Women & Wine

Media Exhaustion Keeps Me Wishing for a Glass of ....

junkie (def) noun an enthusiastic follower; fan; devotee

True or False

I am a media junkie.

addict noun a person who is addicted to an activity, habit

addict verb to habituate or abandon (oneself) to something compulsively or obsessively

True or False?

I am addicted to the internet.

True or False

Michael Jackson was (potentially) addicted to drugs.

True or False

Michael Jackson's death was a tragedy.

True or False

I am a face book junkie.

True or False

A media junkie who is addicted to watching, participating, commenting and contributing to the internet is a tragedy.

I spent the weekend recovering from Media exhaustion. There were several days in the past 10 that I had my face book, twitter, cnn, msnbc or you tube windows opened simultaneously for part of most of the time I was on my computer, my blackberry, etc.

Does the immediacy of information keep you up...or bring you down? Or both.

I'm trying to figure it all out.

I'm exhilarated when early indications showed that Obama was gaining over McCain, when the stock market is up by 500 points, when a friend I haven't heard from in a while suddenly finds me on face book, or there's a surprise announcement of the awarding of a Nobel Prize.

But are those "highs" enough to compensate for the lows we feel when tragedy comes into our own home, the horror we digest with our morning coffee as we watched the protesters get beaten on the streets of Iran, the scenes of the limbs and bloodied bodies after the bombs in the market in Iraq, the disappointment of yet another politician confessing that their brain resides between their legs?

They say that it's cocktail hour somewhere in the world ... beam me up Scotty!

Death of Two Troubled Stars Hits LA Hard Today - A Tribute to Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson

I don't usually comment on the life - or death - of celebrities. It's really not my thing. But our store, Wine Valet is in the heart/center of Beverly Hills and for the last hour you can see the stunned faces after the shocking news of the death of Michael Jackson.

We haven't even had time to grieve for Farrah - and bloggers are already chatting away about how "unfair" it is to have her story  upstaged by Jackson's untimely death. But I think there's something deeper here - and it's a long look in the mirror - these were two individuals who greatly influenced pop culture gone at a young age.

And while Jackson's death might be the more shocking because it came out of nowhere - afterall, we'd been reading for weeks about his payback/comeback that was just around the corner - both deaths remind us that the media plays a huge role in who "lives" and who "dies". And today, while they continue to rush to play out the final chapter for each of these stars the sadness that abounds is that they each had their own difficulties in life, compounded by the media's intensive attention to their fame and that neither will have the chance to redeem themselves, clean the slate or be held up in a glorious comeback ever again.

The parking lot is stilled now - I'm sure everyone is home glued to their tv for additional word to make sense of Jackson's death. His music will live on, his investors will file for bankruptcy and the final chapter is over.

For those of us who grew up with the two in our lives - not on video or late night reruns - it reminds us that each day is precious, life is short, let's make it sweet. I'll drink to that.

Women & Wine Hosts Press/Bloggers Event to Preview the Winners of the LA International Wine, Spirits & Olive Oil Competition

As the CEO of Women & WIne, http://womenwine.com, I wear a lot of different hats. So it was a great privilege on Thursday, to help host a press and bloggers tasting event - a sneak peak so to speak - to showcase some of the winners prior to the announcment yesterday to the public.

The competition attracts 3800 submissions in the wine category alone from around the world. The organizers at the Los Angeles Fairplex (yes! you probably know this as the home of the Pomona County Fair) estimate that about 20% or more were new wineries that had never entered prior competitions.

In it's 70th year - the 75 judges who participate used handheld electronic devices to tabulate their votes during the three and a half days of tasting to find not only the BEST OF SHOW but the BEST OF CLASS for several different price points in conjunction with the interest by consumers to find wines that cost less.

The price categories - under $14.99, up to $30 and $30 and above were displayed at Thursday's event and I had suggested that attendees get a chance to blind taste 5 Best of Class winners to see if we could determine which price ranges they represented as well as which of the five might have won Best of Show.

