My Sofia Summer- Win A Trip To Belize

I always recommend that a person does some  traveling. It really is good for the body, mind, and spirit. There is magick in seeing other parts of the world, because it also helps to expand your mind.

There is a contest that the Francis Ford Coppola Winery is running that would win you a trip to Belize to the Family Coppola Resort. Can you just see yourself on a beach in Belize with a tropical drink in your hand? I don’t know about you but I sure can. It’s a fun contest so why not enter. You could be the winner, just make sure that you take me with you. ;)

Francis Ford Coppola Winery invites you to toast to fun in the sun this summer with a bottle (or can!) of the ultimate warm weather beverage, Sofia Blanc de Blancs.  Enter for your chance to win an all- expense paid trip to Turtle Inn, the Family Coppola Resort’s beachside getaway located in Belize. Anyone over the age of 21 is eligible to enter by sharing a photo or video of their summer adventures with Sofia wines.

Visit MySofiaSummer.com to submit photos or videos (20 seconds max) or simply tag photo/videos with #MySofiaSummer and #SofiaPromo on Instagram or Twitter. One grand prize winner will be selected to receive the trip of a lifetime to Turtle Inn and 25 first place winners will receive a Sofia Sparkler gift box. The contest runs from July 21st – August 31st. For full details and official rules, please visit MySofiaSummer.com.

Witch On Wine List: Angels and Wine

The other day I unexpectedly received two bottles of wine from Montes Winery. I had been checking out their wines because I love angels on wine labels. I was sent the Montes Cherub and Montes Twins. It was a lovely surprise to get them.

I think that I like angels on wine bottles, because it brings two things that I love together. I also know that quite a few winemakers have a spiritual connection to their wine and angels emphasis that for me. It got me thinking about other wineries that have angels in their labels.

If you are into angels and wine like me then this list is for you.

1) Whispering Angel - One of my favorite rosés. The wine is inspired by The  Whispering Angel Chapel from the early 19th century. It’s such a beautiful wine. Their sister wine Rock Angel also has an angel on the label.

2) Montes Wines- As I mentioned this Chilean winery uses angels on their labels. It appears as though all of their wines have angels on them.

3) Angelica Rosé- This fruit forward rosé is sweet and light. The label has a soft angel holding roses. This wine comes from an award winning winery in Connecticut.

4) Angel Champagne- A luxury champagne that costs around $600. There was a time that Mariah Carey was attached to this champagne.I haven’t tried but I assume it’s exquisite.

5) Lost Angel Wines- These naughty wine are for naughty times. Each one of their wines has it’s own unique angel. Totally fun wines.

I’m sure that there are plenty more, if you know of a wine that I missed, let me know. Cheers!

Wine Enthusiast's 100 Best Restaurants of 2016

Wine Enthusiast Magazine threw a soiree to celebrate the 100 Best Restaurant in America list in their


 annual August issue. The event was held at Marta (which made the list) in the Bradbury Hotel in Manhattan. We noshed on Marta's delicious pizza and pasta. The wine was overflowing and cocktails were conjured.

Some of the other restaurants on the list include:

Daniel, NYC

A16 Restaurant & Wine Bar, San Francisco

FLX Winery, Dundee,NY

Jory, Newberg, CA

The Pass & Provisions, Houston

Sage Restaurant, Las Vegas

Parachute, Chicago

Pick the August issue or you can find the restaurant list by visiting: Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Screw Cap Innovation Removes Wine Preservatives

Do you have a wine allergy? Help my be on the way from down under!

Barossa Valley brothers Joshua and Simon Schmidt started their South Australian company Vinnovate in 2012 and have developed a bottle closure that releases a solution to reduce the impact of preservatives or add subtle flavours to wine.

When activated, by pressing a button on top of the screw cap, the solution is mixed with the wine and binds to free sulfites, removing their preservative properties and reducing their ability to cause a reaction.

The Vinnovate invention has beaten more than 100 Australian and New Zealand industry innovations to take out the Brancott Estate Winexplorer Challenge.

Co-founder and chief innovation officer Joshua Schmidt said the award - a $35k cash prize plus the opportunity to work with Pernod Ricard to bring the product to market – was a huge thrill.  

“We believe that the Winexplorer Challenge has validated our idea and it now gives us a springboard from which to go forward,” he said.Joshua said it would be up to the consumer as to whether they activated the solution or not.

