A Look at Some Italian Highlights

So after a very adventurous summer, I have safely returned to the United States!
From France to Italy (and even fitting in a trip to the Czech Republic and Germany), I can admit it was truly an unforgettable summer.
I feel enriched with more knowledge and experience in Italian wines and Biodynamic practices, and I am grateful for that. However what I really feel were invaluable were the friendships and the many learning experiences made at Valgiano.  I have also returned with a greater understanding of Tuscan gastronomy and its integral role in Italian culture. Their great food and wine seemed to create happiness that brought them together.  Legend winemaker Robert Mondavi even reminds us, "If you go back to the Greeks and Romans, they talk about all three - wine, food, and art - as a way of enhancing life."

Below, a look at some highlights from my time spent living/working in Tuscany at Tenuta di Valgiano.

{Happy faces of the people of Valgiano after a delicious lunch + wine :)}

{View from the winery's villa during sunset. Gorgeous.}

{Pointing out a road sign of the small Tuscan town of Valgiano}

{Enjoying a locally-made dinner in the middle of the estate's wheat field}

{In the foreground- freshly harvested wheat field. Right- the winery estate. Background- breathtaking view of the city of Lucca}

{Some of the best pasta I've had..like, ever. Served with fresh buffalo mozzarella = heaven}

{Full moon over the Tuscan hills}

{The estate also has 4 little pigs, specifically known as "La Cinta"}

All great things must come to an end but here's to new adventures! I can nearly believe it but I begin my first day of work at Jordan Winery in Sonoma this Monday.
I have many more photos from my summer in Europe and will be sharing soon!

Cheers,
B

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Tuscan Dreaming

Ciao from Tuscany! Apologies for hardly any blog updates - I feel like there's so much to share and update I almost feel overwhelmed! It's great over here so far. Yesterday marked week three at the winery here in Lucca. It's been quite the experience here...let's just say my usual phrase is "please, somebody pinch me- I must be dreaming!"

I feel so lucky to be here and never did I imagine my adventures post-graduation to be this great.
Thank you again for all of your kind words and support!

More updates to come, but until then, some iPhone photos of the winery and the Tuscan countryside:

{A look inside the cellar- French oak barrels}

{A Tuscan cutie}

Cheers,

B

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Paris Bound

I'm on my way to Paris and I can't wait! I'll be spending the next couple of weeks in the city of lights with my best friend and her sister. Paris has got to be one of my favorite cities - I've been there several times before with family but this will be my first time experiencing it on my own. If anyone has some must-see places I should hear about, I would love suggestions, be it restaurants, museums, or favorite spots of the city.
Hopefully wifi will be plenty so that more bubbly updates may occur here on the blog!

Cheers,
B

image via 1

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Graduation!! UC Davis -- Class of 2012

{No worries, just me and a cute cow chillin together on graduation day}

I still can't believe I'm saying this but I am now officially a graduate of UC Davis! June 17th marked the day of my commencement ceremony on campus. And it was so good to see my wonderful family and friends who came to support me on the big day. (Thank you again Mom, Dad, Max, John, and Leon for coming!) 

To Davis, I want to say that the past four years have been truly amazing. This place has really shaped my path and helped me to achieve my goals, some of which I had once never anticipated. I was able to study abroad, find (and pursue) my passion, create long-lasting friendships -- and to somehow survive Genetics! 

I vividly remember orientation  the summer before my first year of school.  At that point, I knew I had a good feeling for the charming college town. Everyone was super friendly and supportive. I entered without having actually declared a major, but with my love for sciences I thought it appropriate to explore subjects within Agricultural and Environmental sciences. Maybe I'd switch to Biology and consider Pre-Med, or avoid Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry and just become Man-Econ major. I was even in a class that had me take a Myers-Briggs test that suggested I go into occupational therapy. 

Looking back at where I was and how far I've come these past four years still continues to amaze me. I am now an alum of UC Davis, with a B.S. in Viticulture & Enology. Never did I think Freshman year I'd be saying four years later that I would receive an offer to work at one of the most elite wineries in the United States, on my way to pursue my dream of winemaking. 

Davis, you've been good to me. I'm so glad I chose to study there. I already miss you. But who knows, I might be back to earn a Masters! 

