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David Nershi

@vino_sphere

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Publisher of Vino-Sphere blog. An award-winning writer with a focus on wines, wineries, food, and travel. CSW, APCAWS, APWASI Ambassador

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Had a memorable trip to the Outer Banks to see @sci_official at @roanokeislandfestivalpark in Manteo. Billy and the boys rocked it in the beautiful outdoor amphitheater. Our sojourn included a stay at the beach on Nags Head and a visit to the Bodie Island lighthouse at @capehatterasnps . We had a delizioso lunch at @saltandcedar on the way home.

#ncweekend
#stringcheeseincident
#livemusic
#obx taken in Manteo, North Carolina by @vino_sphere

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a month ago

Gearing up for an incredible deep dive into the new expressions of Lambrusco! 🍷✨
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Next week, I have the honor of joining the team from @ventiventiwinery for an online tasting to explore the versatility of the Lambrusco di Sorbara grape. We’ll be testing a trio of wines made with three distinct sparkling methods: Metodo Classico, Méthode Ancestrale, and Charmat.
🍾🥂
Located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Ventiventi has quickly become a standout for their blend of tradition and high-tech innovation. They aren't just making wine; they are actively stewards of their 70-hectare estate, focusing on organic farming, biodiversity, and precision viticulture—including an advanced irrigation system that ensures every drop of water is used responsibly.
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From their photovoltaic-powered winery to their commitment to FIVI (the Italian Federation of Independent Winegrowers), the brothers Andrea, Riccardo, and Tommaso Razzaboni are proving that forward-thinking practices are the key to protecting the land while producing exceptional, authentic terroir-driven wines.
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I can’t wait to taste these side-by-side and learn more about their journey from their first harvest in 2018 to the present. Stay tuned for the highlights!
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Have you ever explored the sparkling methods of Lambrusco? Let me know your experience in the comments! 👇

#Ventiventi #LambruscoDiSorbara #EmiliaRomagna #WineTasting #OrganicWine taken in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina by @vino_sphere

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a month ago

🇺🇸 Small city, big surprises. Lexington, NC is so much more than its famous festival crowds. Think walkable streets, creative energy, local flavors, and a downtown packed with personality. If you’re craving a Southern getaway with charm and character, this one’s worth the detour. Check out our latest article on Vino-Sphere ✨ Full story in bio

#travelnc
#lexnc
#traveltheworld by @vino_sphere

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2 months ago

Exactly one week ago today I was absolutely delighted to end #ncwinemonth with an amazing food and wine experience cohosted, by my dear friend Dave Nershi @vino_sphere 🍷 an Herb Infused Luncheon featuring six courses each accompanied by wine 🍷 🌿

this was a concept that I had had in mind for quite some time and with the assistance of David and several of our friends we were able to experience a multicourse meal with exquisite wine pairings ❤️🍷

In addition, we seized on the opportunity to select multiple North Carolina wines to pair with various courses that complimented them 🍷❤️

The menu was amazing and the only thing better than the food and wine was the fellowship we shared 🙌🏽👏🏽🍷

My thanks to all who participated and made this event such a huge success👏🏽🙌🏽👍🏽🍷

#merl2musc taken in Holly Springs, North Carolina by @vino_sphere

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2 months ago

Ah, yes! It has finally been released. Black Odessa is the latest novel by @peter_stafford_bow It recounts the astounding exploits of Felix Hart, a wine executive who turns to social media influencing after his back accounts are frozen by the police. It's a wine-filled romp with danger and side-splitting scenes.

I love the Felix Hart books and I heartily recommend you pick up a copy on Amazon. A perfect read with a glass of bubbly!

#blackodessa #buffbacchus #bestbooks taken in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina by @vino_sphere

