Gift cards as gifts are a controversial topic. Some say they are the best gift because the receiver can buy exactly what they want with them. Others say they are impersonal and require no thought. After much reading on the topic and running our own polls, this is what we […]

So, you have leftover candy from Halloween, whether from buying too much or from the kids stash that they either don’t need to eat or don’t want. What do you do with it? Time to plan an adult after party! Gather up the leftover candy, then encourage your friends to […]

Is it ever really too early to start considering your corporate gift giving? It’s smart to make notes of what your clients and coworkers (as well as friends and family) like throughout the year to make the process easier when it’s time to start buying for the holidays. If you […]

Chocolate is a rich, luscious, tasty treat, but it is also a rich source of antioxidants and the flavonoids have been found to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health. Wine is a beverage to enjoy while socializing and with dinner, yet it has also been found help reduce the […]

Wine grapes are not native to New Mexico. They were brought to the state in the 1600’s by Monks needing wine for Catholic ceremonies. They grew well, but endured a difficult journey through rough winters, Pueblo revolts, Prohibition and major flooding, essentially demolishing wine making in the region. A resurgence […]

Merlot, in French, means “the little blackbird”. In America, it is the second most popular red grape, just behind Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is known for being soft, ripe and elegant. Most are easy drinking reds that pair well with foods and are pleasurable to enjoy on their own. Merlot is […]

We keep hearing about sulfites. What are they and what’s their connection to wine? Why do some people avoid wine because of sulfites? Let’s find out. What are sulfites? The term sulfites is a term for sulfur dioxide (SO2), a preservative that’s widely used in winemaking (and most food industries) […]

Enjoying a glass of wine while cooking is always a good idea. Adding some wine to your dishes, might even be a better one. Recipes are often vague only calling for a dry white or dry red wine. So, anything goes, right? NO! The rule of thumb is, if you […]

You love wine, but it doesn’t always love you. Why do you sometimes get a headache from drinking wine, especially red? Here is the lowdown. Dehydration: The number one reason people get headaches from wine is because they overindulged and didn’t drink enough water, causing dehydration. Tannins: If dehydration or […]

You always hear about wine and cheese pairings and wine and chocolate pairings, which are both delicious of course, but what about nuts? Many bars have nuts on them, usually peanuts, because they do pair nicely with beer. But what about wine? There are lots of types of nuts out […]