Monthly Archives: December 2016

Christmas Eve

Posted on December 31, 2016 by thewineraconteur

Christmas Eve is one of the holidays that we normally do not entertain on. This particular year though we ended up having everyone at our house, which is fine, because otherwise it seems as if my Bride becomes a catering … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged Alexander Valley, Bartenura Wines, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Geyserville Ranch, Italy, Malbec, Merlot, Moscato, Petite Verdot, Provincia di Pavia IGT, Red B, Sonoma County, Trione Vineyards & Winery | Leave a comment

Twas the Night Before the Eve

Posted on December 29, 2016 by thewineraconteur

It was the night before Christmas Eve and one of my assorted characters arrived in town to visit with her family. Ms. Yoga came into town with her son and she wanted to meet up with us, before she settled … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged California, Central Coast, Central Valley, Chile, Daou Vineyards, Grenache, Paso Robles, Pessimist, Petite Sirah, Red Blend, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tannat, Terranoble, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

Alas, I Wish I Had More

Posted on December 27, 2016 by thewineraconteur

Most of the time that we have a dinner party here at the house, it is usually white or red wines and sometimes something sparkling. Our Christmas get together with the two Raconteurs ended up with a great surprise. Just … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged Botrytis, California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Peju Province | Leave a comment

Two Raconteurs for Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2016 by thewineraconteur

We recently had a Christmas dinner for The Wine Raconteur and The Wine Raconteur Jr. The Wine Raconteur Jr. actually selected his nom de plume when he guest wrote an article for me, and I guess he chose that name … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged California, Chardonnay, De Tierra Winery, L. Mawby Vineyards, Leland, Michigan, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Tondre Grapefield, Vignoles | 2 Comments

My Club’s Christmas Meeting

Posted on December 23, 2016 by thewineraconteur

The dinner club that I belong to has made some changes to the usual structure of the meetings. The Christmas meeting is now what is called a Dutch Treat meeting, meaning that each member pays for his dinner, and we … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Coutelin, Cru Bourgeois, France, Malbec, Medoc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Saint-Estephe | Leave a comment

An Oxymoron

Posted on December 21, 2016 by thewineraconteur

My Bride is a volunteer, she always seems to be volunteering; I sometimes think it is so that she can get away from me. As if being a Mother, a Grandmother, a Godmother, an Aunt and a Bride is not … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Crest Grand Estates, Columbia Valley, Merlot, Washington | Leave a comment

A Surprise for a Sixty-Year Old

Posted on December 19, 2016 by thewineraconteur

Surprise parties are always very tricky to plan and require some clever maneuvers to carry them out. One of my cousins had celebrated her actual sixtieth birthday in November, but with Thanksgiving and a wedding, the milestone had been eclipsed … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Canyon Oaks, Chardonnay, Colombard, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Vista Point Vineyards, White Zinfandel | Leave a comment

December Delivery

Posted on December 17, 2016 by thewineraconteur

The latest delivery from our wine club A Taste of Monterey arrived and as always, I am like a little kid opening up presents from under the tree. It has been one of the best investments that we have made … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine | Tagged "A Taste of Monterey", Arroyo Seco, Bernardus Winery, Blair Estate, California, Chardonnay, Delfina's Vineyard, Grenache, Los Ositos Vineyard, Marilyn Remark, Monterey, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Sierra Mar Vineyard | Leave a comment

“Oh, the Pain”

Posted on December 15, 2016 by thewineraconteur

The Wine Raconteur is feeling mortal at the moment. In the last month, I went from being a teenager to getting a crashing blow to the psyche, my Blood Pressure went from a wondrous youth to the inevitable onset of … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

Two Early Gifts

Posted on December 13, 2016 by thewineraconteur

At our house, you can tell that it is Christmas, because the whole main floor is fully decorated, even the table clothes are Christmas themed. Even the music is Christmas here with no commercial interruptions. If ever I have a … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine | Tagged Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cain Cuvee, Cain Vineyard and Winery, California, Merlot, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot | Leave a comment