Somm-ish
Wine, but make it approachable
Now serving Lawrence, Kansas with pop-up wine services, educational classes, and personalized bottle curation.
Not local? No problem. Reach out below and let’s create something long-distance.
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Behind the Bottle
Hi, I’m Jaime. I’m a lifelong lover of all things wine + food. I hold a WSET Level 2 certification and have spent more than a decade exploring wine through travel, tastings, and study — from local shops and tastings to vineyards across the U.S. and iconic regions including Piedmont, Tuscany, Rioja, and Burgundy.
For me, wine is about the moments it creates. A good bottle sparks conversation, sets the vibe, and turns ordinary evenings into memories.
If you’re wine-curious, I’d love to be part of your journey!
Follow along on Instagram
@somm.ish
Planning a wine-focused international trip can feel overwhelming. As I’m currently planning my fourth, this seems like a good time to share some tips… but first, what I DON’T do:
🙅🏻♀️ spend hours researching wineries
🙅🏻♀️ make all of my own tasting appointments
🙅🏻♀️ stress about the cultural tasting etiquette and nuanced differences in each region
My go-to strategy is to focus my research efforts on finding the perfect tour guide. I plan a private, highly personalized tour usually on our second full day in the country. I’m specifically looking for a host who:
+ runs a small, independent business
+ is willing to curate a completely personalized itinerary
+ understands international wine culture, including that of the US (so they can explain local culture in a way we understand)
Once we’ve connected, I give them my priorities in a curated day — e.g., three small wineries, opportunities to meet the winemaker or family, a walk and lunch in a cute wine country town, etc.
(Bonus: They will often make recommendations for winery stops for the rest of your trip that will complement those you’ll experience during your tour.)
Then, I just show up and get immersed in local culture in a way I couldn’t have curated on my own!
A few examples of stand-out experiences:
Piedmonte: @travel_langhe
Rioja: @aitordelgadotours
Burgundy: @terroirsbyadeline
And as I’m planning Mosel / Rheingau 2026, I’m working with @bottlestops and @winekellertravel … and I can’t wait to share the experience here!
Creators - tag your guides you’ve had great experiences with below and we’ll have a collective list!
Save for future planning ✈️
#winetravel #winetasting #eurosummer #europetravel #millenial
Clearly I’m biased, but I thinking kicking off a girls trip with a blind wine tasting is *chef’s kiss*
Shout out to @dadsdrinkwinetoo at @citywinemarket for helping bring the theme (Old World Reds) to life while keeping me blinded too.
Comment “BLIND TASTING” and I’m happy to share my cutie little blind tasting sheets I put together ☺️
#winetasting #girlstrip #momlife #millenialmom
Your relationship with literally everything gets redefined after having kids… your friends, your spouse / partner, your hobbies, your fitness routine, hell even your shoe size (why does no one tell you?!)
As a long-time lover of wine, I’ve had to redefine its place in my life. Like everything else, I’ve kept what serves me and let go of what doesn’t. And on the other side, I’ve somehow found even more appreciation for a good bottle.
Here’s where I’ve landed:
+ moderation (!!!)
+ quality > quantity
+ viewing wine as a lens to culture
+ wine as a centerpiece for travel
+ leaning into wine eduction
+ letting wine complement (and not dominate) conversations, experiences and meals
Sound like something you want to yap more about? Join me @somm.ish 🥂
#getyourpinkback #momlife #millenialmom #wine #postpartum
Yes, momming is hard. Yes, wine is good. But, no, they don’t have to be related.
Join me @somm.ish where I yap about the way I integrate wine into my life as:
+ community
+ my favorite centerpiece for travel
+ conversation
+ best when paired with food (or a good book)
I’m glad you’re here! 🥂
#millenialmom #parenting #momlife #winelover #winetravel
In honor of International Women’s Day, I’m fangirling over @marytaylorwine 🫶🏻
A bit more detail beyond the reel:
Most of her wines are considered “village”, meaning that grapes will be sourced from a single location (named on the bottle). Essentially, they aren’t the entry-level options, but they also won’t be the fancy-schmanciest from that region. The result? A super approachable way to try wines that represent a region at a price you can’t pass up.
I’ll be breaking down her wine labels and some pearls I love about her model a bit more in stories very soon so be sure to follow along!
Tag a woman below that you want to celebrate and let’s cheer each other on 🥂
#girlpower #womensupportingwomen #internationalwomensday #wine #millenialmom
International Women’s Day is this weekend, and this seems like the perfect opportunity to highlight the power of female friendships.
I’m a week removed from our annual-ish girls trip, this year to Key Largo. The itinerary consisted of zero morning alarms, gabbing for hours, poolside binge reading, and 5:15 dinner reservations like the geriatric millennial moms we are… all with wine woven in like little exclamation points:
+ poolside dry rosé
+ aperitif white Bordeax
+ nightcap reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
The only thing I didn’t consume in moderation? Cinnamon rolls and macaroons from @coastalcrumbbythesea because 😮💨
🫶🏻 And just like that, cup full
#internationalwomensday #millenialmom #girlstrip #wine #poolside
Haters won’t agree, but maybe you do?!
For me, wine is…
+ Conversation
+ Epic when paired with the right food
+ Insight to a culture
+ Community
+ A low-stakes opportunity to learn new things
… but you’ll never see me position it as a crutch for momming!
