I love everything about Ryan Miller’s beer philosophy. He’s the owner and founder of SaltFire Brewing Co. and it goes something like this: “In these days of near-certain apocalypse, we are the zymotic transcendentalists working on the edges of the event horizon, exploring the depths of the abyss for enlightenment and occult-worthy sustenance.” He adds that in pursuit of true … [Read more...]
Argentina Wine Dinner at Stanza
On Wednesday, November 30th, Stanza Executive Chef Paul Cafaro will team up with Javier Zunga & Piattelli Vineyards to host “A Taste of Argentina” wine dinner at Stanza Italian Bistro, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Piattelli Vineyards produces award-worthy wines from Mendoza and Cafayate in Argentina. To wit, Piattelli recently received 10 ratings of 90+ from James Suckling for … [Read more...]
Camino Alto Tempranillo
Having recently returned from vacationing in Portugal and Spain, I’ve been revisiting some of the great wines my wife and I enjoyed there, most of which were sinfully inexpensive. One such wine is Bodegas Camino Alto Tempranillo 2019, which sells here in Utah for a measly $9.99, an incredible bang for the wine buck. This beautiful Tempranillo comes from an organic estate in … [Read more...]
Rapido Red Sangiovese
Anyone who reads this column on a regular basis knows that I love a good wine bargain. Who doesn’t? So I am happy this week to introduce you to a fun, inexpensive red wine from Italy called Rapido Red. It sells here in Utah for a mere $11.99. It was the wine bottle label - a couple riding on a red Vespa - that first got my attention at the wine store. It’s an indication of … [Read more...]
Conceito Legítimo Red Wine
A recent visit to Portugal provided me with the opportunity to familiarize myself with a wide variety of Portuguese wines, from the ubiquitous Vinho Verde to Vintage Port, and everything in-between. One of the biggest surprises was the huge range of Portuguese wines - much more than just the two famous ones I mentioned. Conceito Legítimo Vinho Tinto 2019 is a good example … [Read more...]
An Awesome Argentine Bonarda Bargain
Move over Malbec. Argentina is the planet’s fifth largest wine producer and according to recent numbers, Malbec accounts for about 39% of the red grape varieties cultivated there. So, Malbec gets most of the headlines. But I was surprised to learn that Bonarda - a red wine grape varietal that originated in the Savoie of France and is called Douce Noir there - is Argentina’s … [Read more...]
Wine Clubs Come to Utah!
Many wine lovers in Utah have been frustrated for years not being allowed to participate in wine clubs. Well, rejoice. For the first time, Utah wine lovers can enjoy boutique wines from six wine clubs from renowned wine regions. Here is the scoop from the founders of Vin 7000, a boutique wine brokerage based in Park City. “The brokerage [Vin 7000] partners exclusively with … [Read more...]
Champagne Takes Center Stage at Blue Sky
The Lodge at Blue Sky luxury resort in Wanship is hosting some blockbuster Champagne-themed events this weekend as part of their Moët Hennessy dine and drink series. You won’t want to miss them. On Friday, October 14th Blue Sky invites you to meet artist Patrick Brooks Brandenburg, whose hand selected pieces will be paired with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and Ruinart Rosé … [Read more...]
Best of Park City Wine Festival 2022
Last week’s Park City Wine Festival 2022 was chock full of great wines, spirits, ciders, beers, and more. One of my favorite stops during the Fest was to sample great wines and chat with representatives from California’s Daou Vineyards, a family-owned winery based in California’s Adelaida District in Paso Robles. The Daou story is a very interesting one, covering … [Read more...]
Weingut Messmer Pinot Noir at Weller’s Bistro
When you think of Pinot Noir, you probably think of Burgundy in France, or maybe Oregon, Washington, or California in this country. Maybe New Zealand? But Germany probably doesn’t spring to mind. It didn’t to me, at least. But last week my wife and I were enjoying yet another excellent dinner at Weller’s Bistro in Layton when Jan Weller, the owner, turned us onto a really … [Read more...]