Erin Michele Soto Rises Through Her Trauma to Return to Her Hit TV Series
Audiences know Erin Michele Soto from her work in the miniseries Shirley and Shelly and the TV series Studio City, the smash hit and Emmy – winning drama.
Around the world audiences see stars on red carpets, TV and movie screens; and often never consider the challenges these performers face to live their dreams.
So many people recognize a star’s good looks, their talent, the laughs and tears from the characters they portray. But the audience doesn’t really get to know the person behind that work. Today Erin is sharing a deeper look into her journey.
Erin Michele Soto Reveals Her Bright and Her Dark
Recently we had a chance to sit down with Erin Michele Soto and she revealed the brightest and the darkest moments of her story and the excitement yet to come.
Erin Michele Soto
Like so many, Erin moved to Southern California with big Hollywood dreams. But she did not become the struggling cliche. She had the talent and good fortune to quickly find work as an actress and as a dancer.
Tragedy on a Celeb-Filled Dance Floor
Erin Michele Soto’s grace on the dance floor quickly brought her attention. She found A-list work immediately in Modern, Ballet, Jazz dance genres. Stars of the stage, small screen and silver screen all demanded her time, attention and help.
Then as her star was rising, suddenly it all crashed down. Literally. One day in the middle of dancing, Erin fell, hit her eye and the trauma from the fall punctured her brain.
The next moments created a chronic ailment that took Erin over a year for her to recover. The glitz and glamour lifestyle was replaced with being bed-ridden and living a small, dark, lonely life.
Hearing Soto reflect back today, there’s still a pain in her eyes and her voice. But a growing strength and courage in her soul.
Was her journey hard? Yes. Painful? Yes. Encouraging? No.
But, Erin wasn’t done yet.
Ironically, her body really thought she was finished. She rarely left the house. She couldn’t socialize with friends. She forgot how to do the smallest tasks constantly, things like closing her house door; she would routinely black out as she walked through her neighborhood.
The things most people find common, this talented star was suddenly struggling to complete.
“No One Can See My Pain”
Even worse, her mind was playing tricks on her.
This normally proud, healthy, optimistic person was suddenly having thoughts of self-harm. It was a dark time. The good news is, she knew better. Luckily, she never acted on those dark, harmful thoughts.
Your Village Supports Your Recovery Journey
To meet Erin is to fall in love with her. Her energy, her spirit, her intelligence, her motivation. Luckily, even in her darkest moments after her trauma, Erin’s community rallied to cheer her on and find ways to help her while she struggled to live daily life. She bravely chose to get professional mental help which also supported her and returned her closer to light and happiness.
She learned to over-power her own thoughts and regain positivity. She now meditates daily and credits that mental strength with her return to courage and creativity.
“I used my imagination
to get back into the world”
Back on Set
Just over a year after her life-changing trauma, Erin was itching to get back to performing. The injury focused her true passions in using her voice in acting. Performing, acting, dancing. But she was dealing with a very foreign feeling: insecurity. Could she remember her dialogue? Could her body move as gracefully as it used to? Would she feel as comfortable acting as she did before?
As a performer, Erin had to “learn to walk” again.
Erin was eager to return and try. She chose a small, local theater in SoCal’s modest San Fernando Valley.
“To her surprise, relief and excitement,
all of her worries went away.”
To her surprise, relief and excitement, all of her worries went away. Her mind and body cooperated and she had a blast performing again in front of huge crowds.
“If something brings you joy,
push through your fears”
Today, Erin is busier than ever. She’s currently working on projects for both stage and screen, taking meetings as an actress for both tv and film.
She credits her friends, family, health professionals and community with helping her overcome her dark moments. Her continued meditation keeps her mind clear and strong.
As a performer, she’s excited to be in front of an audience – whether you’re watching her in-person on stage, on your television or on the big screen.
With confidence, motivation, discipline and support from your community, everyone can rebound from their challenges and return to what they love. Erin Michele Soto is a brilliant and inspiring example of this.
