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Gerard Bertrand Interview – Toasting The Art De Vivre Of Southern France

December 27, 2020

Gerard BertrandGerard Bertrand is the largest and most influential winemaker in Languedoc-Roussillon in the South of France.  Gerard has a colorful past as a talented Rugby player and played professionally for many years.  His love for wine goes back even further. Gerard grew up amongst the vines where he apprenticed with his father. Today, the Gerard Bertrand brand spans 16 wine estates that are farmed biodynamically with the purpose of revealing the soul of their terroir. His wines transport you to the South of France with emotions of the “Art de Vivre” – the “Art of Life.”

Gerard Bertrand’s knowledge and passion for the region have made him one of the most prominent producers in the South of France. As an ambassador of the region, Gerard has put Languedoc-Roussillon back on the wine map, producing wines of the highest quality with a commitment to share his knowledge of the terroir with the world.

Gerard’s commitment expands into wine tourism, through his charming Château l’Hospitalet.  The Chateau is a hotel with a restaurant, art gallery, and wine shop that is surrounded by enchanting vineyards in the heart of the protected massif of La Clape.  The hotel is also the magical venue for the hugely popular Gerard Bertrand Jazz Festivals, where some of the greatest musicians in the world have performed in the vineyards in an open-air venue.

chateau l'hospitalet

I had the opportunity to spend four days with Gerard Bertrand and his gracious family to experience the Art de Vivre of Southern France.  Gerard’s story is inspiring, continue reading for my exclusive interview.

Gerard Bertrand Interview

You have grown-up amongst the vines with your father.  What winemaking techniques and skills did you learn from your father that you carry forward to this day? 

Gerard – My father taught me a lot of things, but most importantly he opened my heart.  He said feelings are more important than techniques.  I did not learn enology, nor do I have a background in enology.  I work with my inspirations, intuition and imagination, rather than techniques.  I learned winemaking techniques in the cellar year after year, but I found it was most important to taste the berries, taste the pips, and taste the grapes. Then I would decide when to pick the grapes and what wines to blends. I allow my intuition to come to me in order to make decisions.  This is what I learned from my father.

When you were a rugby player did you always know you want to make wine?

Gerard – I played rugby for passion, not for business. You can make wine all your life, but Rugby is a sport for young players, when you turn 30-35 you eventually stop playing. It was easy and I did not need to make a decision, I got to do both.  For ten years I played rugby, and now I get to make wine.  I started making wine with my father when I was 10 years old and now it is my life.

Your wines are farmed biodynamically.  What specific steps have you taken in the vineyards to make biodynamic wines?

Gerard – The first and most important step was the elimination of chemical products in the vineyards.  We stopped using potassium and we now use the lunar calendar. The vineyards are prepped with horn dung and herbal tea is placed in the field to stimulate the vines.  These are just a few of the many strategies we take to protect the land.  We follow the same respect in the cellars.  

You started the biodynamic process in 2002.  Now many years later, what is the results you are experiencing in the vineyards?

Gerard –  It was important to me to have a biodynamic process for my team and my staff, especially for those that are working in the fields.  Today we are seeing the vibrancy of our terroir.  This is a new paradigm for us, we are finding that there is also great potential to age these wines.  At the end of the day, you need to learn and understand your terroir. We must also respect the land for the next generation and for the biodiversity of the planet.

You have 16 estates.  Do you have a favorite grape or favorite vineyard or château?

Gerard – I cannot answer this question(says with a smile and laugh).  I cannot say if I prefer my son or my daughter.  It is all a matter of time and mood.  We have 365 days of the year, some days I am in the mood for different wines from a different vineyard.

Languedoc-Rousillon wines are on the rise? You have helped elevate the quality of the wines coming from the South of France, many say that this was a way to honor your father?? Can you elaborate on that?

Gerard – At the end of the day, this is my path.  I realized my path when I was young.  When I was young, my father asked me to work with him, and when I was 22 years old I said yes.  My father was so happy I said yes, but within 3 months my father passed away.  So I did what I did for the memory of my father for a couple of years.  After several years of making wine, it was important to me to ask myself the question – why do I do what I do?  I quickly realized that it was really MY mission and MY path to make wine and to promote the South of France. Every single day I enjoy what I do.

