A Petit Sunday Night Event

A few weeks ago I wrote about a new wine and chocolate shop in Charlotte, Petit Philippe, on Selwyn Avenue. Here’s a quick follow up on an event that VinoGal friend Stacey and I attended there recently.

On a Sunday night, the store brought in two winemakers and one representative from some respected Napa wineries, hosting a reception which included tastings of 9 wines poured, and described, by the winemakers themselves. Some delicious cheeses and breads were also included….all for $15.

The featured guests included:

• Spencer Graham, from Elizabeth Spencer Wines
• Ric Forman, Forman Vineyard
• Stephanie Harris, from Paul Hobbs Winery

On a Napa trip a while back, my good friends Randy and Dianne Mills pointed out a cute little house that is actually the Elizabeth Spencer tasting room. I hadn’t tried their wine (one of Randy’s favorites) until this evening at Petit Phillipe, and think I liked it because I came home with 2 bottles! Both Spencer Graham (the winery is a combination of his name and his wife’s) and Ric Forman were just great guys, and a pleasure to talk with. I learned that Ric is a Napa icon of sorts, known for his delicious Cabs. I let him know my girls and I plan to stop in when we are out there in June! Also, Stephanie the wine rep from Paul Hobbs was highly knowledgeable and fun to talk with.

Here's me with my new friends Spencer on the left and Ric on the right!

I hope Petit Phillipe continues to do events like this, fun, interesting and well worth the value. If the VinoGals hear of more, we will let our Charlotte readers know!

Cheers, and thanks for following the VinoGals!

CJ

Bring Out the Easter Finest

A wine maker friend texted me today and randomly asked me “What’s your wine of choice for Easter dinner?”. I didn’t really have an answer, but soon learned that, apparently Grenache goes well with Easter ham…as long as it’s not too full-bodied (the wine, not the ham).

His question made me think about this holiday and why many of us celebrate it. It made me think of Jesus, and his miracles with wine. I spent a lot of time in my 20’s studying the Bible, and consider myself a person of faith. The life of Jesus is fascinating; even though he was Divine, he understood what we humans wanted so badly. The first miracle he did, that we know of, involved wine. You can read about it in the book of John:

John 2:1-11 states that while Jesus was attending a wedding in Cana with his disciples the party ran out of wine. Jesus' mother (unnamed in John's Gospel) told Jesus, "They have no wine," and Jesus replied, " Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour has not yet come." His mother then said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you. Jesus ordered the servants to fill containers with water and to draw out some and take it to the chief steward waiter. After tasting it, and not knowing where it came from, the steward congratulated the bridegroom on departing from the custom of serving the best wine first by serving it last.

To save the dignity of his hosts at the wedding, Jesus made wine for the party when they ran out. And he didn’t pull out the 2 Buck Chuck. Instead, he whipped up cask after cask of Caymus, Jordan, Joseph Phelps, Cakebread Cab. He knew those party guests. He knew as humans we long for more that what we settle for. Often he gives it to us. Sometimes he doesn’t, but always he has our best in mind. That, my friends, is the God I know, and love.

Happy Easter…and thanks for following the VinoGals!

CJ

PS: A tip from my winemaker friend…next year, when you are out shopping for Easter dinner, plan ahead and pick up a Grenache. One I can recommend, from a trusted source, is Qupe’s 2008 Edna Valley Grenache from the Sawyer Lindquist Vineyards. Enjoy!