
There were soooo many questions! It seemed to me that people had been longing for a place to ask their wine questions. Now that we were sharing some delicious wine, the floodgates opened.
I shared a few of my personal goals for the group as well.
Doesn’t everyone have a wine philosophy? I took the time to draft mine on paper for the meeting.
• I like to support small family wineries. I like wine that comes from a specific place and reflects a specific growing season. Not all wine should taste the same!
• I like wine growers who utilize responsible, sustainable practices.
• I look for winemakers who are more “hands-off” and do not use unnecessary additives and additions. There are many wineries that utilize a more natural approach in wine production. This is often not on the label.
• A lot of the wine from the typical grocery store is uninspired and mass-produced.
• I don’t expect my bottle of wine to cost less than my morning latte.
• Wine appreciation is about more than describing certain aromas that are in the glass. That comes in time. The more you practice, and the more you know about where the grapes were grown and the production methods, the easier it will be to pick out flavors and aromas. Honestly sometimes that is the least interesting part of the wine’s story for me.
So while all of this philosophizing was going on, we were drinking some great wine! I picked up the first two bottles from our great local shop Bar and Garden and pulled the other two bottles from my cellar. I like pouring a sparking, a white, and a red wine option each month so that there is a lot of variation. There are some women who have strong preferences for one type or another.
2017 Las Jaras Sparkling Carignan “Old Vines”
Mendicino County, California
$55, Bar & Garden
467 cases produced
It’s quite unusual to see Carignan on the label because it’s usually a blending grape. Even more unusual, this one is sparkling! This grape originated in Spain but is mostly grown in southern France now. This brand is a partnership between a noted winemaker and comedian Eric Wareheim. “Old Vines” doesn’t have a legal definition, but generally 40-50 years minimum. Older grapevines grow fewer, more concentrated grapes. Completely dry. Low alcohol (12% alcohol by volume). Organic. Pale salmon-closed bubbly! What’s not to love?
2017 Domaine de la Prébende Beaujolais Blanc
Beaujolais, France
$23, Bar & Garden
3500 cases produced
98% of what’s grown in Beaujolais is RED, but this wine is 100% Chardonnay! It’s a lean, yellow apple and white flower crowd pleaser. Imported by Kermit Lynch, a noted importer. Very different from a full-bodied Napa Chardonnay or a White Burgundy. This wine hasn’t been aged in new oak. Not meant for aging, enjoy now! Farmed organically, more or less.
2014 Arista UV Lucky Well Vineyard Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, Sonoma Valley
~150 cases produced
$75 on release, wine club exclusive
Deeply concentrated and palate-filling. A big Pinot Noir from a fine producer. A Texas family owns the winery. This is my favorite region for US Pinot Noir, and this wine only gets better with time. This winery gets big love from critics – for good reason! A must visit if you’re in Sonoma. 14.5% alcohol by volume, so this will have a certain weight and mouth-coating character. Pinot Noir has a lot of acidity (mouth-watering quality), and that makes it food friendly for a wide variety of foods.
2015 Matthiasson Refosco, Matthiasson Vineyard
Napa Valley
$45 on release, wine club exclusive
106 cases produced
Refosco grape is native to the Friuli region in Northern Italy and is rarely grown outside that region. There’s a little bit in Napa, and it’s grown right outside the winery owner/winemaker’s home. Steve Matthiasson was the San Francisco Chronicle Winemaker of the Year in 2014 and is repeatedly nominated for James Beard awards. He also appears in the Somm 2: Into the Bottle and Somm 3 movies.
The wine has a super complex nose that changes in the glass. The most notable feature is substantial tannins. It’s the same textural feeling when you eat a walnut or suck on a tea bag. Matthiasson is one of my favorite wineries and wine clubs because they grow unusual grape varieties like Ribolla Gialla and Refoso! Farmed organically. Relatively low alcohol (12.6% abv) keeps it lively and clean on the palate.
Finally, we talked a bit about glassware, how to taste wine, how to toast, when to age, and when to decant. It will take some time to make it through all of the questions, but I know we will have fun in the process!
A few notes about logistics. I’ve expanded the group size just a bit. Because we’re all busy with jobs, kids, and other commitments, I find that having a rather large group works out fine. However, I cap attendance at events to 24 people. That way I can limit wine purchases to just two bottles of each wines that we taste. Each bottle can serve 12 people with 2 oz. pours.
With 24 attendees, we’ve outgrown meeting at most of our homes. I’ve been holding the tastings at my local wine club, Roots and Water. It has been a great location for meeting. Everyone has a seat at a table, and they provide the glassware. We also have an exciting meeting coming up at a local wine shop.
