Cheers to 2015

As the sparkly ball gets closer and closer to ringing in the New Year of 2016. I would like to take a pause to reminisce on the past 365 days. I've met adoring new wine fanatics, became a Independent Wine Consultant for the best direct sales business in the United States (Wine Shop at Home), continued my adoring tenure at Maryland's greatest gem (Old Westminster Winery), and found the love of life (a 2000 vintage Merlot...... decanting and then poured in my wine glass by "Him"). 

The onset of beginning the new year is met with endless possibilities. As I say to my little ones, "You Can Do..... Whatever You Put Your Mind Too"!  I intend to further my wine education, beyond self-study, and achieve certifications that are truly acknowledged in the wine industry. Wine lovers, look forward to getting to know the force behind "I Heart Fermented Grapes". A hobby, evolved into a complete obsession, passion for the love of wine. 

Cheers! 

KTJ

Oenophilia

Hello, bonjour, ciao, hola, I am Kimberly T. Johnson. Wine is my passion and I intend to explore the fermented grape in it’s rawest form. Beginning with my favorite Maryland vineyard (Old Westminster Winery) where I am grateful to have experienced first hand the complete process of making great wines. From fall harvest (carefully hand sorting Pinot Nior, using the push down and pour over method of soaking Merlot grape juice in its tannin skins) to Spring time bottling the latest vintage of 2014 Chardonnay. At first expressing my interest in wine, to family and friends, was a BOLD venture that was not so easily excepted. But I have always been one to skip to the beat of my own drum. Lucky for me I have a personal "loud and proud" cheerleader (my mom, Karen Johnson Waters). She raised me to know that the sky is the limit and to reach high for my goals. Now that I am a mom and aunt, I tell my girls the same. Proving to them the power of persistence. I am an entrepreneur, Independent Wine Consultant and writer. My wine blog (iheartfermentedgrapes.blogspot.com) is where I share my adventures in the world of wine. As I visualize my thirst for learning more, I see myself traveling to Champagne, France to sip on the most adored Champagne in all of the world. As well as Italy, where the Sangiovese grape thrives in the Tuscan sun. Also the country of Spain, where I will sip and savor wines made from the Tempranillo grape. One of my many goals is to achieve the prestigious status of Master Sommelier (the most respected and dedicated level of wine knowledge). My passion will forever be to excite and diversify the world of wine one sip at a time. Cheers!!

Sloop Betty

We took a surprise visit to Blackwater Distilling in Kent County Maryland. Had a great time touring the distillery, learning so much about the history of the company and their dedication to the craft of distilling pure and clear vodka as well as delicious rum. The owners are very passionate about the product they produce. Since vodka is a neutral spirit, just add any natural ingredient to it for a stand out drink. Interesting Fact: The distillery makes it's own honey to create the honey vodka. They partner with Baltimore's famous Domino Sugar, producing an all natural ingredient. Definitely a plus that adds the unique taste to their vodka. Find time this holiday season to visit the distillery. You will not be disappointed. My favorite from the tasting was the Sloop Betty Honey Vodka. Check out the website for more details. (http://www.sloopbetty.com/vodka.html). 

Orange Wine

The title "Orange Wine" is so unique! It has nothing to do with oranges per say. Just the beautiful, festive orange tone of lightly skin-fermented Pinot Gris. This leaves enough time to create a delicious, and vibrant vino with citrus and floral scents that will please any type of wine lover. Check out Orange Wine on your next trip to the wine store or wine bar. It's considered the "New" Rose', a great beginning start to falling in love with skin-fermented Pinot Gris. I personally took a bottle home to share with family during this holiday season. Before I stepped one foot in my Mom's home, I decided to keep the orange wine to my self (as a personal thank you gift) for surviving the crazy holiday fear (oops... I meant Cheer)!

Fall in Love with Wine Tastings

This is the time of year where the weather is just right for an outdoor get together. September is the LAST month of the year where we don't have to worry about getting ready for a crazy busy holiday. Think about it..... yeah you got it. So let's celebrate with drinking wine. Host a wine tasting (with me as your wine consultant) in September, I'll provide a delicious desert paring and you provide wine loving friends. 

*contact me at divinewineshop.kj@gmail.com and let's discuss the best day and time for you to host a tasting. Cheers🍷

Beans and Grapes

I love "city life"! I'm a natural Baltimorean who enjoys the hidden gems of city culture. 

