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Wine Reviews
Regional Wines
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- - People You Should Know
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About Cindy Rynning
- - About Cindy Rynning
- - Discover the Essentials of Wine (and choose it like a pro!)

Category Archives: cocktails

Shaken, Stirred or Served Neat – It’s Time for a Cocktail!

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Since I’ve moved from the Chicago suburbs to Pas

Since I’ve moved from the Chicago suburbs to Paso Robles, California, many of my out-of-town friends have asked me for recommendations for hotels in the area. Specifically, they’re looking for a charming hotel at a reasonable price and a terrific location after an invigorating day of wine tasting, outdoor activities and more. They always mention that the ability to walk to shopping, restaurants and tasting rooms in town is another priority.

After a recent media trip to the newly renovated Paso Robles Inn and the elegant The Piccolo Hotel, these two spots (for visitors and locals alike) are at the top of my suggestion list.

For more, click link in my bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2024/11/discover-paso-robles-authentic-history-elegance-charm-piccolo-hotel-paso-robles-inn/

Costaripa is a small family winery located on the

Costaripa is a small family winery located on the southwest shore of Lake Garda in the Lombardy region of Italy. At a recent virtual tasting with fourth generation member Nicole Vezzola, a group of journalists learned and tasted beautiful cool climate rosé wines from this fascinating spot in the world.

Nicole Vezzola made it clear that Costaripa is “linked to terroir and appellation, not the market or trends. Our rosés are not just a color, they are a wine.” With its location in Valtenesi on the Brescia shore, it’s easy to understand why. For more, read on. Then find these wines!!

See link in my bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2024/10/costaripa-lombardy-rose-wine/

Earlier this year, when in Sedona, Arizona, I tast

Earlier this year, when in Sedona, Arizona, I tasted for the first time Elote, otherwise known as Mexican street corn. Elote is grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise (or crema), sprinkles of cotija cheese, lime juice and chili powder. As you may expect, elote is rich, creamy and spicy thanks to the tangy toppings and its texture and flavors were unmatched by anything I had tasted in a while. Crunchy corn, satin-like crema, tart lime notes, and heat from the chili powder are sensational combinations. In Sedona, I had Elote partly off the cob, but there are other serving methods.

With the Elote I made one evening, sparkling wine was my choice for sipping. In particular, I chilled and popped the cork of both Bon Vivant Brut NV and Bon Vivant Rose NV both sent as samples and produced using the methode champenoise style whereby the second fermentation is in the bottle – like Champagne. From Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes cultivated in California, both wines were exactly what the Elote needed to be one of my newest favorite dishes. @bonvivantsparkling

For more, enjoy my latest article - link in bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2024/10/balancing-act-tangy-mexican-street-corn-elote-bon-vivant-sparkling-wine/

Thank you @hambly_farms for a perfect afternoon vi

Thank you @hambly_farms for a perfect afternoon visiting your magical lavender farm. This spot is the place for picnics and some wine, your lavender lemonade and a walk through the lavender fields. Relaxation on point!!

Over here in California, we’re opening some bott

Over here in California, we’re opening some bottles of French wines (sent as samples) that are affordable, easy drinking and brilliant with or without food. They also have a few attributes that are right up my alley. Each is produced in a classic style with plenty of flavor and body. While sipping, I found that the wines offer an air of calm and relaxation as if there isn’t a care in the world. Ahhh… I’ll take it! In essense, the selections have a devil-may-care attitude coupled with ultimate French chic – just my style.

Start sipping one or more of these keepers and you’ll feel the oh là là, too!

Find article in my bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2024/10/wines-express-nonchalant-french-chic/

Lately, I’ve been finding recipes that focus on

Lately, I’ve been finding recipes that focus on fresh foods that are not only filling but flavorful. Pre-gaming for the holidays? Maybe!