I’m so pleased with the response to the Dallas Women’s Wine Club. I’ll share more about our meetings and adventures over time. Membership is currently full. Contact me about setting up a group of your own! And be sure to like to my Facebook page and subscribe to this website to stay informed about other Dallas wine education classes I offer.
Cheers!
2019 was a great year for writing about Texas wine. My freelance writing gig provided many opportunities to attend special events, taste Texas wines, and even judge an international wine competition. Many thanks to Jeff Cope, my editor at Texas Wine Lover, for publishing 16 articles and not giving me a word limit.
Here’s a look back at some highlights:
The inaugural Wonder Women of Wine conference in Austin was a thrill. I’m excited to be going back for the second annual conference next month. All year long, I’ve run into women I met at that conference. It’s like we exchanged a secret handshake that bonded us immediately.
Skin Contact Natural Wine Pop-Up in May brought natural wine onto the patio of the Wild Detectives book store and brought wine-loving Dallasites out in mass. I was so glad to meet the organizers of the food and wine operations that day. I’m cheering them on and hoping for an encore in 2020.
June brought the good fortune to judge my first wine competition. I’ve tasted and evaluated a lot of wine over the years, but never in an official judging capacity. The hard thing about wine judging (aside from stained teeth) is that there is a lot of wine to taste in one day. I prefer a more meandering pace to tasting, but that’s just not possible. I had to step it up! I am excited to have been asked to return to judge the Lone Star International Wine Competition for a second year.
Texas wines are put on display each year at the August TEXSOM sommelier conference. This year there was a special energy around the wine selections, sommelier education, and conference seminars. Surely I’m not the only Texan who gets a little nervous when Texas wines are poured on a stage that large. I was thrilled when Texas Tempranillos from Fall Creek Vineyard and Pedernales Cellars were so well received. Kudos to Jessica Dupuy for selecting the wines and presenting them well.
Along the way, I met great Texans who are involved in the Texas wine industry. There are too many to name, but they make the events and the interviews fun. Readers, thank you for reading! If you haven’t already, go to www.txwinelover.com and subscribe to the weekly emails. That way you won’t miss a single article.
I love it when people read and comment on these stories, either on the website or on Texas Wine Lover Facebook page. The more engagement and enthusiasm my articles generate, the better. Help me out by reading, liking, and commenting. And if you are inclined to visit the venue or buy the wine, that’s even better!
Here’s are the links to my 2019 articles for Texas Wine Lover:
Cheers!
It’s a new year, and I have new goals. On the bike, I’m crushing an 8-week power zone training challenge. When March rolls around, I’m going to tackle the climb challenge. Variety is fun, and Peloton has enough instructors and class options to keep me motivated.
I have wine goals too. As a wine writer and educator, I want to continue to share my favorite wine finds. I love telling stories that showcase small, family-owned wineries. As a wine drinker, I simply want to drink delicious, interesting wine with my friends and family.
Both wine and Peloton occupy a lot of my time and mental space. Is there a creative way to combine the two? I don’t recommend drinking while riding, although I know it has been done. (Pelowinos, I’m looking at you!) Instead, I decided to look to my Peloton instructors for wine motivation. The list that follows includes some of my favorite wines inspired by some of my favorite trainers. Read on for my selections.
Let’s raise a glass to celebrate our new instructors from across the pond. Leanne and Ben are Peloton pioneers in the UK, and that deserves a toast. Hold the Champagne though. Did you know that England makes sparkling wine? Ridgeview, among the first English producers to attempt sparkling wine, now has a 20-year track record of success.
2014 Ridgeview Blanc de Blancs
England
$78
It would be extremely difficult for most people to distinguish this sparkling wine from Champagne. In fact, it is made in the same meticulous manner as Champagne. This flagship wine is made from an estate Chardonnay vineyard and was awarded Trophy World’s Best Sparkling Wine at the 2010 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Zeus, Jess King’s dog, may be the most famous Pelopup on Instagram. Perhaps the most famous dog in California wine country is Lord Sandwich. Sandwich, a Goldendoodle, belongs to Alison Smith-Story and her husband Eric Story. In 2013, they put their passion for wine into action by launching Smith Story Wine Cellars. Not only does Sandwich have his own wine label, he even started a non-profit that provides socks to needy children. With purpose-driven passion, intense focus, and cute dogs, Smith Story and Jess King are a perfect pairing.
Lord Sandwich Red Table Wine
Sonoma County
$24
Made from a blend of 7 different single vineyard sites, the wine is predominantly Zinfandel and also includes Syrah, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Carignane, and Petite Sirah. Look for Sandwich’s picture on the label. Proceeds from the wine support his charity, SocksforSandwich.org. A new pair of socks is given for each bottle sold. Sandwich also makes a white blend. The full Smith Story lineup includes delicious Sonoma Pinot noir, Cabernet Franc, Semillon, and German Riesling, among other varieties.
