Bon Vivant: (n) a person having cultivated, refined, and sociable tastes especially with respect to food and drink.
Entry # 72, Sonia Nagda! I hope you have a wonderful time at Saturday’s Main Event!
Thanks to everyone who participated in this contest and Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Planning on celebrating with someone special? Prefer to drown single sorrows in a bottle of wine? Either way, this giveaway is for you!
I’m excited to announce 2 free tickets to the Main Event of this Saturday’s International Food and Wine Festival!
Named one of Washington’s top 100 events, the festival features three areas of Food, Wine, Beers, Cocktails and Entertainment for you to celebrate with someone special (romantic or otherwise!).
A $240 value!
For a chance to win, enter the Rafflecopter below! A winner will be chosen and announced Friday at noon!
*Winner will receive tickets via email.
How are you planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Follow the International Food and Wine Festival on Twitter @wineandfooddc
Read MoreDouble up on the anti-oxidant factors in wine and chocolate for an indulgent pairing!
Paul’s Wine and Spirits will be hosting a sparkling wine & chocolate tasting this evening in Friendship Heights from 5:30-8:00 PM, featuring 12 different wines!
Wagshal’s will be pairing Austrian wines with Godiva Chocolate from 5-7 PM.
There is a Valentine’s Day Showcase at Chat’s Liquors on Saturday 3-6 PM. Be sure to say hi to my former colleague, Jody!
Check back early next week for some great wine events over Valentine’s Day weekend and an exciting giveaway!
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Studies say that between 80-92% of people fail to keep up with their New Years resolutions. And it’s said that it takes three weeks to make or break a habit! So if you find yourself already breaking some of those “eat healthier”, “drink less” resolutions, you’ve come to a safe place!
Studies have shown numerous health benefits to drinking wine- and while moderation is always key- red wine consumption has been linked to improved heart health, lower blood pressure, improved memory, lowered breast cancer risk, and can even give your immune system a boost!
So raise a glass and give yourself a break. That glass or two of red wine you enjoy each night? No worries!
What are some of your {wine related} New Years resolutions?
Anyone out there expanding their wine horizons or resolving to travel more? I know I am! California, France and Spain are just a few trips on the agenda- I can’t wait to swirl, sip and report back on the best of what I taste and see in 2014!
Photo Credit: Boxhill Photography, LLC
Read MoreIt’s easy to become paralyzed in a wine shop when shopping for a wine gift. It’s hard enough to know our own tastes, but the task becomes exponentially harder if you don’t know the hosts’ taste- or what they might be serving.
So the next time you’re standing paralyzed in front of a wine aisle, consider these tips:
These are wines that please a variety of tastes and potentially pair with a variety of cuisines. For a better sense of what this means and specific recommendations, check out my post on pairing with small plates, or this one on Thanksgiving pairings.
This will be one of the first questions someone helping you will ask. A range of $18-$25 is typically what I stick to for basic dinner party wines.
If you have a “tried and true” that you love, there’s a good chance your hosts will like it, too!
Most people like it, and it pairs well with a variety of foods!
Staff at a reputable wine store will know their stock better than anyone, and I’ve found great new favorites by taking the word of a trusted shop owner. Trust me, they help people in your situation every day!
What are your favorite wines to bring to a dinner party?
Photo Credit: Boxhill Photography, LLC
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