Favorite Things!

Katherine's Table

Many of you know I am the founder of Divas Uncorked, the oldest female wine group in the U.S.  We have been meeting monthly since 1998 and our wine tastings are very exciting, educational and personally fulfilling. This month, Diva Katherine Kennedy hosted our annual 'Favorite Things" dinner. Copied from Oprah, in December our group gives each other a gift of something we individually love. There is a minimum cost but the sky is the limit. The other treats from Katherine's tasting is the wine and food but my special experience is her table top.  Each year it gets better an better. Her theme this year was really beautiful and eye opening. She always uses her beautiful Nutcrackers and this year we dinned with famous leaders from around the world and enjoyed "CHEAP WINES RATED GOOD".  All the wines came from Trader Joe and most of the wines you will find at this store chain are only sold by them. The prices ranged from $4.99 to $13.99.

TIP 

Hawk Crest by Stag's Leap

Never turn your nose up at inexpensive wines. How do you check out cheap wines? Check out well known producers. Many of them create second labels that are really great from excess wine juice. Caymus, Duckhorn and Stag's Leap to name a few. 

Second Label Standouts

TREAT

Albero White Sparkling from Spain reminded me of Prosecco from Italy. Produced by Spain's oldest estate bottled winery this sparkling is crisp, rich and creamy and velvety on the palate. Sweet fruit and balanced acidity with a rich pear like quality. Great for large events entertaining young or mature palates.  Only $4.99 a bottle.  It won't last long.