You too? Great, I’m so glad your here 🫶🏻
#momlife #millenialmom #parenting
I vividly remember sitting in my first Wine 101 class years ago and learning the basics of Old vs New World. I have to admit that I was simultaneously excited (the possibilities!) and overwhelmed.
Now, I have such an appreciation for both the creativity in the New World and the nuance + tradition in the Old 🍷
Do you prefer one style over the other? Is there a region or grape you’re excited to explore? Tell me in the comments!
Cheers!
#wineeducation #knowledgeispower #millenialmom #wine
🗣️ Moms can enjoy wine without it being an “escape from parenting” !!
Wine is just a backdrop to conversation, epic meals, and core memories.
Leaning into the challenge of learning about wine is such a surprisingly mindful and light hobby! Join me — link in bio to download my free Sipping Starter Kit (I intended to create a one-page quick guide and it landed at 12 pages 😂). In this resource I cover what to look for when you’re tasting wine, how to read a wine label, pairing wine and cheese, and a little bonus section on sparkling wines because I couldn’t resist 🥂
Cheers!
#momlife #wine #millenialmom #parenting #winetasting
On my mission to empower moms to enjoy and learn about wine in a fun and approachable way, I can’t think of anyone better to partner with than female-founded @socialsommhq 🙌🏼
Link in bio to order!
And follow along over the next few weeks while I highlight the wines in more detail. 👏🏼
#momlife #millenial #mothersday #mothersdaygifts #dadlife
March is Spring Break month, which means you’re likely on “vacation” (aka parenting in an unfamiliar location with none of your usual resources) with your littles. We needed a book + wine pairing to match this adventure / disaster!
This month I’ve collaborated with @books.to.read.on.vacation and requested a book “a mom could read when she’s trying to feel like she’s on vacation but she’s actually working harder than everyday parenting” … and holy smokes did she deliver!
📚: “Nora Goes Off Script” by Annabel Monaghan. Nora is a single mother of two (so many mental load references) and you’ll be obsessively invested in her love story. The writing is so light (but witty!) that you can easily put it down (Mom! I need a snack!) and then jump right back in.
🍷: Even if you’re not actually relaxing, nothing says vacation quite like a dry rosé. As is my nature, I tried a new one from Lebanon as a rec from @citywinemarket. It led with super ripe strawberries and raspberries and finished with beautiful minerality. Need a new dry rosé rec? DM me!
🧀: I’d love to suggest a fancy cheese pairing … but we all know you’ll be munching on the crust you cut off their PB&J and a side of goldfish crackers.
Happy reading, sipping and Spring Break surviving! 🫡
#momlife #springbreak #parenting #bookstagrammer #winepairing
You’ll see no references to “Mommy Juice” here.
My recent getaway with some of my nearest and dearest friends (who are also moms) was the perfect mix of gabbing over charcuterie, poolside reading binges and early dinner reservations… all with wine woven in like little exclamation points.
Stick around and let’s talk more about how wine can fit in your life in a fun, educational and approachable way 🥂
#momlife #girlsgetaway #wine #parenting #champagne
The Rhône Valley — so easy to love, so hard to understand!
My tasting group recently did a Rhône deep dive, so I’m bringing you the TL;DR…
NORTHERN RHÔNE — produces world-class Syrah (grape). Beautiful structure with lots of black fruit and some spicy / peppery notes. The labels will just say the name of the cru (village with major wine status). Look for:
🍷 Hermitage
🍷 Crozes-Hermitage
🍷 Côte Rôtie
SOUTHERN RHÔNE — amazing GSM blends, or blends of Grenache, Syrah + Mourvèdre (plus some other grapes sometimes). More variability in the fruit flavors and really nice balance. There is bit more nuance to the classification system here… in order from most simple to more controlled (and therefore cheaper to more expensive) look for labels that say:
🍷 Côtes du Rhône
🍷 Côtes du Rhône Villages
🍷 Gigondas
🍷 Vacqueyras
🍷 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Save this post for your next trip to the wine shop — be sure to try something new!
#wine #winetasting #rhone #wineshop #wineeducation
Bottles over beauty, who’s with me?!
@citywinemarket is organized by body of the wine (e.g., light, medium, full). I love this because it really lets me explore new styles based on my preferences at the time.
Other popular wine shop organization strategies include by the region and by the grape. What other strategies have you seen and what’s your favorite? Tell me in the comments!
#wine #wineshop #momlife #winetasting #shopping
I said what I said!
Yes, momming is HARD. Yes, wine is good. But, no, they don’t have to be related.
I’m on a mission to empower busy, wine-curious moms (honestly, women in general) to enjoy wine the way I do — for the community, culture, and conversations it creates. But you’ll never see me position it as a crutch for real life!
Thoughts?!
#wine #momswhodrinkwine #winedinner #momlife #parenting
Wax-dipped bottles — so aesthetic but a bit confusing!
I find it super helpful to soften the wax under warm water for just a bit. This optional step is especially key if you’re serving your wine at optimal temps (see linked reel!)
Then you literally open it right through the wax — easy peasy! A simple waiters corkscrew (like I use here) is going to be the best option.
Cheers!
#wine #winebottle #winetips #cheers #momswhodrinkwine
‼️First, let’s set the record straight — the darker color does not mean sweeter!
Without packing too much into one post… keep in mind that rosé wines are (often, not always) made from the same grapes as red wine. The color comes from the grape skins during fermentation — the part that gives red wines their color and structure.
