A perfect storm has emerged, and it is going to impact wine lovers in the Twin Cities for many reasons. I’m not saying the sky is falling. We’re still in the heyday for wine consumerism, but unlike other industries the wine world continues to move backwards on many things instead of forwards. Consumer choice being one….
On the morning of Tuesday May 30th we got a phone call from the management of Toast Wine Bar that they would be closing after service that evening. I asked if I could announce it to the Twin Cities Wine Education fans to give them one last chance to enjoy, and they requested no. They…
“What’s your favorite wine?” It’s a common question I get, especially for some reason during haircuts. It’s an icebreaker I guess, at least for the person asking the question. Answering it … well that’s a different story. For years I’d quickly race through my mental file cabinet, only to pull out some obscure gem I…
For me, this is what the wine industry is all about. Mid Summer, 1995: The Mall of America had been open for three years, and the hottest restaurant in the Mall was California Cafe. I was there waiting tables, scrapping together every bit of money I could while attending the University of Minnesota. I didn’t…
The ultimate marker of Spring has occurred in the Twin Cities and thousands of people, including me, are more satisfied, nourished, and relaxed as a result. Yes, the seasonal restaurant Sea Salt at Minnehaha Falls is running full speed for the season, well staffed and ready to make people like you and me very happy….
Note from Jason: This profile is about one of my favorite people in the local wine scene. Erin Rolek represents the younger generation of sommeliers in all the best ways: fun, sassy, opinionated, but without the ego or pretentiousness that characterize much of the sommelier world. Her list at The Bachelor Farmer is not only balanced…
You have permission from the wine gods, whoever they are, to enjoy your wine life more than you are now. Here’s the list. Cue up Rocky Balboa’s theme and read on. You have permission to not like the wine that everybody else likes. Wine isn’t a popularity contest. It’s not about following the crowd and being part…
I didn’t know I was opening a pandora’s box. Last week’s newsletter essay (if you don’t get them, please sign up) was about the upcoming Cold Climate Grape conference, and how I was encouraging everybody to consider going to the grand tasting on Friday 2/11 to learn more about the new varieties that have been developed,…