Groups of 8 at a time were led by Mary Ellen of the Fairplex staff through a very professionally conducted tasting - with a few giggles from some of us (me included) as we realized that we had never blind tasted based on price. I suggested that we each put a T under each glass to first try to see if we could each determine the price point of the wines (we were told the varietal that they had won a Best of Class award in under the circle on the tasting sheets).

Proud to say that I got 5/5 for price - it must be all of those wines that I taste for our store Wine Valet at Two Rodeo Drive - http://wine-valet.com - but astounded myself when I was also able to identify blind David Bruce 2006 Pinot as an over $30 Best of Show Winner (gold stars!!!)

Congrats to all the winners - especially when you realize how many rounds the Best of Show wines had to go through - winning both the Best of Class in their varietal and price range and then the Best of Show in the same.

I'm going to the Wine & Cars Under the Stars event at the Fairplex tonight which helps raise money for the Fairplex Foundation that supports programs for children - I can't wait to taste more of the winners.

To see the winners, go to http://tiny.cc/Q0f7Y

Will Michelle Obama Influence Women About Wine the Way She Did With Fashion?

It didn’t take us very long to notice Michelle Obama’s style on the campaign trail and I’m not talking about arms. I’m a bit under 6 ft. myself and first it was the poise, the grace of motion and that drop dead gorgeous smile that won me over. Later, it was the fact that she made everything she wore look like she just pulled it out of the closet – which gave me a more confidence to rummage around in the back of mine. Confidence. That’s a big word for most women to swallow – whether it’s fashion – or wine.

I started Women & Wine http://womenwine.com because wine for women is a universal language that we understand - it helps us make an immediate connection when we share a glass.  Yet, many women are caught up in their inability to find the right words to describe what they like. And unlike their daily pick of what to wear – they wouldn’t be caught dead in the same outfit two days in a row – they gravitate very quickly to purchasing a bottle of wine that they have had before. Over and over again.  It’s really because there’s a disconnect and lack of education at the point of sale but instead most women say they don’t feel confident enough to roll the dice on their choice so they go with the ’safe’ one instead.

And while women buy most of the wine in the U.S. and, where available,  in the supermarket - that’s  like saying that they bought a new outfit at Home Depot, or a new purse at Blockbuster. Many tell me that feel like they have two heads when they enter a wine retailer (thanks guys for making us feel so comfortable and welcome) – and so the anonimity of their purchase is what they settle for in a big box store.

Women wouldn’t settle for anything else the way they settle for wines with cute pictures on the label or marketing gimmicks that appeal to women. They certainly wouldn’t choose a hair dresser that had cute kangaroos in the window. And it’s hardly likely that they would go to a butcher and ask for the cheapest cut of meat. They wouldn’t bend down to pick up a penny in the aisle but they have no trouble swatting down to reach for that bottle on the lowest shelf that’s $3.99.

Women who are interested in wine need a role model. I try to be one myself.

Now Michelle, I need your help.

Will you talk to us about the wine you like  – will you come on Women & Wine Radio to talk about how you started getting interested in wine (we know you love good food!)? Will you be seen holding a glass of wine in a picture – or pouring it at the table for a family dinner at the White House? Are you and the President planning an outing to Virginia wine country (it is for lovers…)?

As CEO & Founder of Women & Wine, I want Michelle Obama to invite women to be more curious about the wine they drink. To know that they can relish an inexpensive “find” – like she does at J.Crew. But to also realize like when you wear something hand crafted – or drink a bottle of wine that’s made with enormous care in small production – you can feel like cinderella – or a First Lady.

And I invite women everywhere – not just here in the U.S. –  to post and share their stories at http://womenwine.com of how they started on their own personal journey of learning about wine, drinking different varietals or buying a special bottle to start collecting. The socialization of wine at the American dinner table depends on you ladies. You did it with arugula, you can certainly do it with wine. You family will become more engaged and eat more slowly when wine is served. And you will want to travel to see where it’s made.

And Oprah, I’m ready for you. Why don’t you have me and Michelle on to talk about what we love about wine – the stories that are in the glass – the special memories we have of the meals where it was served. The places we’ve been where that perfect moment was enhanced by a great bottle of wine…

Ladies, are you listening? And as a wine retailer too, my doors are open to you.

