Wink Hosts Unusual Wine Pairing Event: Chilean & Argentinian Wines & Girl Scout Cookies
I’ve been to my share of wine tastings at Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar over the years. But Sunday, March 31st figures to be one of the more unique ones. In a fund raiser for the Girl Scouts, Mark Paul and his crew will be pouring Chilean and Argentinian wines with Girl Scout cookies. I […]
Big Reds and Bubbles: What You Missed
The Driskill was buzzing last Thursday night as the Wine & Food Foundation of Texas staged their 12th annual fundraiser Big Reds and Bubbles. Guests were noshing and sipping a variety of restaurant food offerings, and of course some wonderful Big Reds. A particular favorite was from Angelo Sassetti Pertimali: a 2008 Brunello di Montalcino […]
Vodka Fest Rocks at Cool River
As a guy with a strong background in marketing and market research, I am constantly amazed at the seemingly unending parade of new brands of vodka that hit the market each year along with established brands that add new flavored products to their lineups. What makes it interesting is that vodka is, by definition, “a […]
Original “Thirsty Girl” Lands in Austin
One thing that has changed dramatically in the hospitality industry lately is the growth of the female market for wine. In fact recent surveys have shown that women now account for 64% of the total wine drinking population in the U.S. And it’s not just white Zinfandels and other blush wines but a variety of […]
Big Dog Reds Rock at the THCWFF
The Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival stormed into the town this weekend and for the first time in my memory, I did not attend the Stars Across Texas event. That is the walk, sip and graze fest where local and regional Texas chefs prepare finger foods for your pleasure. Part of the reason […]
Got $45,000 You Don’t Particularly Need at the Moment? Book an Evening with Dan Duckhorn
If you are one of the lucky Austin residents to whom the expenditure of a substantial amount of cash on what may seem to many as a frivolous indulgence is no big deal, then have I got a great suggestion for you! For a mere $45,000 you can book an evening with Dan Duckhorn, the […]
The Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival Celebrates Another Year
The little gathering that Ed and Susan Auler began years ago has found a permanent home in Austin and an abundance of fans from not only central Texas but around the country. The Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival is back for another year and this upcoming weekend from March 31st to the final […]
The Best Selling Wine in the U.S?
You may be surprised by the answer to this one but the winner is Australian import Yellow Tail. According to A.C. Nielsen Yellow Tail sells millions of cases a year of its $8-10 per bottle wines. It was introduced to the U.S. in 2001 and by 2005 became the first wine ever in the U.S. […]
Rob’s Favorites from the Wine Spectator Grand Tour 2008
When Wine Spectator Editor and Publisher Marvin Shanken conceived the idea of the “Grand Tour” back in 2001, the idea was to bring a number of well-known wines, classics that are hard to find, and new releases all together in one room on one night. Wine aficionados immediately adopted the idea. And as a result, […]