Dan's Papers - August 10, 2007 - The Wine Solutions

Do you daydream at work about becoming a wine aficionado? Not sure which wines to pick for your upcoming beach bash? Then go no further than the story of how Kutch Wines began and compliment it with the must-have read of 2007, The Simple & Savvy Wine Guide - two solutions to all your grape-like questions.

Solution 1: The Story

The Hamptons are notorious for hosting some of the world's finest wines and wineries. In a little over a quarter of a century, the Long Island wine industry has expanded and now includes 3,000 acres and more than 30 wineries. Wineries can be found on the North and South Forks and although the quality of the grapes and wine is exceptional, it is difficult and expensive to get involved in the wine cultivating business. Only the ultra-rich are able to start from scratch or purchase estates, however that is not to suggest it is impossible. In fact, the story of one man with a vision of making Pinot Noir is just the tale that might inspire you to drop everything and follow your dreams.

Jamie Kutch, 33, was a Wall Street trader in New York City and he and his wife Kristen Green, 33, who just wed this past June, spent much of their time coming out to the Hamptons. For nearly twenty years they were each devoted to different areas in the East End. Jaime spent time in Sagaponack admiring the wine fields while Kristen enjoyed the beaches of East Hampton. Yet their courtship led them to find a common interest and love for the raw and edgy landscape of Montauk.

Kutch, who used to make wine in his Manhattan apartment, finally got the chance to run with his passion in the fall of 2005, when he crushed two tons of grapes for his first vintage 150 cases in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley.

Just recently the Wine Spectator gave his Pinot Noir 93 points out of 100 and that score truly speaks to the quality of the wine. Kutch makes some of the finest Pinot Noir in the entire country - a light, fresh and earthy dream-come-true. Sign up on his mailing list at www.kutchwines.com.

Solution 2: The Source

Considering the acreage of wineries worldwide and all the history that surrounds the winemaking lifestyle, it is no wonder that many people feel as though wine is something so above them, something so foreign, something so exotic. Well, Leslie Sbrocco does it again with her second book, The Simple & Savvy Wine Guide, where her goal is to empower readers with knowledge of the all-holy grape juice by offering wines by mood, food, season and reason. Both her previous book, Wine for Women alongside her wine column in The San Francisco Chronicle, aspire to educate her audience and demystify wine in a very amusing, honest and informative style, typical for Sbrocco, who has appeared on television programs such as "The Today Show" and CNN.

In this new book, Sbrocco remarks, "wine is fun, yet we often take it (and ourselves) too seriously." It is important, she explains, to be an informed consumer who is in touch with their personal taste. And let me tell you, one glance at this book and you will certainly be in touch with your personal taste. Ever wonder which wine to drink with pizza, Chinese food or barbeque? How about what white wines are organic and which ones are appropriate for a wedding (and won't make your broke either)? The Simple & Savvy Wine Guide is thorough, full of tips and includes Sbrocco's fashionable concept of wine makeovers, where she takes an expensive wine and recommends a similar-tasting, more affordable bottle and in some cases trims up to $200 off the check.

Leslie reminds her readers that there are no rules to pairing food and wine - she's had steak with Chardonnay and fish with Cabernet and when it all boils down, she reminds today's wine drinkers to drink with a sense of adventure and offers these simple guidelines to help make the combination of food and wine reach new heights. To learn more about Leslie Sbrocco and purchase a copy of her latest book, The Simple & Savvy Wine Guide, visit www.lesliesbrocco.com.