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Jeff’s Corner Howdy, Howdy, and one more Howdy, Today and tomorrow, we are going to take a behind-the-curtain look at the wizards that make the magic at Grape Greek, Winemaker Jason Englert and his gang of alchemists. I’ve wanted to do this story for some time, and hope to follow up with pieces on all the various departments at GCV that function somewhat flawlessly to make it all happen.
Jeff’s Corner 5-27-19 Hello everyone, Today is Memorial Day, which to me is not necessarily a day of celebration but a day of remembrance, a day to pause and say a quiet thank you to the countless brave women and men who have given their lives for things we all too often take for granted. It has become an annual tradition for me to re-post a story I originally wrote on Memorial Day Weekend 2015. It brings tears to my eyes every time I do, and I’m proud to share it with you once again.
Jeff’s Corner Bon Jour, Heath Sparkling is all the bubble buzz in the Tasting Room at GCV these days. Excitement is building, and the first allocation (March) has had rave reviews. If you’re a member, sign up soon for May to be sure and get your share. Too often, we think of Sparkling wine as celebratory and overlook how versatile it is with food and as an aperitif. Here’s a fun story from the Jeff’s Corner Archives, (available for a sizable cash donation) dated 10-24-14:
Jeff’s Corner 2-1-19 Hey, Hey, Hey, last Monday was our 5th Annual Staff Appreciation Day, and suffice it to say, that Tuesday morning the makers of Tylenol and Advil experienced record sales. After terrorizing the San Antonio River Walk the last two years, we returned to the beautiful Eilan Hotel and Spa, the scene of our first two outings. Not surprising, this year was the largest yet, with Brian and Jennifer renting 76 suites and hosting 136 guests. It was truly a magical evening, featuring great folks, fabulous food and wine, and lots of dancing.
Jeff’s Corner 1-25-19 Howdy, Howdy Today I want to share a day in the life at the SFCWC (San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition), but first, I want to thank Kathy, the staff at GCV, and those of you who follow Jeff’s Corner for all the fantastic support and accolades you’ve thrown my way. I’m one super-lucky dude.
Jeff’s Corner 1-4-19 Hey, Hey, Hey, today is Big Ego Day. Once again, I’m proud to mention that I’ve been invited to judge the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition next week. This is my fourth consecutive year, and it’s an incredible honor to be included in this storied competition. I’ll be one of about 65 judges from around the country, and the only one from Texas. The SFCWC is the World Series of American wine competitions. This year there are over 6,800 entries from the United States, Mexico, and Canada. If you’re interested, lots of cool info and photos regarding this awesome event can be found at www.winejudging.com.
Jeff’s Corner 12-28-18 Last week, and on into this week, I’ve been struggling to find the right perspective to write about our religious/holiday season and the beginning of a new calendar year.
Jeff’s Corner 12-20-18 Ho Ho Ho and a big bottle of Sangria, especially since today is National Sangria Day. But wait, hold the weddin’. Don’t buy a bottle, let’s make it from scratch with our sweet GCV Grand Rouge. Here’s a recipe and fun story from a previous Jeff’s Corner to get us in the mood for lots of holiday cheer…
Jeff’s Corner 12-14-18 Here’s a great big Howdy Ho Ho HO to all. The frenzy is fully underway, and I’ve got a great recipe for your holiday entertaining from my friend and culinary wizard Ross Burtwell, owner/chef of Cabernet Grill in Fredericksburg, Texas.
Jeff’s Corner 9-14-18 Buenas Nachos, Yesterday, in the tasting room before we got busy, Debbie and Eve asked me how wine was “discovered“ by civilization and how long it had been part of our history and culture.
Jeff’s Corner 9-7-18 Kent Rosenblum died Wednesday (9-5-18), and with his passing we lost one of the great legends and icons of California winemakers. Kent, aptly nicknamed, “The King of Zin”, founded Rosenblum Cellars in 1978; and, along with Ridge Vineyards (1962) and Ravenswood Winery (1976), formed the Holy Trinity of “R’s” when it comes to the early renaissance of great California Zins.
Jeff’s Corner 8-30-18 Hey Hey Hey, today is National Cabernet Day! (Actually, it’s probably National Cabernet Sauvignon Day, but I didn’t want to ruin my cheesy rhyme.) Now, the truth is, nobody gets excited about a National Fill-in-the-Blank Day unless the subject is something we are personally passionate about. National Liver and Onions Day slid by me without notice.