A Rum So Good It Could Unify Congress? Big Papi’s Ozama Rum Hits D.C. With Dominican Pride and Premium Flavor
What do a Hall-of-Fame baseball legend, the Ozama River in the Dominican Republic, and your next favorite rum have in common? According to David “Big Papi” Ortiz, the answer is Ozama Rum—a brand-new ultra-premium Dominican spirit that’s already making waves from Dupont Circle to Georgetown’s waterfront bars.
Ortiz, the beloved former Red Sox slugger, has officially entered the world of high-end spirits. And no, this isn’t just another celebrity endorsement. This is a passion project with deep cultural roots, a social mission, and a flavor profile that’s already catching the attention of D.C.’s discerning drinkers and mixologists alike.
“To me, Ozama isn’t just about rum, it’s about identity, pride, and progress,” Ortiz said. “I wanted to build something that celebrates the energy and soul of my people and shows the world what we’re made of. It’s always been important for me to do things the right way, which is why this labor of love has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. I can’t wait for people to try it! They say that perfection doesn’t exist, but you can get close to it.”
Made in the Dominican Republic. Designed for D.C. Tastemakers.
Named after the Ozama River—where Ortiz spent his childhood swimming, fishing, and crabbing—Ozama Rum is a 100% Dominican-made product, bearing the official Ron Dominicano designation. From sugarcane fields to barrel aging and bottling, every drop is crafted on the island, offering a terroir-driven taste experience rooted in authenticity.
For a city like Washington, where policy powerhouses and cultural tastemakers collide, Ozama hits a sweet spot. It’s a spirit with heritage, depth, and—let’s be honest—genuine cool factor.
Ozama debuts in three expressions:
Ozama Blanco: Aged and platinum-clear, with bright citrus notes and a snap of white pepper. It’s the perfect base for elevated daiquiris at The Royal in Shaw or a late summer mojito at Rose’s Luxury.
Ozama Añejo: Copper-hued and complex, this expression builds on caramel, chocolate, and spice—ideal for sipping neat in a Logan Circle speakeasy or pairing with dessert in Old Town Alexandria.
Ozama Gran Añejo: The flagship sipper. Silky with notes of dates, raisins, vanilla, and fine wood. A slow, luxurious pour meant for top shelves in Georgetown or a fireside moment in Annapolis.
With suggested prices ranging from $25 to $40 per 700ml bottle, Ozama Rum offers rare quality at an accessible entry point. It’s luxury with heart—and it’s coming for D.C.’s cocktail culture.
A Rum with a Mission (and Momentum)
What sets Ozama apart—besides its flavor—is its purpose. Ortiz and his team, including Abbott Wolfe, CEO of Drink2Success, baked philanthropy into the business model from day one.
“From day one, David had a clear vision to create an ultra-premium rum that feels authentic, vibrant, and undeniably Dominican—it was important to him to spotlight the Dominican Republic and at the same time give back to the community that raised him,” Wolfe said.
Two percent of all profits from Ozama will be donated to cleanup efforts along the Ozama River and to support local communities in the Dominican Republic. In a city where social responsibility carries weight (just ask anyone on Capitol Hill), Ozama’s mission-driven model resonates deeply.
Rum’s Rising—and Washington’s Ready
The global rum market, valued at $11.77 billion in 2022, is projected to grow 5.6% annually through 2030, according to Global View Research. As American consumers shift from mass-market brands toward artisanal, culturally grounded spirits, Ozama Rum is arriving at precisely the right time.
Washington’s cocktail culture—long dominated by bourbon, rye, and gin—is increasingly open to rum, especially when it’s this well-made and story-rich. Early tastings at venues in Penn Quarter and Adams Morgan suggest bartenders are eager to experiment with Ozama in classics like the El Presidente, the Jungle Bird, and yes—even a refined rum-based Old Fashioned.
Where to Find Ozama Rum in D.C.
