Readers and drinkers:
It’s finally ready! Check out my new blog, which will involve all wine things non-Rosenblum–other reviews, winery visits, restaurants, advice, pairings, maybe some poetry every now and then.
Drumroll, please. Ta-da! Behind the Vines
Goodbye Peninsula, hello East Bay…Tomorrow is the big day! I’m moving into my new (much bigger, cheers) apartment in Alameda. Readers and drinkers, do you know what this means? Instead of an hour or so to get to work, I can now be there in 10 minutes. What does this mean to you? More time to write! Once I get settled in, I promise to catch up on my many unwritten posts. Also, I’ll have a dining area now, so when I get a chance to purchase a table, that means more wine dinners and pairings.
…..Hmmm, where do you suppose I got all my boxes for packing?
Readers and drinkers,
I know, I know. Color us all confused. Or call me a glutton for punishment. I’m going to write two blogs, both about wine. 451 Press talked me into staying, as the year anniversary is almost upon them, and it seems I should at least try to stay that long. Plus, I was feeling like I’d given a child up for adoption….
So, here’s the plan to try to stay sane and keep everything in its place: I’ll be posting a little less over here, more when I can. Also, Wine Outlook will, from now on, be dealing mainly with items related to working at Rosenblum Cellars. That will include reviews of Rosenblum wines, events at/through the winery, if I get to help with harvest, things we drink in the tasting room, and any other items I learn on the job.
I apologize for changing midstream. It’s been stressful the past few weeks trying to decide, and I’ve been so back-and-forth about everything. Let’s just hope I have enough steam. If not, there’s always more wine to drink, right?
Dear readers and drinkers,
If you’ve been here only once or many times, you likely know how much I’ve enjoyed being here and writing about wine. Wine is what drives me and writing about it is my dream. But this venue has given me great opportunities that other writing gigs haven’t. I’ve made friends through this blog, some whom I’ve met, some only in conversations online. With my infamous bad memory, I now keep much better track of my tasting notes, usually accompanied by pictures, and can therefore remember what I thought.
Perhaps some of you have worried about the amount of wine I drink (my dad wondered if I should be in AA)… and maybe you should. However, I think most of you know this a very concentrated view because, after all, it was a wine blog. Besides, I work with wine all day, take trips where I can explore new areas that make it, center meals around it, spend way too much money on it.
With my new job, long commute, JFP column, and other non-wine-related items, I just don’t have the time to continue. I’m also leaving due to the other project I’ve been mentioning, which should be ready soon. It’s called Behind the Vines and should be ready in the next couple weeks.
Thank all of you for reading, for the comments, the support, the encouragement, and other well wishes. I’ve learned a lot and hope I passed on some of that to you. It’s been a great ride.
Goodbye, but only for now. Hope to see you all again at my next big adventure!
Cheers,
Farley
While I haven’t been so good with deadlines lately (witness 2 missed Wine Blogging Wednesday assignments), I want to share a contest with you, readers and drinkers. I know many of you out there are foodies, as well. Therefore, give this a go… My friend Gillian over at Food History is looking for your own food histories, with recipes. If I weren’t a judge, I’d share the one about how my Nana was making her amazingly simple and delicious salad for the family one time and accidentally picked up a container that held poison instead of vinegar, leading to an afternoon outing to the hospital for some stomach pumping.
It’s still one of my favorite salads…
Hint: world-class Zinfandel (and much more) made in Alameda….
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If you guessed Rosenblum Cellars, ding ding ding You’re right! I’ve been training for the past two days to be the assistant manager in the tasting room. What an operation! With nearly 60 different wines and 200,000 cases annually, it’s definitely going to take some work to get into the groove. And when I have a little more time to breathe, readers and drinkers, you’ll get to hear all about it.
Curses! Right as I was preparing to write a big post with a big announcement, computer issues strike again. This is just to say I’ve got some major news and will share as soon as I can.
Today is Friday, I know. I’m not that mixed up. However, I wanted to draw attention to Marcus and his round-up of Wine Blogging Wednesday #33. I was included despite my missing the price range….
So many new wines to look for.
Catie over at Through the Walla Walla Grape Vine has already posted the theme for #34: Cabernet Sauvignon, from Washington, of course. June 13 is the big day, but see her post for more details.
Readers and drinkers, I’m taking a break from the tea party to give you a little post (while I have access to a computer). And that post is to say I’m having technical difficulties and am not sure when they will be resolved. My power source is no longer working and the one I bought this morning was no good, so I cannot get to my pictures, etc.
