Wine

I'm a huge fan of wine, but this wasn't always the case.  My dad forced Texas wine on my family at holidays which nearly ruined my taste for it.  Obviously Texas is not known for its wine-making.  It seems this is changing and I may have to venture out and give the Texas wines another chance.

D Magazine's Sidedish recently wrote a story about a vineyard from my neck of the woods (East Texas), Kipersol Estates.  What?!  Tyler, Texas has a vineyard?  Yes, its true.  And apparently its putting out some pretty good stuff. 

You can read the full review of the Kipersol wines here - and I think you should if you like wine and you like Texas.  (If you don't like wine or Texas then I have serious doubts about you're sanity).

Some of my other favorites include:

Bonny Doon Vinyard - I'm typically not a fan of California wines (simply because I think most have too much oak and I recently learned I have a oak allergy - weird I know) but I am a big fan of this company and their Cardinal Zin in particular.  Moderately priced.

Big House Red - Very fruit forward red blend.  Great with a Burger.  Another moderately priced wine.

Marqués de Cáceres 2004 Rioja Crianza - a little dryer than I normally like but very nice once it opens up a bit. 

Trevor Jones Boots Grenache - This wine was a recommendation by one of the sommeliers at Pappas Bros Steakhouse in Dallas.  Excellent light red wine.  I liked it with the steak I had but I know some people prefer a heartier wine with steak.  Not for everyone.