Ozama Rum is now available online at drinkozama.com and is rolling out in select Northeast markets, including the Washington metro area. Expect to see it appear soon on curated back bars and menus in cocktail-forward destinations like Columbia Room, Serenata, and Maketto. Retail expansion into D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia is expected by early summer.
Final Sip: From the DR to the DMV
Ozama Rum isn’t just another bottle. It’s an invitation—to taste, to connect, and to celebrate a Caribbean culture often underrepresented in the premium spirits space. In a city built on narrative, nuance, and legacy, Big Papi’s new venture is finding a natural home.
“They say that perfection doesn’t exist,” Ortiz said. “But you can get close to it.”
And in Washington D.C., where compromise is rare and taste is everything—that’s a pretty strong pitch.
WWE Superstars Are Coming to D.C. Liquor Stores with Seagram Escapes Spiked — Here’s Why Everyone’s Talking About It
From Capitol Hill to Capitol One Arena, wrestling fandom in D.C. runs deep—and now, it’s got a bold new drink to match. WWE has officially stepped into the ready-to-drink ring for the first time ever, and they’re doing it with Seagram’s Escapes Spiked, the flavored malt beverage brand known for pulling no punches when it comes to flavor.
This multi-year partnership marks a historic moment for WWE—its first-ever licensed alcoholic beverage—and it’s already turning heads across the District. Whether you’re a die-hard Attitude Era fan, a loyal member of the WWE Universe, or just someone who loves a cold can with big flavor, this collab is tailor-made for D.C.’s mix of culture, energy, and edge.
The new Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series is already hitting shelves all over the DMV—from Columbia Heights liquor stores to Northeast corner shops and suburban carry-outs in Prince George’s County. And with summer heating up, this release couldn’t have better timing.
D.C. Wrestling Fans Get the First Pour
Washington, D.C. isn’t just about politics. It’s about passion—and anyone who’s been inside Capital One Arena on a WWE Monday Night Raw knows the city brings the noise. So it makes perfect sense for WWE and Seagram’s Spiked to roll out this fan-first collaboration in a city that knows how to bring the heat, whether it’s a rowdy crowd at Survivor Series or a packed watch party in U Street.
“Seagram’s has a rich history of innovation and a deep commitment to authenticity, making it the ideal partner to go to market with our first-ever licensed ready-to-drink product,” said Grant Norris-Jones, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Partnerships for TKO Group Holdings, WWE’s parent company. “And D.C. fans bring intensity like no other—we’re excited to launch where the passion runs strong.”
Three Flavors That Hit Like a Superkick
The new Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series isn’t coming in quiet—it’s coming in like Roman Reigns on a title run. The lineup includes three flavor-heavy hitters, each built to satisfy the D.C. palate with serious fruit-forward force:
Rumble Punch™ – A remix of the iconic Jamaican Me Happy, this knockout mix of strawberry, lemon, watermelon, and guava is the perfect sip whether you’re chilling at a rooftop bar in Navy Yard or hosting a viewing party in Shaw.
Pineapple Powerhouse™ – Pineapple, cherry, and lime blend into a bold burst of sweet-and-sour flavor. This one belongs on ice at your next H Street block party or afterwork meetup on K Street.
Slammin’ Blueberry™ – Blueberry and lemon team up for a crisp, refreshing flavor profile that’s as smooth as a well-executed suplex—and perfect for cracking open during a Nationals tailgate or a Capitol Hill cookout.
Each can clocks in at 8% ABV, and they’re now available throughout D.C. and surrounding areas. No mixers. No nonsense. Just bold drinks with serious WWE energy.
Superstars Coming to the DMV
As part of the partnership, Seagram’s Spiked becomes an Official Partner of WWE, meaning you’ll start seeing the brand integrated across WWE Premium Live Events like Money in the Bank® (June 7), SummerSlam®, and Survivor Series®. But that’s not all—WWE Superstars will also be making special appearances at local D.C.-area retailers throughout the year.
That’s right—your local beer distributor or convenience store might just become the site of a surprise meet-and-greet with one of your favorite Superstars. Expect exclusive photo ops, giveaways, and maybe even a few promos cut in the snack aisle.
