🍷 Wine of the Week: Benmarl Winery 2024 Estate Grown Seyval Blanc

 

There are certain wines that go great with food and also as summer sippers. Benmarl’s Seyval Blanc is one of them

I pulled Benmarl Winery's 2024 Estate Grown Seyval Blanc to go with my Santa Fe Day Boat Scallops (yes, I got them from Scallop Shack Farms right off the boat), and the pairing was nothing short of fantastic. I even splashed a little into the pan while cooking (the recipe called for white wine). That's when you know you've got a good bottle.

 🍾 What's in the Glass

Benmarl's Seyval Blanc opens with lovely floral aromas — think chamomile and lemon blossom — layered with hints of citrus and stone fruit. The kind of nose that draws you in before you've even taken a sip and makes you smile.

On the palate, the wine shows a beautiful slate minerality, the signature of Benmarl's estate terroir, with bright notes of red grapefruit, lime, and lemon blossom. Crisp, refreshing acidity keeps everything lively and beautifully food-friendly. The finish is clean and mineral-driven, with a lingering citrus note that makes you reach for another glass.

At $20 a bottle, this is a remarkable value and a genuine expression of what the Hudson Valley can produce. This is the kind of wine that reminds me why Hudson Valley wines deserve more attention than they get.

🏡 A Little History

Benmarl Winery isn't just one of the Hudson Valley's finest. They are America's oldest continuously operating vineyard. The 37-acre estate in Marlboro, New York has had vines on it since the early 1800s, when Andrew Jackson Caywood cultivated the land and became the leading authority on viticulture in the Hudson Valley region.

In 1957, artist and wine lover Mark Miller purchased the property and named it Benmarl — combining the Gaelic word ben (hill) with marl, which describes the estate's distinctive soil composition. Miller devoted years to studying European viticulture in Burgundy and England before returning to the steep terraced hillsides of upstate New York with a mission: prove that world-class wine could be made here.

In 2006, the Spaccarelli family purchased the estate with a clear mission: honor the history while building toward the future. Today, proprietor Victor Spaccarelli Jr. and his son and  winemaker Matthew Spaccarelli have nearly tripled estate production, replanted abandoned vineyard blocks, and invested in modern cellaring technology — all while keeping a handcrafted, small-batch philosophy at the heart of everything they do.

🍽️ The Pairing

I pulled this bottle specifically for my Santa Fe Day Boat Scallops, and it was a match made in heaven. The wine's acidity and citrus-driven palate cut beautifully through the richness of the scallops, while that minerality and complemented the seafood in the most satisfying way.

Wine Details

• Wine: Benmarl Winery 2024 Estate Grown Seyval Blanc
• Region: Hudson Valley, New York
• Grape: Seyval Blanc
• Tasting Notes: Floral aromas, citrus, stone fruit, slate minerality, red grapefruit, lime, lemon blossom
• Pair With: Scallops, oysters, grilled shrimp, summer salads, goat cheese, light chicken dishes, relaxing on the porch

📩 DM me if you want the Santa Fe Day Boat Scallop recipe — I'll send it right over!

🗺️ Find It

Benmarl Winery 156 Highland Avenue · Marlboro, NY 12542 Open Daily | (845) 236-4265 benmarl.com

The 2024 Estate Grown Seyval Blanc is available at the winery and online for $20.

Until next week — cheers, and drink something worth talking about. 🥂

Wine of the Week: 2022 Immel Biowein Weissburgunder Trocken

 It was one of those beautiful spring days, this spring Mother Nature isn't sure what season it is, so I had to take advantage of the nice weather. The sun was shining, the seagulls were loud, and my lettuce garden was practically begging for its first harvest. So naturally, lunch became a fresh garden salad and a bottle of wine pulled straight from the fridge: 2022 Immel Biowein Weissburgunder Trocken.

Now, before your eyes glaze over at the German label, let’s decode it together because German wines are not nearly as intimidating as they sometimes seem.

• Weissburgunder = Pinot Blanc
• Trocken = Dry
• Biowein = Organic Wine

So what you have here is a dry, organically grown Pinot Blanc from Germany. Simple, elegant, and as it turns out — absolutely delicious with a garden salad.

