Howdy Everyone! A few updates this week: 1. Being part of Slik Skool, I'm giving every active user on here an Advanced Reader Copy of my book, How To Read A Wine Label (I know the Slik Skool was split between 1 and 2, but 1 has a wider appeal, so we're going with that!). If you're reading this and want one, write a comment down below so I know you're interested. 2. Due to popular demand, I put another Q&A session in the calendar. This time, I put in a Coffee Hour Q&A instead of a Happy Hour one for the 20th! I put a poll down below to see if you like the idea of a coffee Q&A or want to only do Happy Hours. I'm such a morning person that I love this idea but want to see how you guys feel. 3. @Kimberly Kaplan asked for some New Orleans recommendations after I went a month ago, so thanks for your patience on this, but here's a list I've gathered from my chef friend. I'd also add Pluck to the list of wine bars to check out. You won't find a lot of the classic spots because the chef friend used to live there, so he likes going a bit more off the beaten path. Classics I'd recommend are Commander's Palace, Galatoire's, or Antoine's if you've never been to NOLA.

I love hanging out with y'all for happy hour and getting to know you all a bit more. Thanks to everyone who joined today (even if it was only for a minute, @Tammy Matlock ;) ) I'm doing a "wine personality quiz" on the website a la Seventeen Magazine, so I made this visual to go with it. You guys get first dibs to laugh with me. And, why not, you guys can take it early if you want. Here's the preview link: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/preview/67bfcc068ad67300152642a1 (it'll ask for your email before your results but you can just give a fake one lol) <3 Marie

Looking for some/any recommendations for a couple of bottles to bring for a dinner party I was invited to — the twist is that we as guests have no idea what the theme or menu for the dinner will be until we arrive that evening. I’ve got some time, but off the top of my head I was thinking champagne or Gruner Veltliner (not just because I’m having a GV moment) since these tend to pair pretty well with a number of different cuisines. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Completed my first blind tasting last night. Requested an Old World Pinot Noir and a New World Pinot Noir. Correctly guessed them the first time, but as I let them sit out, I continued to close my eyes (the color of the wines would easily give it away), switch around the glasses then smell and taste them again every 10-15 min. It’s amazing how different these wines tasted as time passed and they opened up! With my first sip, I preferred the Old World Pinot Noir, but by 30 min or so later, I had really warmed up to and favored the New World Pinot Noir.

Very excited to be joining this network! I live in Chicago and love spending time exploring new wines and signing up for tasting classes in the neighborhood. A couple of years ago, I had an unforgettable dining experience that I attribute to the sommelier who paired wines I had never had before with our courses. It elevated everything for me. From that point on, I wanted to learn everything about wine. Looking forward to becoming part of this community and continuing to learn as I go! Is it cheating if I choose a seafood tower as my final meal on death row? Also, my current wine obsession is Gruner Veltliner… anyone else?