Celebrating the New Year the Armenian Way: Ghapama and Lamb Kebabs Paired with Areni Wine from Yacoubian-Hobbs

As we head into 2025, this New Year we encourage you to try new wines and new regions! Recently we featured three wines from Georgia’s Zurab Gvaladze made biodynamically in amphora from indigenous grapes; this is a region of the world I look forward to learning more about in 2025 and hopefully visiting as long as it is safe. Below you’ll find a wine made by Paul Hobbs from rare Armenian indigenous grapes from newly planted vines and grown sustainably paired with regional dishes for the New Year: Ghapama and lamb kebabs.

“The soul of a wine is when it speaks to a place. If you don’t have that, then you’ve missed everything. And that quest is why we’re so fired up to be here.”— Paul Hobbs

These wines are made near the oldest known winery– a cave that dates back over 6,000! Nothing like starting the New Year with something that’s new and actually very very old! Continue reading →

Laurie

What pairs with Mexican food and the celebration of your sister’s life? That was my challenge when we returned from a walk to the beach at sunset where we tossed stones into the sea with messages. We were hosting a celebration of life for my sister who would have turned 60 on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Throwing a stone into the sea for Laurie, my sister; photo by Claudia Miklas

We grilled tritip, we made beans and rice, heated tortillas, had chips and salsa, and friends brought enchiladas, tamales, and more. We had Mexican beer and limes, plus tequila, and margarita mix.

But what did my friends want? Wine! Wine chosen by their friend the wine expert! Specifically red wine to go with tritip with Mexican chili seasonings, and all the fixings for burritos or tacos.

So what wine? It felt like a momentous decision. It felt like a monument decision. Trying to decide what wine really brought her loss home to me in a way that nothing else had yet. And that we drinking a toast to her and not with her.  Continue reading →