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Cindy Rynning

@grapeexp_cindy

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#Wine #Food #Travel WSET L3, Founder award winning #blog Grape Experiences, Circle of Wine Writers, Wine Judge🥂 Living the good life in #PasoRobles

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Enjoy the latest article from @ipsray, Contributing Writer for Grape Experiences. This food and wine experience is off the charts! See link in my bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2026/09/evening-resident-new-york-city-showcases-art-pairing-food-wine/

"On a balmy Wednesday evening in August, I made my way to an address in Manhattan I knew well enough but had never visited before: the Copper building on 1st avenue on the east side. This building is quite the architectural marvel, more like two pillars of copper precariously balanced against each other, one inclined and the other ramrod straight, connected by a walkway high up in the sky! How typical of Manhattan.

While I’ve seen this building countless times, I didn’t think I would be attending a dinner there, organized by a commercial establishment. After all, it is a residential building. Turns out, that is exactly the modus operandi of this company called the “Resident”. As its tag line goes: “Redefining the private dining experience at NYC. We are not a restaurant”. It is an experiential platform based in New York City, that organizes curated dinners in exclusive locations, partnering with celebrated chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants like Eleven Madison Park, The French Laundry, Noma, and Per Se, to name a few. The experience includes a 5-course meal, paired with wines from their in-house sommeliers." taken in New York City by @grapeexp_cindy

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25 days ago

Elegance and authenticity are in each bottle of Alvarinho produced in the northern areas of Portugal. Having visited the regions four times, my fascination with this indigenous grape is endless. When I received a recent opportunity to taste Mendes & Symington’s Contacto Alvarinho 2025 ($22) as a sample, no hesitation was needed.

If this grape wasn’t alluring enough, the producer, Anselmo Mendes, sealed the decision. In fact, during one of my trips to Porto and the north, our group spent an afternoon tasting many of Mendes’ wines followed by an evening with luscious Portuguese fare for pairing. Fondly known as “Mr. Alvarinho,” Mendes doesn’t consider himself a winemaker, although he is! Instead, he prefers to be considered “an experimenter.” Well, what he’s doing is highly successful – his wines are internationally lauded and his name is a force in the industry. Since 2022, Mendes and Symington have partnered, and their wines continue to reflect the distinctive terroir of DO Vinho Verde in northern Portugal.

Enjoy the read - the link is in my bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2026/08/mendes-symingtons-contacto-alvarinho-2025-brilliant-expression-vinho-verde/

Cheers! by @grapeexp_cindy

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2 months ago

Ipshita Ray, Contributing Writer to Grape Experiences, has written this compelling article after a master class and lunch sponsored by Coldiretti.

Enjoy the read-link is in my bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2026/08/understanding-italy-wine-diverse-wine-producing-country/

" In order to understand Italy, one needs to understand that there is an inextricable connection between the land (i.e., terroir), the people, the diverse array of food and cuisine, culture, music, art, cars and of course, wine. One cannot exist without the other. All of this, and more, make up the fabric of what it means to be Italian!

This connection was made quite apparent to me at a gathering hosted by Coldiretti and Istituto 100% Italiano on a fine, summer’s day at the Columbus Citizens Foundation in New York City, which brought together sommeliers, wine critics, journalists and wine writers like me, to explore a most fascination question: “What makes Italy the most diverse wine-producing country on earth?” During a masterclass led by Audrey Frick, Senior Editor and Wine Critic for JebDunnuck.com, we explored a selection of wines produced by some of the most prolific and well-known wine regions in Italy, and also, a few lesser-known areas that produce some of the best wines in the world!"

@coldiretti by @grapeexp_cindy

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2 months ago

Chilled white wines (sent as samples) were poured and on the table as our group of journalists, as part of a virtual tasting, swirled, sipped and learned about Cantina Tramin, a highly regarded wine cooperative in Tramin, Alto Adige located in northern Italy.

Cantina Tramin is noted for its quality whites cultivated in cool climate vineyards at 750-2800 feet above sea level. Thanks to its proximity to the mountains, the winds from Lake Garda and diurnal shift of temperatures, these wines are those of distinction. Sales Director Wolfgang Klotz led us through a tasting of six white wines that proved, with each sip, how each reflects the heart of its location and its heritage.

Enjoy the read and check out descriptions of the new releases! See link in my bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2026/07/latest-pours-cantina-tramin-alto-adige-legendary-cooperative/ by @grapeexp_cindy

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3 months ago

Many of us know how wine is made, but how many of us understand where wine was conceived? Now, thanks to two-time James Beard award winning producers Christine and Jason Wise of SOMM TV, Echoes of Wine, their latest film, reveals not only the secrets of Georgia’s viticulture but the humble people who reflect its values and diversity.

For about an hour, viewers are invited to come along for a journey to Georgia, where the world’s oldest wine culture began. Threaded with breathtaking cinematography, an inspirational musical score, and thoughtful conversations with winemakers and families, I was left awestruck by the beauty and spirit of this country. You will be mesmerized, too.

Echoes of Wine is released and can now be viewed on SOMM TV. The teaser in included in my article. See link in bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2026/07/echoes-wine-somm-tv-lingers-long-after-credits-roll/

@jasonbwise @sommtv_streaming by @grapeexp_cindy

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3 months ago

Just recently, I enjoyed dinner with good friends at the Navy Pier Marina in Chicago. An array of items including appetizers, sushi, Italian beef, salads, sides, and desserts were offered buffet-style to those of us with palates needing to be satiated after a few hours of boating, conversation, and laughter.

Each of us, some wine aficionados and others who simply loved a good glass of our favorite beverage, brought a bottle of wine to share.

