They say spring comes in like a lion or a lamb
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If you haven't checked your calendar yet, you might not have noticed that this year is a leap year! Hello, rarely seen February 29. Julius Caesar instituted leap year back in 45 BC. By adding a single day every four years, he created a more or less consistent solar calendar. Like any oddity, leap year has a number of its own traditions and superstitions, many of them related to relationships! For example, apparently not only was is considered acceptable for women to propose to men on a leap day, the men could not refuse! It's said that Queen Margaret even imposed a fine for men who would deny
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So, 2023 is now behind us. Not such a bad year, all things considered. Although there's always hope that the future will be better and brighter. Whether or not you make resolutions, take some time as we say goodbye to the year to reflect on the lessons you learned and how you might apply them and do and be better in 2024. Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) January's winter nights are cold and dark, the perfect place for shadows of the past to lurk and taunt you. Embrace the discomfort of facing them head-on. Remember that the wounds you carry are not your identity, but they way you deal
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Created by Göknur Gündoğan and Işık Gülçubuk, the Wine Experience Project was launched at the end of 2020. Per the group's mandate, The Wine Experience Project respects vine, wine, and are “winebassadors” who include a mix of winemakers, wine writers, retailers, and select foreigners. Select indeed, with some omissions. Ahem. Advent Day 4 Wine Experience Project Kalecik Karası, 2021 The project's freshman (and so far only) wine was a Kalecik Karası made with grapes sourced from the Kalecik-based winery Tafali's. The grapes fermented in stainless steel tanks before aging on the lees for eight months. Bottled with no oak aging. The wine poured the medium-opaque brickish red one associates with Kalecik Karası. Lovely aromas
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Since November seems to have forgot how to be autumn, we'll see what kind of weather December has in store. The seasons here can be such a rollercoaster throwing ups and downs and twists and turns at us. Much like life itself does. And as we approach this final month of 2023, many are taking stock of what happened during the year and making plans and resolutions for the year ahead. Me, I'm ignoring the future. It'll always be there tomorrow. December is all about Christmas and I cannot wait to put up the tree and dive into Christmas music and movies. So yeah, we all have a different approach
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We leave behind the tricks and treats of Halloween and October for a new month. Hopefully one that is actually autumn-like. Every new month is a fresh start for us. A time to reevaluate, start something new, or just start anew. So what will I be drinking this month? I have several things planned! But more importantly, what will YOU be drinking? Read on to find out what the Universe recommends. Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) This month you'll hear a siren's song calling you to exploration. It could mean travel is in the cards for you, or perhaps expanding our current world through learning something new. This spirit of
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Canan at Gordias doesn't make a lot of white wines. But when she does, like her Nana Narince and Fesleğen, they're worth tracking down! I recently revisited the Gordias Sauvignon Blanc and don't know why it took me so long to do so! While her Kalecik Karası and some of her other reds are pretty accessible, this isn't an easy wine to find. I had to get it direct from the winery. Absolutely worth the extra effort though if you're a Sauvignon Blanc lover! This is one of my personal favorite Turkish Sauvignon Blanc wines. Gordias Sauvignon Blanc, 2021 Golden lemon-lime in the glass, the aromatics came rushing out of the glass
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Autumn is officially here - on the calendar anyway. We've had such odd weather all spring and summer, here's to a properly cool and lovely autumn! It's one of my personal favorite seasons. Wearing cozy sweaters, eating heartier meals, that slight chill in the air
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Is summer over yet? Please?? I know I complained about that weird cold and rainy early July we had
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Holy cats July was miserable! Horrible, hot weather including the hottest day Istanbul has had in years. During which, no less, my precious wines and I were without power for almost 48 hours! That was not in my horoscope. Here's to hoping that August will be a little milder. I don't know about you, but all I want to do these days is crush some nice, light white wine. Let's see if the future has any of that in store for us! Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) Strap on your seatbelt and be prepared this month to steer your life into a new direction - emotionally speaking. You'll come to
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