See, we already survived German wine terminology.

The winery itself has a fascinating history. The Immel family’s roots in the Rhine region stretch back more than 700 years. Their story includes everything from patricians in Worms to mayors in Oppenheim and wealthy landowners in Westhofen. It was in Westhofen — surrounded by the rolling chalky hills and some of the region’s most prized vineyards overlooking the Rhine River — where the Immel family settled and purchased land back in 1754. You can feel that long connection to the land in the wine itself.

What sets Immel apart is their genuine commitment to certified organic viticulture, bearing the EU Bio seal. Organic farming isn't just a quality parameter — it's a promise to future generations. The young team is dedicated to preserving the green hills of Rheinhessen for generations to come.

Wine Details

• Wine: 2022 Immel Biowein Weissburgunder Trocken
• Region: Rheinhessen, Germany
• Grape: Weissburgunder
• Style: Dry White Wine
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, green apple, apricot, chalky minerality
• Perfect Pairing: Fresh salads, seafood, grilled chicken, spring afternoons, and gardening victories
• Price $16

If you’ve been hesitant to explore German wines beyond Riesling, let this be your sign. Pinot Blanc — or Weissburgunder — might just become your next warm-weather favorite.

Malbec: Your Go-To Wine for BBQ Season

 

As the weather starts to warm and grills come out of hibernation, there’s always that question: what wine actually works with BBQ?

Let me make this easy for you—Malbec is your answer.

And not just because it’s “the steak wine.” There’s a lot more going on in that glass than people realize.

Why Malbec Belongs at Your BBQ Table

Malbec is one of those wines that just gets along with everyone at the party.

• Burgers? ✔
• Ribs slathered in sauce? ✔
• Steak hot off the grill? ✔

It’s got the fruit, the structure, and just enough attitude to stand up to smoky, charred, saucy goodness, without overwhelming the food.

And here’s the key:
Malbec gives you rich flavor without heaviness, which is exactly what you want when it’s warm outside.

A Quick Malbec Backstory

Malbec didn’t start in Argentina—it actually comes from France (Cahors, specifically), but it truly found its groove in Argentina after being introduced in the mid-1800s .

And here’s the cool part:

• Argentina has pre-phylloxera Malbec vines (basically the originals that Europe lost)
• The country’s natural barriers (Andes Mountains + ocean) helped protect those vines
• So what you’re drinking today? It’s like Malbec’s history.

What Makes Argentine Malbec So Perfect for BBQ

Malbec isn’t just one flavor profile. It’s a playground of styles:

🍇 Fruit + Spice Combo

Expect:

• Plum
• Blackberry
• Cherry
• Baking spice

That fruit + spice combo is magic with grilled meats.

🌄 Altitude = Freshness

Many vineyards sit at 3,000–6,000 feet in elevation

What does that mean for you?

• Brighter acidity
• Fresher taste
• Less “heavy” than you’d expect

Translation:
You can sip this in the summer without feeling like you need a nap after.

🌎 A Wine That Changes by Region

Even within Argentina, Malbec isn’t one-note:

• Lower elevation → richer, rounder
• Higher elevation → fresher, more vibrant

Same grape, totally different vibe.

Why It Works with BBQ 

Let’s break it down in real-life terms:

🍔 Burgers

The juicy fat + Malbec’s fruit = harmony

🍖 Ribs

Sweet + smoky sauces love that dark fruit and spice

🥩 Steak

This is the classic for a reason—Malbec has enough structure without overpowering

🔥 Grilled Everything Else

Honestly? Malbec is flexible enough to roll with whatever hits the grill
(Even pizza or sausages)

The Best Part? It’s Not a “Heavy” Red

This is where many people get surprised.

Not all Malbec is big and bulky.

Many are:

• Medium-bodied
• Fresh
• Easy-drinking

Which makes them perfect for:

• Backyard parties
• Day drinking (we’re being honest here)
• Long dinners outside

How to Choose a Malbec for Your Next BBQ

Keep it simple:

• Go Mendoza → classic, crowd-pleasing
• Try higher elevation (Uco Valley) → fresher, more elegant
• Don’t overthink it → Malbec is forgiving and fun

Final Thought (aka Your BBQ Strategy)

You don’t need to overanalyze your wine for a BBQ.

