Kitty Deschanel

We're home from Oregon, where Sexy Nerd and I attended the International Pinot Noir Celebration ( IPNC ). Oh my goodness, it was so much fun!  This was a truly spectacular event filled with the finest Pinot Noirs and an atmosphere that exuded sophistication and charm. Photos from the IPNC's Passport To Pinot: Nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of Oregon wine country, the festival was a breathtaking celebration of Pinot Noir's finesse and allure. The vineyard-draped hills, bathed in golden sunlight, set the perfect stage for this vinous symphony. From the tranquil ambiance of outdoor tastings to the majestic beauty of sprawling vineyards, every moment was a visual delight, making each sip of Pinot Noir an experience intertwined with the surrounding natural splendor. The IPNC was a vinous wonderland, a gathering of passionate enthusiasts celebrating the complexiti...

You know how I was feeling sad about the Sun, Wind, and Wine Festival being over until next year? No more raising glasses of pinot noir in a tipsy toast. No more chef-prepared meats and cheeses and cakes. *Sigh*  It seems the festival gods were listening. Did you know there's another amazing event starting this week? We don't even need to wait until the weekend to attend.  That's right. There's a 99% chance of wine. That was a weird thing to say, right? Now it makes sense. Trying to get my mind off the lack of upcoming wine festivals, I flipped through the latest issue of Garden & Gun. I was careful not to bend any pages so that the magazine can be shared in the waiting room of the dental offices I manage. I placed the magazine down for like a second, ten tops, and got a glass of water. Phinny, who is not allowed on this chair BTW, devoured the corner of the cover, plus several pages. It seems if he hadn't gotten it, Olive and Bernadette would. Side note: Now yo...

I'll let you in on a little secret. I love wine festivals. What's that? You say you already know? But how? Mere grape juice! Photos prove nothing. Touché. Despite spending my free time traveling to wine festivals, I've been missing out. Can you believe I've never tried a ROAR Pinot Noir? I intend to remedy this soon. I've discovered an exclusive wine event near the gorgeous California coast. Although guests are not normally allowed in the barrel cellar of Mer Soleil Winery, an exception is being made next weekend. On Saturday, May 13th, a limited number of wine lovers and foodies are invited to celebrate the best of the Santa Lucia Highlands at the The Sun, Wind & Wine Festival.  Featuring more than 30 wineries, chefs sharing gourmet Monterey Peninsula flavor, and a bubbles bar (my favorite), this wine festival checks all the boxes for a can't miss event. We're so excited!  And if you're still trying to figure out what to get Mom this year, how per...

Be sure to check out Part Two of this post,  Beer + Pizza = Heaven(ly Village) I'm always insisting to my readers that certain events are worth traveling across the country for, such as the Taos Summer Wine Festival . Well, I finally took my own advice. Three missed days of work, two delayed flights from Albuquerque, and a peppy VW rental car later, I was glad I did.  The Autumn Food and Wine Festival was on Saturday, September 21st. The Fall Ale Fest was also on Saturday, September 21st. Faced with a wine festival on one side of Lake Tahoe and a beer festival on the other, I did what any sensible person would do. I drank my wine, then raced an hour south to indulge in bottomless, tiny glasses of beer. When it's a beautiful Saturday at Lake Tahoe (and you have a designated driver), why not attend both? Now, for this post, you should really be in the beer-and-wine festival spirit. I highly recommend sipping a favorite wine or cold beer while you read. Ah, it's like ...

Update for 2020: We've been hoping all year that COVID wouldn't cancel the New Mexico Brew Fest, but of course it did. For now, pop open a Coors and live vicariously through last year's post. I'll see you at the 2021 New Mexico Brew Fest! Update for 2021: Postponed again. Bummer. Another update: Was that the Culligan water man or not? Update for 2022: The NM Brew Fest is finally back! Join in the fun on Saturday, October 1st. This year, it coincides with our world-famous Balloon Fiesta.   More Than Beer at the (AMAZING!) NM Brew Fest My husband and I have seen ads for the New Mexico Brew Fest, which coincides with Albuquerque's world-famous Balloon Fiesta, year after year. Why haven't we ever gone? Obviously, we are ridiculous fools because the New Mexico Brew Fest was the best time ever ! It's our all-time favorite beer festival. (Don't tell the Fall Ale Fest . It was only their first year. They'll get there.) You know you're in for a gr...