Debra C Argen & Edward F Nesta

Milano Wine Week 2023 Italian Masterclass Milano Wine Week in New York City is always a highlight of the wine season. We attended two very interesting and informative International Wine Masterclasses for industry professionals at Il Gattopardo restaurant in New York City on October 11, 2023, part of the Milano Wine Week presentations (October 7-15, 2023). Wine education consisted of tasting 8 wines per Masterclass, followed by a delicious lunch buffet featuring Il Gattopardo’s Southern Italian cuisine. Bellissimo!

If you are looking for a delicious lower-alcohol choice, Thompson’s Cider Mill Hard Cider crafted in small batches from a proprietary blend of heirloom and antique apples at Thompson’s Cider Mill in Croton-on-Hudson, New York is a fabulous choice. Their award-winning ciders come in 9-flavors, in dry and semi-dry styles. Thompson’s Cider Mill Hard Cider Antique Apple Blend Semi-Dry, only has 7% alcohol by volume, is delicious to drink on its own and is also delicious in cocktails. In addition …

Autumn is on its way, and our thoughts turn to enjoying heavier-bodied red wines bursting with flavor. Poggio Rosso Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2018 San Felice, Italy is a sensational dry, red wine from the Tuscan region that embodies a great wine. Made from 100% Sangiovese grapes, aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, followed by 15 months in the bottle, this wine has a cellaring capability of 20-25 years. We opened a bottle 5 years into its …

When we think of pairing Tempranillo, our thoughts turn to tapas, and Monteabellón 5 meses en barrica Tempranillo 2021 D.O. Ribera Del Duero, Spain is not only delectable, it also pairs well with a variety of food. Aged for 5 months in oak barrels, 50% French oak and 50% American oak, this deep red wine is gorgeously aromatic with blackberries, blueberries, and black cherries on the nose and on the palate and layered oak notes. Salud!

Red wine lovers are in for a treat with the San Felice Chianti Classico DOCG 2021. This traditional, elegant Chianti Classico delivers cherries, raspberries, and hints of violets on the nose and palate and pairs well with a diverse variety of food. We paired it with our recipe for Luxury Experience – Swordfish with Tomatoes, Shitake Mushrooms, and Red Peppers and it was a delicious pairing.

LaBelle Winery winemaker and owner Amy LaBelle has crafted a very delicious, elegant, and very special dry white wine with her LaBelle Winery Amherst Vineyard Estate White. Made in Amherst, New Hampshire, LaBelle Winery Amherst Vineyard Estate White sings the praises of New England and the New Hampshire terroir. This is a delectable wine to drink on its own to pair with a variety of food. We paired it with Luxury Experience – Artichoke and Green Chile Mousse and it …

After taking a morning Thimble Island Cruise aboard the Sea Mist, we had worked up a thirst and decided to remedy that by making a visit to Stony Creek Brewery located in Branford, Connecticut. A craft brewery, their specialties include Crankys, New England India Pale Ales, Ales, Lagers, Stouts, and more to appeal to diverse styles and palate preferences. In addition to their diverse selection of beers they also have an exciting music scene with live music making it a …

When friends invited us over for a spontaneous al fresco dinner, what did we bring? Ninety Plus Cellars Reserve Series Lot 132 Côtes de Provence, Rosé, A.O.P France 2022 paired with our easy to make, easy to love, Shrimp and Scallop Seafood Salad, because summertime is all about having fun and leisurely, easy dining. Ninety Plus Cellars Reserve Series Lot 132 Côtes de Provence, Rosé, A.O.P France 2022 is the essence of summer! Enjoy every moment! Santé and Bon Appetit!

Celebrating its 14th year in 2023, Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival was a true celebration of amazing wine and spirits, as well as delectable food, chef demos, and a wine seminar by wine expert Kevin Zraly, author of the Windows On The World Complete Wine Course. When we heard that Kevin Zraly was slated to give two wine seminars on June 10, 2023, we made time in our festival schedule to attend, as we always learn something new and …

What we love about LaBelle Winery located in Amherst, New Hampshire is that Winemaker Amy LaBelle, is crafting delectable, less well-known wines, like her LaBelle Winery Petit Verdot. This bold, red wine is richly succulent and redolent with black fruit, floral, violet, and tobacco notes. It’s gorgeous to drink on its own, and pairs well with grilled steaks, bold food, and dark chocolate. We paired LaBelle Winery Petit Verdot with Luxury Experience – Grilled Chicken with “PV” Barbecue Sauce. We …