Bring:

• One Malbec
• Maybe a second if you’re feeling generous

And you’re set.

Because Malbec does exactly what a great BBQ wine should do:

👉 It shows up
👉 It plays nice with food
👉 And it makes everything taste better

5 Wines I Always Bring to a BYOB (And Why You Should Too)

 

BYOBs were never really a thing for me. It wasn’t until I moved to South Jersey that I found myself surrounded by more BYOB restaurants than ones with liquor licenses. And let’s be honest… the ones that did have licenses? My wine collection at home was usually a lot more fun.

So that leads to the question I get all the time:

What do I bring to a BYOB?
Is there a strategy… or do you just wing it?

The answer is: yes and no.

You don’t want to overthink it.
If you can, take a peek at the menu ahead of time. But let’s be real, specials happen, cravings change, and suddenly that perfectly planned pairing doesn’t feel so perfect anymore.

So instead of stressing, I’ve found a better approach over the years:

Bring wines that are versatile, reliable, and conversation starters.

And I almost always bring at least one white and one red, because you never know what the table is ordering.

Here are five styles I keep coming back to.

1. Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Bright. Fresh. Food-friendly.

This is one of those wines that just works. It has lively acidity without being aggressive, and it plays nicely with everything from seafood to chicken to salads.

It’s the wine that quietly shows up and makes everything taste better.

Safe choice—but never boring.

2. Monastrell from Spain

If there’s even a hint that someone at the table is ordering meat—this is coming with me.

Monastrell (also known as Mourvèdre) brings bold fruit, a little spice, and enough structure to stand up to burgers, steaks, and anything grilled.

It’s one of those wines people don’t always expect… and then suddenly they’re asking,
“Wait… what is this?”

A great way to introduce people to something new without intimidating them

3. Finger Lakes Riesling

I always like to bring something a little closer to home—or at least home for me.

Finger Lakes Riesling is a go-to. Bright acidity, beautiful aromatics, dry and sometimes just a touch of sweetness.

And that little bit of sweetness? Magic with spicy food.

So if there’s even a chance someone orders something with heat, I’m very happy I brought this.

4. Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine goes with everything.

Yes, Champagne is always welcome—but don’t overlook Cava or Crémant when you want something delicious without the splurge.

It pairs with appetizers, mains, salty bites, and fried foods… honestly, it might be the most versatile wine on the table.

Plus, it just makes things feel a little more festive.

 5. Cabernet Franc

If I had to pick one red that plays well with the widest range of food… this might be it.

Cabernet Franc is incredibly versatile.

• From New York, you get a beautiful expression of place—earthy, structured, and elegant
• From California, it leans more fruit-driven and plush
• And globally? There’s so much to explore

It pairs with everything from roasted vegetables to meats, and it never feels too heavy.

The Real BYOB Strategy

At the end of the day, BYOB isn’t about bringing the perfect wine.

It’s about bringing wines that:

• Work with a variety of foods
• Get people talking
• And make the table just a little more fun

Because the best BYOB nights? They’re not about what’s in the glass.

They’re about the conversations, the laughs, and that moment when someone takes a sip and says: “Okay… what is THIS? I love it.”

🍷A Chablis That Turned a Home Project Into a Celebration

 

What do you open when you get a new roof?

Something special… because apparently this one is guaranteed for 50 years. And if that’s true, this is officially the last roof we’ll ever put on this house. (Let’s all just pause and appreciate that moment.)

So yes… this called for a proper bottle.

Out came the Raoul Gautherin & Fils 2022 Chablis Premier Cru that happened to be chilling in the fridge for a special moment… and I even broke out the Riedel glasses. Because if you’re christening a roof, you don’t mess around.

First swirl, classic Chablis. That unmistakable slatey minerality jumps right out of the glass, followed by delicate white flowers that just pull you in.

On the palate?
Clean, vibrant, and exactly what you want from Premier Cru Chablis:

• Bright, mouthwatering acidity
• Lemon curd with a soft, almost creamy edge
• That signature crushed limestone finish that just lingers beautifully

This wine whispers elegance and quietly reminds you why Chablis is Chablis.