What do you attribute to your brand’s success and the surging popularity of Gérard Bertrand wines around the world?

Gerard – It is all about the 1001 details.  I say to myself and my team, never give up, keep the vision, keep the right strategy, and reach for excellence.  My passion is blending wines, and that is what I love to do.  This is how I can make a difference, by making fantastic wines.

Can you elaborate on the Art De Vivre and the lifestyle of the South of France? How did it come about?

Gerard – I started to discover the joys of the South of France when I bought this place,  Château l’Hospitalet. It is more than just a wine estate, we have vineyards, a hotel, a restaurant and a craft shop.  I realized the “Art de Vivre” is a way to promote the South of France experience.  When you have a chef cook locally prepared cuisine paired with the right wine, it is an amazing and memorable experience. Château l’Hospitalet gives you a global experience of food, wine, music, art and culture.  That is why I am so happy.

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Hi! I’m Rupal.
I am a lover of fine wines, great food and adventurous travels.

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Inauguration Day calls for @charlesheidsieckchampa Inauguration Day calls for @charlesheidsieckchampagne 

Cheers to new beginnings. 🍾🇺🇸🥂🍾🇺🇸🥂

Charlie’s style of Champagne is elegant and indulgent.  The wines are complex and balanced, and there is great care given to every detail of the Champagne making process from the vineyards to the cellar.  Many of the wines are put away and patiently held for their reserve wines.  Their Brut reserve wine has a large portion of reserve wines (up to 40%) with an average of 10 years of aging, making the wines of Charles Heidsieck exception and of the highest quality.
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#champagne #wine #winelover #champagnelover #champagnelife #champagnedreams #sparkling #bubbly #wineblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #nycblogger #luxury #luxurylife #wineenthusiast #frenchwine  #celebrate #youcansipwithus #wineinfluencer #winegeek #wineoclock #inaugurationwine #wineoftheday #instawine 
#luxurylifestyle #wineenthusiast #champagnecharlie #charlesheidsieck  #brut #vintagechampagne
Clos du Temple is THE most iconic and luxurious ro Clos du Temple is THE most iconic and luxurious rosé in the world. One of the best that I have had. Also the most expensive rosé in the world. Click on the link in my bio to read more about my thoughts on the Gerard Bertrand’s Clos du Temple Rosé. ⬆️⬆️ 
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#iconicrose #roséallday #yeswayrosé #grandcru #languedoc #suddefrance #artdevivre #wineinfluencer #vinsdelanguedoc #winemaker #winelifestyle #audetourisme  #tastelanguedoc #winelover #winewriter #winetravel #wineoftheday #frenchwines #winewriter #igwine #nycblogger #gerardbertrand #discoverlanguedocroussillon #worldsbestrosé #roséwine #travelwriters #jazzhospitalet #tourismeoccitanie #winefestival #winegeek
Happy New Year All!!! We stayed local and drank lo Happy New Year All!!! We stayed local and drank local with New York Bubbly. 
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Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery has been producing estate-grown wines for over 60 years.  The winery was started by Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant in 1962.  He was the first person to successfully plant European grape varieties(Vitis Vinifera) in the Eastern part of the United States.  The wine a rare and unique blend of 75% Pinot Meunier and 25% Pinot Noir from their estate vineyards on Keuka Lake.  The Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Blanc de Noir 2016 (Finger Lakes, Keuka Lake) shows characters of fresh pastry dough, Bartlet pear, lemon curd, and minerality. The crisp acidity and subtle mineral undertones give the wine great structure and elegance. Leading with a fine mousse, the mouthfeel is creamy and profound with a long crisp apple finish.  Cheering and wishing you all a Happy New Year!!🎊🍾🌟🥂🎊
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#nydrinksny #newyorkwine #newyorksparkle #newyorksparklingwine #winelover #bubbly #sparklingwine #blancdenoirs #blancdenoir #wineoftheday #winemaker #winegeek #fingerlakeswine #newyear #wineinfluencer #winewriter #wineoclock #winecountry #winetravel #wineblog #instawine #youcansipwithus #pinotnoir #pinotmeunier #
Sayonara 2020. Welcoming in 2021 with grace and lo Sayonara 2020. Welcoming in 2021 with grace and love.