“Our collaboration with WWE marks an exciting moment for Seagram’s Spiked as we connect with WWE’s global audience—and D.C.’s incredibly passionate and loyal fanbase,” said Jaime Polisoto, brand director for Seagram’s Escapes. “This city knows how to show out, and we can’t wait to bring WWE energy directly to the fans.”
Belt-Worthy Sips for the District
From the Howard Theatre to the Wharf, D.C. is a city that lives big—and this drink is designed to match that pace. Whether you’re pregaming before a show, winding down on your porch in Petworth, or watching a Pay-Per-View with friends in Adams Morgan, Seagram’s Escapes Spiked WWE Series is the drink that’s made for wrestling fans who also know their way around a great party.
Because in D.C., we don’t just watch the main event—we are the main event.
Raise a can. Pop a crowd. And drink like a champion.
DC’s Own Taraji P. Henson Sets Sail with Seven Daughters Moscato and Princess Cruises
She grew up in the Nation’s Capital, earned her stripes at Howard University, and has since become a Hollywood powerhouse. Now, Taraji P. Henson is bringing a taste of her signature charm—and a glass of her delicious Seven Daughters Moscato—to the high seas with Princess Cruises.
That’s right, D.C.—one of our own is leveling up your next vacation. Princess Cruises has officially added Henson’s Seven Daughters Moscato to its exclusive Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, and it’s already giving first-class flavor with DMV soul.
“Seven Daughters is more than just a bottle of wine; it’s a celebration in a glass,” said Henson, who serves as Strategic Advisor and Creative Collaborator for the brand. “Our Moscato is inviting, refreshing, and perfect for moments of connection which is what makes this partnership with Princess Cruises so amazing. Now we can experience this feeling with people from around the world, whether they’re toasting under the stars or relaxing on the open sea.”
With a lightly sweet profile, tropical fruit notes, and a touch of honeysuckle, Seven Daughters isn’t just a wine—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of drink you sip after a long week on the Hill, during a rooftop evening in Shaw, or while catching a sunset from a cruise deck after boarding in nearby Baltimore.
“Princess Cruises is committed to curating distinctive, high-quality experiences for our guests, and Seven Daughters aligns seamlessly with that vision,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Princess Cruises. “Taraji’s Moscato reflects a bold yet approachable style that we know our guests will love.”
For Henson, who’s always repped D.C. with pride, this partnership is more than a business move—it’s personal. A Howard Bison turned award-winning actor, Taraji’s journey from Southeast to stardom has always been powered by authenticity, hard work, and a whole lot of heart. And now, she’s bringing that same energy to your wine glass.
Seven Daughters Moscato joins a star-powered lineup in the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection, which features names like Jason Momoa (Meili Vodka), Matthew and Camila McConaughey (Pantalones Organic Tequila), Blake Lively (Betty Booze), Liev Schreiber (Sláinte Irish Whiskey), Jason Aldean (Melarosa wines), and Kylie Minogue (No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé). But Taraji’s addition hits differently—especially here in the DMV.
Whether you’re relaxing in Rock Creek Park, brunching in Navy Yard, or headed down I-95 for a cruise getaway, this wine is made for real ones who know good taste and good vibes go hand in hand. And with cruises sailing from just up the road in Baltimore, getting on board with Taraji’s Moscato is as easy as booking a weekend away.
This is wine with character. Wine with elegance. Wine with roots. Just like Taraji. Just like D.C.
So go ahead, DMV—raise your glass. One of our own is bringing the flavor to the seas, and she’s making sure every sip feels like home.
Learn more about Princess Cruises and the Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection at www.princess.com.
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com
Post Malone announces Twelve Carat Tour 33-city including DC’s CapitalOne Arena with special guest Roddy Ricch.
GRAMMY® Award-nominated 3x diamond-certified artist Post Malone has announced the Twelve Carat Tour, an extensive 33-city outing across North America with special guest Roddy Ricch.