Now let’s talk reality for a second…
At around $69, this isn’t your weeknight “let’s open?” bottle.

But then again… neither was the roof. 😄

🍽 What to Pair It With

This is one of those wines that makes food better without stealing the show:

• Shellfish (oysters, clams, scallops)
• White fish
• Ceviche
• Roasted chicken
• Creamy pasta dishes
• Anything with lemon and herbs

Or… apparently… major home improvement milestones.

🏡 Wine Tip (From Experience)

If you’re getting a new roof…Take down anything fragile.

Trust me on this one. We lost a few items along the way. The wine and Riedel survived.

🍇 About the Producer

Raoul Gautherin & Fils is a family-run estate in Chablis with generations of winemaking behind them. They focus on expressing the true character of their vineyards—letting that Kimmeridgian limestone soil do what it does best: deliver that crisp, mineral-driven style Chablis lovers crave.  

Final Thought:
Some wines mark a moment.
This one? It marked a roof… and maybe the last big house project we’ll ever need to celebrate.

I’ll drink to that. 🍷

The Pinot Noir I Almost Didn’t Open (And I’m Glad I Did)

I was rummaging through my Pinot Noir collection to find a wine to bring to dinner at a BYOB restaurant. I came across this bottle of 2015 Burn Cottage “Moonlight Race” Pinot Noir from the Central Otago region of New Zealand.

I have no idea when I purchased this bottle or where, for that matter.

I took it out of the rack and told Paul, “We need to drink this tomorrow night.” I definitely wasn’t bringing it out to dinner just in case it was at the bottom of the bell-shaped curve, meaning it had passed its drinkable life. The plan was simple: open it at home the next evening and see where it was.

Thinking we’d try it together the following night, I left it sitting on the counter.

The next day around 5 pm, my neighbor called with a computer SOS. Being that it was also wine time, Paul grabbed the bottle and yelled up to me that he was heading to Maureen’s to fix her computer.

“Come down when you’re done. I’ve got the wine.” Not even thinking, I finished up and headed over. When I walked in and saw the Burn Cottage bottle already open on their kitchen island, my first thought was: I hope it’s okay.

More Than Okay

It was more than okay. In fact, it was beautiful.

The wine opened with elegant red and dark cherry fruit, a soft hint of spice, and a silky, gentle mouthfeel that only Pinot Noir seems to achieve when it’s truly in its sweet spot. There was freshness, balance, and just enough earthy complexity to remind you why Central Otago Pinot Noir is a wine worth reaching for.

I was honestly amazed. At 11 years old, the wine was showing absolutely gorgeous maturity. And judging by the look on my face, everyone in the room could tell I was pleasantly surprised.

Sometimes the wines we forget about end up becoming the best wine moments.

The Story Behind Burn Cottage

One of the things I love about wine is that every bottle carries a story—often a fascinating one.

Burn Cottage Vineyard itself is part of a remarkable journey that begins with its owner, Marquis Sauvage.

Sauvage didn’t originally come from the wine world. He left his family farm and eventually found his way into the wine trade, where he built a successful career importing fine wines. Through that work, he developed a deep appreciation for great terroir and the people who dedicate their lives to expressing it.

That passion ultimately led him to New Zealand.

In 2002, Sauvage purchased what would become Burn Cottage Vineyard at auction, located in the Cromwell Basin of Central Otago, one of the most dramatic wine regions in the world, surrounded by mountains and known for its extreme continental climate.

From the beginning, the goal was clear: produce world-class Pinot Noir with a sense of place.

The estate vineyard was developed using biodynamic farming, focusing on soil health and natural vineyard balance. Over time, Burn Cottage has become one of Central Otago’s most respected producers, known for elegant, site-driven Pinot Noir.

Moonlight Race Pinot Noir

The Moonlight Race Pinot Noir is sourced not only from the Burn Cottage estate but also from carefully selected vineyards throughout Central Otago.

It’s designed to express the broader character of the region while still reflecting the winery’s philosophy of balance, finesse, and transparency.

And if my bottle was any indication, the wine ages beautifully.

A Personal Wine Moment

Wine often shows up in our lives when we least expect it.

