Buys $25 and under, Buys under $75, France

Our Grande French Adventure, Finale

The last leg of our trip took us to the city of Montpellier and two nearby wine sub-regions in Languedoc-- Pic St.-Loup and Faugères. Our knowledge of the city and the wines was limited but we quickly fell in love with Montpellier and several of the wineries we visited. We can't wait to go back.… Continue reading Our Grande French Adventure, Finale

Big Splurges $75+, Buys $25 and under, Buys under $75, Tastings

Top 12 Wines of 2023

We were blessed with a year of good health, great wines, and the cherished company of friends and family to share a glass or two with. We enjoyed a lot of good wine, and a small quantity of outstanding wine...that's what you'll find in our Top 12 list. This year, we divided our top wines… Continue reading Top 12 Wines of 2023

Big Splurges $75+, Buys under $75, France, Tastings, Travel

Does High Cost = High Quality? VinoDuo Investigates

We interrupt our Grande French Adventure Series to Consider Cost, Quality, and the Correlation Between them in the Wines of Bordeaux. While wandering through the wine shops and vineyards of Saint-Émilion, Saint-Julien, Médoc, Pomerol, and Pessac-Léognan we noticed significant pricing disparities for seemingly similar wines. In Saint Émilion we wondered why the flagship wine's best… Continue reading Does High Cost = High Quality? VinoDuo Investigates

Big Splurges $75+, Buys under $75, France, Shops + Shows, Tastings

Our Grande French Adventure, Part 1

When we started VinoDuo about 17 years ago we called it a wine and travel blog. The intent was to visit and uncover lesser-known wine regions in the US. In the early years we stopped in Temecula, Livermore, and Paso Robles, CA; the then-nascent Woodinville, WA area; the North Fork of Long Island, and the… Continue reading Our Grande French Adventure, Part 1

Buys $25 and under, Buys under $75, Lisa's Whites, Rosé Rosato etc.

Recent Favorites

Normally I would start a late-March post with "It's been a tough winter with cold and snow and we were stuck inside tasting new wines." I can't use that excuse this year, as our winter was remarkably temperate and dry. In fact, it was the perfect weather for seeking out new wines. Here are a… Continue reading Recent Favorites

Buys $25 and under, Buys under $75, Red; Mostly Napa Cabs

Year-End Wine Finds 2022

Instead of a Best Wines of 2022 we're sharing some recent finds that have quickly become favorites. Most are $20 and under; a few are a bit pricey. Bring any one of them to a New Year's Eve party or other gathering and your host will thank you. Cheers, Salut, Skoal, Santé and L'Chaim to… Continue reading Year-End Wine Finds 2022

Buys under $75, Red; Mostly Napa Cabs, Tastings

Going Vertical With Edict Reserve Cab

2014, 2018 Vintages Tops in Vertical Tasting We’ve been buying Edict Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet for years, since the 2010 release. Dependably delicious and well-priced [$40ish] when compared with Napa Cabs that sell for twice the price, we amassed quite a collection of Edict vintages over time. When Napa Cab-loving friends came to visit, we… Continue reading Going Vertical With Edict Reserve Cab

Buys $25 and under, Buys under $75, Central/South American Wines, Shops + Shows, Tastings

Mexican Wine? Si!

When Americans hear “Mexico” and “alcohol”, we think Tequila. Then maybe Mezcal. Beer too. Wine, not so much. But Mexico has been producing wine since the 1520’s, when homesick conquistadors planted vineyards across Central and South America with cuttings from Spanish vines. Whatever devastation Spain wreaked on the countries it conquered, it left a legacy… Continue reading Mexican Wine? Si!

Big Splurges $75+, Buys under $75, Red; Mostly Napa Cabs

Top Red Wines of 2020

Yes, 2020 sucked. And yes, we can't wait to say good riddance. But before we toss 2020 in the dumpster, pour a gallon of hand sanitizer on it and set it on fire, let's at least reflect on the good things about the year. Like, the best red wines we tasted, from Napa to Washington,… Continue reading Top Red Wines of 2020

Buys under $75, Red; Mostly Napa Cabs, Rosé Rosato etc., Shops + Shows, Tastings

The Sound of Wine and Music/Part 3

We wrap up our review of the Carolina Wines Grand Tasting at Symphony Hall with three excellent wines from St. Helena in Napa Valley. ROMBAUER VINEYARDS, St. Helena, Napa Valley CA2016 Cabernet Sauvignon $65/bottleLet’s start with “wow!” The balance between tannins, fruit and finish is truly a masterpiece. It’s got a full-body mouthfeel and provides… Continue reading The Sound of Wine and Music/Part 3