No deep thoughts here, just a glass of wine and deep self reflection, gratitude and warmth. 

Thank you to all my friends and Instafamily for all your love and support. Together we will make 2021 worthwhile. Cheers to a sparkly and wine filled 2021. 

A little insight into what I’ll be doing today.  I don’t believe in resolutions, as I like to focus on the positives.  Every year,  I write down what I would like to accomplish in the New Year. In 2019 I wrote down 19 things, in 2020 I wrote down 20 things I wanted to accomplish. This year I will write 21 things I want for 2021.  Remember to dream big and follow your heart. 🥂🍾🌟🥂🍾🌟

#winetravel #newyear #winewriter #winelover #travelwriter #champagne #nye2020 #wineinfluencer #champagnedreams #luxury #luxurylifestyle #champagnediet #bubbly #sparklingwine #wineoclock #vino #winewriter #welovewine #livingmybestlife #nycrestaurants #nycdining #foodie #wineandfood #foodandwinepairing #livingthedream #soblessed #2021goals #wanderlust #nycblogger
This holiday week has been a week of incredible wi This holiday week has been a week of incredible wines and new discoveries. I loved the 2014 Ondulé Esme from Coombsville in Napa Valley. @ondulewines 

Elegant, rich flavors of black currant, blackberry and dark chocolate mingle with intoxicating sweet tobacco aromas on the nose. 

Lush palate that opens with dark plum, cassis coffee and an earthy finish. An interesting component of Alicante Bouschet in the mix, which adds a slight smokiness.  A luxurious wine that is sure to please all fans of Napa Valley. 🍷🍷🍷

#wine cellar #redwine #cabernetsauvignon 
#napavalley #winetraveler #napavalleywine #caliwine #cultwine #rarewines #sommelier #sommlife #wineeducation #winecountry #winetasting #winelover #wineinfluencer #instawine #comesipwithus #winelover #winegeek #napawine #napastrong #napavalleyvintners #winesips #redwine #bordeauxblend #coombsville #alicantebouschet #coombsvilleava
One of my favorite wines this past year was the @d One of my favorite wines this past year was the @dutchercrossing Cabernet Sauvignon. 
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The Dutcher Crossing Taylor Reserve Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is aged  in 100% French oak, this Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 20% Syrah, which enhances the brightness, brings out rich berry flavors and showcases a rich elegant body with complex characters.  This wine is stunning and balanced with a satisfying and pleasurable mouthfeel.  There is great aging potential for this wine.  One of my favorites for gift giving, not just for the holidays but throughout the year. 🍷🍷🎁🎁
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#winegeek #vino #youcansipwithus #sonomavalley  #californiawines #sonomawine #instawine #syrahqueen #wineblog #lifestyleblog #livingthegoodlife  #sommlife #sommelier #weekendwine #nycblogger #syrah #nycblogger #cabernetsauvignon #wineoftheday #wineinfluencer #wineoclock  #redwine #wineenthusiast #luxury #lifestyleblog #wineclub #winecountry
Inauguration Day calls for @charlesheidsieckchampa Inauguration Day calls for @charlesheidsieckchampagne 

Cheers to new beginnings. 🍾🇺🇸🥂🍾🇺🇸🥂

Charlie’s style of Champagne is elegant and indulgent.  The wines are complex and balanced, and there is great care given to every detail of the Champagne making process from the vineyards to the cellar.  Many of the wines are put away and patiently held for their reserve wines.  Their Brut reserve wine has a large portion of reserve wines (up to 40%) with an average of 10 years of aging, making the wines of Charles Heidsieck exception and of the highest quality.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#champagne #wine #winelover #champagnelover #champagnelife #champagnedreams #sparkling #bubbly #wineblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #nycblogger #luxury #luxurylife #wineenthusiast #frenchwine  #celebrate #youcansipwithus #wineinfluencer #winegeek #wineoclock #inaugurationwine #wineoftheday #instawine 
#luxurylifestyle #wineenthusiast #champagnecharlie #charlesheidsieck  #brut #vintagechampagne
Clos du Temple is THE most iconic and luxurious ro Clos du Temple is THE most iconic and luxurious rosé in the world. One of the best that I have had. Also the most expensive rosé in the world. Click on the link in my bio to read more about my thoughts on the Gerard Bertrand’s Clos du Temple Rosé. ⬆️⬆️ 
.
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.
.
.
.
.