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2 months ago

Herbs are the quiet architects of great cooking—they shape aroma, deepen flavor, and turn simple ingredients into something memorable. We celebrated herbs during a unique Herb-Infused Luncheon, a collaboration with my wine compadre Arthur Barham of @merlot2muscadine . The soiree was held on the last day of May, so we also saluted North Carolina Wine Month with bottles from @raffaldini @juniuslindsayvineyard @jonesvondrehle and @windsorruncellars as well as top wines from around the world. Luncheon guests provided the gourmet bites, which were paired with specially selected wines.
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The welcoming wine was Château Paradis La Grande Terre 2024, Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, a beautiful rosé that is one of our favorites. It also paired with Diane's delicious sourdough bread, accompanied by artisan spreads. Shrimp flatbread with basil (thanks, John) was matched with Cava by Segura Viudas
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Green Dragon prepared a chilled cucumber soup with dill and lump crabmeat, a perfect match with the 2023 Raffaldini Vermentino Superiore. Arthur's butter lettuce salad with lemon balm dressing was served with my favorite white of the day -- the Mokoroa Getariako Txakolina 2024. This zesty Basque wine from Spain has a nice effervescence.
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We then had an intermezzo, where Arthur served two amuse-bouches matched with three different wines: Jones Von Drehle 2023 Blanc de Blanc, Weinhaus Heger Blanc et Noir Brut Nature (Baden, Germany), and Respelido 2022 Lirac Rouge. The first appetizer was smoked salmon mousse in a phyllo cup and was marvellous with the sparklers (including the German gem). The Tuscan-spiced meatball with Hoisin sauce was spot on with the Rhone red.
🌿
Natalie's succulent herbed pork was presented with the 2023 Junius Lindsay Reserve Syrah, a stellar NC wine. The grand finale was Michelle's chocolate mint pudding served with the delicious Windsor Run Redhook's Revenge, a rum punch that was a tasteful end to a splendiferous luncheon.
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Thanks to Mary and Arthur Barham for opening their home for the occasion, and to all the guests who cooked and infused the afternoon with fun.

#wineandfoodpairing #ncwine #sparklingwine @tarheeltapsandcorks taken in Holly Springs, North Carolina by @vino_sphere

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2 months ago

As a special treat, I uncorked a 2005 Tabarrini Montefalco Sagrantino Colle Grimaldesco, Tabarrini’s flagship bottling, during a recent tasting with my friend Arthur Barham @merlot2muscadine .

I've been disappointed recently by several older vintage wines that were dead upon opening. Knowing the tannic structure of Sagrantino, the prospects for this bottle were very good.

Sagrantino is grown in many places, but Montefalco is the spiritual and legal heart of Sagrantino. This Umbrian hill town is where this ancient grape was preserved by local monks and ultimately elevated to world-class status through the region's strict DOCG classification. It truly is the mothership for this bold grape.

The Grimaldesco is often the most balanced Tabarrini offering because it’s meant to represent the quintessential character of the estate. Knowing this is a powerful bottle, I decanted for 90 minutes. The wine is garnet in color, moving to tawny on the edges.

The wine is savory with dried cherry and blackberry notes, and the once aggressive tannins have integrated into a velvety texture. A herbal thread of rosemary combines with distinct minerality to lift the wine into a long-lasting finish. This wasn't a wine on the downhill slide, but rather a bottle in peak drinkability that can age nicely into the 2030s.

I paired the wine with rosemary garlic lamb meatballs in a red wine reduction sauce, a truly sublime combination.

#sagrantino
#montefalco
#Italianwine
#wineeducator taken in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina by @vino_sphere

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2 months ago

Our Portugal excursion included the city of Porto, the river‑hugging, tile‑covered city where historic charm, bold architecture, and soulful wine meet the Atlantic breeze. We strolled across the iconic Dom Luis I bridge, completed in 1886, that connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the Port houses are located.
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There, we enjoyed an immersive tasting at Ramos Pinto, which was founded in 1880. Their Ports—especially the aged Tawnies and expressive Vintage Ports—are celebrated for depth, structure, and richly layered fruit and spice.
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We tasted a fruity white port, the fruity and dense ruby port, Collector Reserva, the Late Bottled Vintage, and two beautiful tawny Ports -- the 10-year and 20-year bottlings. The beautiful tasting room and luxurious wines had us on top of the world -- even more so when we took the gondola back to the bridge.
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A Vinho Verde filled Six Bridges boat tour on the Douro was also on our schedule. We later took a train day trip to Guimarães, a historic northern Portuguese city known as the birthplace of Portugal and home to a UNESCO World Heritage site. This was the northernmost point in our Portugal visit.