“We’ve found from a lot of market research that more and more people are experiencing a reaction when they drink wine and it’s actually pushing people away from the industry,” he said.

“We wanted to create something that was very similar to an existing screw cap but has an element of functionality because across the wider consumer goods space there is a strong trend towards individualization.”

Sulfites, or sulphur dioxide, is a preservative widely used in winemaking because of its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Common reactions to sulfites include headaches and red, itchy skin.

Being Barossa boys and children of the industry we set out to find a means so that everyone can enjoy wine,” Joshua said.

“We believe it freshens the wine up as well and allows it to be more of a consumer-centric experience rather than traditionally having to wait for 30 to 60 minutes after opening for the wine to “breathe”

Vinnovate Managing Director Simon Schmidt is a winemaker while Joshua’s background is in marketing, with a particular focus on the pharmaceutical industry.

The Schmidt brothers have developed prototypes and have commenced discussions with number of wineries around trials. They aim for commercial release towards the end of the year. The vision is the next generation screw closure for wine.

They are currently talking to some wineries about this and it’s their goal that it would be inclusive wine packaging.

Tarantas Taste of Spain Recipe Contest

Want to win a free trip to Spain? Here's a fun and delicious way to do it with wine!

Tarantas Wines is excited to launch this national recipe contest as a way to introduce American wine lovers to the concept of Tarantas Tiene Cuerpo y Alma ~ Wine with Body and Soul from the Heart of Spain.  The Tarantas brand name and label was inspired by the free-flowing, open art form of Flamenco song and dance of the same name, celebrated in Southeast Spain. The wines are produced by Bodegas Iranzo, based in the old-world village of Requena, only a stone's throw from the historic and metropolitan city of Valencia. 

Tarantas Taste of Spain RecipeContest entries will be accepted in five categories: 1) Small Plates/Tapas, 2) Main Dish, 3) Side Dish, Soup or Salad, 4) Dessert, 5) Wine-Based Craft Cocktail.

All entrants are required to include a Tarantas wine pairing recommendation for their dish and the use of a Tarantas wine as an ingredient is required in the Wine-Based Craft Cocktail category. Entry form includes a list of the eligible Tarantas wines.

Each entry must include a photograph submission of the prepared recipe with the selected wine.

Tarantas wines are available at Whole Foods Market nationwide and online at www.ecovinewine.com or www.organicwineexchange.com. Additional details about Tarantas Wines can be found a www.tarantaswines.com.

Recipe instructions and ingredients along with the photo should be submitted to www.tarantaswines.com/recipes no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 15, 2016. Creative cooks can find the complete contest rules on the website. Must be a U.S. citizen over 21 years of age to enter. All accepted entries will be featured on the Tarantas Wines website and select recipes will be featured across the company's social media channels.

One Grand Prize winner receives a five-day, four-night trip for two to Spain, including air transportation from the U.S., 2 nights, double-occupancy room accommodations for two in the charming village of Requena, Spain, a private tour of the winery with lunch, gastro and historical tour of Valencia, two nights, double-occupancy room accommodations for two in Valencia, Spain and all ground transportation and transfers. Four First Prize winners receive a $100 gift certificate from Whole Foods Market.

All recipes will be posted on the Tarantaswine.com website for public viewing. Viewers can vote one time for their favorite recipe in each category. The top five recipes receiving the most votes will automatically move on to the next level of judging along with five other entries selected by a panel of five culinary professional judges. The top ten recipes in each category will be judged by the panel of judges and assigned points based on the following criteria and point system: Creativity (1-50 points); Flavor profile (1-25 points).

Complete contest rules and information can be found at www.tarantaswines.com/recipes. 

Wine Pairings With Super Bowl Snacks

It is widely known that while watching the Super Bowl, people are expected to eat wings and nachos, and drink lots of beer. But what if you’re not a beer drinker and instead you prefer a glass of wine? I know that I will have have wine in my hand, because beer just isn't my thing.

Below are wine pairing recommendations from Leo Schneemann, Wine Director at Wallsé and Upholstery Store, that will let you enjoy your wings while sipping on your wine:

Chicken Wings:

RED: Cabaret Sauvignon, Rickshaw, 2012

Full bodied, well balanced from the Napa Valley with a long finish. Easily drinkable.

