In some regions, one grape variety is used to make a wine; in others, winemakers blend several varieties in a single wine. To help you identify grape varieties, below is an overview of each of the major red grapes and their characteristics.
Enjoy this collection of some of our favorite quotes as famous people utter their musings on food and wine.
Williams Selyem opens new visitor facility in Russian River Valley for its loyal mailing list members
It's been a Starbucks-heavy couple of weeks, between news the company generates and news that others report about it. Here are a few items I haven't posted individually but which are coming across the wires and shouldn't be ignored (with apologies to those of you who crave non-Starbucks news):
The e-mail from a colleague came Tuesday afternoon, when I was hunkered down in front of my computer at the Seattle Times office: "On the Fly opened its door today. Just strolled down there to check it out. You should, too." A half hour later I was on the fly myself, strolling down street to check out the new Flying Fish's take-out adjunct, as directed.

Have trouble with knowing when your steaks are done - especially if you've got different cuts and different guest requests to keep track of? These mini steak thermometers will help you through your summer bbq's.
Steak Thermometers | $22 at Smith & Hawken