The Good Life 

A few weeks ago, I got a message from a potential client. She had acid reflux and a sensitive stomach, and after years of struggling with wine that left her uncomfortable. She was tired of cocktails, too much alcohol, too much sugar, and was done with fortified wines, too hard on her system. She just wanted to enjoy a glass of wine again without paying for it later. Her ask was simple: help her find wines she could actually drink. Wines that wouldn't trigger her reflux. Wines

This rosé from Rioja, Spain, is probably gonna be my new anytime sip on the couch = bliss wine. It's the wine I could have when my stomach says, "Yeah, let's let our food digest. I'm not hungry, but I do want to sip a little wine while I watch my favorite true crime show." First Impressions Upon opening it and pouring it into my glass: immediately strawberries. Light body. The color is a beautiful pale pink that is just gorgeous in the glass. Like, if they made this into a dr

I just opened this beauty: Chardonnay from Arroyo Seco, Monterey. It's from California, and honestly, if you'd told me a year ago that I'd be a buttery Chardonnay girl, I would have laughed at you. Because Who? Me? I never was the type who liked an oaked Chardonnay because I just didn't like the taste. But as I continue to listen to my body, navigate the occasional acid reflux, and learn more about food pairing, I've realized: Yeah. I actually am that girl who likes an oaked

Appearance Pale lemon in the glass, bright and clear — fresh, familiar, and exactly what I expect every time. Nose Immediately expressive. Like a burst of sunshine in the mouth! Pineapple shows up right away, clean and inviting, with that signature Riesling brightness that feels comforting rather than surprising. Palate Best served cold. I keep this on in the fridge for about a good hour. It is crisp and refreshing from the first sip. Peach comes through immediately, followed

Style / Origin: German white wine Hans Schiller Liebfraumilch Appearance Pale lemon in the glass — bright, clean, and giving I belong on a beach somewhere with no responsibilities energy. Nose Fresh and inviting right out the gate. Pear and green apple lead, with a playful tropical wink — pineapple popping in like, hi, I’m here too. Palate Medium-bodied and refreshing with a semi-sweet entry that quickly pulls itself together into a semi-dry finish . Super balanced. Pear a

I did something fun today — I put two Viogniers side by side. One from California. One from France. Same grape. Different conversations. Le Paradou Viognier (France) $10.99 | Trader Joe’s Appearance Pale gold in the glass, bright and clear — fresh, inviting, and expressive before the first sip. Nose Honeysuckle immediately. Bright and floral, the kind of aroma that doesn’t ask for attention — it simply gets it. Palate A gentle touch of sweetness on entry, followed by a clean,

Appearance In the glass, the wine shows a deep, dark ruby red — rich and inviting, hinting at depth before the first sip. Nose Raspberry and cherry rise immediately, bright and fruit-forward, setting the tone without overpowering. Palate Dry on entry, then softening into a semi-sweet finish. Medium-bodied and well-balanced. When chilled, the fruit felt muted; once aerated and brought to room temperature, the wine opened up, allowing the fruit to express itself more fully. Con

I chilled this red before tasting it. Not out of rebellion — just curiosity. Free will. The wine made its position clear immediately: Absolutely not. Appearance In the glass, the wine is a beautiful deep red — rich, saturated, and grounding. It looks serious, like it wants to be met at its own pace. Nose Chilled: Blackberries and plum appear first, but feel restrained. Oak dominates, holding the fruit back. At room temperature: The nose opens noticeably. Blackberries become