WHITE: POE Chardonnay, 2013

Tropical taste with fruit nuts and not too much oak; With a medium palette and a long finish. Something special for wine connoisseur on SuperBowl Sunday.

Nachos and Guacamole:

RED: Pinot Noir von Winning, 2012, Pfalz Germany

Red cherry notes with a lighter body

WHITE: Riesling - Red Slate, Dr Loosen, 2014

Apricot white peaches, high “minerality" with a well-balanced acidity - great Riesling

Deviled Eggs:

RED:  Blaufränkisch, Schiffer, Eisenberg, 2013

Nice mineral straightforward, with dark fruit nuts, a medium palette and peppery finish

WHITE: Grüner Veltiner, Johann, Donaubau,  2014

Fresh, crisp, wine w/green apple notes, white peppery spiciness, and easy finish

Top Ten Wine Travel Destinations For 2016

So, Wine Enthusiast Magazine announced the top ten wine travel destinations. I've have to admit that I really haven't spent time in any of the locations. Who would have thought that Las Vegas would top the list?! I would love to spend time in South Africa, Bordeaux, or Austia should someone offer me a trip to wine country in those area. They are on my list!

The top 10 list includes where to eat, where to stay, things to do, when to go, and of course, where to drink. Without further adieu…

• Las Vegas, NV - USA
• Bordeaux - France
• Margaret River - Australia
• Alto Adige - Italy
• Paso Robles, CA - USA
• Basque Country - Spain
• Franschhoek - South Africa
• Alentejo - Portugal
• Burgenland - Austria
• Ashland, OR - USA

What do you think of the list..agree or disagree?!

A List For When You Are On A Wine Break

As you know I love me some wine, but I decided to take a week off from drinking. With a Piper-Heidsieck champagne tasting coming up, a press trip to Brotherhood Winery scheduled and Champagne Week quickly approaching. I thought it would be good to give my body ( mainly my liver)  time off for good behavior before all of those events.

It's been a little bit of a struggle since I have some great champagne and French wine in my apartment. Not to mention that autumn is the perfect time to snuggle up with your favorite glass of wine. Let's just say that it has me saying "what a wicked world..what a wicked world."

I'm being dramatic, but the struggle is real. Since I know I am not the only one who has to take a booze break every now and then, I thought I would share my list of things that you can do in place of sipping wine.

Have a delicious cup of hot chocolate. Tis the season for a really good hot chocolate. Not only will it warm you up, but it will do wonders for your senses, just like wine. I like using the Hershey's Cocoa recipe on the side of the container. Easy and delish!

Eat kettle corn and drink lemonade.  This is my go to snack. Perfect for watching movies or lazy Sundays. Nothing like a good sweet and salty fix. Get my kettle corn recipe on Bruja’s Blog. A good snack makes your tastebuds happy.

Go for a fabulous walk in nature. This may seem random, but getting out and being healthy will make you want to eat and drink healthy. Water or a smoothie will seem like a really good idea versus wine. It’s also something groovy to do when you are on a cleanse.

Have a lovely cup of tea.  Sipping a good tea is a delightful way to slow down and relax. Get a quality tea to sip. My go to tea is Bellocq Tea Atelier. All of their teas are organic, fragrant, and simply magickal. 

Drink orange juice (or juice of you choice) in a wine glass. This is one of my favorite things to do because holding the wine glass gives the allure and feel of wine. Whatever it takes, right?

Have ice cream and coffee.  Since there is no wine, pleasure has to come from somewhere. Ice cream is a good place to start. Try some with a side of coffee. It will make you forget all abour wine ( at least for a few minutes).

The Wine Bible

Look what came for me...a copy of the new edition of the Wine Bible and a note by the author, Karen MacNeil. I'm so excited, I will be reading it cover to cover. I meet MacNeil in August at the Wine Blogger Con. I know she put a lot of love into this book.

 I spent most of my weekend writing about wine so now I am going to crawl into bed with this book. You can get a copy on Amazon and I'm sure on other sites. If you are into wine this book is a must for your library!

Cork & Vine Collection at White Barn

If you are into wine, you are going absolutely love the Cork and Vine collection at White Barn.

They created the line to celebrate harvest season, as you know grapes are being picked at this time. This is the first year that White Barn has produced this full line of vineyard inspired candles. Since there were having a sale, I picked up three candles. It was a tough choice, but the scents that I went with are:

• Black Cherry Merlot- Enjoy an exquisite California Merlot with velvety black cherry notes and a silky amber finish.