So, the deeper color likely means more body and grip than a pale rosé. (And, honestly, it’s a color made for Galentine’s!)
Tavel (region, southern France) is a rosé wine with major backbone. So, it can stand up to all the amazingness on your charcuterie board without overpowering it. Not many wines can do that!
Pro tip: don’t serve too chilled! It will taste totally flat.
Cheers!
#galentine #charcuterie #rosé #wine #valentines
February’s @somm.ish Book + Wine Pairing is the perfect way to stay cozy this time of year!
📚: “My Husband’s Wife” by Alice Feeney. This thriller had a hold on me from the first page! Eden Fox returns home from a run to find her key doesn’t open her house and a woman is claiming to be Eden — and her husband is going along with it?!
🍷: Snag something layered, dark, and grippy with this one. I landed on a blend of Petit Verdot and Tannat (both have majorly grippy tannins)… but you could easily sub a big Cabernet Sauvignon here.
🧀: Snack on some Manchego, the more aged the better.
Happy reading (and sipping)!
#bookstagram #wineandcheese #wine #momswhoread #winepairing
I had my *first ever* orange wine (also called “skin-contact”) last weekend and I think my brain is still processing the experience. Seriously so funky!
The jury is still out on whether I’m a fan or not… but I can certainly say food made a huge impact. I tried it twice with two different meals and had vastly different impressions:
👎🏼 I opened it alongside firecracker shrimp and the spice with the surprising tannins in the wine were a generally bad combo. The unique fruit flavors were muted and I mostly tasted tea.
👍🏼 After trying it, I planned a super simple dinner and gave it another shot. Whole chicken roasted with all the herbs, lemon slices, and onions served with broccoli and garlic rice. Nailed it! I’m not sure any other wine would have blended so perfectly here.
Thanks for coming along for my little experiment! Did you learn anything with me? What are your thoughts on orange wine?!
#wine #orangewine #winepairings #cheers #cookingwithwine
I was never the same after I had Kansas City burnt ends (IYKYK) + Zinfandel.
KC BBQ sauce (sweet-but-savory, bold, and sticky) is a dream with Zinfandel (jammy, a bit of licorice and pepper).
Here, I’m enjoying a Primitivo — this is Zinfandel but from Italy (because I’m an old world girlie!). Same grape, distinct differences… but TL;DR is that the ripe fruit used in a California Zinfandel is the best way to test this pairing.
To make it a Somm-ish Super Simple Pairing, pictured here is sweet potato fries I threw in the oven and dipped in @q39kc sauce. However, feel free to go wild with all the meat options!
#wine #winepairing #kcbbq #burntends
“Don’t save the good bottles” could totally be a life mantra, amiright?
But no metaphor needed when it comes to wine — we can use this concept quite literally! Most wine available on the market is produced for immediate (or at least soon-ish) consumption.
There’s certainly a place for aging wine, but in my experience, aging without a plan rarely works out. I’d hate to admit how many bottles we’ve stashed for “the right occasion” just to find they’re past their prime when poured🤦🏻♀️
So — open that bottle. If you want to make it feel a bit elevated, let’s talk about a super simple food pairing!
What bottle are you saving (that maybe you shouldn’t be)? Tell me in the comments!
#wine #cheers #winetasting #winebottle
My obsession with Northern Italian wine is real… and I’m not sure anyone in Lawrence serves ‘em better than @pane.vino.ks 🍷
Our pairing dinner for @eatlawrence Restaurant Week was 10/10!
1️⃣ Roasted beet tarter + 2016 Barbaresco
2️⃣ Hazelnut-crusted lamb chops + 2021 Barolo
3️⃣ Torte di nicciole + 2017 Recioto della Valpolicella (my first ever!)
#wine #winepairing #restaurantweek #lfk #eatlawrence
A very @somm.ish pairing:
Step 1: Pop Champagne
Step 2: Open a bag of sea salt kettle chips
I’m all about super simple pairing opportunities to level up basic moments — and this is one of my favs!
Why?
1️⃣ The bright acidity in Champagne complements the fat of kettle chips
2️⃣ The salt of the chips accentuates the fruit flavors in Champagne
3️⃣ Bubbles love the major crunch factor in kettle chips
(This pairing is 🤌🏼 with *real* Champagne but also works great with Crémant, Cava, or English sparkling wines!)
Have you tried it?!
#winepairing #wine #cheers #girldinner #momlife
It’s no secret that your sense of smell impacts the way you interpret taste, and wine is no exception.
But should you taste the same things that you smell?
Short answer: yes and no!
👍🏼 The flavors you taste often mirror those you smell (see my previous post on primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas for a refresher!)
👎🏼 Frequently, though, you’ll pick up on subtle (or even more obvious) differences. Sometimes it’s as minor as how ripe the fruit smells vs tastes. Sometimes you’ll notice new fruits (e.g., you smelled strawberries but taste cranberries). Maybe you smelled vanilla but taste cedar. You get the drift!
🤯 Keep in mind that the ‘flavors’ are separate from structural components like acidity, sweetness, and tannins. (If I’ve confused you, stick around! We’ll get there!)
Cheers!
#wine #winetasting #wineeducation #momswholikewine #cheers
Stick with me for a second here…
1️⃣
Wines that are served too cold taste flat.
Wines that are served too warm lose structure.
