Hip Tastes Blog

"In most films, the cast is comprised of seasoned actors who possess a vibrant screen presence and innate ability to charm the audience. But for a handful of movies in which wine itself plays a major role, we might as well add "mouthwatering" to the list of qualities a cast may claim. Encompassing major motion pictures, documentaries and even a mockumentary, our list of top films for wine lovers covers lots of territory - affording viewers plenty to digest when it comes to wine and the silver screen..."

List includes

Sideways * Mondovino * From Ground to Glass * French Kiss * A Good Year * Corked * A Walk In the Clouds * Bottle Shock * The First Emporer * The Jefferson Bottles

Continue reading my latest Top 10 List at WineCountry.com

Posted by Courtney at 11:58 AM | Permalink

"Like the always-chic little black dress, chocolate never goes out of style. Whether prepared in a winter-perfect souffle format, drizzled over ice cream during the summer months or tucked into a decadent truffle that's perfect any season, chocolate gets it right every time. Read on for tips on pairing wine with this timeless treat, as well as insights on some of the best spots to try your hand at wine and chocolate pairing in person...

A Lighter Shade of Pale
When it comes to pairing chocolate with wine, texture is one of the most critical factors you'll want to consider. Lighter chocolate dishes such as airy soufflés and macaroons work best with lighter dessert wines like northern Italy's Moscato d'Asti. The bubbles in this widely available low-alcohol sparkler echo the airy texture of these treats while the orange flavors typical of the Muscat grape are always a home run with chocolate. .."

Continue reading my latest Top 10 List at WineCountry.com

Posted by Courtney at 05:44 PM | Permalink

After a week in New York - including a couple of downright cold days upstate to give a talk at Cornell - I have to say it definitely doesn't feel very spring-like on the East Coast! But, the buds are beginning to break on the trees in NYC, and last night my pal Lesley joined me out at a fab fete at the Theory store in the Meatpacking district in a skirt, sans stockings. She froze, for sure, but kept insisting, "It's spring, damnit!"

Indeed, depending on where you are the weather is turning warmer, albeit by varying degrees. In Cali, we've been enjoying beautiful days for weeks now (including two stunningly sunny 70-degree'ers when I was in Napa for a blissful Easter weekend; The French Laundry was beyond!!). And no matter where you are, it's not too early to start drinking for warmer weather. Read on for the lowdown on my favorite sippers for spring, and here's looking forward to balmier weather in everyone's not-too-distant future.

Photo: Vines at Smith-Madrone atop Spring Mountain, Napa Valley this spring

Excerpted from WineCountry.com:

"When the weather turns warm many of us feel inclined to pursue decidedly spring-like activities. Our short list of favorites includes spending time outdoors, foraging for fresh produce at farmer's markets and seeking out new wines to pair with the season's exuberant flavors and favorable forecast. Read on for some of our favorite selections for spring, along with - naturally - advice on food pairings and occasions for sipping. Sante!

All Aboard for Albarino

This easy drinking white from northwestern Spain is quickly catching on stateside, where the cognoscenti are calling it the next Sauvignon Blanc. Produced primarily in the Rias Baixus (REE-us BY-shuss) region near Portugal, the aromatic varietal is made most often in an unoaked style that preserves its fresh fruit flavors and begs pairing with a wide variety of seafood and chicken dishes, light tapas and cheeses - i.e. perfect picnic fare..."

Posted by Courtney at 07:20 AM | Permalink

A sell-out crowd of Hip Tasters gathered last Friday eve @ Sugar Cafe downtown to partake of The Salty & Sweet Tasting, this year's first official HIP TASTES event! Enjoy these snaps of the crowd, including this first of me (right) with my sis Claire, the original Hip Taster. Cheers ;)

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Posted by Courtney at 11:43 PM | Permalink