Somm-ish

Fresh air in vineyards could heal me, ya know? @winekellertravel curated our favorite day in the Rheingau region of Germany, bopping along the Rhine River between wineries with a quaint little stop for lunch. Follow along for a deep dive into my top winery stops! #winetravel #winetasting #millenialtravel #ebikeadventures

I haven’t opened a single bottle we brought home from our trip to Germany, but this post makes me reeeeeeeally want to 🙃 #winetravel #winetasting #wineeducation #europeanwinetrip #rieslinglover

We wanted to create something for that perfect summer-to-fall transition: laid-back, approachable in price, and leaning into the ambiance that is Spaghetti Western at Randelwood Estates (IYKYK). Join us for California Gold Rush on Thursday, September 10th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. During this come-and-go tasting, I’ll be pouring a lineup of California “hidden gems” (think lesser-known regions + unexpected grape varieties) while you relax around the Randelwood property with family and friends. After the tasting, stick around and grab a glass of your favorite. And in this case, the early bird gets the… wine.  Tickets are just $22 through August 31, then prices go up September 1. 🔗 Invite your friends and grab your tickets at my link in bio! Hope to see you there! #winetasting #lawrenceks #lfk #explorelawrence #wine

Without even touching on the actual earning and redemption mechanics of all things points + miles, here are a few tips I’ve learned planning international wine trips… 1️⃣ Plan WAY in advance. Airlines usually open their flight calendars about 11–12 months out, and that’s when I’ve had the best luck at finding good points availability without a ton of stress. 2️⃣ Be flexible! On literally everything. Timing of your trip, destination, airport, etc. The more flexible you are, the more options you’ll have. 3️⃣ Consider “repositioning” to the East Coast. You might book your points flight from JFK to Paris, for example, and then book a separate flight from your home airport to JFK. From our small-ish home airport of MCI (Kansas City) this is basically non-negotiable. 4️⃣ Search business class. Because why not? Lounge access, priority boarding, checked bags, elevated food and drinks, and lie-flat seats. For us, it makes it feel like the trip starts the minute we get to the airport. What tips would you add?! #winetravel #pointsandmiles #businessclass #winecountry #millenialtravel

I’ve been perfecting this for years, so stick with me! 👉🏼 #winetravel #winetasting #millenialtravel #eurosummer More context: I REALLY enjoy planning trips, especially wine-related ones. Still, it gets overwhelming! The early bird gets the worm. Or, in this case, the lie-flat business-class seat to Europe. Finding good points options is usually easiest as soon as an airline releases its flight calendar, typically about 11 to 12 months out. I have an entire strategy for this process, so stay tuned (and drop Q’s in the comments!) We’ll usually spend a night or two in the city we fly into, but otherwise, our favorite way to experience a wine region is to stay in one of its smaller villages. Accommodations can be limited, so I book early to make sure we get our favorite of the sometimes very slim options. We usually spend one full day immersed in the region with a private guide who can teach us all the things and arrange tastings at hidden gems and lesser-known wineries. It gives us a deeper understanding of the region without having to research and coordinate every single detail ourselves. Plus, the regional differences in wine tasting nuances can feel daunting and having an expert / insider helping buffers that barrier in a big way! This is when I start booking the remaining hotels, activities, and a couple of dinner reservations. We’re pretty slow travelers. We like plenty of downtime, leisurely exploring, and maybe two actual dinners planned in advance, so I don’t stress about this stage too much. My goal is to create a little structure without scheduling every minute.

Still on a high from our recent trip to Germany’s Mosel and Rheingau wine regions! No contest, my absolute favorite thing about wine is using it as a lens to understand a culture 🌎 Follow along for more about our recent trip and international wine travel tips! #winetravel #winetasting #millenialtravelers #riesling #germanwine

Breaking news from the Rheingau 🥂 #winetravel #germanwine #winecountry #sparklingwine #aperitif

@soulandmoss + @louandcosalon are partnering with @somm.ish for an afternoon dedicated to all things rosé. Join us to taste through four rosés while learning how pink wine is made, what makes each style unique, and how to choose the right rosé for everything from patio sipping to pairing with dinner. Light bites included! Saturday, August 1st — 4:30 pm 🔗 Tickets at @somm.ish + @soulandmoss linked in bio. #lawrenceks #supportsmallbusiness #winetasting #localevents #explorelawrence

When you’re traveling across the country with three young kiddos, all the packing space counts. Swipe for what I sipped on during our trip to the Black Hills that was 100% worth the effort 👉🏼 (I’ll drop more wine and pairing details in stories so follow along!) 1️⃣ To know me is to know I love Cru Beaujolais. We brought this beauty back from our trip to Burgundy last summer — but ask for a Juliénas at your local wine shop if you’re down for something juicy with some black tea vibes and a hint of spice 2️⃣ This Premier Cru White Burgundy (aka majorly coveted Chardonnay) was also a keepsake from last year’s Burgundy trip, and it was perfect with salmon + asparagus. 3️⃣ Kiki’s Cuvée is the most delicious sparkling Txakolina (Basque Country, 🇪🇸) imported by my girl Kerri — who happens to be Aunt Kiki!

Personally, I’m a mountains > beach girlie. It doesn’t hurt that this Sauvy B + Vermentino blend pairs perfectly with this fresh air! Cheers! #ooo #vacationwine #familytrip #corememories #winelover

If you’re like me and aren’t sipping wine on a Greek island this summer, this is the next best thing! Join @somm.ish and @thegreekwineclub in LFK on July 31st @randelwood_estates for super unique wines, Mediterranean small plates, and the signature casual-but-elevated Somm-ish vibe. Tickets at the link in bio (@somm.ish) or drop me an email at jaime@somm-ish.com. Opa! #explorelawrence #winetasting #cheers #lawrence #summerinlawrence

Can’t stop, won’t stop with these perfect summer sips: 1️⃣ White Bordeaux, which are mostly Sauvy B and blended with other grapes, including Sémillon, that adds a touch of body, roundness, and honeyed complexity. 2️⃣ @cotemas Rosé Aurore. Pale pink, refreshing, and Provence-style, this one comes from the Languedoc region, serving lively strawberry vibes at a fraction of the Provence prices. 3️⃣ @semeliestate Feast - Agiorgitiko (grape indigenous to Greece). Perhaps the best summer grilling wine everrrr, this juicy red has a hint of green olive (!!!) … I snagged two of these from @thegreekwineclub during the recent @womeninwine_kc event and I already need a restock. What are your summer go-to sips?! Cheers! #summerwine #weekendvibes #winewinewine

Still on cloud 9 over the perfection that was The Pour Collective’s inaugural event last Thursday @cidergallery ☁️ I said this to attendees but I 100% meant it — I hit the collaboration jackpot by inviting @codib for coffee! And, @owensflowershop continued to exceed all of my expectations by creating a floral wrap bar to match each wine we served (?!) LFK — if you missed out, stay tuned for the next event! Drop your suggestions for themes in the comments, but you can definitely expect more @bonbonlawrence bites and @bates_co + @somm.ish sips. #explorelawrence #lfk #wineexperience #femaleentrepreneurs #winetasting

Midsummer Night on Mass just got a little more fun! @somm.ish will be pouring some delicious French wines @swansons.lawrence so you can sip while you shop! 📆 Friday, June 26th ⏰ 5:00 - ??? 📍 700 Mass Street See you there! #winetasting #unmistakablylawrence #lfk #shoplocal #sipandshop

Last week, attendees prepared Coq a Vin and sipped on coordinated Burgundian wines 🤌🏼 We’re already cooking up our next event! (See what I did there?) Tell us in the comments — what would you love to see from a @cookshoponeighth + @somm.ish collab?! #winepairings #cookshop #supportsmallbusiness #lawrenceks #womentrepreneur

The Pour Collective (a @bates_co + @somm.ish collab) debuts June 25th and features our favs @owensflowershop for “Floral Wines + Flower Bar” at the iconic @cidergallery LFK — you definitely don’t want to miss this. Tickets at link in bio! #supportsmall #womenentrepreneur #winetasting #smallplates #flowerbar

Real talk: I got to work on this framework after a recent wine tasting with girlfriends that made it very clear identifying aromas and flavors needed to be ultra-simplified (you know who you are! 🤣) Wine is made from grapes, but because of influences from the soil, climate, winemaking, and aging … it often takes on notes of other fruits. “Focus on the Fruit” 1. Identify fruit categories — are you getting black fruits (🫐), red fruits (🍓🍒), citrus (🍋‍🟩 🍋), stone fruits (🍑) orchard fruits (🍎), or tropical (🍍)? 2. Notice specific fruits — think harder! Is it raspberry or strawberry? Lemon or lime? Leaning into this process just a little can do wonders for enhancing your tasting experience. Try it and let me know it how goes! And stay tuned for Part 2! #winetasting #winenotes #cliffhanger #siptips #cheers

Don’t get me wrong, salmon + Chardonnay is a classic pairing for a reason. But, Chardonnay is so diverse that it can be hard to choose one with the *just right* oak / butter / body / brightness to match your dish. My preference? I’m so glad you asked! … Viognier! This grape is a beautiful match for salmon because it has enough body for the richness of the fish, while its peachy, floral aromatics lift the dish rather than weighing it down. Keep an eye on my stories for a bit further breakdown and the exact Viognier I grabbed this weekend. Cheers! #winepairings #wine #winetasting #romanticizeyourlife #elevatedinner

Premium wine tasting spot, amiright?! @randelwood_estates is the most picture perfect venue on the west side of LFK. Locals — I’d love to host something fun for you! 🤗 (See stories for more ambiance!) #winetasting #summersippin #cheers #eventvenue #getoutside

See stories for the cutest charcuterie snacks courtesy of my kiddos 🥹 There’s no other way I would have wanted to spend Mother’s Day! This bright and juicy Crémant de Loire was 100% Chenin Blanc amazingness. Although very different than Champagne (different grapes and much less bread / brioche vibes) it was the perfect sparkling for the start of lake season. Cheers! 🥂 #lakeseason #lfk #lakelife #sparklingwine #boatparty

Lifestyle pairings >>> Around here, you’ll find that I pair wine as much with the vibe as I do food. Because food is certainly part of the experience… but so is the weather / mood / time of day / setting / conversation / book you’re reading. Agree? Great! Stick around for allllll the lifestyle pairings. #winepairings #massstreetlawrence #millenials #winetasting #cheers

Fire pit season is so back! Who doesn’t love a fireside wine?! Our pour here was a fuller-bodied and oak-aged Grenache from @aonair_wine So many varietals can be *chef’s kiss* paired fireside, but I usually reach for one that has seen some new American oak — known for adding those cedar, vanilla, coffee, smoky attributes. Obviously it’s hard to know these winemaking details, but some safe bets can include: + Rioja (region in Spain - mostly Tempranillo) + Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley + GSM blend (Grenache / Syrah / Mourvèdre) from Paso Robles What other wines do you love to sip outside by the fire? Cheers! #firepitseason #firesidewine #winelover #smore #parenting

The key to making her Mother’s Day exactly what she wants… ☝🏼 Make sure she feels seen + celebrated — A gift that feels personal or a genuine recognition of the amazing work she’s doing. I’ve put together a Mother’s Day wine gift box to make this one easy for you! It includes 4 super fun wines for her to try and a tasting sheet that describes the wines and how they complement the life of a busy mom. (Link in bio to order — it’s shipping now! Or comment GIFT below and I’ll DM the link directly to you.) ✌🏼Take as much of the mental load off her plate as possible for the day — Anticipate the kids’ needs and plan ahead the way she would! And all the things she does to get the family ready for the week? Do them. Nothing is worse than a Mother’s Day “break” that pushes all the work to Monday. You got this! Cheers! #celebratemom #giftideas #winegiftbox #mentalload #millenialdad

Y’all, the magic that is @owensflowershop 😍 Last weekend’s Floral Workshop was a 10/10 experience and getting to pour spring sips was the cherry on top! Stay tuned because we might already be dreaming up the next collab… tell us in the comments — what flower + wine experiences would you absolutely attend?! #everythinghallelujah #lfk #winepairings #shoplocal #smallbuisness