Truth be told, this group is comprised of people who appreciate wine and those who simply know what they like. It was no surprise when my contribution, Pedroncelli 2022 Courage Zinfandel (sent to me as a sample) ($56), was the crowd favorite of those who tasted. Comments included “wow!,” “this is the best of the entire night,” “how can I get this?,” and more.

Frankly, no one cared about tasting notes because this beauty was just as delicious with Italian beef as it was with sushi and salads! Of course, I felt compelled to share the story of Pedroncelli Winery, now entering its 100th year. Read on for more! See link in my bio...

@pedroncelliwine by @grapeexp_cindy

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3 months ago

Direct from Sicily (and with a little help from Laithwaites Wines) are w/o wines. Third generation winemaker Dino Taschetta has crafted three wines sent as samples and reviewed below with the mantra of “wine without compromise.” And what does this mean? Those at w/o wines encourage wine lovers to enjoy sips that offer the essence of Sicily reflected in Taschetta’s use of local grapes and traditional winemaking techniques.

w/o Wines’ small portfolio is organically grown and farmed sustainably. Bottled in 100% “Wild Glass” with minimal labeling helps make recycling that much more easy. In fact, these are the first wines in the UK to be bottled in 100% recycled glass! Because each wine is sealed with sustainably grown cork and lack of animal products, each wine is vegan-friendly, too.

Enjoy the read about these affordable and delicious wines from sunny Sicily! Link in bio!

@laithwaites.wine by @grapeexp_cindy

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4 months ago

In today’s article, the focus is on two wines of Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, the largest wine growing region in New Zealand. Located on the northern part of the South Island, Marlborough brought international attention to New Zealand with its magnificent Sauvignon Blanc released in the 1980s.

Yet, a vast range of varieties is cultivated in the region thanks to diverse soils and meso-climates. Marlborough boasts a cool and sunny climate with low rainfall and somewhat fertile soil that when blended, produces distinctive wines. Currently, over 20,000 hectares of vines accounting for about 2/3 of the national total are cultivated.

Enjoy the read! Link to article is in my bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2026/06/two-standout-wines-sauvignon-blanc-marlborough-new-zealand/

Cheers! by @grapeexp_cindy

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4 months ago

“I have been to my fair share of wine trade events in the past few years and most of them have followed the same format. However, I did not expect what was in store for me when I attended the Chianti Classico Grand Tasting event at Ai Fiori in New York City, a few weeks ago. If you have never attended a trade event, they can be a bit overwhelming at times. One is spoilt for choice and if you want to leave the event, being fairly in control of your faculties, you need to be able to pace yourself. With that in mind, I had done my research, picked the wines I wanted to try, and was all set to check each one off my list.

What I wasn’t prepared for, was the wonderful surprise that greeted me when I ascended the stairs of Ai Fiori, one of my favorite restaurants in New York City.” - Here’s my latest article, published on Grape-Experiences.com on the wonderful world of Chianti Classico! @chianticlassico @grapeexp_cindy

For the article, see link in my bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2026/05/chianti-classico-gran-selezione-2016-horizontal-tasting-showcasing-true-tuscan-excellence/ taken in New York City by @grapeexp_cindy

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5 months ago

How many times have we listened to music with a glass of wine in hand? Too many times to remember, for me! Now we have another reason to turn up the volume and pour the wine. Robert Wessman, owner of Maison Wessman, and Norah Jones, 10 time Grammy award winning musician, have successfully blended the French lifestyle with beautiful This Life wines that harken sunshine, warm days, breezy nights, soulful music, and relaxed experiences. Yes, please!

Just recently, I was sent two This Life wines (as samples) for sipping and inspiration. Wines are delicious, the price points are enticing, and with the voice of Norah Jones in the air, each sip brought me back to the Cote d’Azur.

Enjoy the read! See link in my bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2026/05/this-life-wines-maison-wessman-norah-jones-melody-every-glass/ by @grapeexp_cindy

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5 months ago

Almost two weeks ago, I was in Paris along with seven incredible ladies who love the City of Light as much as I do.

One of our many experiences was an all day cooking class at Le Foodist where we stretched the limits of our culinary skill set to create a dejeuner to remember.

After donning our aprons, we were separated into teams to make Potage Dubarry (Cauliflower Soup), Gratin Dauphinois, Coq au Vin en Ballotine, and as a grand finale, Poire Belle-Hélène (Poached Pear with Chocolate Ganache and Vanilla Ice Cream). Naturally, wines were poured and enjoyed at our fabulous lunch and once home, I grabbed my whisk, double boiler, and ingredients to create the luscious Poire Belle-Hélène once again. Start cooking!!

For article and recipe see link in my bio or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2026/05/poire-belle-helene-frappato-dessert-elegant-affair/ taken in Le Foodist by @grapeexp_cindy

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5 months ago

To add inspiration to anyone’s wine travel mindset, bookmark this article because I was sent six books (for review) written by wine experts and published by the Academie du Vin. These informative books should be on everyone’s list, so check them out and start packing your bags!

Aptly entitled The Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide, the books include everything a wine traveler needs to know pertaining to the Rhone Valley, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Tuscany, Switzerland, and Rioja. (There are other regions, too.) Each book is $17.95 and a real bargain given the depth and breadth of what’s inside.

Detailed maps, the region’s history and geography, grape styles, vintages of note, lists and descriptions of the area’s greatest wines, and appellations are included. Authentic cuisine, wine routes, small and large hotels, handy tips for visiting, and ideas for non-wine related activities are suggested, too, along with stunning photographs. Bonus factor? Each book is small, so it can be tucked into your bag for easy access while traveling!

See link in my bio for the article or copy/paste: https://www.grape-experiences.com/2026/04/smart-travellers-wine-guide-series-academie-du-vin-carryon/

Enjoy the read AND the trip! by @grapeexp_cindy

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5 months ago