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Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off on September 10th at CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE making stops in Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Dallas, Atlanta, Vancouver and more before wrapping up in Los Angeles, CA at Crypto.com Arena on November 15th.
Post Malone announces Twelve Carat Tour 33-city including SoCal’s Crypto Arena with special guest Roddy Ricch.
Post recently released his anxiously awaited fourth full-length and one of the most anticipated albums of 2022, Twelve Carat Toothache [Mercury Records/Republic Records]. In addition to massive anthems “Cooped Up” [with Roddy Ricch] and “One Right Now” [with The Weeknd], the record boasts appearances from an all-star cast of guests, including Doja Cat, Fleet Foxes, Gunna, and The Kid LAROI. Musically, Post collaborated with longtime cohorts such as producers and co-writers Louis Bell, Billy Walsh, and Andrew Watt as well as Omer Fedi and more.
Related:
Love a Quality Martini? Whiskey Old Fashioned?
Knox & Dobson Introduces Superior Ready-To-Drink Bottled Cocktails
TICKETS: Tickets go on sale starting Friday, June 17th at 10am local time on livenation.com
PRESALE: Citi is the official card of the Twelve Carat tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, June 14th at 10am local time until Thursday, June 16th at 10pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.
Front of the Line by American Express will offer cardmembers an exclusive presale for Post Malone’s Twelve Carat Tour in the Canada. Cardholders will have access to purchase presale tickets for Toronto and Vancouver beginning Tuesday, June 14 at 10:00AM local time, through Thursday, June 16th at 10:00PM local time. For more details please visit ticketmaster.ca/americanexpress. Ticket limits and terms apply.
Ready for Romance, Southern Charm and Delicious Food? Visit Greenville South Carolina.
You’re looking for a new trip?
…A great foodie adventure?
…Big city perks
…But a mix of quaint and calm.
…inspiring scenery
…maybe a full-on spa weekend?
And let’s be honest, it needs to be easy to get to.
Not too much to ask for, right? LOL
Southern Charm at Greenville, South Carolina
Well, Greenville South Carolina hits all of those spots and more!
Southern charm with big city amenities. From flavor to fun to flirty.
Greenville, South Carolina is Southern charm with big city amenities.
The right amount of outdoors, arts, charming people watching and of course food. Different flavors and lots of it!
That’s Greenville. Plenty of South Carolina Southern Hospitality with a kick of sass and did we mention the food?
Fun Days and Starry-Filled Nights in Greenville South Carolina
From March through July, the town square stays busy with free concerts twice a week and at night catch a movie in the park.
Fun days in Greenville South Carolina
The center of town is just a short walk from most hotels, where you can wander Main St. and window shop at artisanal stores, book stores and coffee shops on the way to your next meal.
Reedy River
After a light bite, take a stroll along the park at Reedy River. Their new development is gorgeous and cozy. Several great spots for Instagram-worthy selfies.
Love a tasty cocktail?
Kinda curious how the whole whiskey process works?
Highly recommend Six and Twenty Distillery’s tour and tasting experience.
Six and Twenty Distillery’s tour
From malting to mashing to distillation. You can even pose for pictures with their giant pot still and become instagram famous.
It’s a fascinating process, but even more – meet the team. These folks love their work and it shows!
If you’re lucky enough to get a tour from Owner David Raad, he’ll help you fall in love with their process as they create just the right flavor for you.
And speaking of flavor.
You should get a tasting.
If Benjamin Balaban is behind the bar, you’re in for a treat. Curious drinkers, ask about the flavors, the garnishes, how his mixes are so balanced and flavorful.
Six and Twenty Distillery’s tasting experience
Keep the Flavors Coming with Oil & Vinegar
Stop in and say hello to Oil & Vinegar on Main St. Owner Chef Veera Gaul who will introduce you to the flavors, aromas and blends of oilsl like you’ve never realized before.
Oil & Vinegar on Main St. Owner Chef Veera Gaul
As a dipping sauce.
As a salad dressing.