2️⃣
Optimal temp for whites is high 40s - low 50s °F
Optimal temp for reds is high 50s - low 60s °F
3️⃣
Your fridge is set at 38°F
Room temp is close to 70°F
See the problem?!
Luckily the solution is super simple! Just pop your reds INTO the fridge for about 20 minutes to cool down a bit. Take your whites (and rosés and bubbles) OUT OF the fridge for about 20 minutes to warm up. Easy peasy!
Cheers!
#wine #momswhodrinkwine #cheers #winefridge #winetemperature
This sounds ridiculous, but there’s something about this process that is so mindful!
A few minutes not thinking about [insert mental load list here] and shifting to something essentially irrelevant (naming smells in wine) totally calms my nervous system in a way that has nothing to do with alcohol.
Let me know what you learned and what you’d like to see next. Cheers! 🍷
#wine #winetasting #winenotes #cheers #momswholikewine
Next time you’re pouring some bubbles, consider leaving the flutes stashed and reach for a tulip or white wine glass instead.
🍾 Why? The aromas of sparkling wines (think citrus, apple, brioche, toast…) are just as important as when you’re drinking still wines. The narrow flutes mute the smell and you essentially miss half of the sipping experience! Beyond that, regular glasses can also enhance mouthfeel and texture.
For aesthetics (everyone loves the visual of those bubbles rising!) consider some tulip-shaped glasses. But — like I did here — any white wine glasses will do.
Cheers! 🥂
#sparklingwine #champagne #wine #cheers
January @somm.ish book + wine pairing is here!
📚: “The Women” by Kristin Hannah — If you asked me, I would probably say historical fiction isn’t my thing, but I always love them (think “Lessons in Chemistry”). This is a long read, but fast-faced, deep, and makes you feel all the feels.
🍷: Petite Sirah — Expect a full-bodied (literally the opposite of petite) and tannic (dry) red wine with with lots of nice black fruit (blackberries, black plums, black cherries). I snagged a stunner from Paso Robles but another good option may be a Petite Sirah from Lodi, CA. Just ask for a rec at your local wine shop!
🧀: I taste-tested this with aged Gouda and couldn’t stop snacking (10/10!). Also, in the most un-bougie pairing ever I also tried it with summer sausage we had in the fridge and it worked perfectly.
Indulge solo or take this pairing to your next book club! Don’t forget to tag me along the way.
(And, friendly reminder that audiobooks totally count!)
#bookstagram #booksandwine #bookclub #momswhoread #wine
Bubbles on a budget! A bit of comparing and contrasting…
🍾 All three types of sparkling wines featured here are made the same way as Champagne (Traditional Method) — in contrast to wines like Prosecco that are made differently
🍞 These will all have less bready notes / creaminess than Champagne, but the lowest of these vibes will usually be Crémant and the highest Cap Classique
🍇 California and South African bubbles will be made from (mostly) grapes similar to Champagne, but Crémant de Loire is 100% Chenin Blanc amazingness
If I’m too late for your NYE wine stock-up, save for your next party!
Cheers! 🥂
#champagne #wine #nye #sparklingwine #nyebubbles
If I lost you at ‘swirl’ during my recent ‘sniff-swirl-sniff’ reel, this one’s for you!
Pro tip: no more than 2-3 ounces of wine in the glass! Anymore makes for a nearly impossible swirl.
Option 1: Air Swirl — here, you basically just tilt the glass to get the wine moving and you’re off! Practice makes perfect.
Option 2: Table Swirl — use the surface in front of you as a stable base to swirl from. Zero shame in this method!
Option 3: Hybrid Swirl — once you’ve got a good table swirl, try lifting it up and keep it going. I lived here for a looooong time!
Remember, the goal is just to get oxygen into the wine and release all the amazing scents and flavors. As long as you do that, you’re a pro in my book!
Cheers! 🍷
#wine #winetasting #swirlyourwines #cheers
@ibringthewine asked me what wine I would recommend for that wine-curious mama trying to find fun integrating wine into her hectic life 🤔
🍇 Spoiler alert: I suggested a Pinot Noir from Sonoma. Nicely balanced but leads with approachable ripe fruit.
How did I do?!
#wine #momlife #sommish #winerecommendation #pinotnoir
First and foremost, this is super low-pressure so don’t overthink it! Personally, it’s a fun little ritual to shift my brain away from the Mental Load (capitalized because IYKYK) to something low-stakes.
1️⃣ Smell — Before you test your swirl skills, give your glass a sniff. Things you can think about here: How intense is the smell? What jumps out first? Does it smell good (yay!) or bad (maybe damaged)?
2️⃣ Swirl — It doesn’t need to be pro-level. Your goal is just to get oxygen into the wine and release all the layers of amazing smells!
3️⃣ Smell — With the second smell, you should notice both more intensity of smells from that first sniff as well as some new ones. (If not, it could be a damaged wine red flag.) Again, low pressure, just think about how things changed from the first smell.
If this isn’t your usual first-glass approach, give it a go and let me know what you learn!
Cheers!
#winetasting #cheers #wine #winelover #momlife
Represented my OG favorite stop in Napa Valley while chatting with @ibringthewine recently!
Not only is the wine at @obrienestate fantastic, but the hosts always make the tasting an experience — long, leisurely, and so unpretentious. 10/10 recommend!
#napavalley #chardonnay #wine #instagramlivestream
Side-by-side tasting of Willamette Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir? Say less.