Thanks to @nershitravelandtours

#VisitPortugal #PortoPortugal #PortWine #TravelEurope #Guimaraes taken in Porto, Portugal by @vino_sphere

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3 months ago

Our epic travels in Portugal began in the capital city of Lisbon. Known as the City of Seven Hills, it has plenty of steep cobblestone streets with spectacular views. Colorful tiles adorn the buildings, and cafes and bakeries line the avenues.
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We enjoyed a dinner and a Fado show. Fado is soulful, melancholic traditional music with expressive vocals and Portuguese guitar, capturing themes of longing, fate, and nostalgia.
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From Lisbon, we took a train to Sintra to tour the awe-inspiring Pena Palace. We bounced to the top of the hill in a tuk-tuk. Pena Palace rises above Sintra like a dream in stone and color, a fairytale castle standing over the misty mountains.
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Thanks to @nershitravelandtours for making the arrangements.

#travelwrite
#travelphotography
#lisboa
#travelPortugal
#traveltheworld taken in Lisboa, Portugal by @vino_sphere

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3 months ago

My new feature for FWT Magazine is live, and I’m excited to share a deeper look at Bok Tower Gardens, Circle B Bar Reserve, Lake Wales, and the quiet, scenic corners that define Polk County’s hidden landscapes.

From sunrise over the marshes to the architectural elegance of Frank Lloyd Wright, this region blends history, ecology, and unexpected beauty anchored in the landscape while still offering a true sense of discovery.

If you’re curious about Central Florida beyond the theme parks, this story is for you. Full article — link in bio

#TravelWriter #VisitCentralFlorida #PolkCountyFL #FloridaNature #HiddenFlorida taken in Polk County by @vino_sphere

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Boutique wines with big character — that’s the magic of North Carolina’s Southern Gateway Wine Trail. Just a short drive from the Triad, Triangle, and Charlotte, this cluster of independent, rural‑charm wineries delivers a relaxed, unpretentious tasting experience that feels like stepping into the true spirit of NC wine country.

From Native Vines’ one‑of‑a‑kind Green Tea and Raspberry Tea Wines, to Weathervane’s estate‑grown blends, to the open‑air Rhone‑focused tastings at Junius Lindsay, every stop brings its own personality. Add in lakeside sips at Old Homeplace, Bordeaux‑style elegance at Curran Alexander, and the grandeur of Childress — and you’ve got a weekend getaway tailor‑made for wine lovers.

If you’re craving small‑batch craftsmanship, scenic miles, and wines with real soul, this trail belongs on your list.

Full article is linked in the bio.

#VisitLexNC
#ncwine
#southerngatewaywinetrail taken in Lexington, North Carolina by @vino_sphere

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3 months ago

Our final two stops on North Carolina's Southern Gateway Wine Trail were Curran Alexander and Old Homeplace.

Curran Alexander is a historic property that's been in the same family for 150 years. The winery specializes in boutique Bordeaux-style blends. The tasting room is a showpiece and features a veranda perfect for sipping and enjoying the spring weather. The historic grounds include foundation stones from the Red House Inn, where George Washington once dined.

All wines are estate-produced, and many feature Cabernet Sauvignon, which Curran Alexander has been growing for 25 years. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon are blended for the outstanding 2022 Meritage, which hits with dark cherry and raspberry notes. The varietal 2021 Cab Franc is savory with herbal notes. Southern Tour, features George Washington astride a horse during his tour of the Carolinas in 1791. The wine, also a blend of Merlot, Cab Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, is a lighter, more casual wine - a people pleaser in all regards.

Old Homeplace is located on 48 acres on the banks of Lake Thom-a-Lex. It has been in Jill Stone's family for 80 years and is run by Jill and her husband, David. Old Homeplace is a relaxing retreat, featuring a deck overlooking the lake, a gazebo, an event building, and plenty of greenery for strolling and picnicking. You'll find a wine for every taste, from dry whites and reds to fruit wines and sweeter muscadines.

Henry Lee is a blend of Viognier, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. It has a light body with honeysuckle and green apple notes -- perfect for sipping and enjoying the scenery. Tire Swing is a rose blend of Sangiovese and Cab Franc. Our favorite was Vinny's Blend, named after the winery dog. It's a luscious Petit Verdot/Petite Sirah wine that's well-crafted and as lovable as Vinny himself.

Old Homeplace is an outstanding place to kick back, forget your cares, and soak in the country vibes.

The Southern gateway wine trail is a great travel destination. Couple it with shopping, dinner, and a stay in Lexington, NC, and you have a perfect weekend getaway.

#VisitLexNC
#SouthernGatewayWineTrail
#ncwine
@oldhomeplacevineyard taken in Lexington, North Carolina by @vino_sphere

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