In your health shake.
There’s a lot of ways to enjoy olive oil.
Taste through: The fruity and robust Nocellara EVOO. The deliciously oily Puglia. The vibrant Basil EVOO. The perfect to mix Mango Vinegar.
And that’s why visiting Oil & Vinegar on Main St. is so fun.
Oil & Vinegar on Main St. Greenville SC
Their tasting helps you fall in love with the magic and find a new flavor to take home with you.
From Family Fun to Romantic – Greenville’s Dinner Options
Greenville offers a feast of foodie options from down home to innovative chefs and world-class menus.
With more than 110 restaurants in downtown alone, and more than 1,000 throughout the County, Greenville, South Carolina’s abundant and tasty restaurant scene is garnering national attention.
Nose Dive Restaurant in Greenville South Carolina
Nose Dive is an innovative gastropub were their chefs to craft dishes that are both delicious and exciting. The culinary team is dedicated to inventive fare and attention to detail to create an eating experience.
Antonino Bertolo’s Pizza
Right next to the NOMA plaza on Downtown’s North Main Street in downtown, Antonino Bertolo’s Pizza is one of the city’s most popular pizza parlors, serves up authentic NY style pizza and Italian cuisine.
Foothill Foodie Tours is a one of a kind foodie experience in Greenville with a chance to experience a wide selection of curated tours designed with you in mind.
Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant
Enjoy the rimmed signature drinks and house made cordials at Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant that re-imagines what intimate dining can be. All with desserts as the main event.
Next Day Get Inspired By Greenville’s Nature
Greenville is all about scenic beauty. Five gorgeous state parks perfect for a stroll or to break a sweat.
The 22-mile Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is one of Greenville’s most popular. There’s Falls Park on the Reedy, Greenville’s downtown green space, waterfalls, flowers, and walkways. Cleveland Park, the city’s largest park and home of the 14-acre Greenville Zoo
Want even more? Greenville’s got it!
Over 60 outdoor obstacles and ziplines, Treetop Quest Greenville’s aerial adventure park will thrill you. Paris Mountain State Park’s Four lakes, a swimming area (complete with kayaks, canoes and pedal-boats for rent), playground, 15 miles of hiking and biking.
Lake Jocassee
Head north to stop at Marci Jo’s Olde Mountain Store, a quaint local spot between Jones Gap and Caesars Head State Parks
Wildcat Branch Falls near Greenville SC
There’s over a 100 more parks within just a few hours’ drive.
Speaking of Serene. Looking for a retreat?
Greenville’s Grand Bohemian
Greenville’s Grand Bohemian is a luxurious boutique hotel perched along the Reedy River. Whether you’re stopping by for a handcrafted cocktail, spending the night in one of their suites or attending a conference, it’s sure to be a cozy delight.
Dripping with Southern Charm
Hotel Hartness near Greenville SC
Hotel Hartness is the luxurious destination just outside the city.
Spa weekend? Dream wedding? Elegant event space. The extraordinarily intimate experience of 69 suites in the main hotel and 4 spa suites.
You’re looking for a new trip.
A great foodie adventure?
With a mix of big city with quaint and calm and mountains of inspiring scenery
And it’s easy to get to.
Greenville is a must-visit destination that makes visiting easy, delicious and memorable. From food to local culture, exercise, romance and calm vibes that the South is best known.
Summertime is hot weather, light meals and adventures outside. All of which pair incredibly well with white wines.
That’s why Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen decided to write a book featuring 1000s of white wine grapes that wine lovers should try. Some are very common, some are very obscure. But they’re all worth a taste – seriously.
Mike DeSimone, Jeff Jenssen’s new book White Wine Book
Today Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen sat down (over zoom) for a conversation about wine, travel, food and more!
Note: the below interview has been edited for length and clarity. The full interview is available on YouTube, with clips in this article.
We’re talking about your new book “White Wine” today, available now on Amazon and we have a lot of questions. But first, welcome to the conversation and thank you both for being here.