• Sparkling Pear Reisling- The bright, crisp Riesling grape and juicy California pears combine to create a refreshing fruit-driven vintage

• Wine Cellar- Explore a blend of warm cedarwood, red fruit and precious saffron inspired by a California wine expert’s ultimate collection,

These candles are available now, so get them while they are hot! If you don’t live near a White Barn, you might be able to get them online.

Wine Blogger Con...Bring It On!

I can't believe that the Wine Blogger Con is almost here (as in next weekend). I have been on count down for it since I signed up. It will be my first (and probably not last) time to attend. There will be over 200 people in attendance at the con. I'm excited to make some new acquaintances and explore the wineries in the Finger Lakes. It will be my first time visiting the Finger Lakes, which I hear is quite beautiful.

The agenda that they have whipped up for us is quite wicked. Some of the wines that we will be tasting are from:

Fox Run Vineyards

Goose Watch Winery

Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars

Dr. Konstanin Frank Wine Cellars

Wines of Alsace

Jordan Winery

Knapp Winery

Salton Winery

Lieb Cellars

The other exciting part of the conference is that Karen MacNeil is going to be the keynote speaker. Besides being the author of The Wine Bible, MacNeil always sems to be tweeting from a vineyard while sipping something fabulous. I'm sure it's a tough job, but somebody has to do it. Another highlight is an after party by Jordan Winery. Sounds like they know how to throw a good bash!

I am also looking forward to luxuriating in my hotel room in Corning. As some of you know I have a thing for hotel rooms. I may broadcast a little something from my room. I will probably be posting a lot during the conference, but also be on the look out for my post and reviews after the conference. I look forward to sharing the magick of the Finger Lakes with you.

Yoga For Wine Lovers

A little wine with spirit is always a good thing! This video brought a smile to my face, so I thought that I would share it. Namaste and cheers!

Wicked Wine News: Techies, English Sparkling Wine+ French Wine Regions

Techies are now craving to be wine sommeliers. I think that is an interesting pairing but then a again, I am a psychic sommelier.

From the looks of it Louis Roederer is looking to buy land in the U.K. The leading champagne producer wants to get in on the growing audience for English sparkling wine. A very good move!

Premium wine sales in pubs and restauarants are booming baby! Looks like double digit sale growth. After all who would want a crappy wine? Oy vey.

The wine regions, Champagne and Burgundy have been granted world heritage status by the United Nations. This new status should boost tourism and allow for preservation.

Wicked Wine News: Wine Pairings, Chocolate, Biltmore Winery, Woman In Wine

Oh la la it's summer, which means time for some wine pairings go to with barbeques and other summer outs. This list should give you some ideas.

Pairing wine with chocolate is such a delicious time Maybe you can have a nice chocolate and wine party or a nice pairing for you and your lover. Do it your way!

Do you know what the most visited winery in America is? According to Wine Channel Tv, it's the Biltmore Winery in North Carolina. Who knew?

Women are becoming a key ingredient when it comes to making and marketing wine. Oh yes we are!

Sip While Sailing: La Nuit En Rosé Is Coming To New York

Are you a fan of rosé wine? The ultimate rose experience is coming to back to New York with La Nuit en Rosé. Last year around 2,000 wine lovers attended the event, will you be coming this year?

What’s better than sipping rosé wine and champagne while eating aphrodisiacs on a yacht sailing down the Hudson River at sunset? There will be rosés from all over the world --- plus culinary spreads from the likes of Geoffrey Zakarian, STK, Fig & Olive, and other top chefs as well as an oyster bar and a truffle bar, rounded out by cheese from Artisanal. Can you say foodgasm?!

There will be an international lineup of wineries such as Château D'Esclans, Vie Vité, Château Coussin, Château La Gordonne, Champagne Nicolas Feuillate, Ferrari, Gérard Bertrand, Domaine Montrose, Wines of Greece, Wines of Navarra, Sud de France Wines, Tavel, Loire Valley Wines, Bordeaux Rosé and more that you will get to experience on the cruise.

