My friend was telling me about this cocktail made with red wine and ICE CREAM called the Frothy Redhead!! I’ve never heard about it before! As you may know, I cannot resist sweets, so I’m going to have to try this cocktail this weekend, although it looks a little weird. Have you ever had it, or anything similar? Let me know if you have or if you have any variations for it.
After a wonderful few weeks in the U.S., I’m finally back in Madrid. Again, I want to thank everyone who I met with, and everyone that participated in the Tempra Tantrum tastings and dinners, it was so much fun!!
While I’ve been away, people here in Spain have been having a lot of fun too. Let me tell you about some of the excuses to party that happened in August!
1. Tomatina Festival Excuse to party: Bathe in tomato soup
You might have heard of this festival, as it’s very well known throughout the world. La Tomatina is basically a food fight that has been happening every year in Buñol, Valencia since 1945. The festival occurs every last Wednesday in August and centers around throwing tomatoes at each other. Approximately 150,000 ripe tomatoes, about 90,000 pounds, are thrown each year. Words cannot really describe the craziness, so watch this video!
Looks fun, right??
2. New Year’s in August — Nochevieja en Agosto Excuse to Party: 16 years ago, the lights went out
This is probably a festivity you may not have heard of, but it’s definitely one of the craziest, in my opinion, mostly because it’s so uncommon. In the town of Bérchules in Granada, they celebrate New Years, in August! Not only do they sing Christmas carols, but the festivity is complete with the customary grapes, Christmas lights and hats, bubbly and a lot of dancing. This tradition started in December 31, 1994 when New Year festivities were shortened due to a power break up and has continued ever since.
Again, words can’t describe how an entire population can embrace this tradition, so watch these videos. I think it’s so cool and it makes me feel happy that we can turn anything into an excuse to celebrate!
Does your city or family have any interesting excuses to party — I mean, traditions??
Happy Friday everyone! I’m so sad that my U.S. tour is almost coming to an end but I’m so happy that the new 2009 wines got such a great response. Everytime I come, I always meet with such great people. I’ll post more pictures when I’m more settled, but for now, here are some photos from last Thursday’s virtual tasting (I promise I will post a full version of the tasting soon).
Also, if you’re in Federal Way, WA, come see me at WineStyles from 7-9pm for a Tempra Tantrum tasting. I’d love to meet with you!!
Have a great weekend, and go ahead and have a Tempra Tantrum!!
This is the start of my second week in the U.S., and I’ve had such a great time so far! This week, I’m having two events, one in Pheonix, AZ and the other in Federal Way, WA. If you’re in the area, come say hi and taste some wines with me!!!
The first event is tonight (8.24.10, 6 to 8pm) at Fuego Bistro in Pheonix:http://bit.ly/cGg7oe . The event is a four-course dinner paired with Tempra Tantrum Wines. I’ll be discussing the new 2009 vintage and answering questions about life as a Spanish vintner. To make a reservation, click here!
The next event is on Friday at WineStyles in Federal Way, WA from 7-9pm, and it will be a very casual, informal tasting. For this one, there’s no need to RSVP, just come! http://bit.ly/94xTBO
I wish I could go to every city and taste wines with everyone, but for now, I hope to meet many people from Arizona and Washington.
