Judith Smelser Tastings, Wine Experiences

Summer wine events & a little learnin’

It feels like the summer doldrums have officially kicked into full swing in Central Florida. It’s so hot and humid that even the wine glasses are sweating … and next week isn’t exactly buzzing with wine events.

But Tim’s Wine Market in Lake Mary-Sanford is doing its part to keep us all cool, with a free tasting of light wines from the pinot family (hint: not just reds) and another featuring that classic poolside favorite, sangria.

If you’re looking to deepen your wine knowledge in a significant way, Orlando’s resident Master of Wine, Jean K. Reilly, is kicking off her latest WSET Level 2 course at Tim’s Wine Market Orlando on Tuesday.

This would also be a great week to check out one or two of Central Florida’s regular weekly wine events, like Swirlery’s Blind Tasting Tuesday or WineStyles’ Tasty Saturdays. You never know, you might get hooked!

Be sure to check out our Events Page for details of these and many other Central Florida wine happenings. There are lots of new listings this week!

Cheers!

Judith Smelser Wine Experiences, Wine Reviews, Winemakers, Wineries

Orlando Chef-Winemaker Jamie McFadden Releases Snowbirds Rosé

If you’re like most Central Floridians, you know Chef Jamie McFadden because he catered your wedding, or your company’s holiday party, or your favorite charity’s fundraiser.

Jamie’s Cuisiniers Catering company has been a mainstay in Orlando for almost two decades, and Jamie himself is well known as a top-notch local chef.

But I know him in a different context – as an oenophile.

Continue reading “Orlando Chef-Winemaker Jamie McFadden Releases Snowbirds Rosé” →

Judith Smelser Wine Reviews

Massaya rosé: Perfect porch sipper and versatile food wine

I don’t know what the weather is like where you live, but here in Orlando, it’s well into rosé season.

Of course, I don’t really believe in rosé season. I’m a huge rosé fan – some might even say an evangelist – and I’m happy drinking the sunset-colored liquid any time of year. But there’s no denying that it pairs particularly well with a porch, deck, or pool on a warm Florida spring day like today.

I’m partial to Provencal rosés – like a lot of rosé lovers, I consider them the gold standard – but I was intrigued a few weeks ago when Tim’s Wine Market Orlando featured the 2014 Massaya rosé from Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley. It’s made mostly from Rhone varietals – 40% cinsault, 30% syrah – plus 30% cabernet sauvignon.

Continue reading “Massaya rosé: Perfect porch sipper and versatile food wine” →