At This Moment…#3

At This Moment….is a series that I expand on the day to day things that I see, do, read, eat and drink, and share them with you so that you too may be inspired by some of these things. In turn, I hope that you will share with me what is grabbing your attention…at this moment.

The Holiday Season almost always has a way of making memories. Family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers play a key role in producing some of our best holiday memories. At this moment…as we kick off December and the Holiday Season I want to share some things that I am enjoying, reading and drinking.

Buzzing about…At this Moment

I am keeping an eye on the news about how “Walla Walla wine industry prepares to battle phylloxera, a pest that kills grapevines” a story from the Oregonian.

The Seattle times shared a story about how WA State Sparkling Wines Surge in Popularity Beyond Special Occasions .

Loved this article by Paul Gregutt in Wine Enthusiast regarding Five Winemakers Creating Cult, Collectible Oregon Wines You Can Actually Find.

Bon Appetit Magazine is sharing something that most of us winelovers may have already known, You’re Not Going to Believe I’m Saying This, But Merlot Is Back.

If you have always thought about visiting the Willamette Valley Wine Region you might want to read this story, Steven Spurrier: A letter from Oregon, from Decanter.

Can Cannabis and Wine Coexist? is a big topic in states that have legalized marijuana and this story in Wine Spectator is reporting how “As California’s cannabis industry matures, development in winegrowing areas sparks conflict and concerns.”

Food and Holiday Celebrations…At this Moment

Like many others, my Holiday season is full of get-togethers and celebrations. Our first big Holiday party is coming up this week at our home with some friends and co-workers. The theme is a little out of the ordinary for the holidays, but I will be preparing a Mexican Dinner, to include Wood Fired Mexican Pizzas, Enchiladas, Pintos & Polso, Pulled Pork Sheet Nachos and much more. If you are interested in some of the recipes that I will be making you can visit my Pinterest Page and check out my ‘Let’s Eat – Mexican Dinner Party‘ Board.

Reading…At this Moment

All during the month of December I am continuing to Study for the WSET Level 2 Exam early next year, here is a book I am reading and some flashcards that I am using to help in my studies.

I am also trying to learn as much about food and wine pairing as I can and this book has some valuable information.

Spirits…At this Moment

Available again this year from Heritage Distilling in Washington State, is a fun way to celebrate the Advent Calendar days in December. We have already began enjoying each days Spirit surprise and this Spirits Advent Calendar would also make a great gift for the Spirits lover on your holiday shopping list.

“Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving, receiving, a time of good cheer, home.” ~W.J. Tucker

I love making seasonal cocktails during the holidays. This Bourbon and Cranberry Cocktail made with Nightside Distillery’s 90 Proof Bourbon Whiskey is a great way to enjoy the taste of spicy grain and corn with hints of sweet fruit in this Bourbon.

CRANBERRY BOURBON COCKTAIL

This recipe makes 1 cocktail

2 ounces bourbon
2 ounces cranberry juice (100% juice, unsweetened)
1/2 ounce rosemary sage simple syrup*
Splash of lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Fresh rosemary and sage for garnish

In a glass filled with ice, add the bourbon, cranberry juice, rosemary sage simple syrup, and a splash of lemon juice. Stir to combine.

*Rosemary Sage Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine one cup of sugar and one cup of water. Toss in a couple sprigs each of fresh rosemary and sage. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. This will take 5-8 minutes. Strain the herbs from the simple syrup and allow it to cool completely before using.

Wine…At this Moment

All ‘Winecember’ long I will be enjoying and posting about some of my favorite Washington Wines for the holiday season.

Many wineries offer special Holiday Gift boxes during the season and I would like to share a couple of those with you that I will be enjoying in case you a looking for your holiday party or a gift idea for the winelover on your shopping list.

Dunham Cellars

This three bottle gift box from Washington winery, Dunham Cellars in Walla Walla, includes a wonderful selection of their 2015 vintage wines including, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and a Riesling.

The full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon would make a fantastic cellar storing wine to be enjoyed now through 2030. Dunham Cellars 100% Syrah has layers of clove, allspice and vanilla flavors and a long fruity finish. Made to age, you can drink this beautiful Riesling now with your favorite holiday dish or tuck it away for a future special occasion.

Dunham Cellars has started their 12 Days of Shipping which means if you order your favorite Dunham wines today through December 12 you will receive 12 cent ground shipping on all wine orders. They can also add a custom note to personalize your gift, then sit back and enjoy the holiday season.

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.
– Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Muret-Gaston Winery

Another Washington winery that I would like to share is Muret-Gaston Winery from Benton City, WA. Muret-Gaston has 5 two bottle gift boxes available on their website and from now until December 14th they are offering penny shipping on these gift boxes for easy holiday gift giving.

At Muret-Gaston each bottle of wine is produced from some of the finest vineyards in Washington State’s infamous Red Mountain and Wahluke Slope AVAs and handcrafted using a fusion of Old World and New World winemaking techniques. This attention to detail results in a fine bottle of wine, and each bottle of wine displays the hard work, tradition, and family values that Kyle and Amy Johnson, Owners of Muret-Gaston, hold dear.

In an upcoming Blog post I will be sharing more about Muret-Gaston Winery, as well as my conversation with Co-owner Amy Johnson and their fantastic Washington wines.

I am excited to share my thoughts and interests with you here and I thank you, as always, for reading.

This post may contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase by clicking on them, I will receive a commission, at no additional cost to you.

Images © Drink In Nature Photography and Drink In Life Blog.