Kathy Merchant

24 Hours in Napa

Posted on March 7, 2019March 7, 2019 by Kathy Merchant

Planning a short Napa wine country visit during a business trip requires a sharp strategy! Limit drive time and choose a diverse array of restaurant and winery experiences (with advance reservations!). February is Napa’s mustard season. Bright yellow blooms marching in straight lines between winter vines were a welcome contrast to gray skies and a…

Wild West Wine

Posted on February 18, 2019February 18, 2019 by Kathy Merchant

It’s true, wine is made in all 50 states. But it’s not all good! Read on for a surprising experience in central Arizona’s Verde Valley wine region.

Cincinnati Chili & Wine?

Posted on January 10, 2019May 8, 2019 by Kathy Merchant

Would you ever — for a New York minute — consider pairing wine with chili? Probably not. In a flavor game changer, Cincinnati’s unique chili is a perfect partner.

Mark Beringer to Chair 2019 Cincinnati International Wine Festival

Posted on November 26, 2018December 14, 2018 by Kathy Merchant

Only 8 winemakers in 140+ years! For the first time since 1971, Beringer Vineyards has a member of the Beringer family at the helm as Chief Winemaker.

Exploring France with Andrew Jefford

Posted on September 21, 2018December 14, 2018 by Kathy Merchant

Andrew Jefford is one of the world’s most prolific and seasoned wine writers. Read Vino Venture’s 2016 interview in this link to the Wine Scholar Guild website.

Languedoc-Roussillon: 1+1 = 1

Posted on September 10, 2018December 14, 2018 by Kathy Merchant

This rather lengthy backgrounder sets the stage for a study tour of the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region hosted by Wine Scholar Guild. Renowned wine writer Andrew Jefford will lead this tour October 14-19. Stay tuned for trip highlights!

The Answer is 33. What is the Question?

Posted on August 19, 2018December 14, 2018 by Kathy Merchant

How many Grand Cru vineyards are there in Bourgogne? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think!

Hiding in Plain Sight: Rapeneau Family Estates

Posted on August 16, 2018December 12, 2018 by Kathy Merchant

The Rapeneau family has been making wine in France for more than a century. This blog post features Château de Bligny, the family’s crown jewel in Champagne.