“Rosé is more than just a wine category, it is a way of life and that’s what unique about rosé,” says Pierrick Bouquet, president of ABLE and co-creator of La Nuit en Rosé. “Rosé has made itself inseparable from a summer gathering, a pool party or a barbecue. Close your eyes and sip rosé, you’re immediately transported into a summer paradise. Drinking rosé is the epitome of chic! ”

La Nuit en Rosé New York will offer a variety of ways to celebrate from June 25th- June 27th. Get your ticket before it sells out. Each La Nuit en Rosé event will feature up to 100 wines, themed food stations, a pink cocktail bar, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, a photo booth and entertainment activities including dancing and more. 

Three Wines I Give A Thumbs Up

Last weekend I went to a luxurious food and wine reteat in Vermont at Good Commons. I am so grateful to my friend who gave me her spot at the retreat at the last minute because she could not attend. I have been to a few retreats there before. It's such a wonderful place to place to go relax and the people that I have met there just divine.

All the meals at the retreat were made by chefs and a sommelier selected the wines for our wine dinner. I fell in love with three of the wines that I wanted to tell you about:

RivaRose Brut- This sparkling rosé was a hit at our wine dinner and my favorite selection at the retreat! This rosé from Provence has aromas of  fruits, berries and touch of spice.  Pairs wonderfully with a lot of different foods from cheese, chicken, to burgers.  It's one of those sparkling wines that you will want for an evening at home or to take to a soiree. If you want a full sensory experience with it, sip on it while burning  ylang ylang or vanilla. This sparkler will run you around $15 or a little under. It's so going on my top rosés for the summer list.

 

M.A.N. Pinotage-  This wine was served at our wine dinner during the fourth course. Three friends started this winery and used the initials of their wives which happen to spell MAN. South Africa is known for pinotage, sounds like pinot noir but tastes more like shiraz. The grapes in this wine are a cross between cinsaut and pinot noir grapes. To get your senses moving and grooving, sip on this and have some bergemot oil burning in the background. The M.A.N Pinotage will run you around $8 and under. How fabulous is that?

From the winemaker:

We like to focus on the juicier, softer side of Pinotage by carefully managing the fermenting wine.  We are able to emphasise the soft mouthfeel, perfume and expressive fruit of Pinotage. Just a touch of oak maturation means the result is delicate and pretty, with beautiful red berry flavours, a hint of cinnamon and very gentle tannins.

Cooper Hill Pinot Gris- This wine was a favorite during our wine and cheese hour. It's light, crisp, and goes great with cheese. It would be killer paired with some roasted chicken. The Cooper Mountain Vineyards uses classic methods to produce their gris. The aromas in this one are quite delicious, a bit of floral and citrus. Sure to be a crowd pleaser at any event.  Put this one on your list of summer wines or if you want to have an affordable wine at an event or wedding. The cost for this one goes for about $22.00.

A Witch At The Wine Blogger's Conference

I should have known there was a wine blogger conference, because at this point isn't there a conference for everything? I was first told about the Wine Blogger's Conference by the fabulous Somm in the City, then she dropped the bomb that it would be happening in the Finger Lakes wine country this year. Now you know I signed up immediately. I am now currently counting down the days till this conference.

There will  be around 300 wine bloggers from around the world to attend the conference in August.  I have been told that there are some people who religiously attend this conference. It explores a different wine country each year. There is nothing more awesome than a room full of people who are passionate about wine, so I know that with 300 strong, it will be an epic time.

It will be my first time to visit the Finger Lakes Wine Country. There are over 100 wineries in the Finger Lake  area and three wine trails. The itinerary for the conference keeps getting better and better. Karen MacNeil, wine educator and author of The Wine Bible will be the keynote speaker. MacNeil is working on the second edition of The Wine Bible and we will be given a copy at the conference. I can’t wait to get my hands on the book. Now you know that I will have to ask her to come on my show, Bruja On Books.  Above all else, I also can’t wait to drink wine from New York State, eat local food, and luxuriate in my hotel room.

I have always had a love for wine and been interested in it from a senses point of you. Since becoming a wine writer, I have found that there are so many wonderful people in the wine business. People who are filled with passion and drive, representing all walks of life. I think that this conference will be a game changer for me on so many levels.

If you want more information on the Wine Blogger’s Conference, check out the site. Don’t feel like you have to be a wine blogger to attend, you can also be in other areas of the wine business. Follow the conference on Twitter: @WineBloggersCon, hashtag: #WBC15

See you there for the magick!