Monthly Archives: December 2010

Roaring 20s New Years Eve

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Merrill

Still looking for something fun and thrilling to do this New Year’s Eve? Come to Messina Hof Winery & Resort for our Roaring 20’s themed event! Break out that fabulous cocktail dress, your favorite shade of red lipstick, elegant long … Continue reading →

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What to Eat After Stuffing Yourself at Christmas

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Merrill

What do you eat on the day after Christmas when you have stuffed with annual traditions? Today we had a vegetable plate for lunch which was perfect and light. Then for dinner we had a light antipasto of German smoked ham, Asiago … Continue reading →

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FAQ about Dessert Wines!

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Merrill

Q: Which cheeses are best with Port? A: Ports are bold full bodied wines that require bold full flavored foods. Classic cheese selections for Port include: Stilton, Danish Blue, and Gorgonzola. Other more unique pairings could include cranberry stilton and chocolate cheese. Q: … Continue reading →

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What is the Purpose of a Punt?

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Merrill

The definition of punt is an inverse indentation at the base of a wine bottle. For Champagne and sparkling wine, the indention helps to give structural integrity to the bottle, which has to be pretty strong to hold in the … Continue reading →

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How Do You Maximally Taste Food and Wine?

Posted on December 20, 2010 by Merrill

When you are doing a food and wine tasting, take a taste of wine first focusing on the wine flavors in the mouth. Then take a bite of food, focusing on the flavors and textures in the food. Before you swallow the … Continue reading →

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International Wine Tourism Conference & Workshop

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Merrill

The Conference will bring together wine tourism professionals from around the world to discuss, reflect on and develop their ideas. The 3 day programme of some 40 seminars, talks, workshops, panel discussions and plenary sessions will offer many opportunities for professional … Continue reading →

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Essences for Sensory Evaluation

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Merrill

At my wine appreciation classes and wine and food pairing parties, I always include a sensory component since 80% of taste is really smell. It is important to train your nose on what you smell in the glass. It is easy to … Continue reading →

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Ring in the New Years with Messina Hof

Posted on December 13, 2010 by Merrill

Come join Messina Hof for a New Year’s Eve celebration a step back in time. Enjoy fantastic food, fine entertainment with casino games and dancing along with our Messina Hof wines!  The evening will begin at 9:oopm with a buffet menu … Continue reading →

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FAQ on Wine Pairings for Chicken & Seafood

Posted on December 11, 2010 by Merrill

Q: What wine is best served with grilled salmon? A: Salmon is one of those wonderfully full-flavored meaty fish that can complement white or red wines.  Depending on the preparation of the salmon, a nice Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, … Continue reading →

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What Wine Pairs Best with Foods Slow Cooked or Smoked?

Posted on December 9, 2010 by Merrill

Cooking with smoke or slow cooking has been a part of the American culinary culture. Smoke adds weight to the flavor of food. Therefore, the wine needs to have as much weight in flavor. Big ripe berried reds, reds with hints of … Continue reading →

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