My latest find is an incredibly delicious Poke Bowl that I’ll make again and again. And the wine for pairing? Mar de Frades Brut Nature Sparkling Albariño (sent as a sample) from Rias Baixas in Spain. Perfection.

Enjoy the read - recipe for the poke bowl is included. Cheers!

Link in bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2024/09/dinner-tonight-poke-bowl-mar-de-frades-brut-nature-sparkling-albarino/

A beautiful backyard gathering paired with seasona

A beautiful backyard gathering paired with seasonal food and delightful wines can be a great way to get together with those who are near and dear to you. If you’re planning to host a backyard gathering this time of the year, check out a few quick tips to elevate your outdoor dining with the perfect wine pairings. Have fun!

Check out my latest piece, a guest post - link to article is in my bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2024/09/elevate-outdoor-dining-experiences-backyard-gatherings-guest-post/

When this Virginia girl moved to the bustling city

When this Virginia girl moved to the bustling city of Chicago from small-town Chapel Hill decades ago, I found the people I met friendly, warm and welcoming. It wasn’t long before I went to an Italian/Polish wedding at which the only universal word spoken was “vino.” Born-and-raised Chicagoans took me under their wing to share their favorite restaurants and travel tips. Gene and Georgetti’s, The Pump Room, and The Lodge became regular haunts and soon, I became an expert at riding the “El” to Wrigley Field.

Chicago soon began to feel like home, although navigating the brutal winters of cold, ice and snow was always a challenge. And truth be told, I missed my MeeMaw’s fried okra and southern Smithfield ham biscuits.

As fate had it, I married a “Wisconsin guy” who I met in grad school in Chapel Hill and the rest is a story that continues to be written. Had I visited Wisconsin before I made the move to the Midwest? Nope. But now I am a Green Bay Packer fan, have been to the “hallowed grounds” of Lambeau Field more than once, and have had a number of stays at harbor towns dotting the Lake Michigan shoreline. Squeaky cheese curds are abundant, pasties and polka music are still a thing. Thankfully, I now understand the nuances of the Wisconsin accent and am known to say “you betcha” more times than I should!

What’s more? I’ve developed a penchant for an occasional Brandy Old Fashioned and dinner at authentic Wisconsin supper clubs. It may not get more Midwest than that!

Enjoy the read - link is in my bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2024/09/wisconsin-brandy-old-fashioneds-supper-clubs/

Many wine lovers change their wine selections base

Many wine lovers change their wine selections based on the season, but not me. Sparkling wine is delicious any time – I just opened a sparkling Albarino from Rias Baixas the other night. A solid white wine with breadth and depth and a flavorful red wine with balance and weight are extraordinary with fall foods bursting with herbs and spice notes. And rose wines? There is always a bottle or two chilling in the fridge no matter the time of the year.

Now, it’s time to get ready for Autumn sipping. Enjoy five of my favorite rosé wines (sent as samples) to sip and savor with a scrumptious fall menu (links to recipes are in the article), by the fire pit, or under a blanket watching your latest Netflix binge like I did last night! Cheers!

Link to the article is in my bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2024/09/autumn-rose-wines-savor-season/

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Latest Posts

Discover Paso Robles: Authentic History, Elegance, and Charm at The Piccolo Hotel & Newly Renovated Paso Robles Inn November 4, 2024
At Costaripa in Lombardy, Rosé is Not Just a Color, It’s a Wine October 29, 2024
A Balancing Act: Tangy Mexican Street Corn (Elote) and Bon Vivant Sparkling Wine October 23, 2024
Visiting Wineries This Weekend? The Crush On This Team Shares Wine Tasting Essentials October 17, 2024
Basic Necessities in Nellysford, Virginia – Where Southern Hospitality Meets French Flair with Outstanding Food and Wine October 11, 2024
6 Wines that Express Nonchalant French Chic – Oh là là! October 5, 2024
Dinner Tonight: Poke Bowl and Mar de Frades Brut Nature Sparkling Albariño September 30, 2024

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