While visiting a good friend of mine she mentioned a quint new wine bar that she had stumbled upon during this years winter storm. That's the best part of living in Baltimore City. During snow storms in the winter when the rest of us have cabin fever (stuck in the house), City residents can strap on a warm coat, snow boots and walk to the nearest watering-hole. 

Fast forward to this Summer, 2015, she and I walked into an adorable neighborhood wine bar named Beans and Grapes. This was a Monday so the bar area was not full. But there were definitely local regulars, enjoying dinner and drinks. We were greeted by a very nice guy, his smile was infectious. I had to ask the burning question, What the heck is Beans and Grapes? As I completed my last sentence, I glazed to the left and noticed coffee makers, cappuccino machines, and other coffee stuff. So there you go, the "Beans" in Beans and Grapes refer to... simply.... coffee and wine (my two favorite vices). My friend and I ordered the house wines (one glass of red wine, one glass of white) and fries. Unfortunately, I was NOT impressed. The house Merlot was flat and the Pinot Gris was vinegary. But I have to say, I enjoyed visiting this hidden gem. The bar guy was awesome, the other patrons were really friendly. And most importantly, the fries were delicious. 

I recommend checking out Beans and Grapes. And apparently so does the Baltimore Sun Newspaper. They wrote an article about the wine bar a month after my visit. Here the article for your review http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/bs-ae-eats-beans-grapes-review-baltimore-20150709-story.html  

Noble Vines & Zin Times

There is nothing like a Saturday wine tasting to help a girl get through the wrath of Back to School shopping. From my teen negotiating a $185 pair of Nike tennis, to my elementary schooler (excited to start 3rd grade) but wishing summer camp was a year long activity, the back to school ritual is so cruel and takes no prisoners. Luckily, there is wine store across the street from the mall. In the same shopping center is a Yankee Candle store, it's #ZinTime y'all. I enter the wine store with the frustrated mom look on my face (eye brows up, breathing through nose like a bull, and money in hand). The line in the wine store was longer than the line at the Gap store. Totally understood! As I quickly skim through the white wine, I hear a faint voice saying, "would you like to try our wine tasting". I sample Noble Vines wine. In a rush, I tell the lady I'm "quick sip'n". Mother to mother, she understands. I taste two delicious vinos. A 2013 Chardonnay and a red blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both were very complex wines. The blend flavored notes of jam, full of ripe berries, and medium tannin. The Chardonnay won my heart. It was a mixture of stainless steel and oak fermented, with toasted notes of vanilla cream. The fact that the wine is 14.5% alc and 0% residual sugar is a delightful bonus. I guess the cost of the wine was an extra bonus at less than $15 a bottle. I have to say that the website is not as interesting as I would think, below is the link. What's your opinion?   http://www.noblevines.com/vines.php

Cheers & ZinTime! 

#MarylandWineWeek

Welcome to Maryland Wine Week, July 18-26, 2015. It's an exciting time for MD Wine! There are some many events to enjoy. I started Maryland Wine Week off a little early this year, at the Good Life Thursday Farmers Market at Boordy Winery. Each year I love this event. It is F-R-E-E, live music, fresh veggies, fruits and flowers. Can't ask for anything better on a hot summer weekday. Also going on this weekend is the famous Linganore Winery Reggie Festival. It sold out of tickets before the event. Tomorrow, Basignani Winery will be providing their delicious wine at the Secret Garden, Arts and Wine Summer Series event held at the Carrol County Farm Museum in Westminster. To be honest, my mom and her "girls" are going to this event just to hear the Panama Band play. 

Maryland Wine has something for everyone and I'm gracious to be a part of the fun. Check out my blog to see all the happenings this week with MD Wine, follow me on twitter @iheartfermented. For now.... check out the pics from my layed back Thursday at Boordy Vineyard (I had the pleasure to enjoy a Old Bay Cupcake from IceGems #yummm)! CHEERS!!🍷🍷🍷