I will do my best over the next couple days to find a way to bring you updates in wine reviews, food and wine pairings, etc.
My friend Ryan rocks! I’ve mentioned before that not only does he help make Fogarty wine great, but he also makes impressive wine on his own label. Quick side note: when I’ve previously reviewed his wines, it has been misconstrued as not liking them. But it has been with complete admiration and honesty, which I think(hope) he appreciates.
However, he got all the validation he needs (for tonight anyway) because I just read in an e-mail from his wife that Ryan got BEST OF SHOW RED at the 2007 WineMaker International Amateur Wine Competiton. Not only that, but a Gold for his Cab and a Silver for his Barbera. Read more about it on Sara’s blog.
I told you Bonfire Vineyards was one to watch…
2007 WineMaker International Amateur Wine Competiton, Bonfire Vineyards
Pardon me, readers and drinkers, while I tread water (or should I say wine?) for a moment. When I return to regularly scheduled programming, there will be tales of a damn good meal and tasting group results.
Meanwhile, I read about this over at Wannabe Wino and here’s more info on how you can win wine for a Washington winery’s winning name.
A few updates in the wine world:
*This Saturday is one of 4 each year that are part of the Santa Cruz Mountains Passport Program. I won’t go into too many details, as I’ve written about it before. Just remember it’s a great chance and a good price to try some SCM wines that you might not be able to otherwise.
*Mississippi readers–don’t forget this Saturday is also Sante South.
*Wine Blogging Wednesday #33 is set to go for May 16 over at Doctor Weingolb (see his post for more details). The theme? Mid priced ($15-30) wines from Languedoc-Roussillon. I tend to avoid French wines unless it involves my winetasting group, so this is a good WBW for me….
*Sonoma County Showcase Weekend of Wine & Food will take place July 12-15. Sounds like 4 days of wine and food from Sonoma’s best winemakers and chefs. Luxury packages (spa, golf, etc) are available as are private winery lunches and dinners, a Sonoma Family Style gala dinner, and Taste of
Sonoma: a grand tasting with over 100 wineries, 50 chefs, wine seminars, plus some. For more information or reservations, visit the website or call 800-939-7666.
*Yesterday’s post marked my 200th one, as I noticed when replying to comments! Wow…
Because writing it down may help get it done…
1. Choose a Rhone Blanc for Tuesday’s winetasting group. Too bad it has to be from France cause I’ve tasted some great CA versions lately. Any suggestions?
2. Pick a “bottle” for Wine Blogging Wednesday #31 over at Box Wines. The theme? Box wines and other non-traditional packaging. I’ve already got one in mind that comes in a can but would like an actual box as well, to remind me of back in the day.
3. Speaking of white Rhone-style blends…Enter this Twisted contest. After all, it was the idea of writing back labels that brought me out here. But to write one for a funky operation that produces great wines made by a very nice and seemingly-a-little-crazy guy? No, readers and drinkers, not Bonny Doon. Randall Grahm is crazy but I have no idea if he’s nice. Think less mass, more TLC. This is Twisted Oak Winery, and the winning entry for the %@#$! (yes, that’s its name) results in a case of wine and, as El Jefe puts it, immortality.
I better get cracking
Wine Blogging Wednesday #30 has been posted and the deadline is quickly approaching, due to impending holidays. The topic is right up my alley, though, as I’ve been very enamored with Syrah lately. Tim at Winecast wants it to be New World versions, so I’m thinking South Africa or a return to Australia, as Shiraz was one of my first real loves. Granted, it would be easy to grab one of the several I have in different locations around the apartment, but I’m going to look beyond California.
Details are available at his site, but Feb. 7 is the day to get entries in, even if you don’t have a blog and want to join in. It’s a great way to be a part of the wine conversation that’s getting louder all the time.
Good news, readers and drinkers!
451 Press is holding a contest for any comments left on any of the blogs in its network, including this one. Just reply to any of these posts from now through January 31, and you’ll be entered into 5 drawings for $100 and 1 for $500. More details
This site is your go-to for answers about wine, courtesy of someone in the business. Firsthand knowledge and hours of research logged each week provide informed and impassioned suggestions for what wine to serve with meals (sometimes with recipes), places to go for education or fun, and what to buy or not buy. Wine Outlook is where you go when you’ve had too much to drink or not enough.
Wine Outlook Author(s)
» Farley
