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DFW Wine Events: May 2025
The weather is perfect and the calendar is lively in Dallas this spring. Wine lovers, let’s get out there, discover new pours and make new friends! Every month at The Wine Fairy, we assemble a list of 10 (or so) local happenings you won’t want to miss. From wine dinners to educational classes to outdoor…
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Review: Cruz Alta Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (2021)
“Sex is like pizza. When it’s bad, it’s still pretty good.” That same principle does not hold true for 1990s sex comedies–for instance the movie Threesome in which it first appeared. When they’re bad…they’re just bad. But it can be said of certain wine styles. Especially big and bold reds from Mendoza, Argentina. I actually…
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Travelin’ the Grapevine Spring Wine Trail (Grapevine, TX)
Wine Fairy here, reporting from the 2025 Spring Wine Trail in Grapevine, Texas! The 33rd annual festival took place on Saturday, April 12. The sky was Easter-egg blue and it was in the low 60s all morning (cellar temp)! It could not have been a lovelier day to explore Grapevine’s downtown wineries on foot. Here,…
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Review: Yealands Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (2023)
Hate on Outback Steakhouse all you want–it’s consistent and a steal for a weeknight dinner. Some days, you just want a sirloin (with A1 sauce!) and some slightly overcooked broccoli. What you don’t want is to get all dressed up, get sneered at by the valet for your ancient Honda, and then have to buy…
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Texas Wine News Roundup: Spring 2025
If you’re tired of doom-scrolling, have you tried wine-scrolling? That’s when you try not to consume any news unless it’s related to wine. I have been wine-scrolling most of this year. I set up my devices to take me directly to wine content, instead of regular economic and political news. Sure, I’m less informed–but much…
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Review: Greek Wine Cellars “Flowers” Agiorgitiko Nemea (2020)
If I’ve never tasted a grape variety before and it’s on the WSET Level 3 syllabus, I’m buying it. That’s my shopping strategy from now until my exam date in November. No more safe and familiar Chards and Cabs on the list–I’m going Agiorgitiko to Zweigelt and loving it. And so, I wound up with…
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Wine and Turkey Legs: The Wine Fairy’s Guide to Scarborough Faire
Hear ye, hear ye, winos of North Texas! April 5-6 was the opening weekend for our own Renaissance festival, Scarborough Faire in Waxahachie, Texas. The Wine Fairy was there, tasting (almost) all the wines so I could report back to you. (Aye…’tis a tough job.) Scarborough Faire (a.k.a. Scarborough Renaissance Festival) has more than 15…
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Review: Château Thivin Côte de Brouilly Kermit Lynch (2023)
When people who are older and wiser than you keep warning you not to acquire a taste for Burgundy, you listen. And so, I’m really into the Beaujolais crus lately. While Beaujolais is technically part of Burgundy, the grape is Gamay and the prices are much friendlier. Tonight’s special treat is Château Thivin Côte de…
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Local Sips: Tasting Tuesday at Antonio Ristorante (Addison, TX)
Do you like Italian wine and Italian food? Of course–everybody does, unless they’re nuts. Would you like to know a weeknight date idea that won’t empty your wallet or leave you so full you swear you’ll never eat again? Then check out Antonio Ristorante in Addison Circle. Antonio’s offers a seasonal 3-course tasting menu on…
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Review: Lyla & Kennedy Barrel Aged Rosé (2022)
Another day, another strange rosé. Today we’re sipping on Lyla & Kennedy Barrel Aged Rosé. This was a limited-stock bottle I picked up at the wine shop because the packaging was gorgeous and the price was right. My impulsive moment is about to be either punished or rewarded–we shall see. The label text doesn’t reveal very…
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Total buzzkill: Total Wine’s rewards program devalues its best perk
It’s dark days in Dallas, y’all. First, we gave away Luka Dončić to the freakin’ Lakers. Then, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines started charging for bags. Now–because crappy things come in threes–our largest and best chain liquor store appears to be seriously scaling back their rewards program. Will the disappointments never end? Just a couple of months…
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A Pinot Comparison (Saturday Tasting at Blind Bishop)
Pinot is loved for its versatility, and that chameleonic quality was on display at Saturday’s themed wine tasting at Blind Bishop in Dallas. We tried six different expressions of Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio/Gris. It was the first summery day of the season, and wine lovers streamed into the sun-filled tasting room. Two gentleman pourers…