July, 2010 - AVAs: Just Where Was That Wine Grown?
Just as America is divided into states, grape growing regions across the country are divided into American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). This month we are explaining what that means to you as a wine consumer. Read it here.

June, 2010 - New Zealand: Breathtaking Landscapes and Impressive Wines.
Did you know, that unlike neighboring Australia, New Zealand has no temperature extremes, no poisonous reptiles, and no predators except for raptors? Ed Young and wife Martha recently returned from New Zealand, loaded with trivia about this magical country, and also with new wine discoveries. Read it here.

May, 2010 - Spring Down to Australia for the Crush
This year, two contingents from Frugal MacDoogal's took tasting tours of Australia. Spring in Nashville is crush (harvest) time in Australia, and we were there in the middle of it. We knew Australia produced some wonderful examples of Shiraz (known as Syrah in most of the world). But most of us had never given much thought to Australian whites, or even to other reds. So going there were revelations. It's confirmed, Australia is making some of the best wines we've ever tasted! Here is a review of some of the places we visited and wines we tasted. Read it here.

April, 2010 - Touring Australia's Wine Country
Travel with Frugal MacDoogal's to Australia's wine country. In this country of wide-open spaces, fierce sun and venomous reptiles, there is a serious wine industry that has capitalized on the success of Shiraz. You may be surprised at the number of varietals being grown here, and you'll enjoy the differences in touring wineries in Australia, compared with touring Napa. Ed Young just returned from Australia, and here he shares his observations of life down under. Read it here.

March, 2010 - How Do People Shop For Wine?
Selecting wines appears to be a somewhat mysterious process, so we are always in search of understanding. To that end, our Wine Consultants share their observations about how different shoppers, well, shop. How do you evaluate which wines to buy on a given day? What factors play a role as you ponder this bottle or that? Read it here.

February, 2010 - A Valentine's Day Kiss to Remember
Wine and romance should go together. Valentine's Day makes us reflect on what is really important in life - love. Ed reflects on the power of a kiss, reminding us that the worlds most romantic and enduring relationships began with a simple kiss. Read it here.

January, 2010 - Easy New Year's Wine Resolutions
This is the time when many of us look back over the past year, review mistakes that were made, and vow to improve in the coming 12 months. You may not even have thought about how your appreciation for the grape could be expanded through some very basic resolutions. These wine resolutions will be the easiest ones to keep this year. Read it here.

December, 2009 - Legacy Wines or Spirits: Lasting and Memorable Gifts
This year, consider a really special gift, what we refer to as "legacy" wines or spirits. Ed recommends gifts that will be around for many years and bring tremendous pleasure to the recipient. Read it here.

November, 2009 - Thanksgiving 2009 Wines That Deliver Great Value
Americans drink more wine on Thanksgiving than on any other holiday. This year, the economy has tightened a lot of Holiday budgets, so let's focus on the good things in life. We share tips on how to shop for you Thanksgiving wine, and our staff recommends wines that are exceptional, yet affordable. Read it here.

October, 2009 - Another Very Good Year In Napa
Late September is a great time to visit Napa Valley. The harvest has begun, the crush is on, and large clusters of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes hang on to vines that are beginning to show some Autumn color. Each trip to Napa is full of new experiences. Ed Young describes his latest trip to Napa, where he found 2009 to be another very good year. Read it here.

September, 2009 - Wine By The Numbers: Trivia You Should Know
This piece could be called "Did You Know?" How many times is wine mentioned in the Bible? Which American President spent nearly 1/3 of his salary on wine? After reading Ed's amazing new wine trivia collection for 2009, you will have the answers. Read it here.

August, 2009 - Discover the mystique of Sake
You've know a little about of Sake - the Japanese alcohol-containing beverage made from rice. Maybe you tasted sake at a Japanese restaurant. Sake is the fastest growing segment in the alcoholic beverage industry, yet few Americans know a lot about it, and fewer have tasted high quality sake. Ed provides an in-depth primer about this popular beverage and shares his latest tasting notes. Read it here.

