Happy New Year Wine Friend!
I hope your holidays were filled with delicious food, fantastic wine, and meaningful moments with loved ones.
My husband, Tony, and I just returned from two incredible weeks abroad. We visited family in London and got to meet our brand-new nephew, George! From there, we headed to Iceland, where we explored Reykjavik and the stunning Golden Circle. A highlight was celebrating New Year’s Eve (and my birthday!) at Sky Lagoon, sipping champagne in the hot springs as fireworks lit up the sunset—an unforgettable way to welcome 2025.
Now that I’m back home—slightly jet-lagged but ready to roll—I’m thrilled to dive into another year of sharing wine education, exciting products, and community-building. I’d love to know how you’re kicking off the year. Are you embracing Dry January, a moderately Damp January, or diving into a Soaking Wet January? Hit Reply and let me know!
Also, if there’s anything you’d like to explore in the world of wine this year, now’s the perfect time to share by hitting Reply. I’m here to chat and make learning about wine fun and engaging, as well as something that inspires you to pop the cork again and again.
Let’s make 2025 a year full of wine adventures!
Sip Smarter: Your Weekly Wine Lesson
Lower Alcohol Wines for Damp January
This month, I'm embracing Damp January by scaling back on wine without going completely dry. This time of year, I love exploring lower-ABV wines, especially from cooler climate regions around the globe.
Why cooler climates? Grapes in these areas ripen more slowly, resulting in less sugar to ferment into alcohol. The outcome is a vibrant, lower-alcohol wine with zippy acidity—perfect for everyday sipping and pairing with food. Think Rieslings from Germany, Grüner Veltliner from Austria, or Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Curious to see the full list of 11 regions and their recommendations? Head to my blog for the scoop! Read the full list here: 11 Lower Alcohol Wine Recommendations
Vine To Glass
Discover This Week’s Wine Gem — Louis Jadot Chablis Montee de Tonnerre Premier Cru 2019
While in London over Christmas, my husband and I visited Vagabond, my sister- and brother-in-law's favorite neighborhood wine bar in West London. Vagabond offers a unique DIY experience with over 100 international wines, where you tap your card to sample or pour by the glass.
One of the many wines I tried was the Louis Jadot Chablis Montee de Tonnerre Premier Cru 2019. I immediately fell in love! Its exquisite balance and refreshing profile make it a wine I can't wait to stock up on. Find it here.
Louis Jadot, founded in 1859, is a famous Burgundy producer, known for crafting premium wines from 140 acres of prestigious vineyards. You’ll find their wines everywhere—from affordable grocery options to elevated bottles like this Premier Cru Chablis.
Bonus: I even enjoyed one of their Village wines on my Icelandair flight home! 🥂
Palate Passport - Creators You'll Love
Marshall Tilden III
This week, I’m spotlighting Marshall Tilden III, Chief Revenue and Education Officer at Wine Enthusiast. I’ve been loving his Instagram account @westchesterwine for its approachable wine education videos, insightful tutorials, and bottle recommendations.
Marshall’s passion for wine is evident in everything he shares, making his content a perfect mix of informative and fun. Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast, his account is a must-follow for inspiration and knowledge. 🍷
Cork Report
This Week’s Wine News Roundup: Supporting LA Wildfire Victims
The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles are a stark reminder of how increasingly severe wildfires have impacted California’s communities (and wine regions). Each year, the risks to livelihoods, homes, and vineyards grow. This week, Time Magazine shared actionable ways to support those affected by the fires, from donating to relief funds to assisting displaced families.
Learn how you can help by reading the full article here. Together, we can support those in need during this challenging time.
Other Wine Tidbits
