Judith Smelser Tastings, Wine Experiences

Two Free Events & a Bordeaux Dinner

Whether you’re pinching pennies to save up for a big summer vacation or in the mood to splash out, you’re in luck with this week’s wine events.

For the savers, there are two free tastings on offer:

Tomorrow, Swirlery is offering complimentary tastes of Napa cab and sauvignon blanc.

Thursday, it’s a free rosé tasting at Tim’s Lake Mary.

For the big spenders, check out Norman’s five course Bordeaux dinner next Saturday, hosted by  Master Sommelier Laura DePasquale.

Check the Events Page for details on these events and many more tastings, dinners, and classes.

Cheers!

Judith Smelser Wine Experiences, Wine News

Digress Wine flouts wine conventions with new concept in former Cavanaugh’s; Food service planned for later this year

Forget worrying about what wine pairs with fish or steak. Digress Wine in College Park is asking deeper questions:

What wine pairs with … a hard day at work?

A quiet evening by yourself?

Catching up with old friends?

A geek-out session with your wine buddies?

A first date – or a fifth? 

Former wine sales reps Brian Kerney and Rob Chase are in the process of transitioning the store, which they purchased last fall, into a combination wine bar and retail shop with a concept they hope will change the way Orlando thinks about wine.

Continue reading “Digress Wine flouts wine conventions with new concept in former Cavanaugh’s; Food service planned for later this year” →

Judith Smelser Tastings, Wine Experiences, Winemakers

Celebrate Spring with Two Napa Winemakers and Seasonal Tastings

Spring has sprung in Central Florida (even if not officially), and next week offers several ways to celebrate with a sip or two.

First, there are two opportunities to taste wine with the people who make it.

On Tuesday, Christophe Paubert from Stags’ Leap Winery leads a tasting at The Wine Room on Park Ave. I had the opportunity to taste with Christophe at his winery last fall as part of the Wine Bloggers Conference and to hear about his non-interventionist winemaking philosophy.

Wednesday, Stonestreet winemaker Lisa Valtenbergs will host a tasting at Swirlery.

Tim’s in Lake Mary-Sanford is in a springtime mood next week, with a free tasting of wines for spring on Thursday and a Low Country Boil with wine pairings Saturday.

Check out the Events Page for all the details.

Cheers to this beautiful season!

Judith Smelser Tastings, Wine Experiences

Next Week Offers a Wine-Drenched Geography Lesson

I love when the oenophilic (that’s really a word!) stars align and allow us Central Floridians to travel the globe through the magic portal of a wine glass — or rather, many wine glasses. Next week is one of those times.

  • On Tuesday, explore romantic Spain at Cavanaugh’s.
  • Get sparkly with a trip to Champagne on Wednesday, courtesy of Tim’s Orlando.
  • Thursday, come back down to earth at Swirlery with organic wines from Oregon.
  • Finally, end your week in South Africa (otherwise known as the K Restaurant garden) on Friday.

Check the Events Calendar for details on these events and many more in the weeks ahead.

Cheers and happy travels, Orlando!