What started as a quick rummage through the rack turned into an unexpected evening with neighbors, a shared bottle, and one of those quiet reminders of why we cellar wine in the first place.

Because sometimes the bottle you forgot about…is exactly the one you were meant to open.

What Wine Can Teach Us About Parenting: A Conversation with Author Danielle Frank

Sometimes the best conversations happen with a glass of wine in hand. And sometimes those conversations turn into something even more interesting — like a book that connects wine with parenting.

Recently on my podcast Uncork Your Mind, I had the pleasure of speaking with author Danielle Frank, whose book A Wine Lover’s Guide to Parenting: The Fine Art of Wine & Whine Management blends humor, wine terminology, and life lessons in a way that made me laugh out loud.

And trust me… if you’ve ever raised kids, babysat, flown on an airplane with children nearby, or even just observed parenting in action, you’ll appreciate the clever parallels Danielle draws between winemaking and raising humans.

Where the Idea Came From

Danielle has spent more than two decades working in the wine and spirits industry, and writing has always been her creative outlet. The inspiration for the book came from an unexpected place — life itself.

Years ago, while engaged to someone with children from a previous marriage, Danielle became what she calls a “bonus mom.” During that time, she began thinking more deeply about parenting.

Later, while watching her niece and nephew do what kids do best — whining — she jokingly said:

“Aunt Danielle drinks wine. She doesn’t listen to whine.”

And just like that, the idea started fermenting.

Danielle realized there were dozens of parallels between wine terminology and human behavior, and the concept for the book was born.

Parenting Lessons Through Wine Terms

The book is structured around wine vocabulary — fermentation, decanting, corked, mulled wine, and more — each used as a metaphor for a parenting lesson.

One of my favorite chapters is the very first:

Lesson 1: “I Drink Wine, I Don’t Listen to Whine”

It’s simple advice:
If kids learn that whining works, they’ll keep doing it.

Danielle explains that lesson one is about setting boundaries early, because once whining becomes successful behavior, it’s hard to undo.

Another lesson compares children to wine that needs time to breathe.

Kids Need to Breathe

Just like wine benefits from aeration, Danielle believes children benefit from independence.

She credits her own upbringing — where she was given freedom and trust — with helping her grow into a confident adult.

As she shared during the interview:

“When something is too strict or taboo, kids often rebel. When they have room to breathe, they learn to make good decisions on their own.”

The Importance of Manners

Another chapter humorously warns parents not to let their children “ferment.”

In winemaking, fermentation transforms sugar into alcohol. Danielle uses that metaphor to explain how sweet kids can become harsh if they’re not taught kindness and manners early.

Her advice?

Teach respect, kindness, and basic manners from the start.

Because those early lessons shape the adults they eventually become.

Wine Education, Too

One of the things I loved about the book is that it’s not just about parenting.

Every chapter also introduces wine terminology, with definitions included throughout the book.

That means readers can actually learn wine basics along the way — in a fun, approachable way that doesn’t feel intimidating.

And if you know me, you know I love that.

Wine should always be approachable.

Parenting Stages… Paired with Wine

Toward the end of our conversation, I asked Danielle a fun question:

If each stage of parenting were a wine, what would it be?

Her answer was perfect.

• Toddlers: Start with bubbly — you’ve just had a baby! But quickly move to a bold Cabernet because you’re in for a long journey.

• Teenagers: Something aged and patient — like a Cabernet that takes time to mature.

• Empty Nesters: Time to celebrate again with sparkling wine or a crisp Chablis.

Parenting (and Wine) Should Include Laughter

Danielle’s message isn’t about perfection.

It’s about perspective.

Parenting is joyful, challenging, exhausting, rewarding, and sometimes chaotic — just like wine.

As Danielle said:

“Sometimes you need to not take yourself so seriously. With wine and raising kids… you might as well enjoy the laughter along the way.”

I couldn’t agree more.

So pour yourself a glass, sit back, and enjoy this fun conversation about parenting, wine, and the wisdom found somewhere in between.

And if you know someone raising kids (or grandkids), this might be the perfect book to gift. The book can be found on Amazon

Because sometimes the best parenting advice pairs beautifully with a glass of wine.

Watch My Interview with Author Danielle Frank

🎧 Listen to the full interview here: