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!!🍷🍷🍷