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I am a scientist. I don't write for fun. At least I didn't. My idea of a good read involves benzene and ethanol...fancy that.
I graduated, with two degrees in chemistry and biochemistry, and realized that traditional labwork (the hiding in a dark corner kind) failed to coax me from bed each morning (hopefully a temporary condition). I launched a crusade, traveling around the country to escape the monotony, sleeping on the cliffs of the Grand Canyon, wandering through giant trees, and swimming in raging rivers. Officially I was in a ducky, but these don't readily stay above the waterline). Overall, I stopped at all cheesy roadstops, and developed an impressive tan (for me at least).
But how could I drive through the wine capital of the Americas without stopping? I passed through Napa quickly, enjoying a few (overpriced) tastings, but failed to connect with the owners who considered the collegiate sort a waste of effort. Frankly the wines fell flat. Not until Sonoma did I develop a true admiration for wine and its complexities. Though I tried sufficient amounts of excellent wine to develop an acute palate, I didn't understand what I was tasting for, or why one thing was "good" versus "bad." I drank like a student with access to free alcohol–raving at sweet ports and rosés, but recoiling at the traditional California favorite…big cabs. It took a vibrant Aussie husband and wife team to hone my taste buds. I won't discuss them in full now–they deserve an entire post devoted to their winery, but much of what I "love" about wine developed from that tasting. I want to share these gems. The little known wineries who barely make their way with fantastic wines (often far cheaper than the big names). These are the places where the owners pour the wine, and when prodded can tell you the soil acidity for that particular acre.
I like to combine travel and wine...in fact, I rarely do one without the other. Hauling a brilliant Tuscarora Red from Rockbridge Wineries to the summits of Mt. Marcy, Saddleback, and Basin seems expected at this point. Besides, it relieves the painful feet. Seems that the trailblazers of the Adirondacks failed to understand the concept of a "Switchback." Travel and wine seem natural bed mates, especially considering how we usually only attend tastings on vacation, whereas the the local supermarket suits just fine for dinner. Both are opulent and dynamic. So it should come as no surprise that the two are inseparable in my writing. For those who like to stay home, bear with me, this will be a wild ride.
This is a blog celebrating the diversity and versatility of wine. I visit the wineries where craft trumps cash (or are conveniently located near a trailhead, owned by computer geeks who speak my language, or generally fill the "eccentric" genre), not those who appeared in last months "Wine Spectator." Though, I can't avoid them, since I don't read the thing. Nonetheless, I want to share my wine and travel experiences and hopefully keep you entertained in the meantime. After experiencing the spice of Napa, the bright fruits of Sonoma, and the sweet of the Finger Lakes, I want to share the flavors of our country–and maybe prevent some bad dinner pairings.
I graduated, with two degrees in chemistry and biochemistry, and realized that traditional labwork (the hiding in a dark corner kind) failed to coax me from bed each morning (hopefully a temporary condition). I launched a crusade, traveling around the country to escape the monotony, sleeping on the cliffs of the Grand Canyon, wandering through giant trees, and swimming in raging rivers. Officially I was in a ducky, but these don't readily stay above the waterline). Overall, I stopped at all cheesy roadstops, and developed an impressive tan (for me at least).
But how could I drive through the wine capital of the Americas without stopping? I passed through Napa quickly, enjoying a few (overpriced) tastings, but failed to connect with the owners who considered the collegiate sort a waste of effort. Frankly the wines fell flat. Not until Sonoma did I develop a true admiration for wine and its complexities. Though I tried sufficient amounts of excellent wine to develop an acute palate, I didn't understand what I was tasting for, or why one thing was "good" versus "bad." I drank like a student with access to free alcohol–raving at sweet ports and rosés, but recoiling at the traditional California favorite…big cabs. It took a vibrant Aussie husband and wife team to hone my taste buds. I won't discuss them in full now–they deserve an entire post devoted to their winery, but much of what I "love" about wine developed from that tasting. I want to share these gems. The little known wineries who barely make their way with fantastic wines (often far cheaper than the big names). These are the places where the owners pour the wine, and when prodded can tell you the soil acidity for that particular acre.
I like to combine travel and wine...in fact, I rarely do one without the other. Hauling a brilliant Tuscarora Red from Rockbridge Wineries to the summits of Mt. Marcy, Saddleback, and Basin seems expected at this point. Besides, it relieves the painful feet. Seems that the trailblazers of the Adirondacks failed to understand the concept of a "Switchback." Travel and wine seem natural bed mates, especially considering how we usually only attend tastings on vacation, whereas the the local supermarket suits just fine for dinner. Both are opulent and dynamic. So it should come as no surprise that the two are inseparable in my writing. For those who like to stay home, bear with me, this will be a wild ride.
This is a blog celebrating the diversity and versatility of wine. I visit the wineries where craft trumps cash (or are conveniently located near a trailhead, owned by computer geeks who speak my language, or generally fill the "eccentric" genre), not those who appeared in last months "Wine Spectator." Though, I can't avoid them, since I don't read the thing. Nonetheless, I want to share my wine and travel experiences and hopefully keep you entertained in the meantime. After experiencing the spice of Napa, the bright fruits of Sonoma, and the sweet of the Finger Lakes, I want to share the flavors of our country–and maybe prevent some bad dinner pairings.
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