“NO MORE OF THIS OLD STUFF…LET’S SPLURGE! BRING US SOME FRESH WINE!” –STEVE MARTIN, THE JERK

“You and Pinot, sitting in a tree…K-I-S- S-I-N-G!” I know, I know, I love it too. For wine lovers, Pinot Noir is incredibly rewarding and intriguing.

On the most food-centric of holidays, I tend to completely geek out over the food and the wine. I’ve tried every method of cooking the bird: grilling, frying, roasting, brining, not brining, stuffing with various herbs and/ or fruits, basting with truffle butter, etc.

“You and Pinot, sitting in a tree…K-I-S- S-I-N-G!” I know, I know, I love it too. For wine lovers, Pinot Noir is incredibly rewarding and intriguing.

It is obvious why beer is the favorite pre-game beverage: it comes in its own, lightweight container, it’s easy to get cold and keep cold, it doesn’t require a fancy opener, and it’s delicious.

It certainly changed my game. I now collect Savennieres, which is so random. I also judge restaurants and wine stores based on their Chenin Blanc selection, or lack thereof (OK, now I’m exaggerating…somewhat).

As a recent transplant from Southern California to Birmingham, it is fascinating to learn what the Southeast is all about. My first visit was last fall, and although I heard it is a great city, I also heard the typical silly generalities about Alabama.