Well, it seems as though we have settled into our spring-time routine here in Houston. Today, I have baseball, Taekwondo, a driving session with now 16 year-old Nathan, and another round with the grubs attacking my lawn (last week, I applied “beneficial nematodes” which are a microscopic hit squad, apparently). At some point, I would also like to get in a ride, as it looks like another beautiful day here in Houston (high 70s are forecast). Before I head out for some pre-game Kolaches, here are a couple of reminders for you:

1. I am continuing to collect samples for my Third Annual Largest Blind Tasting of American True Rosés! A “True Rosé “ is a wine that was always intended to be a rosé—some people call them “intentional rosés”, “direct press rosés”, or even “bespoke rosé.” In other words, these are not saignées (a by-product of red wine production when part of the juice of a red wine is bled off [“saignée” means “bled” in French] and made into a rosé). This year I will again host the event at my house for several Houston based wine writers and bloggers in early May. Please let me know if you have a wine that should be included or if you may be interested in attending (although there is limited space). Last year we tried 68 (!) True Rosés! This year, I am trying to limit that number as my teeth hurt for three days after all of those rosés.
2. I am also in the process of getting together a bike tour of Provence for early October. The tour will be centered around the town of Vaison-la-Romaine in Provence. Details are still being ironed out, but we will ride in the morning (with an optional climb up the infamous Mont Ventoux one of the days), visit wineries in the afternoon, and take in many of the area’s top attractions (Pont du Gard, Avignon, Les Baux de Provence, etc.). We will stay at the incredible La Baye des Anges, a renovated farmhouse in Vaison. Please send me an email (jeff (at) thedrunkencyclist (dot) com) if you would like more information.

That’s all I have today—have a great and safe Saturday!