by Lee Romano Sequeira
Ever wondered why wine often gets kudos for being “good for you”? Here’s what the research politely suggests—always in moderation, always as a complement to your meal, and never an invitation to overdo it. What the Science Says: Cardiovascular Support Moderate wine consumption—typically defined as up to one 5 oz glass per day for women and up to two for men—has been linked to lower rates of heart disease and improved "good" HDL cholesterol, thanks to alcohol and antioxidants like polyphenols and resveratrol. Polyphenols & Antioxidants These plant-based compounds, especially abundant in red wine, may help protect blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and improve lipid (fat) metabolism. Recent Evidence Using Objective Measures A 2024 Spanish study found that li...
by Arthur C. Fleming
If you find yourself hungry for “good pie” in Alba and are a fan of expertly crafted pizza made with locally sourced ingredients, go get a table or sit at the bar, both are likely to be buzzing with activity on any given evening. The ovens are cranking out the pizzas, made of dough composed of the artisanal flours of chef/baker and miller, Fulvio Marino. Over the winter, a friend from Milan and I stopped in on a Saturday night, and the place was hopping, due in no small part to the pizzas, which seemed to have a light, airy quality that was a perfect vehicle for the fresh toppings. We devoured two pies: a CAPRICCIOSA (tomato, fiordilatte, artichokes, ham, Taggiasca olives and mushrooms) and a DOPPIA MORTADELLA E STRACCIATELLA (stuffed pizza with mortadella and stracciatella with salsa ...
by Kristina Tomlin
When it comes to wine, few grape varieties evoke the reverence and intrigue that Pinot Noir commands. Often referred to as the "heartbreak grape" due to its finicky nature and the challenges it presents to winemakers, Pinot Noir is a varietal that fascinates wine drinkers and provides a formidable challenge to winemakers. Why is it so sought after and coveted by winos - from those new to wine to sommeliers and wine professionals all over? What exactly makes Pinot Noir so special? The Allure of Pinot Noir: What Makes It So Special? Pinot Noir is celebrated for its light to medium body, silky texture, and complex flavor profile, often featuring red fruit notes like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, along with earthy, floral, and sometimes spicy undertones. But beyond its flavors, wha...
by Kristina Tomlin
If you’ve ever had a white wine that made you feel like you were sipping seaside with a bowl of oysters and a salty breeze in your hair — chances are it was Albariño. Bright, briny, and bursting with citrus, this Spanish gem is one of our favorite white wines to enjoy in the sunshine, and especially on Albariño Day (August 1). I’ll never forget the first time I had ever had an Albariño…it was the first white wine that made me think twice about white wines. My experience with white wines was primarily limited to banquet Chardonnay, La Crema Chardonnay, and a college student’s budget pinot grigio. A friend and I went to a newly opened wine shop and tasting room, and on their wine tasting menu they were pouring a domestic Albariño. I tried to beg off, saying that I wasn’t r...
by Kristina Tomlin
Bastille Day & Wine: A Toast to Liberty Every July 14th, the streets of France fill with fireworks, laughter, accordion music, and—naturally—glasses of French wine raised high. Bastille Day is more than just France’s version of the Fourth of July. It’s a celebration of revolution, resilience, and radical change. But behind the sparkling Crémant and Provençal rosé lies a complex and fascinating truth: Wine played a surprisingly central—and symbolic—role in the French Revolution. Yes, there were barricades, guillotines, and political manifestos. But there were also barrels, vineyard seizures, and revolutionary toasts. Wine wasn’t just a backdrop to the revolution; it was a catalyst, a cultural weapon, and ultimately, a liberated luxury. Bastille Day 101: Why J...
by Marla Durben Hirsch
Paso Robles’ wine region, between Los Angeles and San Francisco on California’s central coast, is a world-class wine destination. Originally known for Zinfandel, over the years the area has branched out into Rhone varietals and Bordeaux styles. While the climate lends itself to big, bold reds, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, a number of wineries also produce outstanding white and rosé wine, and a few, such as PasoSecco, specialize in sparkling wine. Many of the wineries are into sustainable farming. With at least 200 wineries (some locals said it was closer to 300) and more than 60 kinds of varietals grown here due to the region’s many microclimates, it's truly an incredible place for a wine drinker to visit. It’s also one of the more friendly and mellow wine regions we...
by Kristina Tomlin
Fire up the grill, break out the sparklers, and fill your glass with something delicious—because July 4th is basically the Olympics of backyard gatherings. Whether you're hosting a poolside hang, lighting up the grill, or saving room for that one friend’s “famous” berry dessert, we've got the wine pairings to match every vibe. Here’s your red, white, and rosé guide to good times—featuring wines you’ll find right here at Sippin Somm Wines. Light Bites & Chill Sips: Whites & Rosés That Work Overtime Pebble Cove Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (New Zealand) Pairs with: Shrimp cocktail, ceviche, crab cakes, guacamole Bursts of passionfruit, grapefruit pith, and mouthwatering acidity make this a go-to for fresh seafood and summer dips. Bonus points for pairing perfectly with ...
by By Claire L. Torbeck, Dipwset, Certified Sommelier, Fws, Crs, Csw
Each year, Wine Spectator’s Top 100 captures the attention of both consumers and collectors. It’s a list that can simultaneously dazzle and overwhelm—packed with prestige cuvées, sleeper hits, and bottles that vanish from shelves before the ink dries on the rankings. But what happens when we remove the noise of hype and numbers, and instead taste these wines in context: with thoughtful pairings, side-by-side comparisons, and a spirit of curiosity? That’s precisely what I set out to explore. For this tasting, I selected eight wines from the 2024 Top 100 list, focusing on availability, diversity of style, and price point. My aim wasn’t to crown a winner, but to create a guided exploration for an engaged group of tasters—most of whom were serious enthusiasts rather than ind...
by Lee Romano Sequeira
Life's too short for uninspired hobbies—or mediocre wine. So, why not explore wine education? No pressure or stressful deadlines, just the enjoyment of uncorking bottles and leveling up your brainpower. Plus, feeding your brain some new knowledge is the ultimate brain vitamin! Why wine, you ask? Ok, let’s talk about it. Unleash Your Inner "Grape Whisperer": Explore why some grape varieties stand out as divas while others thrive as team players. Uncover winemaking techniques, regional characteristics, and how to confidently discuss tasting notes like “minerality” and "autolytic" with ease. Travel Without Leaving Your State I think of every good bottle as a passport...a passport to explore a French vineyard, an Italian landscape, or a gorgeous Napa sunset. You can im...
by Mike Reifeiss
When it comes to the success of your wine tasting tour, it's not just about choosing the winery you want to visit; there is more to the preparation itself. If you want your wine tasting to be delightful and to flow seamlessly, here is some basic information on what to do before you visit the tasting room. Research the wineries and wines ahead of time Plan your wine tasting tour ahead and do some research on the wineries you're about to visit. For example, if you love red wine, don't choose a winery known for its white wines. Get acquainted with some of the most popular wine types beforehand. Most wineries have a website you can browse to find out about their history, the wines they make, their prices, and reservation rules. Call for the reservation If you are a solo visitor in...