Category: Reviews

Wine Review: Perfect Wines for Fiestas Patrias (Chilean Independence Day)

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It’s that time of year again, and Chile’s strong vaccination numbers are allowing limited public celebrations to take place for Dieciocho (Fiestas Patrias) after everyone was resigned to celebrating in their homes last year. For non-Chileans, Fiestas Patrias is typically a week-long national celebration centered around the 18th of September, the day the independence process started with Chile’s first governing body in 1810. Besides family barbecues, each comuna usually organizes public fondas or ramadas with lots of food and drinks along with traditional music, dance, rodeos, games and other performances. Although the traditional alcoholic drink is Chicha and the modern tradition is to drink Terremoto cocktails, there’s usually plenty of Chilean wine and beer too. Therefore, I have two perfect wine recommendations to celebrate Fiestas Patrias.  Continue reading

Wine Tourism: California Wineries Off the Beaten Track

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In previous posts about the wines I’ve been drinking during my time in California, I’ve tried to emphasize that there is also good wine being made in California and other parts of the US beyond Napa. Exploring California wine outside of Napa leads you to more diversity in varieties and styles along with cheaper prices. Likewise, visiting wineries outside of Napa also saves you money on tasting fees and brings more adventure exploring new wineries, restaurants and local attractions. Continue reading

Wine Review: Pinot Noir from the Americas

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Living in Chile, Chilean Pinot Noir is one of my go-to bargain wines, but I’m always open to tasting other contenders for best value Pinot and to comparing Chilean Pinot Noir to other regions.  Continue reading