Experience Maryland Wines.......

..... On the weekends of February 20-21 and February 27-28, 2016, Maryland has invited wine lovers to experience the vast adventures of MD wine. I will be enjoying the Antietam National Battlefield Wine Trail and the Capital Wine Trail. These trails are both near by and I am very interested in visiting some of the new wineries that have just opened within the past year or two. There are also a few meaderies that I want to try. Check back for thoughts on what I have found interesting. In the meantime, checkout the Maryland Wine Passport Experience website if you are interested in joining in on the fun. CHEERS! 

http://www.marylandwine.org/2015events/passport-experience/

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