Thank you. Thank you. We’re thrilled to be here.
For anyone who’s new to wine, these two are absolute wine GOATs. They’re the experts. They’ve written some great books in the past, and their new book is absolutely amazing. Over the past week I’ve had the chance to show it to a lot of people in my life and what I’ve loved about it is everybody from the wine geek all the way down to people who are barely wine drinkers, have all found really interesting reasons to love the book.
In the book you mention the word “invitation” several times. You include casual tasting instructions, the food pairing index, the white wine checklist. You do such a good job of making the wine approachable.
How important was it when you were building this book, the idea of making it approachable?
Wine always is very mysterious to people. And it doesn’t have to be. We really believe it. It’s kind of like our mantra. Open up a bottle of wine, sit around a table together, and there’s some conviviality and communal, you know, and, and communality in that bottle. So when you sit down in a circle and you’re having a glass of wine together, all of a sudden, we’re not so different.
So one of the things that we really wanted to speak to is to make wine approachable. One of things I really appreciate what you just said, is that people from all levels, from wine geeks to wine novices, we specifically set out to write this book with enough information that the geek will be really happy and enough information to intrigue the novice to wanna learn more.
We’ve always said this is the kind of book that you would buy for your Dad who happens to like wine, or you would buy it for yourself or buy it for a girlfriend or a buddy that wants to learn more about wine.
But I will tell you that we’ve been honored; our last book, Red Wine (amazon.com), was actually suggested reading list for people who were studying to become Masters of Wine. So we wrote this book with that idea in mind because we’d like this book to be a reference for Master of Wine students.
I think a lot of people may not realize just how much wine you might taste in an average year.
When we are tasting wine, whether it’s for a book like this and we’re trying to decide what gets include, or when we’re writing our articles, it’s very easy for us to open up 30 bottles in a day.
But there’s also traveling, going to wine regions, and walking into a winery and visiting four wineries a day where people can pour you anywhere between 3 or 4, up to 20 glasses.
One of the things that we have to make a distinction is how much wine do we taste and how much wine do we drink.
Because when we taste wine, we may open 30 bottles, but you just have a sip, you swirl it around your mouth, you get your impression, and then you spit it out. So you can actually taste 30 or 40 wines in one sitting. The alcohol that you actually absorb in your mouth is probably equal to one glass of wine.
We really have to maintain our wits about us when we’re writing books and tasting notes. And then out of those 30 wines, we’ll choose one or two to put in the fridge and drink with dinner.
So the difference between drinking the wine and tasting the wine is a big difference. Our neighbors absolutely love us because we have these bottles with [2 inches] out of it and put the cork back in and give it to them. So they’re very, very happy. But I think one of the things that we had to do for this book is taste.
There’s about 2,000 recommended wines. I’m gonna say we we tasted close to 5,000 [wines]. Not everything made the cut.
That’s incredible. So speaking of those 5,000, how do we prevent palette fatigue?
One thing for both of us is we both drink sparkling water.
Also, we eat very simple things just to clear the palette, wipe some of the tannins from it. We’ll eat sliced baguette or plain water crackers. That kind of thing. Also, try to break it up. Don’t drink the same style of wine over and over, because you’ll stop noticing the subtleties between them.
It’s training too. I can’t run a marathon tomorrow because I haven’t trained for a marathon, but I can taste 30 wines or 40 wines tomorrow because I’ve trained my palette to discern the differences. So it’s kind of like an athlete, it has to do with training to prevent fatigue.
So staying on the idea of tasting for a second, how do we talk to a winemaker? Any tips for a less-experienced wine drinker?
One of the first, and an easy question to ask, is how much did you make of this wine? Because that actually gives you an indication of how special the wine is, right? If somebody says, ‘Oh, we make a million bottles of this every year.’ Maybe it’s not so special.
If they say, ‘Oh, we only made 2,000 bottles of this and it comes from one special vineyard, that sometimes opens up the question of how special it is.
