Fruit of the North

Fruit of the North

Growing grapes in northern tiers presents many challenges. There are thousands of grape varieties that have been cultivated for wine across the globe. Most of us have only had a chance to taste a small handful of vinifera grapes that grow in moderate climates. These,...

California Pinot

Although the Burgundians (and I) may argue, some of the finest Pinot Noir wines in the world are coming from California. Made famous by the movie Sideways about the Santa Barbara wine region, the delicate and versatile Pinot Noir grape really expresses terroir. And...

Marilyn Merlot

Merlot, the great grape of Bordeaux, was much maligned after the 2004 movie Sideways character Miles the wine snob soundly criticized it with his now infamous refusal to quaff this grape. However, the blow to the merlot industry has only inspired producers to up their...
Over the Wall

Over the Wall

When you think of wines from the south, thoughts of Argentinian malbecs and Chilean carmeneres come to mind. But there are fantastic wines being made much closer to the United States. Nestled in the valleys of Baja California just south of the border is a vibrant wine...
tiny bubbles – NOT SO TINY TASTE

tiny bubbles – NOT SO TINY TASTE

The 2017 Red River Valley American Wine Society tastings will kick off with an effervescent evening of wine and education. Our theme is all about bubbles. We will have twelve different wines for you to sample. And I do mean different. Not a one of them is champagne....
Marvelous Meritage

Marvelous Meritage

Meritage is America’s answer to Bordeaux. To avoid stepping on those French toes, wineries outside of Bordeaux, France have turned to the word Meritage to distinguish their “Bordeaux Blends”. These are wines blended with classic grapes from the...