Holiday Wine Guide

The holiday season is here and you need wine. Whether it is pairing your feast or a great wine to bring to a holiday bash, we've got you covered. Dashing through the snow, sipping red, white and Rosé, to the parties we'll go, laughing all the way!

Uncorked: Perfect Spring Wine

Just in time for Spring, try these delicious wines from Justin.  

Uncorked: A New Wine Just in Time for Summer Picnics

Have you tried the 2018 Kendall-Jackson Avant?  This wine is fully unoaked and cold-fermented in 100% stainless steel.  Avant captures the purest expression of the Chardonnay grape.  This is perfect for summer picnics.

Perfect Pair: Black Cod with Garbanzo Bean Puree and Two Angels Sauvignon Blanc

Many years ago, we filmed one of our first episodes of Capital Cooking at 1789 in Georgetown.  Dan Giusti and I hit it off and had a blast whipping up some of his fancy dishes.  Here's one of our masterpieces from the episode.  It pairs nicely with Two Angels Sauvignon Blanc.

Best Bubbles for Valentine's Day

Champagne PIPER-HEIDSIECK Cuvée Brut and its bold Rosé Sauvage.  I love the full body and distinct elegance.  Both have 90+ wine scores from Wine Spectator.

Valentine's Recipe: Lamb Au Poivre with Two Angels Petite Sirah

February is Lamb Lovers month. To celebrate, make this lamb recipe for Valentine's Day. Lamb Au Poivre is typically made with steak and is a classic French peppery dish. I added my Lauren Lambassador twist by switching out the beef for lamb.

Fabulous Wines for the Holidays

The holiday season is here and you need wine.  Whether it is pairing your feast or a great wine to bring to a holiday bash, we've got you covered.  Dashing through the snow, sipping red, white and Rosé, to the parties we'll go, laughing all the way!

A Thanksgiving Menu for a Small Crowd with Wine Pairings

One year my family was set to come to town, but couldn't at the last minute.  We didn't want to make a whole turkey for the two of us (at the time), but we wanted the Thanksgiving flavors.  I came up with this menu so we could get a little taste of turkey and all the yummy sides.  Enjoy!

Perfect Pair: Gnocchi with Neapolitan Meat Ragu with Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Wine

The Campania region of southern Italy is home to Mount Vesuvius as well as the bustling city of Naples.  The volcanic soils of Campania grow some of the best produce in Italy. Chef Enzo Febbraro joined us on Capital Cooking to show us his Gnocchi with Neapolitan Ragu from Campania, Italy.  Hope to Italy again soon!  Get the full menu in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.  Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon red wine really brings out the flavor of the meat sauce.  Cheers! 

Perfect Pair: Cantaloupe Salad with Calimyrna Figs with Ironstone Obsession Symphony White Wine

At our Lamb and Fig Feast, I made a variety of dishes including a Cantaloupe Salad with Calimyrna Figs. Calimyrna figs have a pale yellow skin with a buttery and nutty flavor similar to a Chardonnay. Symphony is a hybrid grape of Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris.

Uncorked: Wine for Women Equality

Women are more engaged, energized and resolute than ever. All eyes are on the future, and women (and like-minded men) are rallying for women’s empowerment and advancement. In their honor, emBRAZEN, a new set of California wines launched on Women’s Equality Day (the anniversary of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote), and hope you will join us in nominating female trailblazers as part of emBRAZEN’s Take Up The Torch initiative which will grant one woman $25,000 in support of her cause.

Top 5 Red Wines to Sip this Summer and into the Fall

Red wine and grilling go hand-in-hand. During the summer, I love to sit outside with meat on the grill and pour something tasty.  You can even sip these into the fall.  Here are some of my favorite reds to try:

Uncorked: Top 6 White Wines to Sip this Summer

Tenshen White

I like a glass of white wine after a long day. During the summer, I love to sit in my backyard and pour something tasty. Here are some of my favorite whites to try:

Uncorked: Top 5 Sparkling Wines to Sip This Summer

There's nothing better than a glass of bubbly wine after a long day. During the summer, I love to sit outside with a picnic and pour something tasty.  Have you been to music at the zoo on Friday nights?  We have so much fun listening to the band, dancing and sipping bubbles.  Here are some of my favorite to try:

Perfect Pair: Ribs and Maggy Hawk Pinot Noir

Ribs are perfect for a dinner party or BBQ.  I love to start mine in the oven and finish with a quick sear on the grill.  Find this BBQ recipe and more in the Capital Cooking Cookbook.  Try the ribs with a large glass of Maggy Hawk Pinot Noir.

Top 6 Summer Rosé Wines

Are you like me and just can't get enough of Rosé in the summer? There is nothing better than coming home after a long day and sipping a glass of Rosé. With extra time, you can even make Frosé, but just use the cheap stuff for that. Here are some of my favorite Rosés to sip outside. 

Perfect Pair: Summer Cucumbers and Capture Sauvignon Blanc

Tuesdays are all about pairing food and wine. Sauvignon Blanc has herbaceous notes so pairs well with green herbs, like dill. The name Sauvignon Blanc means "wild white." I absolutely love it for summer.

Top 7 Wines for Dad

Father's Day is right around the corner.  That means it is time to grill.  Think steaks, hamburgers, lamb chops...  Dad needs wine to wash down all of that delicious red meat.  What are you doing for Father's Day?  Have you got a gift?

Uncorked: A Gift for Dad

Treat Dad to the 2014 BV Reserve Tapestry Red Blend Napa Valley.  Fire up the grill and throw on some rib-eyes to pair with this full-bodied red.

Uncorked: Fetzer Vineyards

This year, Fetzer Vineyards, the historic Mendocino County-based winery lauded for its beloved California wines and pioneering leadership in sustainability, is celebrating its 50^th anniversary.