Wine Knowledge, Simplified

So You’re Going to a Wine Tasting…

Maybe it’s a party, a bacherlor/ette weekend, a vacation in Napa… If you’re heading to a wine tasting, here’s what you need to know before you go.

What Does it Mean to be a Sommelier?

The word “sommelier” comes with some preconceived notions — some of which may be true, but most probably aren’t.

Decanting Wine: When, How & Why

Some people believe that all red wines should be decanted in order to taste their best. But is it true? Here are some rules of thumb for when, why and how to decant a wine.

What Does it Mean to Drink “Real” Champagne?

Remember: all Champagne is sparkling wine but not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Is the French stuff really better? And what other choices are out there for sparkling wine lovers on a budget?

Three Steps to Better Enjoying Your Next Glass of Wine

Slow down, look, swirl… take time to notice the many characteristics that make up your next glass of wine. If you do, you’ll likely enjoy it even more.

When Tasting Wine, Take Your Time

Step three in better enjoying your wine requires you to slow down. Missed steps one and two? That post is linked below.

Mysterious, Misunderstood Tannins

Let’s explore this often misunderstood and maligned element of vino and ask, Are tannins good? Bad? Why are they there in the first place? (And how do we get rid of them?)

No Shame in Screw Caps

Some truly fantastic wines are bottled with that kind of lid, and there are good reasons for it. So if you’ve been judging a wine based on it’s closure, stop! You may be missing out on some fantastic vino.

What Coca-Cola Can Teach us About Wine

We can illustrate what makes a great wine by considering the qualities of soda — sweetness, yes, but also acidity. How do they relate to wine, though? Read on to find out.

How the Ripeness of the Grapes Affects the Flavor of the Wine

The ripeness of grapes when picked plays a hugely important role in the resulting wine. How, and why?

Find more wine knowledge in our archives

Five Wine Myths You Need to Forget About Now

Five Wine Myths You Need to Forget About Now

Unless you started practicing to be a sommelier at age 15, like Charlie did, you probably grew up hearing “words of wisdom” about wine passed down from people who supposedly knew more about it than you. Maybe it was your parents, a boss, a mentor, or – heaven forbid – a fraternity brother — whoever it was, I’m sure they meant well. But it’s time to forget about these five common myths and step up your wine game!

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What We’re Drinking Right Now

Our most recent drinks are usually featured on Instagram – click the photo for the details.

My Favorite Cocktail Series: The Frozen Margarita

My Favorite Cocktail Series: The Frozen Margarita

Don’t even think about buying that canned stuff out of the freezer section of the grocery store. Instead, pick up some quality lemonade and freeze it into ice cubes to achieve the best citrus flavor with all the slush you’re craving.

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Booze, Food & Other Adventures

Cafe Polonia’s Dill Pickle Soup

Cafe Polonia’s Dill Pickle Soup

If you like dill pickles you will love this incredible soup! This is the authentic recipe from the amazing Cafe Polonia in South Boston. They serve it as a starter, but our family eats it as a main — it’s just that good!

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Find more recipes in the archives

Good Enough to ‘Gram

A peek at what we’re eating, drinking, or going on about on Instagram. Clicking the photo will take you there.

Chrissy looks at her cell phone sitting next to Charlie who is holding a glass of champagne

Chrissy & Charlie

the girl & her somm

Charlie and I met in 2014, were married on the top of a mountain in western North Carolina in 2015, and started this blog in 2018. Along the way, we’ve spent a lot of time in the kitchen together; eaten some incredible food, both at home and elsewhere; shared many a bottle of wine; and traveled all over the world in search of authentic cultural experiences — mostly around food and drink.

Charlie is a sommelier and restraunteur, and I’m a communications consultant, photographer, and graphic design freelancer.

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