Missed out? No worries — something tells me this won’t be the last time you see a @littlekcoshop + @somm.ish collab 🤗 In the meantime… Reach out to @somm.ish for all things wine — Now serving Lawrence with tastings, classes, pop-ups, and events Stop by @littlekcoshop to shop the most adorable spring baby + kids styles, accessories, and gifts #shopsmall #shoplocal #winetasting #lawrence #popupshop

Sunshine, Chablis, + goat cheese? Say less. Wine number 4 in my Mother’s Day wine gift box is perfect for outside sipping. 🔗 Link in bio to have a gift box delivered for a mama who deserves it! Ships in time for Mother’s Day. Cheers! #giftideas #celebratemom #porchpounder #momlife #millenialdad

Not to toot my own horn, but this girl dinner I threw together was 10/10: + aged Manchego + Spanish olives + Genoa salami + @bodegaslan Rioja Gran Reserva No notes! (Except that this bottle is from my wine gift box! So good — link in bio) #girldinner #winepairings #metime #millenialmom

🗣️ Moms (honestly women in general) can enjoy wine without it being an “escape from parenting or life” Easy wine tips to romanticize your life *just a little* amongst the chaos your jam? Great, I’m glad you’re here! #millenialmom #patientlywaiting #fyp #parenting #winetime

Hey, LFK! Come sip with me! Saturday, April 18th — Sip + Shop @littlekcoshop from 3:00 - 5:00 pm 👶🏼 I’m obsessed with this adorable (local women owned!) children’s boutique! Stop by to shop new spring arrivals and taste some of my warm-weather favs. Saturday, April 25th — Spring Floral Worksop @owensflowershop from 3:00 - 5:00 (registration required - link in bio) 💐 I’ll be pouring wine by the glass during their first in-shop class since the pandemic. The magic that is this legendary local flower shop can’t be beat! If you can’t make it in April, I’m now booking pop-ups and customized events and classes (in home or your business) through the summer — DM me or visit www.somm-ish.com for info 🍷 #supportsmallbusiness #winetasting #winepopup #shoplocal #lfk

Took one for the team and traveled to Beaujolais just to film this one! 🙃 Wine number 3 in my Mother’s Day Wine Gift Box is for the mom that is dreaming of a European vacation. 🔗 Link in bio to order in time for Mother’s Day delivery! #millenialmom #giftideas #mothersday #eurosummer #winetravel

My toxic trait is that if I start to get overwhelmed with hosting, I just won’t do it. I manage the overwhelm by keeping it simple with two easy peasy steps: ☝🏼Bubbles + charcuterie — it’s very hard to mess this one up! Try a new sparkling wine and throw together a board without overthinking it. ✌🏼Pair a wine with one main dish — here I chose to pair a lightly oaked Chardonnay with our ham and Swiss sliders. It was perfect with the buttery Dijon sauce! And, although this wine wasn’t “perfect” with every dish served, I at least elevated the experience just a little with these small efforts. Good enough for me! Need sparkling suggestions or main dish pairing guidance? DM me! 🤗 #winepairings #spring #hostingtips #sparklingwine #chardonnay

A thriller that somehow gives girl power deserves something sparkling 🥂 📚 “Don’t Let Him In” by Lisa Jewell — This thriller pulled me in right away with multiple POVs and timelines. But, what stayed with me most was how clearly it captured uniquely female experiences and perspectives across different stages of life. I saw pieces of myself in every woman and (without giving anything away…) finished it feeling proud of the powerful way women support each other. 🥂 English sparkling wine — Perhaps not the most obvious pairing for a thriller, but the book is set in suburban London and the characters are often sipping local sparkling as the plot unfolds. Plus, the feminist in me wants to celebrate the courage of the women in the book! 🧀: bubbles + anything (really) Cheers! #bookstagram #winepairings #wineandbooks #womenwhoread #momlife