Parigeaux Winery, Calvert County Maryland

Recently, I was invited to visit a beautiful Maryland vineyard, Perigeaux Vineyards & Winery. They are located in Calvert County. Driving into the vineyard we were welcomed by plump Sauvignon Blanc grapes, just waiting to be plucked off the vine for the upcoming 2015 harvest. On this day, there were live musicians playing beautiful music as children enjoyed playing the game "corn-hole" with their new found friends. I had the opportunity to enjoy a complete wine tasting of the wines that were available. Everyone that knows me, knows that I am NOT as fan of Moscato. I really feel that the grape has gotten a "bad rap" as being this candy sweet introduction to the world of wine. But I have to say that Perigeaux's Moscato Wine properly disputes the fairytale of the Moscato grape. Resting in my glass there are flavors of pear, and crisp green apples. The floral scent lends thoughts of honey suckles. I truly enjoyed Perigeaux Winery's Moscato wine. On this day at the vineyard they were hosting a tour of the fermentation room and a surprising barrel tasting of three delicious red vintages (2012 Merlot, 2014 Merlot, 2013 Zinfandel). My favorite of the the three was the 2013 Zinfandel. Although the grape juice was still in a state of fermentation, I know in a year or so the wine will be perfect for bottling. Because we're sipping the vino straight from the wine barrel, there were fragments of sedition in the wine. During the barrel tasting I was able to connect with the owners of the vineyard, Mark and John. It was such a pleasure to hear the history and quaint beginning of the winery. Check out Perigeaux's website for information on the vineyard and upcoming events for summer 2015 http://www.perigeaux.com . In the meantime, take a look at a few pictures captured at the winery. * P.S.- My camera person is a winemaker in the making, UCLA Class of 2025.

Think Pink

I recently visited one of my favorite wine bars in Baltimore City. The Wine Market is located in Locust Point (just "ONE" of the unique niches in the city). My last visit to the Wine Market was years ago for a special occasion. Now it's time to make new memories. On Fridays there are no happy hour specials to be found. But the Wine Market has such a great menu, happy hour prices are not the allure to attract a notorious crowd. Looking at the menu there is much to pair with any glass of vino. On this occasion I chose to "Think Pink". Rose' wine featured as a flight, oh yes..... don't mind if I do! The flight ranged from a light pale pink to a almost fuchsia red Rose'. Out of the three delicious sips, I chose my fav as a 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Rose' from South Africa. The name of the wine is Mulderbosch. I really enjoyed the taste of strawberries, raspberries, and lime. The vino also had a slight layer of tannin due to reminisce of fermentation of the Cabernet grape. Paired with a small plate of crispy brussels sprouts which included chopped walnuts, bacon and sliced grapes. Not one tastebud was spared as I also munched on cornmeal fried oysters accompanied with bacon, beurre blanc and tomato. Mouthwatering!!!   

I was so surprised by my love of the Mulderbosch Rose' that I purchased two bottles (from their wine shop) to take home and "maybe" share with friends and family. Check out wine market on your next visit to the Bmore City, here's the website http://winemarketbistro.com

Cheers!!

2015 Wine Festivals- Great Grapes Food & Wine

The Spring, Summer, an Fall seasons bring on wine festival fun for us otherwise boring, over worked, underpaid "Grown-Ups". It's our time to run around, and dance barefoot in the grass with our friends. Fast forward to this weekend, June 6 and 7. The Great Grapes wine event held at Orgean Ridge park in HuntValley, MD. This event is one of my favs. It's low key and not too crowded. They have delishous food options and best of all inside restrooms (let me tell you it really makes a diffence when the potties come with running water). 

Buy your ticket soon. Hope to see you there! 

http://www.uncorkthefun.com/hunt-valley-maryland/site-info

   Cheers!

Blog Crush - Your Brain on Coffee, Wine, and Cannabis

Besides my own fantastic wine blog (toot-toot), I am in L-O-V-E with Wine Folly by Madeline Puckette. Thought this post was interesting and wanted to share. Check out the website link below:

http://winefolly.com/update/coffee-vs-wine-vs-cannabis/

**Coffee vs. Wine vs. Cannabis. Photo (curtesy of Wine Folly, I'm just sharing the knowledge)

2015 Decanter Wine Festival

I am counting down the days until the Decanter Wine Festival this weekend. This festival kicks off the Spring/Summer Wine events in Maryland. I have been grateful to have attended the festival as a volunteer for the Maryland Wine Assocation since the very first event. The Decanter Wine Festival is definitely lots fun! Hope to see you there.

Cheers!!

April Wine Tastings

We are half way through the month of April and there is still time to host a wine tasting with me as your lovely neighborhood Wine Consultant. For my sweet drinkers, we have delicious Muscat Canelli, Gewurtztraminer, or even our Table White wine to please your palate. Contact me now and let's make it happen.