Plainly speaking, automation is a part of wine making. The larger the winery, the more automation is used. Why? The use of automation in winemaking saves time and money for wineries. Granted, there is always the initial investment costs, but more often than not, the return on investment (or ROI) is well worth it. In… Continue reading A brief look at automation in winemaking (and a flashback to Januik)
Are robots making your wine?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking 2018 by storm, becoming mainstream in just about every industry. From capturing and analyzing large amounts of data, to automating workflow processes, the possibilities are endless. In the wine industry, consumers have actually been using AI for awhile now in the form of apps, helping them to chose their next… Continue reading Are robots making your wine?
My Love/Hate Relationship with Weekly Meal Planning
It all started two January's ago, when I decided to make meal planning my New Year's resolution. I was tired of the nightly scramble for dinner, the constant grocery shopping and way too much money spent on last minute takeout. Not to mention, it made for some pretty unbalanced meals. I wanted to succeed at… Continue reading My Love/Hate Relationship with Weekly Meal Planning
A Taste of Hawaii: Kalua Pork, Musubi and Squadra Bianco
I love Hawaii. In my mind it is beautiful and perfect: sandy beaches, warm weather and delicious foods. And lately, I have been really wanting to go back (I don't know, maybe it is from all this dreary Seattle weather). Unfortunately, I can't jump on a plane and head off to Hawaii at this moment, so… Continue reading A Taste of Hawaii: Kalua Pork, Musubi and Squadra Bianco
A Visit to Cave B Estate Winery
Half-way between Seattle and Spokane, along the I-90 corridor, there is a wine oasis. The Cave B Estate Winery sits high up on the cliffs above the Columbia River commanding spectacular views of the valley below. I have passed by the exit for the winery many times, always curious about the winery, but never ventured… Continue reading A Visit to Cave B Estate Winery
Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc
May 24th marked the anniversary of the Judgement of Paris, the famous blind taste test in France the pitted California wines against French wines. On this fateful day in 1976, two California wines, the 1973 chardonnay from Chateau Montelena and the 1973 cabernet sauvignon from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, won top honors. The results were… Continue reading Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Female Winemakers In Washington State – A Steady Increase
It is no secret that the wine industry has been male dominated since, well, forever. However, recent reports show this is now changing, which is good news for females entering the field. The title of a Wine Enthusiast article sums it up nicely: The Number of Women Winemakers Is Growing, and Fast. Well, at least… Continue reading Female Winemakers In Washington State – A Steady Increase
Wine Coolers: Preparing for Summer Wine Season
Last week a heat wave hit Seattle. I couldn’t let the 80+ degree temperatures (in April!) go to waste, so I reached for a bottle of Rosé. Unfortunately, I was caught off guard by the summer-like conditions. I had to think fast and throw my wine in the freezer for a quick blast of cool,… Continue reading Wine Coolers: Preparing for Summer Wine Season
Three Key Items to Think About When Creating a Website
Anymore consumers are going to the internet to decide everything from what wine to drink with dinner to what car to buy. This means that every business needs an internet presence in order to be seen and increase consumer awareness. But, before you jump feet first into creating a website, here are a few points… Continue reading Three Key Items to Think About When Creating a Website
Lombardy, Inferno and Risotto Milanese
Moving along my virtual wine tour through Italy, my next stop is the Lombardy region. Lombardy is the home of Milan, Marscipone cheese and Ossobuco (a fancy dish consisting of veal shanks and bone marrow). More importantly, it is the home to a good handful of wine regions, the three most well known include the… Continue reading Lombardy, Inferno and Risotto Milanese
The Splendid Grape 