I’m obsessed with the terroir-first culture that is Willamette Valley, and @martin_woods_winery is such a top notch representation.
Thanks @citywinemarket for the invite, @drkp22 for being my date, @vintegrity for hosting, and @martin_woods_winery for the beautiful pours🍷
#winetasting #willamettevalley #pinotnoir #chardonay
🗣️ PSA: Moms (honestly, women in general) can enjoy wine without it being positioned as an escape from life or parenting stressors.
Did anything I said resonate with you? Tag a mom who can relate — I’d love to continue this conversation. ⬇️
Thank you to @ibringthewine for the opportunity to sound off about this topic that I could clearly talk about for daysssss.
#sommformoms #wine #instagramlivestream
Once a week or so, the kids eat dinner a bit early and get to go watch a movie. My husband and I take this opportunity for a mini date night in!
With our endless to-do lists (especially this time of year!) we try to find low-stress ways to make a simple dinner feel elevated.
One of my favorite ways to do this is the spicy food + (slightly) sweet wine combo. Here, I added tuna pokê bowls to the cart from @sprouts and snagged a Mosel (region, Germany) Riesling with a bit of sweetness to complement the spice (trust me, it’s magical).
How to pick a Riesling with just-right sweetness though? First, ask the person working at the wine shop — they will be thrilled to help! Outside of that, German wine labels can feel confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out the sweetness level of what’s inside. My pro tip? Check the ABV. Usually, the lower the alcohol, the higher the sweetness.
Heres what I look for:
Above 11.5% - I expect a dry wine
8-10% - my usual sweet spot for a spicy food pairing
Prost! 🥂
Gifting wine to your favorite holiday hostess? Here’s my crowd-pleasing quick guide:
Sparkling: English bubbles!… This is a fun conversation starter because English sparkling wines are certainly up-and-coming. They are made in the ‘traditional method’ + are packed with the same acidity as Champagne thanks to the super cool climate.
White: Consider Chablis… white wine lovers often take a strong stance for or against Chardonnay. Chablis (region, France) is 100% Chardonnay but made with none of the techniques that give the oak and butter vibes. It’s a win-win!
Red: Go with Côtes du Rhône Villages for a beautifully balanced old world blend that is just a tad elevated when you ensure it is ‘villages’.
Cheers and Happy Holidays! 🎄
Things got a bit more festive around here this weekend! 🎄
Crémant de Bourgogne is a sparkling wine from Burgundy — just south-ish of Champagne. If you’re not a huge sparkling wine connoisseur (🙋🏻♀️) CdB can be a great bang-for-your-buck option for a few reasons:
1️⃣ Burgundy produces world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, two of the main grapes used to produce Champagne
2️⃣ CdB is made in the same way as Champagne (the ‘traditional method’) but without as many legal restrictions — majorly lowering the price.
3️⃣ Burgundy’s climate is a bit warmer so you can expect riper fruits + a moderating effect on the high acidity some people dislike in Champagne.
This bottle was a gift from our Airbnb hosts @beaunesweethome while staying in Beaune, France (wonderful apartment - cozy and perfectly located) and was perfect for holiday tree trimming!
Cheers! 🥂
Vanilla and leather and dried fruit and coconut — oh my!
Winemakers in Rioja pride themselves on perfectly aging their wines before release, often in new American oak barrels.
Tempranillo (the primary grape in Rioja) isn’t too much of anything (AKA medium body, acid, and tannins). The result? Perfect balance with toasty oak influence (and basically the literal best indoor fireside wine).
But… winter in Kansas is just starting so I’ll need to add some variety! Sound off below: What’s your go-to indoor fireside wine?!
#wine #rioja #fireside
Introducing… Somm-ish: A little bit sommelier, a little bit “let’s make wine feel fun and easy.”
Somm-ish is the blend of my long-time love of wine and my renewed obsession with being a Kansas girl again.
🍷 Over the years, I’ve explored wine both near and far, falling in love with the way wine expresses culture. More recently, I wrapped up my WSET 2 to solidify myself as a wine nerd.
🌻And, after 13 years in Dallas, my husband and I felt the pull to bring our kids back home to Kansas. I expected to feel excited, but I didn’t expect to feel whole again. (Dorothy might’ve been onto something!)
I’m currently seeking ways to create community, spark curiosity, and make wine feel fun and approachable … especially locally in LFK and KC, but with room for virtual adventures too.
🔗 Wine-curious? Wanna collaborate? Connect at link in bio!
#lfk #wine #womeninwine
100% stand by our decision to pop into @massfishhouse for a Tuesday date night (clutch during a holiday week!)
🍾 2022 E. Guigal Condrieu: Condrieu AOC (region - Northern Rhône, France) is 100% Viognier (grape - full bodied, medium acidity, lots of floral notes with ripe stone fruit and pear)… Not a typical fish house pairing, but the weather called for something with a bit more body and character.
🦪 Started with oysters (always!), ahi tuna nachos (life-changing), seared scallops (the rosewater + herbs were such a vibe with the Condrieu), finished with apple cake (!!!)
Thanks for the hospitality, @massfishhouse !
#datenight #oysters #wine
We’ve been saving this gem for well over a decade for a ‘special occasion’ … that turned out to be a Friday night reel recording 😂
@whiteroseestate was the reason we fell in love with Willamette Valley and this bottle certainly didn’t disappoint even after all this time!
Are you team fresh and vibrant Pinot Noir or do you cellar those age-worthy bottles?!