Follow along as I highlight each of the four wines in my Mother’s Day wine gift box! Wine number two is for snacking on Manchego during a cozy night in (fire optional, but highly recommended). 🔗 Link in bio to order in time for Mother’s Day! #mothersday #giftideas #givemomwhatshereallywants #millenialmom #parenting

Leaning into the challenge of learning about wine (grapes, regions, pairings…) has been surprisingly fulfilling, even (or maybe especially?) during this busiest season of my life. Can you relate? Great — I’m so glad you’re here! #millenialmom #wineeducation #parenting #momhobby #mentalload

Refreshing reds absolutely rival crisp whites in warm-weather months! There, I said it. Here’s a few styles I reach for on repeat as the weather warms up: 🍷 Beaujolais (region in France, grape = Gamay. Label should read “Beaujolais” or “Beaujolais Villages”) 🍷 Burgundy (region in France, grape = Pinot Noir. The most spring-friendly styles have labels that simply say “Bourgogne”) 🍷 Barbera (grape, best from northwest Italy with a label that reads “Barbera d’ Asti”) 🍷 Cinsault (grape, great from southern France. Label will say “Cinsault”) 🍷Frappato (grape, southern Italy. Label usually names “Frappato” fairly prominently alongside the region) Pro tip: serve these refreshing reds a bit more chilled than you’re used to! Save for your spring stock-up! Cheers! #spring #redwine #winetip

Zero “wine mom” references here 🙅🏻‍♀️ Leaning into the challenge of learning about wine (regions, culture, grapes, pairings) has been such a surprisingly fulfilling hobby for me, even (or maybe especially?) during the busiest season of my life. I’m glad you’re here too! Cheers! #wine #millenialmom #momlife #momhobby #winetasting

Spring is here! Join @somm.ish and @dadsdrinkwinetoo at @citywinemarket as we pour our favorite refreshing reds and crisp whites … but which wins? You decide! Wednesday, April 1st | 5 - 7 pm (stop by anytime!) See you there! #winetasting #lfk #shoplocal #lawrencekansas #wineshop

Follow along as I highlight each of the wines in my Mother’s Day wine gift box! Wine number one is made for the mom who deserves to romanticize her life a bit 💁🏻‍♀️ 🔗 Link in bio to order in time for Mother’s Day delivery! #mothersday #dadlife #millenialmom #romanticizeyourlife #giftingmadeeasy

If you had any idea how NOT tech-savvy I am, you would understand what a feat it is for me to build a website 😂 💻 www.somm-ish.com #wine #entrepreneur #femalefounders #womeninwine

Wait, you too?! Great — you’re going to love it here 🤗 #momlife #parenting #millenialmom #adulting #winetime

Share this with someone who could use the hint… 🙃 Link in bio to order! #dadlife #momlife #parenting #mothersday #giftideas

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

It’s seriously one of my favorite life moments! When I say that for me “wine is conversation” — this is what I mean. The way this moment during a dinner out jumpstarts conversation and sets the vibe is 🤌🏼 #wine #datenight #momsnightout #momlife #millenialmom

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

Cheers to raising the floor together! 🥂 Where are your wine-related baseline standards and where do you want them to be? #wine #personalgrowth #selfimprovement #momlife

I bet you didn’t expect to get homework while you were scrolling, huh?! Let me know in the comments if there is a wine style you’d like me to break down in a post. Cheers! #wine #wineshop #wineeducation #learnsomethingnew

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

All the open-mindedness, zero judgy wine vibes 🫶🏻 Oh, and definitely end on a side-by-side blind tasting of Trader Joe’s vs the expensive bottle. You just might be surprised! #wine #winetasting #womeninwine #winecommunity #cheers

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

The February edition of the @somm.ish Book + Wine Pairing is now loading! If you like your books (and wine) layered, gripping, and hard to put down… you’re in for a treat with this one. Who’s excited?! #wine #bookstagram #winepairing #momswhoread #momswhowine

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

Did I get carried away? 🙃 #giftsforme #wine #tuscany #sommish #cheers

🗣️ 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

Friday wine vibes brought to you by @waxmancandles and @aonair_wine 🍷 Cheers! #tgif #wine #napavalleywine #cabernetsauvignon #fridaywine #weekendvibes

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!