Ernest may be Matt’s middle name. He seems like such a genuinely nice guy that I am sometimes momentarily distracted from his intense training regimens. Matt inspires me with his enthusiasm, boyish charm, and technical precision. He doesn’t accept shortcuts, and his methods are transformative. This wine has similar verve.
Ernest Vineyards “The Jester” Fallenleaf Vineyard Chardonnay 2016
Sonoma Coast
$38
Ernest Vineyards does everything with integrity, from working with small farmers to employing winemaking methods that allow fruit to shine. While Chardonnay can be made in many styles, this one hits the sweet spot. It shows bright fruit flavors untarnished by heavy-handed manipulation in the winery. Proprietors Todd Gottula and Erin Brooks are also partners in Sonoma’s Grand Cru Custom Crush facility. Plan to visit on your next wine country trip. You can taste Smith Story wines here too.
I had the pleasure to meet Erin Brooks and taste the Ernest lineup at the 2018 West of West tasting event in Dallas. Read about it and my other top finds here.
Robin likes to say that we bought a bike and inherited a family. Her classes demand our peak performance and reward us with endorphin highs. The good people at Lamborn Family Vineyards may be the nicest family in the wine business. Since 1971, the Lamborns have been growing grapes atop Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. Their winemaker, Heidi Barrett, is a rockstar winemaker who flies her own helicopter to visit the winery. One of the most sought after winemakers in the country, Heidi surely doesn’t let her crown slip. Robin’s classes and Lamborn wines are both mountain top experiences.
2014 Lamborn Vintage XII Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain / Napa Valley
$115
Mountain fruit is intense. The sun is hot up at 2200 feet above sea level, and grape skins get tough in the wind. The resulting wine, with powerful fruit aromas and firm structure, will age for decades. It will be hard to wait that long. Wine scores, like leaderboards, can be motivating for some. Robert Parker gave this wine 92 points. “Brilliant wine from Lamborn.” While you’re at it, don’t miss the Lamborn Zinfandel.
Ally’s personality is dazzling, and her classes fill me with joy. Sparkling wine is an obvious pairing choice for Ally. No other wine gives me all the feels quite like sparkling wine. Sparkling rose´ adds an additional level of style and sass. If you really want to boss up, find this wine in a magnum. If that doesn’t make you feel good, I don’t know what will.
Scarpetta Timido Rose´Vino Spumante Brut
Italy
$20
Made in the same method as Prosecco, this lively wine will pair with anything from Taco Tuesday to sushi. The wine is dry, fruity, and refreshing. Pinot nero (Italian for Pinot noir) provides red fruit aromas and mouth cleansing acidity . This wine inspired my leaderboard name, #PinkBubbly. I’ve enjoyed the whole Scarpetta lineup, and they’re great value wines too.
Hannah encourages us to breathe through the spicy parts of our workout. The new Peloton workout gear declares her signature word boldly–SPICY. Spicy is a wine word, too. One grape variety in particular is known to be spicy: Zinfandel!
2015 Caricature Old Vine Zinfandel
Lodi
$15
Lodi, California grows over 40% of the premium Zinfandel in California. There you’ll find gnarly 100+ year old grapevines producing rich, spicy wines. This wine has won numerous awards and adheres to LODI RULES, requirements for sustainable winegrowing. The Caricature Old Vine Zinfandel label states “wines of character with great legs.” HMC’s legs are far more impressive than the characters on this wine’s label!
Denis has a personality as big as Texas, and his Peloton bio mentions that he was “heat-tested” in Texas. The Texas heat tests Lone Star State grapevines too. This enticing wine has layers of complexity. Just like Denis, this wine can be described as muscular and broad shouldered.
C.L. Butaud Tempranillo 2015
Texas High Plains
$45
Texas is the #5 wine producing state in the nation and has a special affinity for grapes that grow in a warm Mediterranean climate. C.L. Butaud produces Tempranillo and Rose´ from 100% Texas-grown grapes. This compellingly delicious Tempranillo will draw you in with aromas of dark fruit and spice. Ripe, velvety tannins linger on the finish. It’s as smooth as my pedal stroke after a Denis ride. Long-haired owner/winemaker Randy Hester also owns Lightning Wines, a Grenache focused label from California.
As Denis likes to say, “I make suggestions and you make decisions.” You’ve seen my 2019 wine suggestions. Now make your decisions, and enjoy the ride.
CHEERS!
Follow me at #PinkBubbly on Peloton and Toast Wine Talk on Facebook.
I have no idea whether or not Peloton instructors drink wine, but I like to think so. Support your local wine shop or order these wines directly from the winery. Please drink responsibly.