July, 2009 - Virtual Wines: Wines Without the Vines
Lots of really good, boutique wines are made by vintners who don't own their own land and facilities. Quality standards can be as high for these so-called "virtual wines" as those from conventional makers. Ed describes this growing phenomenon and offers up suggestions for good virtual wines to try. Read it here.

June, 2009 - Rosé: Embrace the Versatile "Wine in the Middle"
Rosés, now considered trendy and chic, have been embraced by connoisseurs of food and wine. A new cadre of Rosé fans has emerged -- young club-hoppers and tastemakers who serve it at home and ask for it when out. Ed provides a nice list of good ones to try. Read it here.

May, 2009 - Tennessee's Wine Country: Stop, Look and Try a Glass
Have you toured Tennessee wineries lately? You may be surprised at the number of wineries in the state, and the quality and variety of fine and casual wines being produced locally. Ed shares his latest findings, and spotlights award winning wines, wine growers and wine makers. Read it here.

April, 2009 - Take a Trip to Chile and Discover World Class Wine
Jeff Warzynski, Wine Manager at Frugal MacDoogal, just returned from an 8-day visit to Chile. Ed interviews Jeff, uncovering some interesting reflections on what he experienced. Read it here.

March, 2009 - Six Great Wine Books
This month we review six books about wine, that would make a great addition to your personal library, or a wonderful gift for any wine lover. Read it here.

February, 2009 - Valentine's At Home: Dinner & A Movie - Don't Forget The Wine
This year, we are staying home, cooking at home, drinking wine at home, and having an evening's entertainment at home. Ed reveals his 10 favorite romantic movies of all time and has wine suggestions to match. Read it here.

January, 2009 - Cork Or No Cork: What's The Big Deal?
The invention of corks may have been the most important event in the history of fine wines, but no wine bottle closure is likely to have an absolute monopoly in the future. Ed delves into the wine closure debate and finds useful facts from a new book on the subject. Read it here.

December, 2008 - Top Holiday Gift Ideas for 2008
This year, consider new twists on beverages for holiday gifts. Bigger is better. Think locally. Create a gift basket. Turn someone on to Belgian Ales. Get someone into the spirit with liquor and liqueur gift sets. Read it here.

November 2008 - Take a Trip to Paso Robles and California's Central Coast
Come along with Ed and his wife Martha as they explore wine country in the California Central Coast area of Paso Robles. There are plenty of great value priced wines from this area located between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Read it here.

October, 2008 - Shaking Up Nashville Beverage Retailing for 25 Years
Marking Frugal MacDoogal's 25th Anniversary, Ed looks back to how Charles Sonnenberg revolutionized the local beverage retailing landscape by opening Tennessee's first and largest wine and liquor warehouse store in 1983. Read it here.

September, 2008 - Sulfites in Wine Are No Headache
Do you ever wonder what sulfites are, and why the words "Contains Sulfites" appear on nearly all wine labels? Ed reveals some facts that may surprise you. Read it here.

August, 2008 - Oregon is Pinot Noir Country
Vintners in Oregon are devoted to Pinot Noir. Highly regarded Willamette Valley wineries are within 45 minutes of Portland. Ed chronicles Wine Manager Jeff Warzynski's recent trip to Oregon, where he tasted Oregon wines and got a taste of the area. Read it here.

July, 2008 - A Private Tasting in Bordeaux, at Chateau de Bellevue
Ed remarks that he will never forget the hospitality he experienced during his recent tour of France's wine country. He shares his experiences and awakenings, not to mention his new personal connection at Chateau de Bellevue in famed Bordeaux. Read it here.

May/June, 2008 - Impress Your Friends With These Wine Terms
Did you know there is a name for that indentation in the bottom of a wine bottle? And for the air space between the cork and the wine? Give him a few minutes of your time and Ed will improve your wine vocabulary. Read it here.

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