#pinotnoir #willamettevalley #wine #winetasting #tastewithme #cheers
The little roundup of bottles from the past few months is nothing if not eclectic! 🍷 🥂
1️⃣ 2023 @wild.duck.creek.estate ‘White Duck’: A super unique white blend (Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, + Viognier) recommended by @dadsdrinkwinetoo at @citywinemarket. The tasting notes on this Australian warm climate blend just kept going, but those worth mentioning = tons of ripe stone fruit and citrus, dill, sourdough, coconut, and a touch of fennel. Wow!
2️⃣ 2018 @calaiswinery Tannat: We picked up this bottle from a trip to Texas Hill Country in 2021 (PSA: @benjamin.calais is doing super cool work near Fredericksburg!) Super grippy (sandy?) tannins with cooked black fruit, black licorice, cherry pie, and leather.
3️⃣ @louisbouillotofficial Grande Reserve Crémant de Bourgogne Brut: Snagged by @drkp22 on a wine shop recommendation for quality bubbles at a decent price point, Crémant de Bourgogne would be a great way to kick off Thanksgiving celebrations!
4️⃣ 2021 @anysbos_ ‘Tesame’: Light-bodied blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Cinsault, this South African wine was perfect for closing out summer. Red fruits, herbs and spices with medium tannins and acidity… Basically my favorite flavor and structure combo right now!
5️⃣ 2019 @aonair_wine Heritage Clone Grenache Blend: Such an interesting bottle! The nose led with all the oak influence (toasty vanilla) and the palate gave major strawberry jam. Combined with low tannins and acidity, this was like drinking a strawberry s’more (if that’s not a thing it should be!)
Cheers!
#wine #redblend #whiteblend #sparklingwine #cheers #whatimdrinking #sommish
Your girl passed WSET 2 with distinction! 🤓
Learning is part experience and part scholastic. For me, it takes a bit of both for knowledge to really integrate.
I’ve been learning wine by experience (I’ve visited 9 wine regions in 4 different countries) for more than a decade. Connecting the dots by diving into wine academically with @napavalleywineacademy was so fulfilling!
Cheers to exciting wine adventures ahead! 🥂
#sommish #wsetlevel2 #wine #cheers #bubbles
Happy Beaujolais season to all who celebrate!
I love all the well-deserved attention that Beaujolais gets this time of year. Beaujolais (region) is located just south of Burgundy in France and is known for its world-class production of Gamay (grape).
🍇 In November, ‘Beaujolais Nouveau’ is released just in time for Thanksgiving. This version of Gamay is fun, light-bodied, juicy, and ready to be consumed young. Packed with acidity, it pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving meals.
🍷 In my glass is Fleurie AOC (region within Beaujolais). Still Gamay, but produced from grapes with a bit more depth and aging potential. Medium in body, this one was silky smooth with ripe fruit and tons of violet.
Although it would have paired beautifully alongside plenty of dishes, I snagged this from @citywinemarket with the intention to sip it solo and let it shine. ✨
Is Beaujolais on-deck for your Thanksgiving celebrations?!
#beaujolais #thanksgiving #wine #thanksgivingwine #sommish #cheers #gamay
Even standing outside the vineyard this close to Grand Cru Chardonnay vines felt like a pinch-me moment.
But why all the fuss about these grapes?
Vines do their best work when they are given just the right amount of what they need while feeling a bit stressed (honestly, same!)… In Burgundy this can be super-simplified to a couple factors:
1️⃣ Located on a hillside at a just-right (almost the top but not quite) location. This means the vines aren’t getting too much water and are feeling a bit stressed, lowering the yield and improving the quality of the harvest.
2️⃣ Facing south for maximal sunlight and warmth, especially late in the growing season as the grapes are ripening.
Grand Cru vineyards are the lucky few with a perfect combination!
Cheers! 🍷
#wine #sommish #burgundy #chardonnay #grandcru #borgogne #cheers
Two weekends in a row we’ve reached for a bottle from one of our favorite small-production wineries, @paixsurterrewines … so this seems like a great opportunity to highlight the team with the actual coolest bottle labels everrrrr.
Paso Robles AVA is everything you’d want from a New World (read: not European) wine region. Winemakers here are progressive, creative, and non-traditional. Known for world-class Rhône varietals (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre among others), Paso Robles has a warm climate, producing bottles that pack a lot more punch than their Rhône counterparts. Think tons of ripe (almost cooked) fruit flavors and no shortage of oak.
@thepeaseman (winemaker @paixsurterrewines ) is, in my experience, one of the most creative winemakers in Paso Robles. He’s known for atypical and interesting blends and single varietals (like the Graciano + Mourvèdre in this post). Pro tip: his whites have a cult following so snag one early after release!
Fun fact: everyone I’ve recommended this visit to has joined the wine club! Also, for the record, I beat @jmanpt at bocce ball over a bottle of Picpoul in 2019 during a stop at Paix Sur Terre 😏
Is Paso Robles on your to-visit list?!
Cheers! 🍷
Shout out to the real MVPs (grandparents) for keeping the kiddos so we could check this big one off our date night list 🥂
The Chef’s Counter at @sablekitchenbar is a 5-course prix fixe experience, complete with a front row view of the chefs - who then walk around the counter to present main courses. With two wine pairings (a solid Blanc de Blanc to start and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles with our to-die-for duck dish), we didn’t have to make any hard decisions!
