Vines That Bind

Recently, my good friend Jenn told me that she and her friend Becca were putting together a monthly wine club (think book club without the homework) for her girlfriends. So of course I told her to count me in!

We had our first meeting yesterday and it was a really great night. The group is called Vines That Bind, and it meets the first Monday of every month. Everyone brings a bottle of wine and something to nibble on that is consistent with that month's theme (he hostess selects the theme). If you are interesting in attending- just let me know. It’s a casual group of girls who want to learn about wine, eat some yummy appetizers and generally have a good time.



First of all, thank you to Jenn and Becca for organizing this group. Our first meeting turned out to be an evening filled with funny stories, a variety of interesting wines and good food.

The theme of the night was “wine that evokes a memory.” This was a great way to get to know the other members of the group and learn a little more about each of them.



I brought a 2008 Domaine de la Mordorée Côtes du Rhône La Dame Rousse (Rhône, France).


I brought this because I began to really enjoy and care about wine during our 2007 trip to France. While I had previously visited vineyards and had a rudimentary knowledge of wine and wine making, it was this trip that really sealed the deal for me. Many people speak about their “ah-ha moment”- a special bottle or place that opened their eyes to appreciating wine, I guess this was mine.



David and I spent two amazing weeks enjoying the Rivera and Rhône. One of the biggest surprises (for me anyway) was rose wine. NOT to be confused with that other pink wine, Rose wines can be versatile, inexpensive and delicious.

In addition to my bottle, I really enjoyed one of the wines brought by another member of the grup, a 2005 ZD Wines Chardonnay (Napa Valley, California).


It was smooth, buttery and floral without too much oak. Totally my style, totally something I will drink again.



Although the theme of the night did not lend itself to comparing the characteristics of the wines, it did serve as a fantastic was to get to know the other girls in the group. As each member told their story about the memory associated with the bottle they brought, I got a chance to learn more about them.

The two hours flew by, and at the end of the evening, Jenn announced that our next gathering will be at her place in Woodley Park. The theme is going to be 'local wines' and I can’t wait!