Grape Experiences
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Cindy Rynning writes about wine reviews, food, and wine pairings along with her interviews with winemakers and winery owners. Here on Grape Experiences, you'll enjoy reading articles about my national and international travels, food & wine pairings, and more. Each article is meant to be an insightful and hopefully, entertaining way to help guide you toward your next wine experience.
Grape Experiences
2d ago
If you’re reading this, you appreciate wine. But how many of us are familiar with Tannat, the flagship grape of Uruguay? When I began diving deep into all-things-wine many years ago, Tannat was a red varietal of which I wasn’t familiar. But now? After many many tastings of Tannat, whether in a blend or flying solo, I’m a huge fan.
What is Tannat?
High tannins are a prominent characteristic of the thick-skinned Tannat. It’s often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to soften its bold palate profile. Other elements may include raspberry aromas, higher alcohol levels, a full body ..read more
Grape Experiences
1w ago
Let’s travel to Spain together in March 2025! From March 17-25, 2025, our group of 16 travelers will indulge in luxury during a most memorable experience exploring hidden and not-so-hidden gems in Barcelona, the Priorat region, and Costa Brava. Having traveled several times to this iconic country, it was an easy decision to help plan this decadent trip featuring stunning hotels (breathtaking views and relaxing spas, anyone?) and premium experiences highlighting regional art, music, architecture, history, food and of course, wine.
Join me as we Discover Spain: A Grape Experiences Adventure. Cli ..read more
Grape Experiences
2w ago
One country that has always intrigued me is Australia. From what I’ve heard, stunning natural environments including mountains and coastlines, a lauded culture of culinary delights, welcoming people in country towns and vibrant city life are enticing. And the wines that I’ve tasted through the years have been quite good; many have been those I’ve purchased again and again.
When I was invited to participate in a virtual learning and tasting experience (wines were sent as samples) with Kim Chalmers from Chalmers Wines, Matt Fowles of Fowles Wine, Brenden Hawker from Yering Station and moderator ..read more
Grape Experiences
2w ago
Are you wondering what to make for this evening’s dinner (that’s actually creative)? How many times have you opened the fridge or pantry doors and promptly announced that it will be take-out sushi night? To be honest, the mealtime conundrum is almost a daily occurrence in my world.
A few days ago, I decided to revisit a classic dish, roasted salmon, that I have on a weekly rotation. To switch up the usual recipe, though, I made a surprisingly simple and tasty béarnaise sauce to spoon over the cooked salmon. Just wow! The sauce, with tarragon, vinegar and shallots blended with rich, creamy butt ..read more
Grape Experiences
3w ago
Officially announced is Alternative Tastes Wine Fest: A Celebration of Unique Varieties to be held in Paso Robles, California on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8, 2024. During the two day extravaganza, Albariño and Tannat, two trending varietals on the Central Coast, are the stars.
This festival was founded in response to popular Albariño and Tannat special interest group tastings hosted by Damian Grindley, Owner/Winemaker at Brecon Estate. “Folks just love these focused wine tastings. Nowhere else can you deep dive into the next potential big thing,” stated Grindley, the festival’s C ..read more
Grape Experiences
1M ago
News articles about yet another sale of a family winery to a large corporate conglomerate are published on a regular basis. Likewise, almost daily, an article or social media conversation revolves around the future of wine as it pertains to younger consumers. When I had the chance to chat with Angelina Mondavi (yes, that Mondavi), I felt compelled to address both topics to hear her thoughts.
Angelina Mondavi – Photo Credit: CK Mondavi
Angelina Mondavi, Fourth Generation Member of the Mondavi Family
Everyone has heard the name Mondavi at this point. In 1943, Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased ..read more
Grape Experiences
1M ago
Who has not heard of or tasted wines from Napa Valleys’ Cakebread Cellars founded in 1972 by Dolores and Jack Cakebread? Its storied history and exceptional wines not only reflect the character of the founders but the quality of their estate vineyards from Carneros to Mendocino County. Now, this historic winery is revamping its classic image with a new winemaker, Niki Williams, who pledges to maintain Cakebread’s signature style while putting her own stamp on the wines.
But there’s more. Cakebread Cellars has also launched it sister brand, Bezel Wines with the intention to introduce Cake ..read more
Grape Experiences
1M ago
For many, sipping a glass of wine while reading a juicy novel may be a favorite pastime. I know it is for me. After a day of errands, writing, or organizing the pantry for the millionth time (truth), I enjoy opening a bottle of something delicious and relaxing with a good book. In fact, there’s always a book on my coffee table begging for me to enjoy!
In the past few months, I’ve received (as samples) three outstanding reads worth sharing. Find each and let me know your thoughts.
Photo Credit: Natalie MacLean
Wine Witch on Fire by Natalie MacLean
If you haven’t heard of Natalie MacLean, a be ..read more
Grape Experiences
1M ago
What a weekend! From February 29-March 2, 2024 hundreds of wine lovers participated in the World of Pinot Noir held at the exclusive Ritz Carlton Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara, California. We tasted, learned, and dined (on repeat) with a fervor only true aficionados are able to do. This was my first World of Pinot Noir and I’m already looking forward to next year. A celebration of this noble grape? Absolutely.
The annual World of Pinot Noir is the epicenter of Pinot Noir wineries, winemakers, chefs, sommeliers and wine experts for one glorious weekend chock full of events from which to choose ..read more
Grape Experiences
2M ago
“My mother, Erika Ratti, and father are from the area of Milano and Como in northern Italy,” explained Ambrogio Cremona Ratti in a recent virtual tasting with two wines (sent as samples) from Tenuta Sette Cieli. “My mother loved horses and wanted to move to the countryside. In the early 1990s, she started looking for property on the coast of Tuscany. In 1994, she finally found and purchased what set the chain. It’s a very special place – very isolated and remote. It was abandoned for years and had a house dating from the 1200s on the property.” So began the story of Tenuta Sette Cieli located ..read more