Moving recently from Dallas, we were a tad nervous about the dining scene in LFK… but we’ve been so pleasantly surprised! Quality and vibes are top notch, but the real standout is the intentional intertwining of all things local (like the focaccia from @wheatfieldsbkry in the second course).
Now taking suggestions for our next date night adventure!
#girldinner perfection, amiright?!
During our annual fall baking extravaganza, @drkp22 and I noshed on this dip (pear + prosciutto whipped goat cheese) and Vouvray AOC (100% Chenin Blanc, medium in body with notes of honeydew, pear, yellow apple, apricot, and honey) combo from @stephthesommelier 🤌🏼
10/10 fall perfection, no notes!
Cheers!
#wine #fallbaking #winepairing #girldinner #tradition #sommish #wineanddip
I absolutely adore Rioja DOCa 🇪🇸
We brought this gem home from @alutiz_vinos_enoturismo when we visited La Rioja in 2024. (Zero regrets on the wine suitcase purchase for the record!)
When you see Rioja on the label of a red wine, you can bet it’s mostly Tempranillo perhaps with some blending with Garnacha and other local grapes.
As far as a classification system, you’ll want to find the small label that looks like the third slide in this carousel. To know what to expect from the bottle, you can just Google the word in all caps (here, “Cosecha”). These give hints on aging and winemaker choices.
We learned quickly while in Spain that they prefer not to consider this system a ‘ranking’ but more of a description. As in, a Gran Reserva is not better than a Crianza, just made to be consumed differently. I loved this concept - it goes perfectly with my “different wines for different vibes” mentality!
🍇 Fun fact about this wine: it was made using carbonic maceration (like a Beaujolais) and no time in oak. As a result, the nose and palate was bursting with ripe (almost cooked) black and red fruits with low to medium tannins and acidity.
A Tempranillo with Beaujolais vibes is basically made for fall 🍂
Cheers!
Confession:
I’ll usually pass right over the sweet wine section of the wine shop 🙅🏻♀️
The exception? Pairing with spicy dishes! This “spicy + sweet” suggestion is a fun twist to typical pairing advice that encourages like food with like wine (e.g., the classic Cabernet Sauvignon with steak situation).
The residual sugar in this Mosel Riesling from Germany cools down (rather than competes) with our spicy sushi take-out. Equally as important, it’s super high in acidity to maintain structure and complement the delicate fish.
I didn’t know I could love sushi night any more, but here we are!
Cheers!
#sommish #sushi #riesling #winepairing #cheers
Cue the overwhelm!
I always ask my server or the sommelier for suggestions, even when I’m pretty sure I know what I want (because hey, they might throw me a delicious curveball!)
Here’s my three-part framework on what to say when asking for wine advice at dinner:
⤵️Give some direction - as broad as grapes you like/don’t like or as specific as a region you’re considering.
🍝Talk food - what’s hitting the table? They’ll need to know so they can pair it well.
💰Set a price range - point to a number on the list if you’d rather not say it out loud. They’ll get the hint!
It sounds a bit like this all together: “I’d love some help picking a bottle! I’m leaning towards something medium-bodied and French, but I’m totally open to your input. We plan to share a few things from each section of the menu, so something that pairs well with the majority of the food would be great. I’m comfortable with anything right around this price range.”
Pro tip: Order an aperitif 🥂 while you browse. It instantly feels like the dinner party has started and takes the pressure off!
PS - @le_charlemagne._ in Burgundy was 10/10!
#cheers #sommish #michelinstars #winelist #wine #lecharlemagne
There, I fixed it 😏
If you’re not quite ready to give up rosé with the changing season, fear not!
While Provence-style rosé (pale, dry, refreshing) is certainly having a well-deserved moment, styles with more color intensity transition well into autumn vibes 🍁 🍂
The deeper color can come from a variety of different winemaking choices. Regardless, more color intensity does NOT necessarily mean sweeter! It may just mean a different structure accompanying the refreshing red fruit and acidity.
Pictured here:
☝🏼: Chateau Routas Cotes De Provence Rosé (heavily Grenache blended with other typical Rhône grapes)
✌🏼: Mary Taylor Agenais Rosé (mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a dash of Cabernet Franc)
Both snagged from @citywinemarket in #LKF
Cheers!
My obsession with Italian wines dates back to 2015 (swipe to see Sangiovese on the vine from our trip to Chianti 😍 - also how has it been a decade?!)
🐓 To be labeled a Chianti Classico Riserva, the wine will be mostly Sangiovese (grape) and must have aged for at least 24 months between the barrel and the bottle before release. Also, you’ll see the Chianti region’s famous mascot, a black rooster, on the bottle. The label name + rooster combo means you can consistently expect a 🔥 bottle of wine!
What to expect: ripe red and dried fruits (cherry, plum) with layers of cedar, smoke, tobacco, and leather. Medium to full bodied with high tannins and acidity
Cheers! 🍷
98.3% of moms choose some version of pizza for their birthday dinner solely so everyone eats without complaining. (Ok, I made that up but it’s got to be accurate!)
Mine consisted of homemade pizza rolls cooked on the @blackstone and a 🤌🏼 bottle of Chianti Classico Riserva from @citywinemarket
Cheers to an exciting year ahead!
