For most folks that know and love California wine country, as well versed as they may be in the region, there are still some wineries that are not on their radar.  But the wines are absolutely stellar!  Wine country has a few black owned wineries but it’s such a shame that the wineries don’t get much press.  Next time you plan your trip west, support the brothers and sisters whose wine is every bit as good (and sometimes better) than wines you’ve heard so much about.  Check out some of my favorites on your next visit!

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Many significant wine events happen every year. In fact, they’re so significant, that they’d be a wonderful addition to your honeymoon, if your honeymoon should include wine.  Here’s a sampling of some that you should plan your honeymoon vacay around!

International Pinot Noir Celebration (Photo by CWK Photography)

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Start America’s birthday celebration ~ and your wedding ~ off with a bang with some reds and whites that are perfect warm weather sippers!  Most people don’t think that reds can be drunk in the summer, but as we discussed last week, there are some that are perfect for those 100 degree plus days and your guests will be pleasantly surprised.

Georges Dubeouf’s Beaujolais Crus (Photo from www.spiritofwine.blogspot.com)

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“What?!” you ask?  Yes, I said it.  A red wine in the summer can be just as refreshing as a cold white one.  But you have to know which one to drink and buy.  I recommend The Chook Sparkling Shiraz.  It will be a pleasant surprise to your guests once they receive a pour of this fizzy, inky drink.  The Chook hails from the Maclaren Vale area of Australia and has a rooster on its label.  Its bargain basement pricepoint of $14-15 is an inexpensive addition to your already white wedding wines.

The Chook Sparkling Shiraz (Photo from www.thecrusedgrapereport.typepad.com)

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Because I’m a HUGE wine person, I am always trying to expand my knowledge on the subject – that includes travel to wine regions, tasting varietals I’ve never had… and reading.  You can get some of the best wine education from reading.  And there are so many excellent wine books on the market from which to choose, you could arguably become a wine expert in six months from reading from the best.  These books make excellent gifts for you, the bride and groom, and as gifts they will stand out from all of the other gifts that you receive.  Here are a few of my faves for you!

The Most Complete Wine Book Ever (Photo from The Wine Bible)

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Yesterday’s sweltering heat in Chicago is the kind of weather that makes you say, “Lord, have mercy!”  The heat is on!!!  The NATO protesters are out in full force and that tense anticipatory feeling, that feeling that overcomes folks in Chicago just before summer, is operating at critical mass.

Schramsberg 2008 Blanc de Blancs (Photo from www.schramsberg.com)

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The proposal was accepted and the planning has begun – you and your fiance are about to embark on the journey of your lives.  You’re the girly girl and he’s a, well, manly man, but you both want to register for gifts.  You’re both wine lovers and would like to use that to your advantage when you register.

The solution?  A wine-focused registry!

YUM, Wine! (Photo from www.wine-it.com)

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Often times, the metaphor for a marriage is that of a business transaction:  mergers and acquisitions.

There’s nothing sexy or romantic about it.  You have to learn how to negotiate and make compromises.  That’s never fun, but it may be a little more bearable with a drink in hand.  But deciding what drink… well, that’s another dilemma you and your significant other may face.

www.femmeducoupe.com

In comes Revae Schneider, the mediator.  The therapist.  The one they call a bar stylist to help merge your respective imbibing habits.  Peacefully.   She may ask you probing questions that may make you uncomfortable – such as what age you had your first… um, drink, that is.  Or, how you like it:  hot and quick like Southern Comfort or smooth, sensual and never-ending like a great wine with a perfect lingering finish.

Whatever your postprandial predilections, Revae will help the two of you make beautiful liquor love to your new bar in your new home.

Revae Schneider is the proprietoress of Femme du Coupe - a bar-styling company that specializes in crafting bespoke cocktails and bar concepts for in-home and professional use.  To contact Revae for a consultation, please call her at (773) 916-6070.

J’nai Gaither, our Cellar Princess, promises to make all your wine selections royal!  Friend her on facebook and follow her on twitter.