Women & Wine owns and operates Wine Valet at Two Rodeo Drive http://wine-valet.com 310.274.9224.

Women & Wine - Our Love for Wine & Food Makes Us the Ambassador's to the World

I lead a priviledged life and I know it. I get invited to some of the best tables to experience great food and drink great wine. I also meet interesting people through Women & Wine http://womenwine.com and our weekly radio show http://womenandwineradio.com both in person and over the phone.

I know that I'm a lucky gal. And I know I have a great responsibility to convey these experiences so that I don't come across as a spoiled brat but rather your connection to a world that's very sensory (ok, so twittersmells is being developed and will be released sometime soon).

But seriously, yesterday I had the good fortune to participate in a conference of food bloggers sponsored by the new site Foodista - @foodista - in Seattle. My role was to speak tothe issue of finding your voice on the web. I spoke of things like relevance and reliabilitly - but also of responsibility. Do we convey these experiences in a way that makes our readers love us, despise us, envy us - think that we're just gluttonous jerks?

I hope not. And especially in this economy when so many people are cutting back on those special restaurant nights or vacations to exotic places.

I feel that I have an enormous task - to find a balance that will engage the reader and inspire them to try to bring the experience home or add it to their "wish list" of things to do next.

I'm asked to 'breathe life' into the stories and make them my own.

And that's why the new Women & Wine site is so unique. It allows you to contribute your personal passions, places and experiences (and photos and videos too) to a continuing conversation about things we love, places we've been, memorable moments.

You don't have to have your own blog - you can just have taken a sip of a varietal for the first time. No one's asking for a credential more than your own experience in your own words. And we let you use more than 140 characters.

Food, wine and travel are the universal language. Share yours today and become an Ambassador to the World.

Tried something new in the farmer's market? Or just come back from a place that you loved? I hope you'll post it at http://womenwine.com.

Follow me on twitter @womenwine. Listen to our Women & Wine Radio show on Sundays at 10 a.m. on CRNTalk.com and get the RSS feed from http://womenandwineradio.com

Women & Wine - A Rose By Any Other Name

I'm listening to the birds going crazy in the garden this a.m. - if only I could sing like that! - and all I can think of is Rose. It's not even going to be that warm out today - and the sun is masked by a haze of fog - so why is Rose on my mind? And what's on the horizon for this year's releases?

We've been tasting again for our store Wine Valet at Two Rodeo Drive and inevitably each distributor introduces us to a first time release of Rose from many of the wineries.

Now Rose is pretty cheap to make so it's not surprising to me that people are experimenting. Wikipedia calls Rose a "by product" (sounds toxic to me!) The first roses came from a region near Anjou in France - I have great memories of staying there a long time ago when I went to Bayeaux to see the famous tapestries.

Sutter home created a White Zinfandel in 1976 - yikes that was a long time ago - and in 1978 a guy called Kreck who grew Cabernet trademarked the word "blush" (who knew you could trademark a color - I wonder if Crayola knows that?

Beginning in 2005 (yesterday!), CA wine producers started making rose rather than let unsold wine grapes go to waste and the rest is history. At first some of these winemakers were doing rose "vanity projects".

But last year and this one, this doesn't feel like an after thought. They've got some serious stuff in those bottles - and it's not the light or thin wine with a slight blush of pink that you might imagine.

No, some of these roses are Rose of Syrah, Rose of Sangiovese, sparkling rose - and it's not only coming from CA but other wine growing regions around the world.

So, starting today, I'm marching into Spring - with a new rose a day (love the idea!) - and today's will be Rosa Regale Brachetto d"Acqui 2007 from Banfi http://www.rosaregale.com (no, they didn't pay me to write this!)

Surprisingly dry - floral - but not too sweet - it's so pretty in the glass - and is drinking beautifully. It's great as an aperitif - and it comes in a beautiful 1/2 bottle size too (perfect for two!) It available everywhere! And while Castello Banfi has an online store - the 2007 isn't in inventory there yet so look in your local market (they usually have a pretty big display) - the prices seems to vary between the low 20s to around $25 a bottle.

I can't wait until tomorrow! This is going to be so much fun. Send me your "daily rose" suggestions - we'd love to hear from you or post at Women & Wine http://womenwine.com - post a picture of yourself with Rose Regale 2007 and I'll send you a gift.