#birthdaywine #sommish #chianti #wine #cheers #blackstonegriddle #italianwi
Fun fact:
In Burgundy (specifically, the Côte de Beaune) many tasting rooms served their reds (delicate, earthy Pinot Noir) BEFORE the whites (complex, layered Chardonnay) 🤯
I’ll admit, I was a total sceptic at first… but it worked beautifully and really allowed each varietal to shine during the tasting experience.
Can anyone weigh in with other wine regions that approach tastings similarly?! ⬇️
#winetasting #sommish #burgundy #pinotnoir #chardonnay #bourgogne
Véraison
Loosely meaning “change of color”, it is the time when grapes transition from growing ➡️ ripening and start to take on all the colors and structural components (acidity, tannins, etc) that you know and love about each varietal.
🍇 Pictured here = Pinot noir in the Côte de Beaune
👀 Peep that limestone soil that will add minerality and a complex finesse to your glass
brb, going to pour one now! 🍷
#bourgogne #sommish #pinotnoir #burgundy #véraison
Brought this gem home from our trip to Bourgogne!
@armandheitz Pernand-Vergelesses 2021 - In the most simplest terms, this is a white wine from Burgundy - which means it is likely Chardonnay (it is!)… but very different from the highly oaked and “buttery” versions (e.g., Napa Valley) you may be more familiar with. This one had notes of white peach, green and yellow apple, and citrus with a hint of creamy / bready undertones (the combo was giving key lime pie or lemon meringue 🤤).
It paired beautifully with shrimp scampi over linguine! 🤌🏼
Cheers!
#sommish #winepairings #bourgogne #whiteburgundy #datenight #wine
While staying in Beaune, we spent a day with @terroirsbyadeline and my palate will never be the same 😮💨
Between visiting the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, Adeline invited us to her “lab” (AKA the cutest kitchen space adjacent to her outdoor garden) and taught us all things Bourgogne food+wine.
Our experience was completely customized (she clearly heard me when my sole request was wine and more wine!). My food/vibe pictures don’t do it justice, so do yourself a favor and check out photos on @terroirsbyadeline
10/10 recommend!
#bourgogne #pinotnoir🍷 #chardonney #grandcru #terriorsbyadeline #sommish #winetasting
The wine + charcuterie were great, the conversation and laughs were better 🫶🏻
1️⃣ Denizot Sancerre Rouge 2022 - bright red fruits and solid acidity balanced perfectly by the goat cheese + cranberries + prosciutto
2️⃣ Finca Decero Malbec 2022 - dark fruits and peppery notes (green pepper + black pepper) that popped alongside both of the salamis
3️⃣ Château Boutisse Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2020 - so much structure! (Definitely could be laid down for several more years) … Once it opened up a bit, it was a dream with the bleu cheese and fig
Cheers! 🍷
#blindwinetasting #bordeaux #sancerre #argentinamalbec #girlsnight #sommish #wine
📍 Beaune, France
A dream of a European wine country village in the heart of Bourgogne (aka Burgundy, I’m looking at you Pinot Noir and Chardonnay lovers 👀)
I know this is basically a sin as an American traveling to Europe, but I’m terrible at remembering to take pictures 😬… you’ll usually find me strolling, siping, and experiencing with my phone tucked away.
Stay tuned for some posts attempting to fit our favorite adventures on this little grid! 🍷
#burgundywine #bourgogne #pinotfordays #sommish #france🇫🇷 #wine #eurosummer
My first chance to try a sparkling wine from West Sussex did NOT disappoint. (Thanks for the rec, @citywinemarket !)
Made in the “Méthode Traditionalle” (aka just like Champagne) this bubbly blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Munier was 100% delicious with all the green fruits over a subtle layer of biscuit 🤌🏼
Perhaps unpopular opinion, but I’m team “regular wine glass” for bubbles. Sparkling wines deserve to be swirled and sniffed too! Thoughts? 👇🏼
Sparkling wines should be served in…
Nothing subtle about this one. South Australian Shiraz doing what it does best: huge fruit, giant tannins, unapologetic energy.
It feels like a total blast from the past - this one was a fav circa 2013 when my only wine preference was “the bigger the better”. With a bit more refined palate these days (read: I’m old), it honestly is nicely balanced if you can handle the size. 🥊
@mollydookerwines #shiraz #sommish #wine #bigwineenergy #lakeweekend #girlsgetaway
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![This sounds ridiculous, but there’s something about this process that is so mindful!
A few minutes not thinking about [insert mental load list here] and shifting to something essentially irrelevant (naming smells in wine) totally calms my nervous system in a way that has nothing to do with alcohol.
Let me know what you learned and what you’d like to see next. Cheers! ?
#wine #winetasting #winenotes #cheers #momswholikewine](https://scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/610264770_17861047371568319_2456246420098275383_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=7v4Q3EJHfB8Q7kNvwEJ430J&_nc_oc=AdrYIZ9n3ABxB-NBrEYoe-l3wnJsyqTBlNb0G5X0uGGNN1L5cPzFT4jXQce0_0rBt8A&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=z3rRs44Hca-XpmYhfxfLew&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGpb6qCWYX47fPt7bgBfIq3D8APxqP2mazPLabUWHHHYZIO4N62UCCD5_EwGUemgFVp35xIVHHZtg&oh=00_AfyYQjDsTcW5zw6YJWQBmRwXtREo-penlI8rWqFfz0-nZw&oe=69C78ABF)











