Another question is, if it’s a blend, if it doesn’t say on the bottle that it’s Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, and you just know that it’s a white wine, you can ask what grapes are in this.
But people who visit wineries should ask questions. Take that as an opportunity to learn. Read the book White Wine, get some knowledge, and then you go to a winery, go out to California, go to New York State, go wherever you go, and visit a winery and talk to the winemaker and talk to the people who are responsible for making the wine. They’re very generous with their time. They want you to be informed and they want you to enjoy their wine. So do your homework and then learn some more in person, and then go back and read our book again, because you’ll learn a little bit more.
Your White Wine book is a mammoth undertaking. There’s a lot of information in there. How did you create all of this?
I think actually we were lucky in that we’d already written Red Wine. We worked with our publisher. We actually walked in, knowing that some of our prior books were a little bit text heavy, and said, ‘Hey, we want to do some graphics. For the flavor profile, there might be a picture of a peach and a rose and a lemon. For the food pairing, you’ll see a little plate of pasta and a pig and a steak.’
We worked with the same editor again. We had the structure already so that was a blessing.
When our editor came to us and said we want to publish this book, we were so excited. But then we looked at each other and said, we don’t have a lot of time to write this book. Let’s let, how, how are we gonna do this? You know? So we divided and conquered.
If you love wine, you’re gonna love this book, whether you’re a novice or above.
My old boss used to tease me because back then I enjoyed white more than red. Why doesn’t white get the respect that red does?
You know, you’re very right. We had to fight for this book.
I’m an equal opportunity white wine and red wine drinker and rose, because there are wines for different occasions. Sometimes when you’re having a big heavy steak, you want a red wine, but a lot of times we’re trying to eat lighter, more vegetables, lighter cuisine. It’s summertime now. Lighter white wines really go with those foods.
There’s so many grapes in this book. Is there one lesser-known grape that you want the world to know about because it’s an amazing discovery?
We have a holiday coming up this weekend. By the time this is posted, it will just have passed. This coming Sunday is International Pošip Day, and Pošip is a wine from coastal Croatia. It grows in Dalmatia and on some of the islands. It’s this wonderful, delightful, fresh, crisp, citrusy white grape from Croatia that we don’t see a lot of in the US. It’s in more major urban markets. It’d really worthy of attention.
Were there any unexpected surprises as you created this book?
When we did Red Wine, we did single varieties and regional blend styles, like Rioja which can have three or four different grapes in a bottle and Bordeaux can be up to six different grapes. That actually includes sparkling wine we covered in Red wine.
We covered only nine regional blend styles and 41 single varieties in White Wine. I just did account. I believe we have 14 regional right grape styles. So things like White Bordeaux, White Rioja fall under a style that’s not necessarily one grape.
Is there a message that you haven’t been asked that you would love to share with a wine loving audience?
You can always learn something. Keep learning, keep asking questions.
Sometimes there are some really interesting questions that people come up with.
We are wine experts, we’re authors of six wine books now. We write for different publications. We’re mast head at two different magazines, so we really kind of know what we’re talking about, but we don’t know everything.
So, being able to understand that and admit that, wine is a continuous, ongoing journey and learning about wine is what makes it very exciting. So I’m really happy to have been on the journey so far and I hope have a lot more years on this journey to learn more about wines I’ve never tried.
So thank you so much for your time. Tell us where to find you, where to follow you, your social media websites.
We are on Facebook and on Instagram as World Wine Guys. We have a website, www.WorldWineGuys.com for a lot of our articles and videos we’ve done over the last 13 -14 years.
Go to www amazon.com and put in three words, white wine book, it’ll pop up.
And then as you scroll down under, ‘Usually bought together.’ It’s our white wine book and our Red Wine book.
We’re not the beginning and the end of wine knowledge. There are so many of our colleagues that we respect deeply. So there’s a lot to learn from everybody.
All I can say is that’s what we’d like for people to learn more, enjoy wine, open a bottle of wine with your family and friends and you know, we kind of drop all of our guards, we drop all of our pretenses and the world will be a lot better place.