Cheers,

B

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Washington State Wines Made by a Rock Star

{From left: '10 "Kung Fu Girl" Riesling, Charles & Charles Red Blend, and House Red Wine - all from Charles Smith Wines}

Charles Smith of K Vitners makes some great wines. A UC Davis alumnus of the Viticulture & Enology Program and former rock star, Smith ended up settling down in Washington state where he founded his very own K Vitners Winery.  

The other weekend I got together with a small group of V&E friends for another blind tasting.  (I wrote about another blind tasting here). The theme this time was 'Washington and Oregon' wines.  And interestingly enough, out of all the wines from those two states, myself and two others each ended up bringing wines that Charles Smith produced! Smith and his marketing team must be doing something right because his wines really appealed to us twenty-something college students. This week I'd like to focus on his "Kung Fu Girl" Riesling because I really thought it was something special: 

2010 Charles Smith Wines "Kung Fu Girl" Riesling - Columbia Valley

Review Date: 5/28/12

Brooke's Review: Loved it's fruit-forward flavors with just the right amount of sweetness on the palate and a bit of granny smith apple-like acidity perhaps.  Well-balanced and could see this pairing nicely with an array of foods.

Brooke's Rating: B+

Pair With: Spicy Thai or Asian Fusion

90pts, Wine Spectator:

"Vivid, distinctive and immensely appealing for its juicy Winesap apple, apricot and citrus flavors, finishing with zing to balance the sweetness."

What do you think? Do you have any Washington state wines you'd recommend me? 

Cheers,

B

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Bubbly Updates

{Life lately according to my iPhone photos}

Last weekend I flew down to San Diego for my brother's commencement ceremony. I couldn't be happier to see my entire family there and I am so proud of my awesome brother. Watch out world, we have a recent graduate!! 

Below are some snapshots from my iphone. Most of them are through filtered lenses and special effects. I guess you can say I got a little carried away with the fun and quirky Hipstamatic App. ;)

 

{Some post-bubbly celebration -- '99 Perrier Jouet + matching stemware (I'll review this soon!)}

{The recent grad + my beautiful mom}

{Sibling love}

{My dad + me :)}

Hope you had a fantastic weekend! xx

Cheers,

B

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Things to be Bubbly About :)

{Remembering to actually stop and smell the roses}

Despite two midterms (one of which that had a average score of 45%), quizzes and assignments, I'd like to think that the good parts of this week outweigh the lows.
I received my official offer letter for Jordan in the mail just yesterday.  I also found out my official start date for my seasonal employment there - not until August 27th! The news made it really sink in for me and the thought became very real! But I'm very excited and of course will be continuing with this blog (as long as the winery permits) to keep all you posted on my new adventures! Oh, and Randall Graham of Bonny Doon Vineyards (I did a review of his rosé here) came to speak in my wine seminar class this week. It was great - he has a lot of really interesting things to say (more on that in a later post). So, yeah - overall a good week, I'd say.  It is always important to remember that there are many things to be bubbly about. :)
Other highlights:

{A pretty leaf-pattern on my latte makes studying a bit more bearable}

{Top: Beer for our Iron Brew competition in Brew lab. Bottom: My awesome beer-brewing team!}

Have a fabulous weekend. What are you bubbly about?

Cheers,
B

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Crazy About Rosé!

{With the warm weather and the bay breeze in the air, it makes me realize there's nothing better than sipping on a good Rosé on days like these}

The other weekend I went to a Rosé tasting with some friends from the V&E program (short for Viticulture and Enology).  We each arrived to the tasting with a Rosé but were instructed to keep the wine bottle wrapped in the paper bag it came in, so that the label could not be seen.  Then, one by one, each of us blindly tasted each wine. Alongside good company, close friends, and yummy snacks, it was a perfect way to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon. :)

We casually evaluated each wine, comparing each type. Some were Rosés made from Syrah, others Grenache. There was even one made from Malbec grapes. This time I'd like to share with you all the wine I contributed to the tasting, the Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosé, mainly because its the one that I liked the best. And surprisingly enough it was the crowd favorite at the tasting. I have to admit, I have the unfair advantage of asking Davis's local wine expert (owner/buyer of local wine shop) his personal favorite. ;) But I am glad I took his advice...because this one is very special and worth checking out!

{A very great, light, rosé with the most beautiful hue of pale pink. Available here}

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