Il Maestro: Antonio Sanguineti
I don’t know about you, but I gotta love a winemaker who drives what locals refer to as la Banana Rapida. For Antonio Sanguineti, his brilliant yellow Audi wagon that speeds throughout the Tuscan countryside is as much motif as it is automotive in his life full of bold moves, including the bold wines he crafts so carefully and which have earned him the nickname, Il Maestro. The story goes that his family owned vineyards, but when he was but a child the family fell on hard times and had to sell those vineyards. The fruitful land was gone, but clearly ...
A Toast to Our Pets
Many of us are always ready for a celebration, and even more are also pet owners. So, wouldn’t you know that I would come across a perfect occasion that greeting card companies have yet to fully exploit? Saturday, February 20th is Love Your Pet Day. And while the spirit of the holiday is to pamper your pets and pay homage to the unconditional love they provide so freely, perhaps it’s a time to look to those wines that make every day, Love Your Pet Day and include them in your celebrations of this special occasion. These days we have wineries that ...
World Class Wine from World Cup Territory
Whether you haven’t given a thought to World Cup 2010 or have monogrammed underwear for the US team or some other personal favorite, it’s the perfect time to pay tribute to South Africa, host of this year’s games and home to some of the world’s finest wineries. South Africa, which has been producing wine since the 1600s mostly for domestic use, has gradually gained worldwide attention, and the heart of its wine industry lies in Stellenbosch. With its Mediterranean climate of hot, arid summers and crisp, wet winters, Stellenbosch winemakers were initially known for luscious Cabernets and region-unique Pinotage ...
Slovenia: Rediscovered Wines Spark a Budding Trend
Say to the sommelier or wine merchant that you want a Slovenian wine, and you might be surprised by the knowing and appreciative response. Yes, Eastern European countries that have been making wine since B.C. days are experiencing a comeback. The good news is that the newfound attention appears to be rightly deserved. A long history of winemaking Archeologists basically found old wine bottles and other winemaking evidence that date back to 6th century B.C., and wine historians believe Slovenians probably learned about fermentation from the Greeks. Throughout history, however, it’s been a roller coaster ride for Slovenian winemakers – boosted by ...
The Snazz Appeal of Champagne
"Two warm bodies and one cold bottle of Champagne will produce something more wonderful than would happen without the Champagne."" – Helen Gurley Brown, the Ultimate “Cosmo” Girl Naysayers may exist, but I find it hard to believe that anyone is immune to the celebratory powers of Champagne. It’s what’s for weddings, New Year’s, and so many other special occasions. Karen MacNeil, author of the Wine Bible, recounts Marilyn Monroe’s love for the stuff such that the actress reportedly took a bath in 350 bottles of it! Sure, these days one can find other satisfying bubblies in a favorite Prosecco, Cava or ...
Gifting with a Winter Wonderland of Wine
Feliz Navidad! Happy Kwanza! Joyeux Noël! Happy Hannukah! Frohe Weihnachten! Happy New Year! Whatever and wherever your friends, family and colleagues are celebrating holidays this time of year, wine is a natural gift that not only adds joy to the season, but color as well. With wine, you have the opportunity to send Aunt Tillie to France with a succulent Chateauneuf-de-Pape. Thank that neighbor who loves using his fancy snow blower to clear your sidewalk as well as his by sending him to Germany with a chilled Riesling. The shy accountant who takes care of your taxes in his musty office can ...
Hinsdale Cellars’ new wine explorer: Efrain Madrigal
Many a picturesque movie has been set in verdant hidden vineyards, where amidst dancing, grape stomping and romance, of course, one finds a wine so celestial, so undiscovered, that viewers leave the theatre aching for that hidden treasure of a wine with the special story that demonstrates impeccable taste and inevitable winemaking passion. And that’s what keeps us going to those wine shops with proprietors who are also on the hunt for interesting and unusual wines…like Hinsdale Cellars. Now that quest has gone to a new level as Hinsdale Cellars collaborates with Efrain Madrigal who, in many ways, is that cinematic wine ...
New face, new fun at the Cellar Door
With the blustery autumn chill knocking leaves and acorns to the ground and presenting a palette of golds, oranges and reds and an indistinguishable crisp woodsy scent of the season, a burst of warmth has also come in from the south in the form of a new managing partner at the Cellar Door. In the retail business all his life, including a fine wine store in Alabama that he ran with his father, Alex Shamsuddim has arrived in Downers Grove. With plans to expand the menu at the Cellar Door and listen to patrons’ wants and needs, Shamsuddim is soon ...
Be Inspired!
We’ve all been there. It’s your 10th anniversary, Father’s Day, or a dinner with friends that reminds you the perfect wine would make the occasion so much better. You arrive at the wine store, overwhelmed by the vast selection, some unfamiliar varietals, and creative wine labels that all seem to speak to you. The result: you leave with the same wine you always buy. Or, if you are feeling a little more adventurous, you buy the wine store clerk’s favorite after a sip or two from a plastic cup. Now is the time to find some inspiration — ...
Cellar Door: Just the right wine, just the right venue
The summer humidity still clings to the air as the clouds and setting sun intertwine for one of those final summer sunset dances that bring hypnotic oranges, pinks and reds to the sky. With a wine glass sweating from the cold golden Pinot Grigio inside it, the best seat for this show in historic Downers Grove can only be found at the Cellar Door, also the best seat in town for people watching. It’s a risk reminding folks of this unique locale with its wonderful patio and great venue for people and sunset watching – so many have already found ...
Inspired Posts
Il Maestro: Antonio Sanguineti
I don’t know about you, but I gotta love a winemaker who drives what locals refer...
A Toast to Our Pets
Many of us are always ready for a celebration, and even more are also pet owners....
Inspired Wine Club: Reminder of your love, all year long
True Love is… The Hinsdale Wine Club! The scrambling has begun. Each February,...
Slovenia: Rediscovered Wines Spark a Budding Trend
Say to the sommelier or wine merchant that you want a Slovenian wine, and you might...
For Your Health: Wine!
It’s resolution time, and no doubt many revolve around eating better, exercising...
The Snazz Appeal of Champagne
“Two warm bodies and one cold bottle of Champagne will produce something more...
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An Evening with Gary PisoniCome meet the man behind some of the greatest wines your lips will ever touch! Host: Hinsdale Wine Shop Date: Thursday, April 23, 2009 Time: 5:30pm – 9:30pm Location: Hinsdale Wine Shop Street: 12 E. Hinsdale Avenue City/Town: Hinsdale, IL Description: Meet legendary winemaker Gary Pisoni at the Hinsdale Wine Shop. He will be here for a meet and...
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