In case the comeback of Pumpkin Spice lattes and the brisk chill in the air didn’t already give it away, you might have noticed fall is upon us.

We are settling right into our fall vibes with some wine talk. Joining us is our in-house wine expert John Turi, published author of a Drinker with a Writing Problem: A Wine Lover’s Retrospective.

Grab a glass of your favorite vino and let’s hear what he has to say. You might just learn something new. Even if you don’t, at least you got to drink wine today.

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MobileVision:

Some people think wine tastes better during the fall season, do you agree? Disagree? Why?

Turi:

I don’t find the seasons making the wines I drink taste better. Taste depends on the quality of wine you are drinking. Fall wines are more medium body reds like Pinot Noir, and Gamays.

For Winter a nice heavy Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot (which I cannot stand). Spring and Summer bring more Rosé and Whiter varietals; Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and such. Over the many years of drinking wine, I focus on the food I’m eating and what wine pairs well with that. Most restaurants tend to do the same.

I just want to point out that I’m just concentrating on US based wine varietals. If I started talking about French, German, Portugal, Spain, etc. this interview would be the size of a novel.

MobileVision:

The wind is howling. Rain floods the streets outside. The news urges all residents to stay indoors. You have prepared by stocking up on what bottles of wine? And what movies are on your go-to playlist?

Turi:

I’m always prepared. I have a wine cellar that holds about 200 bottles and a wine fridge in the living room that holds 180 bottles. Oh, the kitchen has a small wine fridge that holds about 24 bottles. What am I drinking? Pinot Noir every time. What am I watching? During a shelter in place rainstorm, I would put on Turner Classic Movies and see what classic Black and White film is playing. Then make a charcutier board, sit down and relax.

MobileVision:

It’s no secret, parents steal their kids’ Halloween candy. I’d like to help these parents enjoy some good wine while they do it. Can you offer your pairing suggestions for some of the most given treats?

Snickers / Reese’s / Skittles / M & M’s / Hot Tamales:

What is your favorite candy to enjoy with a bottle of wine? 

Turi:

Anything with chocolate and peanuts I would open a buttery Chardonnay. One from Sonoma with at least 4-5 years of age to it. Gummy, and chewy candies I’d lean towards Cabernet to offset the sugar overload. My favorite bottle of wine with candy would be a nice dessert wine, like a sauternes or late harvest ice wine. If I’m in for the adventure let’s fully invest.

MobileVision:

Here’s the scene:

You’re outdoors. Sitting by a campfire. The air is brisk. The sun is low in the sky. Trees are towering around you covered by colored leaves of all the shades of orange, yellow, and red. Everything tastes better by a campfire, right? Describe what’s in your wine glass? And what’s on your plate?

Turi:

Campfire food would probably include some form of beans, a steak or chicken, a salad, some open fire roasted veggies. For me the perfect wine that goes with everything is Pinot Noir. One that was bold with high alcohol (heat) and jam-based fruit notes. That could take on a rib eye and handle the delicate balance of a salad. That caliber of Pinot is going to set you back a few bucks. I’d be drinking a Kosta Browne, Boar’s View, Marcassin or a Rivers Marie. But that’s me. Some people spend their hard-earned cash at a Taylor Swift concert or an NFL game. I spend my money on wine.

MobileVision:

Create your own fall inspired wine and meal pairing that you would serve at your holiday gatherings. Here’s the twist, one of your dishes MUST include Pumpkin Spice!

Turi:

Just nice friends getting together after Thanksgiving and before Christmas. I would make a roasted spring lamb with vegetables, a nice feta forward salad, a side of mashed sweet potatoes with buttered pumpkin spice sauce glazed on top. The wines would be Pinot Noir and a Rosé.

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We hope you enjoyed our “Welcome Fall” wine chat as much as we did! But if you’re anything like us, you might be feeling a little thirsty and hungry right now.

Thank you for joining us!

Hosting for the holidays this year and looking to upgrade your serving dishes to beautiful and eco-friendly platters, check out our entertaining items here.