A Rose a Day will keep the doctor away....

Julie

julie@womenwine.com

Women & Wine - A Food & Wine Lovers Guide to A Gourmet Seder

My husband has this fantasy - he's invited to a Seder for Passover and none of the food resembles anything from Seders past. No jarred gefilte fish - no hard as rocks matzoh balls, no overcooked brisket (have I whet your appetite yet?)

Actually, part of that picture is incredibly untrue - my mother used to (and probably would if I promised to come 'home' to NY this year) make delicious gefilte fish by hand. Yeah, I know. It's an acquired taste.

Anyway, it's not that my husband doesn't like Ashkenazi Jewish food - as he put it this morning - "why does the same menu get served on every Jewish holiday?" "Why can't we be a bit more like Christians when it comes to our holiday meals?" he asks. They know if they have ham at Christmas then they have turkey at Easter. It's simple he said. Brisket at Hannukah, Chicken at Passover he muses.

I, on the other hand have fantasies of gourmet Jewish holidays. Morrocan dishes of oven cooked lamb, grilled spring vegetables, French quenelles instead of matzoh balls, assorted cheeses with dried nuts and fruit instead of those wretched 'slices' of watermelon shaped candy. Fois gras instead of chopped liver (ok, I know now I'm really dreaming ....)

Now, don't get me wrong - I like a good potato kugel (for those who don't know picture McDonald's hash browns in a big pan cut into squares) and am even partial to stuffed cabbage (years ago a restaurant called Tulipe - now long gone - in LA used to make the most ethereal French style version of this dish).

And Zeke's Barbeque in Hollywood does do a pretty mean brisket if you're going the take-out route.

And as a wine lover, I finally have figured out that the real reason that the tradition has carried on to drink lots of sweet wine that gives you an incredible hangover is that you really probably don't want to remember all those courses of less than memorable food the next day. If, at all.

So here's a few links to some exceptional recipes that can be prepared on this holiday

Fish Quenelles  http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/534155 or http://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/04/travel/fare-of-the-country-delicate-pike-quenelles-a-lyons-tradition.html

Fois Gras http://gourmetfood.about.com/od/appetizers/r/foiemousse.htm (substitute matzoh for toast)

Morrocan Lamb Stew http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/appetite-for-adventure/moroccan-lamb-stew-with-preserved-lemons-recipe/index.html or http://moroccan-food.suite101.com/article.cfm/moroccan_lamb_stew

Savor this meal with Cotes du Coast a viognier, rousanne and marsanne blend for the quenelles and fois gras, Pizzuli 2007 Sangiovese with the lamb and 2006 Eric Kent Dry Stack Syrah  - all available at Wine Valet http://wine-valet.com or call 310.274.9224.

Happy Passover!

Women & Wine - Feeding Frenzy

There's a new feature on Women & Wine - you can add your feed from you blog to our site for automatic updates at http://womenwine.com - just register and then put this address in your browser

http://womenwine.com/feeds/new

Done.

Let the feeding frenzy begin!

 

 

Women & Wine - Is it Time to Start Collecting Great Wine?

Ok, so I'm a contrarian this a.m. - and instead of giving you some picks for your budget, I'm going to encouraging you to think about starting to put some gems in your cellar.

The timing has never been better for getting some great wines into your cellar - whether it's one a month or on a budget of as little as $200. Prices of "collectibles" - or wines that typically appealed to wine afficianados because they not only are distinctive for their taste and winemaking capabilities, but because they are in limited suppy and in contiunous demand by people whose passion (and pocketbooks) has allowed them to stock their cellars with these gems.

Additionally, these wines have continually appreciated over the past few years.

Now, I'm writing this story making the assumption that you're interested in collecting wine as an opportunity to have some bottles that you can try "on a rainy day". After all, wine is for drinking whether it's $10 a bottle or $100. It was put into the bottle to be opened one day and shared - and that's really what should motivate you. That you can have some bottles of those hard to find and special selections that won't cost you an arm and a leg and that you don't have to pay double for on a wine list.

