Wine For Animal Lovers

There is nothing better than sharing a good bottle of wine, with a great meal and close friends. It's especially gratifying if that wine is one that gives back. Enter Rascal, it's wine for animal lovers on this Wine Wednesday. Rascal Wines are made in Oregon. You can spot them by the labels that feature a silhouette of a dog on them.

That dog is Rascal, the winery’s Golden Retriever. Rascal has crossed the Golden Bridge but his legacy lives on. Besides paying homage to Rascal, a percentage of sales from each bottle of wine is donated to the Humane Society of the United States to help animals sheltered there. At the end of last year, more than $100,000 had been donated.

Rascal Winemaker Julia Catrall says, “Some 64% of wine drinkers own dogs and Rascal shares the values of these consumers.” The grapes are sustainably farmed and include pinot noir, chardonnay, rose and pinot gris. I love a good Oregon pinot gris. However, I’ve only tried the chardonnay and pinot noir.

First up is the chardonnay. It is one of those refreshing and crisp chardonnays rather than heavy and buttery. However, it is still nice and round. It has flavors of citrus and peach with nice minerality. The wine is a great value at around $15. I recently tried my hand at some Indian inspired food and served this wine. It was a fantastic pairing. Click here for the video and info on the recipe.

Next, the pinot noir. It has lots of bright red fruits.  In addition, you'll find a nice balance of  vanilla and spice. This one runs $17.99. It is another good value as far as Oregon pinot is concerned. Best of all, it should be easy to find in retailers.

In conclusion, if you like a good wine with a good story and one that gives back, give Rascal a try.

Drink Responsibly.

In Southwest Florida, Naples is synonymous for luxury.  Whether it be real estate, golf courses, jewelry, shopping, cars, dining, it's going to be top notch.

Wine Spectator recently released their honorees for this years prestigious awards, and 15 well known Naples restaurants have earned recognition for 2023.  Are we really surprised?

Each year Wine Spectator awards three different tiers of awards.  This year, restaurants in Naples are represented in all three categories, the Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Awards.

To even be considered for an award, a restaurant must meet specific expectations.  The wine list must present complete and accurate information, and Wine Spectator requires complete producer names and correct spellings.  Overall presentation of the wine list is also a contributing factor.  I wouldn't suggest a wine list simply printed on a sheet of paper.

For 2023, the Award of Excellence was presented to only 2,001 establishments across the country.  If you think about the amount of places serving wine in all 50 states, that's not a lot.  These restaurants offer a minimum of 90 selections, featuring an assortment of producers and a pairing option for their food menu.

Next up, the Best of Award of Excellence went to just 1,411 restaurants this year. Again, that's not many.   The restaurants receiving this honor offer a selection of at least 350 wines.  These destinations are for a more serious wine lover.

Lastly, only 93 locations were exclusively presented with a Grand Award.   ONLY 93!!!   And one of those 93 is right here in Naples.   Restaurants receiving the most prestigious recognition are offering the highest level of wine service. The wine lists features over 1,000 selections from top producers with a menu that compliments the wine to near perfection.

Of the 15 Naples restaurants receiving awards this year, only two are new to the list.  I would say that's not surprising to those from Florida who are familiar with Naples.  We've got some really impressive dining options down South.

So, without further ado, these are the Naples restaurants that have been recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine for 2023.

These restaurants offer a minimum of 90 selections, featuring an assortment of producers and a pairing option for their food menu.

698 Fourth Avenue South

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466 Fifth Avenue South

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1490 Fifth Avenue South

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8930 Tamiami Trail North

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The restaurants receiving this honor offer a selection of at least 350 wines.  These destinations are for a more serious wine lover.

301 Fifth Avenue South

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1186 Third Street South

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1300 Third Street South

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9005 Mercato Drive

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Of only 93 restaurants across the country receiving this honor, one Naples location is part of this exclusive group.

1234 Eighth Street South

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