| Jim Hammond |
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Jim Hammond has been exploring wines in North America, Europe and Australia for more than 20 years. A published author, he includes information about wine in every book.
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| "Wines of Echantment" Available at the Following Locations |
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Wines of Enchantment
ISBN# 0-9709878-0-3
$7.95 Available through Amazon.com
and at
Bookworks
4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW
Albuquerque, NM
Madeleine's Place
3824 Corrales Road
Corrales, NM
Tularosa Winery
23 Coyote Canyon Road
Tularosa, NM
La Vi�a Winery
4201 S Highway 28
La Union, NM
La Vinca Winery
4201 Highway 28
Anthony, NM
Chocolate Turtle Bed & Breakfast
1098 W. Meadowlark Ln.
Corrales, NM
Frontier Mart
3677 Corrales Road
Corrales, NM
Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
9201 Balloon Museum Dr.
Albuquerque, NM
Hacienda Manzanal Bed & Breakfast
300 W. Meadowlark Ln. Corrales, NM
End of the Vine Winery 2801 Sudderth Dr # D
Ruidoso, NM 88345
You can order the e-version by clicking on the book cover.
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| Looking for Unique Party Ideas?
Spend an entertaining evening with Jim while you learn fun facts, such as the difference between a Bordeaux and a Burgundy, or what the ritual of tilting, swirling, and sniffing a wine before taking the first sip is all about.
By adding one of Jim's Wine Maestro series of presentations and events, you and your guests will delight in Jim's light humorous, and information-packed style.
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Give the giift of knowledge to your favorite beginning (or advanced) wine lover. Contact us for a gift certificate for a Wine Maestro Evening and make someone happy. |
| The Southwestern Wine Blog |
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Check out my blog for these and other topics
Santa Cruz Mountain Ramblings
Atop St. Helena
Who Criticizes the Critic?
Bottle Shocked; or Who Was that Guy?
The Pope's New House is All About Wine
French Wines with a Southern Exposure
Romantic Wines You Gotta Love
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| News from the Southwestern Wine Guy |
Wine of the Month
The town of Harmony has an interesting history, and that was long before Harmony Cellars moved in. Harmony was founded in 1869 around diary ranches and a creamery. Rivalry amongst the mainly Swiss immigrants culminated in a killing, and in 1907 the feud was called off and the tiny town received its present name. Harmony is just south of Cambria off Highway 1 on the California coast, and presently sports a number of artisan shops and the winery, founded in 1989.
In its heyday, many visiting movie starts, such as Charlie Chaplin, would stop here on the way to Hearst Castle twelve miles up the road for milk and cheeses. In the 1970s, counter-culture types were attracted to the rustic back-to-nature feel of the place. That is appropriate for the artisans who craft the wine at Harmony Cellars, which is perched on a gentle hill, overlooking the town.
I first became enamored of their wonderful peppery Zins, but was also impressed with their full lineup of wines. I just received my latest shipment as a wine club member, which triggered my choice for this month. Along with the 2007 Zinfandel were two bottles of their 2007 Barbera, especially for club members. That alone makes membership worthwhile in my book. The modest prices for many of their wines represent a best buy in my opinion.
Unlike many wineries in the Paso Robles Central Coast area, Harmony crafts their wines to be food friendly. That means lower alcohol, which better compliments food. Their red wines have a lush mouthfeel and intense palate that belies the modest alcohol ratings. The Barbera topped out at 12.9%, which is probably close to that of an Italian Piedmont Barbera. Their Pinots are also exceptional, and the 2006 Pinot Noir won a double gold and Best-of-Class at the International Eastern Wine Competition. Not bad for a boutique winery nestled in one of California's smallest towns beside a road that movie stars drove. |
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Chasing Down Cheap Wine
Economic downturns affect wineries as they do wine drinkers, but quality should never take a downturn. If a portion of your budget is tied to buying and enjoying wines, how do you maintain quality, and perhaps even increase it, without sacrificing your diminishing resources? There are ways to make this happen. Don't drink wine that doesn't suit your palette - read more here if you would prefer to avoid this: 
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Activities and Events
I will be doing a wine presentation for a private wine dinner party at St. Clair Bistro this month.
As the Wine Maestro I orchestrate wine dinners, selecting a caterer, or working with a restaurant to stage one, such as the Standard Diner event late last year.
Elderhostel June 2009
I'll also be giving another wine class for Elderhostel at the Sage Inn in Santa Fe on June 18. I have been involved with the program since late last year, and been very impressed with the quality and range of programs, lodging, and food they provide. They offer these programs in many cities and regions. The Santa Fe and Albuquerque classes are among the most popular.
I give a short overview of New Mexico wines and history, tasting wine tips, and finish with a tasting of selected NM wines. The participants seem to be enjoying it as much as I, too. Check them out!
Oh, and we can't forget the June issue of Albuquerque Arts! Be sure to read my article featuring Terra American Bistro. |
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What's with Two-Buck Chuck?
I shop a lot at Trader Joes, particularly in a recession when I try to maximize my food and wine purchases. Their most famous wine, of course, is Charles Shaw, better known as Two-Buck or Three-Buck Chuck, depending on which state you live in. At less than jug wines prices, they manage to turn out wines that satisfy many wine palates. A 2005 Charles Shaw Chardonnay even won best California Chardonnay at the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition. What's up with that?
Click here to find out
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Here's to cheap wine and barbecue, summer is here! Don't forget to check out my website and my blog!
Sincerely,
Your Wine Guy
Jim Hammond |
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