If you're buying for appreciation - I'm not making any predictions on what the future will hold. I only know that there will always be a limited number of bottles of any one wine and that there has been a long history of rising prices in the past 20 years that has motivated collectors to by as an investment.

This story really isn't about that aspect of collecting. It's about having a moment in time when you can seek out your 'Picasso', call it your own, and decide when you want to drink it (or look at it if that's what gives you pleasure).

In a time of uncertainty, at least one thing is sure. You'll enjoy what you purchased, you will have no regrets and you'll say that even in a recession you were able to capitalize on an opportunity that wasn't previously available.

And that, I think, sounds like a deal to me.

For advice about what to buy - email us at customerservice@wine-valet.com - or post your finds on Women & Wine http://womenwine.com

Women & Wine - Things We Should be Buying or Doing For Our Emotional Well Being

This is the constant conversation that is now starting to make its way into the press - I know this for a fact because as I was checking out of the grocery store this a.m. the Newsweek cover barked out at me START SHOPPING NOW.

This is a I have been talking to a lot of people about lately. My take on the "skids" or "brakes" that have been put on the economy has more to do with sociology than psychology. You see, as Americans, we have forever underestimated the ability for our fellow countrymen (or women) to take something seriously. To understand, digest, and show a passionate interest in a subject - especially one that was complicated to understand like this recession.

We didn't ask people to sacrifice in the two previous administrations, didn't have a draft or a Stop Polluting Now campaign. We didn't even ask them to stop using so much gas and electricity - that is, until the price went up so high that we all volunteered to do that without being asked. And we were able to make an impact.

And so now they're listening. And their head - their hearts - and their pocketbooks, bank statements and other signals they're getting a little voice that's saying STOP. DON'T SHOP.

Why did we do such excessive shopping in the past decade? Because it made us feel good. We worked hard and we wanted to be rewarded for it. Instead of taking more time off to enjoy the simple pleasures like friends and family, enjoy our periods of good health - we bought things to somehow make the hours we spent working harder and harder (and for less pay in some cases) feel like they were "paying off". We wanted to have something to show for it - a bigger house, a new car - it was our reward for the sacrifices of our time that we were making everyday.

"So now what are we supposed to do?" everyone is asking. And here's the answer.

Buy things now will still make you feel good but won't increase your level of debt. Do things that make you feel good. Share things or do things that make you feel good.

I stopped to help a pregnant woman by the side of the road the other day who had just been in a car accident. I didn't witness the accident, I just thought that she might need someone to say "are you ok" and give her a hug. When I drove away (she was unhurt, thank goodness), I felt like I had just bought a new pair of Prada shoes (but seriously, I felt great!). I told 10 people about it the next day. It felt great to feel great.

So here are my suggestions of things that you can buy in any price range that will make you feel good, satisfied with your purchase, not break the bank and still leave you with a few bucks for another day. They are:

1) a new lipstick

2) a nice bottle of wine (not the $6.99 special but something that probably costs over $20 - and buy it from a wine retailer - you'll enjoy the experience of connecting over something you love)

3) a great loaf of bread and a piece of nice cheese

4) a scented soap or a bunch of flowers

5) an album from i-Tunes or other music source - MUSIC is great to make you feel great!

6) a pillow or some lavender to make you sleep well (sleep is really important to feeling great!)

7) a half bottle of champagne - sometimes just the perfect amount to perk you up!

8) a gorgeous piece of fruit, chocolate or something sweet

9) a walk, a bike ride, or watch a movie

10) a book - even better if you can borrow or trade with a friend

None of these things are budget busters. No, I haven't mentioned things like going to that new restaurant (which we should do to keep supporting those who are investing in our community), or buying that new sweater for spring (if you can afford it go for it - and make sure it's in a fab color!). You know what you can and can't afford.

But, except for the downloaded music, all of this is stuff that you can buy locally - support your local economy - and help to keep your spirits up - and the rest of America's too.

And if you're shopping heavily on the internet, don't forget, it's probably not going to help that cute little shop around the corner from you to stay open - so try to spend your money in your own community.

That's it. So simple. Don't you feel better already?

What ideas do you have - post them on http://womenwine.com