Domino Day Pig Roast Dates for 2026: Feb 22, Mar 15
To believe that “Texas harvests three months before most other regions,” you must ignore the full calendar of harvest dates — in Texas, and in other wine regions — that are largely determined not by “hot climate,” but by geography, varietal, and wine style.
This time of year is when we remember that “wine is made in the vineyard”… and, in all candor: Wine is NOT Nature. VINEGAR is Nature. Wine is Culture. As in Agriculture. And specifically, Viticulture. It is the intentional work of careful, time-honored farming and vineyard management that allows every winemaker the opportunity to practice their craft. Left to its own Nature, a grapevine will sprawl, grow and survive for decades, producing grapes in order to perpetuate. But this is…
Cigar Talk:
We get questions about Cuba. Whats happening in Cuba. When can we travel to Cuba. When can we organize a trip to Cuba….
We are not going to Cuba. You are not going to Cuba. Not for a while yet…
Update: “In late January, the Financial Times reported that Cuba had less than a single month’s worth of oil in reserve. Already, the country’s energy stockpiles appear to be dwindling. Havana informed international air carriers this week, for example, that it will no longer be able to refuel commercial jets on Cuban tarmacs.”
Whatever is happening is going to take time. Whether the Cuban government can twist out of this submission hold, or tap out, remains to be seen. They never have tapped out in 66 years.
Even though humanitarian aid continues, be certain that the situation is quite seriously deteriorating. Obviously it has already been, and will continue to be very hard on the Cuban people. A very severe test. They are marching in Havana. The prospect of Freedom brings forth courage like nothing else. Abrazos to all
Ever been to a dinner where the wines wear the masks? We have something special planned for our wine loving dinner guests this Valentines. Just you wait!
About that peasant stew… everyone has a family recipe. This one is Barbara Lecuona’s from her mom Jean. There are many family debates about whether it should be boneless or whole chicken pieces, dumplings or potatoes (both please!). But there is no debate from me that this became an instant classic hall of fame favorite dish. Simple, layered, toasty, and unmistakably earthily spiced. To watch it as it is assembled is culinary torture — I wish you could sit inside this aromatic pot of winter goodness.
Having succeeded at pairing a similarly ethnically relevant and historic dish — Mole — I am gonna pull the 2024 Mourvedre for this one too.
I could get used to this winter diet! For another 48 hours!
CALENDAR CHANGE ALERT! Single digits and the prospect of ice across the travel regions this weekend, from DFW to Houston and through the hill country have prompted us to reschedule Sundays wine pickup event.
After confirming with the caterer about the fire-tossed Jambalaya, the guitarist about the playlists, Kappy about the Mole+Mourvèdre and Tempranillo-bravas pairings, and Barbara about the barrel futures for her stunning new Petite Sirah, we are confirmed to reset and rebuild the entire plan and host it on Sunday February 1 at 1pm.
All Member reservations are valid and we will see you February 1. JUST YOU WAIT!
Britt and Doug are visiting. @ourlordandsaber did the work on the Cremant. @besiboney pulled a 2019 Stormbreaker and we had a moment to recognize the accomplishment of this wonderful Merlot that she built and worked so diligently to create. The finishing tastes include a beautiful @blandysmadeirawine, Maynard Port, and a gorgeous Napoleon Cognac. The last three all gifts. Gifts to share. Which is exactly the point.
64 is already off to a great start thanks to all of you. Abrazos!
