Author Archives: thewineraconteur

About thewineraconteur

A non-technical wine writer, who enjoys the moment with the wine, as much as the wine. Twitter.com/WineRaconteur Instagram/thewineraconteur Facebook/ The Wine Raconteur

Easter Sunday 2026

Posted on April 13, 2026 by thewineraconteur

In Armenian one would say Shnorhavor Surb Zatik or Happy Easter in English. We had about fifteen here for Easter dinner and alas the family is getting splintered, and plenty is from the demands of employers. Of course, when I … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged Azienda Agricola Otella, Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard, Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, Brut, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cain Concept, Cain Vineyard and Winery, California, California Champagne, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, French Colombard, Italy, Korbel, Lombardy, Lugana, Merlot, Methode Champenoise, Missouri Hopper Vineyard, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Stagecoach Vineyard, The Benchland, Trebbiano di Lugano, Truchard Atlas Peak Vineyard, Turbiana, Verdicchio | Leave a comment

Easter Eve 2026 – Part Two

Posted on April 10, 2026 by thewineraconteur

The annual gathering of all the cousins is a major event, and the crowd is growing, because of weddings, and even the announcement of a new cousin or grandchild, depending on your point of view, so the happiness will continue. … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged Apassimento, California, Cantine Bertoldi, Carreras Vineyard, Casa Vinicola Botter, Corvina, Dry Creek Valley, Elyse Winery, Italy, Merlot, Rosso, Sonoma County, Veneto, Zinfandel | 2 Comments

Easter Eve 2026 – Part One

Posted on April 7, 2026 by thewineraconteur

One of my cousins several years ago, realized that all the families were starting to splinter, because we all had children and some even had grandchildren and there was no singular matriarch or patriarch to keep us all together. So, … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Uncategorized, Wine | Tagged Cabernet Sauvignon, Domaine Badet Clement, France, IGP Pays d'Oc, Josephine, Languedoc Rousillon | 6 Comments

More Wines Served at Home

Posted on April 4, 2026 by thewineraconteur

As I have stated, the first several months are rather quiet at the home front, with my Bride helping her sister. This year that worked out very well, as just before Christmas, I had a hernia operation that ruptured, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine | Tagged Batroun, Bos Wines, Brigadoon Vineyard, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Chateau La Castillonne, France, Grande Reserve White, Ixsir Winery, Lebanon, Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan, Muscadelle, Old Mission Peninsula, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Ten Hands Vineyard, Viognier, Wishflower | 8 Comments

Just Wines We Have Been Drinking

Posted on April 1, 2026 by thewineraconteur

Writing a wine blog may appear to be glamorous, and perhaps some may use the concept to ask for wine. That doesn’t happen here. Since we have retired, the first four months, each year, I seem to entertain myself quite … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine | Tagged Bordeaux Rose, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau La Gabarre, Destinea, France, Galgon, Italy, Joseph Mellot, Lalande de Pomerol, Lazio IGT, Merlot, Rosso di Ne, Sauvignon Blanc, Tenuta Ronci, Val de Loire IGP | Leave a comment

ZFG Winery – “Zen From Grapes”

Posted on March 29, 2026 by thewineraconteur

As a bonus, at The Fine Wine Source in Livonia, Michigan, after the tasting of Paul Kornell Wines, Mike and Jenny Farmer were pouring their ZFG wine, and the only time that this wine will be offered in Michigan. … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine | Tagged Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Oakville AVA, Oakville Benchlands, Oakville Reserve Production, ZFG Winery | Leave a comment

Three Vintages from Paula Kornell Wines

Posted on March 26, 2026 by thewineraconteur

After we enjoyed the two non-vintage California sparkling wines from Paula Kornelll Winery of Napa Valley at The Fine Wine Source in Livonia, Michigan, we were ready for their following three vintage sparklers. We started with Paula Kornell Wines Blanc … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine | Tagged Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, California, Chardonnay, Methode Champenoise, Napa Valley, Paula Kornell Wines, Pinot Noir, Rose de la Vallee | Leave a comment

Paula Kornell Wines at The Fine Wine Source

Posted on March 23, 2026 by thewineraconteur

Club membership at The Fine Wine Source in Livonia, Michigan pays off finely with another perk. This time with a wine tasting presented by Mike and Jenny Farmer, owners of Paula Kornell Wines and ZFG Wine. Hans Kornell arrived in … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine | Tagged Brut, Brut Rose, California, California Sparkling Wine, Chardonnay, Methode Champenoise, Paula Kornell Wines, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

Bahama Breeze

Posted on March 20, 2026 by thewineraconteur

My Bride and some of her girlfriends get together, along with their spouses for a dinner periodically, and I am not sure how the restaurants are selected, but we were going to Bahama Breeze. My Bride and I tried the … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Wine | Tagged Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Kendall-Jackson, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Private Selection, Robert Mondavi, Sangiovese, Syrah, Vintner's Reserve | 3 Comments

The Fine Wine Source Club – March 2026

Posted on March 17, 2026 by thewineraconteur

With the doldrums of enduring the last of the winter season, waiting for signs of Spring, the high point of the month so far is going to The Fine Wine Source in Livonia, Michigan and picking up the Club offerings … Continue reading →

Posted in Wine | Tagged Adae, Barbera D'Alba Superiore DOC, Bodegas Manzanos, Cabernet Franc, California, Crianza, Domaines Michel Boutin, Garnacha, Graciano, Grenache, Italy, Justin Cabernet Sauvignon, La Bioca, Langhe, Malbec, Merlot, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot, Rioja, Rioja Alta, Rioja Orientale, RouteStock, Seleccion, Serralunga d'Alba, Siglo, Spain, Tempranillo, Wilson Daniels | 2 Comments