Author Archives

William S. Shepard, Wine Editor


The Southern Rhone: Undiscovered Wine Treasures and Values

Think you know Rhône wines? What if we told you the Southern Rhône hides some of France’s best-kept wine secrets—at prices that will surprise you? Explore the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered! The Southern Rhône region begins some 45 miles south of the Northern Rhône, and its soils are less severe, producing more ...

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Valentines Day Wines for Your Special Someone

What if the perfect Valentine’s Day wine isn’t just about its price tag, but the memories it brings back? Join us as we explore how the right bottle can elevate your celebration and make your shared moments even more special! It’s not too late to consider Valentine’s Day wines. What makes the wine “special,” though, ...

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Perfect Burgundy Wines to Elevate Your Holiday Dinners

Ever wondered which little-known Burgundy wine could completely transform your holiday dinner? Discover the unexpected choice that’s making waves and how it could be the perfect complement to your festive feast. Some fortunate French Wine Explorer travelers have already tasted the summits of fine Burgundy wines. If you haven’t yet, ...

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French Wine: The Northern Rhone Valley-the Rhone Less Traveled

Think you’ve experienced all French wine regions? What if the Northern Rhône Valley holds hidden gems you’ve been missing? Explore this underrated region and uncover why its wines are a well-kept secret among connoisseurs! The Rhône Valley of France has two wine regions, distinct in the structure and taste of the wines ...

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Bordeaux Winery Tours: Your Calendar To Plan the Best Wine Tour

Did you know that timing your Bordeaux tour with the region’s wine calendar can unlock exclusive experiences most travelers miss? Discover the best-kept secrets of Bordeaux winery tours and how to make your visit unforgettable! Bordeaux Winery Tours Calendar To Plan the Best Wine Tour Few trips are as memorable as a ...

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Saint Emilion Wines: The Best You Need Now

*Please note: pricing may vary since the release of the article a few years ago! Saint Emilion Wines can be pricey, luckily, you can find great values as well.  Here is our shortlist of Saint Emilion wines to include in your collection: Chateau Pavie-Macquin Chateau Figeac Chateau Canon Chateau Beausejour-Becot La Tour Figeac Chateau ...

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What Is the Best Rosé Wine to Drink Now? We’ve Got Answers

Have you heard of a June event called “Rosé Wine Day”? In our Eastern Shore of Maryland region, there are two wine retailers. Both of them featured rosé wines in their weekend promotions, with tastings. And if you were tasting them for the first time, you were in for a surprise. Some of the best […]

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Graves Region: White Wines to Buy Now

Ever dreamed of finding that perfect, refreshing white wine to elevate any occasion? What if the Graves region held the hidden gems you’ve been looking for? Discover the must-have white wines from Graves that bring elegance and freshness to every sip Graves Region: What to Buy Now Bordeaux white wines are nearly always a blend […]

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Armagnac Makes the Perfect Hostess Gift

Looking to impress with a gift that’s as sophisticated as it is memorable? 🎁✨ Imagine arriving with a bottle of Armagnac—the ultimate hostess gift that brings warmth, elegance, and a touch of French tradition. Discover why Armagnac is the perfect way to elevate any gathering! The Perfect Guest Brings Armagnac! You have been invited ...

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St. Emilion Tours: Great Wines of Bordeaux

Have you ever dreamed of wandering through medieval vineyards and tasting wines that define elegance and history? 🍇✨ What if you could immerse yourself in the heart of Bordeaux’s legendary St. Emilion? Discover how our St. Emilion Tour brings this timeless wine experience to life. Wine tours to Bordeaux are not complete without a ...

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Provence Wine Tours: Discover the Rosé Wines of Provence

Did you know that Provence rosé isn’t just a summer wine, but a year-round delight deeply rooted in ancient tradition? Discover why this region’s rosés are unlike any other—and what makes a Provence wine tour the perfect way to experience them!   Provence wine tours allow you to discover a region with beautiful scenery and […]

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Bordeaux Wine and Cheese Pairings Guaranteed to Please!

What are the best Bordeaux wine and cheese pairings?  This is a question often asked, and we wanted to offer you an easy guide to help you when hosting a dinner party or luncheon. Easy wine & cheese combinations: Brie with red St. Emilion wine  Soft ripened Saint Albray cheese with red Bordeaux   Blue […]

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New Years Eve Menus With Perfect Champagne Pairings

Perfect Champagne Pairings For New Years Eve Menus So you have decided to host a festive New Years’ Eve champagne supper. First, choose from a few New Years Eve menus and make sure to pair the food thoughtfully. Then there are still many choices to make, depending on your preference for sweet or dry champagne. […]

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Vouvray Wines: Sweet and Delightful Pairings

Vouvray Pairings for the Main Course: Baked Ham, Chinese or Indian food, Gingered Pork, Butternut squash soup, Peking duck Wine Pairings for Dessert: Goat Cheese, Lemon Meringue Pie, Mince Tarts, Pumpkin Pie It was some years ago–as a member of a group of teenagers bicycling through the Loire Valley–that I discovered ...

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The Best Loire Goat Cheeses and Perfect Wine Pairings

There are 48 kinds of cheese in France with the protected AOC status – and six of them are in the Loire Valley. They go quite well with local wines, and all of them are goat cheeses. Valençay cheese with red Sancerre Crottin de Chavignol with a crisp white Quincy wine Chabichou du Poitou Try […]

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What is Cognac? Your Essential Quick Guide

What is Cognac?  When someone asks you “What is cognac?”  What is the easiest way to differentiate Cognac from brandy or Armagnac, or another spirit? Here is your essential guide to Cognac. Cognac is a brandy, a spirit produced by distilling wine from grapes. Cognac comes from a delimited region of western France, in the ...

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