#iconicrose #roséallday #yeswayrosé #grandcru #languedoc #suddefrance #artdevivre #wineinfluencer #vinsdelanguedoc #winemaker #winelifestyle #audetourisme  #tastelanguedoc #winelover #winewriter #winetravel #wineoftheday #frenchwines #winewriter #igwine #nycblogger #gerardbertrand #discoverlanguedocroussillon #worldsbestrosé #roséwine #travelwriters #jazzhospitalet #tourismeoccitanie #winefestival #winegeek
Happy New Year All!!! We stayed local and drank lo Happy New Year All!!! We stayed local and drank local with New York Bubbly. 
.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery has been producing estate-grown wines for over 60 years.  The winery was started by Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant in 1962.  He was the first person to successfully plant European grape varieties(Vitis Vinifera) in the Eastern part of the United States.  The wine a rare and unique blend of 75% Pinot Meunier and 25% Pinot Noir from their estate vineyards on Keuka Lake.  The Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Blanc de Noir 2016 (Finger Lakes, Keuka Lake) shows characters of fresh pastry dough, Bartlet pear, lemon curd, and minerality. The crisp acidity and subtle mineral undertones give the wine great structure and elegance. Leading with a fine mousse, the mouthfeel is creamy and profound with a long crisp apple finish.  Cheering and wishing you all a Happy New Year!!🎊🍾🌟🥂🎊
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.
#nydrinksny #newyorkwine #newyorksparkle #newyorksparklingwine #winelover #bubbly #sparklingwine #blancdenoirs #blancdenoir #wineoftheday #winemaker #winegeek #fingerlakeswine #newyear #wineinfluencer #winewriter #wineoclock #winecountry #winetravel #wineblog #instawine #youcansipwithus #pinotnoir #pinotmeunier #
Sayonara 2020. Welcoming in 2021 with grace and lo Sayonara 2020. Welcoming in 2021 with grace and love.

No deep thoughts here, just a glass of wine and deep self reflection, gratitude and warmth. 

Thank you to all my friends and Instafamily for all your love and support. Together we will make 2021 worthwhile. Cheers to a sparkly and wine filled 2021. 

A little insight into what I’ll be doing today.  I don’t believe in resolutions, as I like to focus on the positives.  Every year,  I write down what I would like to accomplish in the New Year. In 2019 I wrote down 19 things, in 2020 I wrote down 20 things I wanted to accomplish. This year I will write 21 things I want for 2021.  Remember to dream big and follow your heart. 🥂🍾🌟🥂🍾🌟

#winetravel #newyear #winewriter #winelover #travelwriter #champagne #nye2020 #wineinfluencer #champagnedreams #luxury #luxurylifestyle #champagnediet #bubbly #sparklingwine #wineoclock #vino #winewriter #welovewine #livingmybestlife #nycrestaurants #nycdining #foodie #wineandfood #foodandwinepairing #livingthedream #soblessed #2021goals #wanderlust #nycblogger
This holiday week has been a week of incredible wi This holiday week has been a week of incredible wines and new discoveries. I loved the 2014 Ondulé Esme from Coombsville in Napa Valley. @ondulewines 

Elegant, rich flavors of black currant, blackberry and dark chocolate mingle with intoxicating sweet tobacco aromas on the nose. 

Lush palate that opens with dark plum, cassis coffee and an earthy finish. An interesting component of Alicante Bouschet in the mix, which adds a slight smokiness.  A luxurious wine that is sure to please all fans of Napa Valley. 🍷🍷🍷

#wine cellar #redwine #cabernetsauvignon 
#napavalley #winetraveler #napavalleywine #caliwine #cultwine #rarewines #sommelier #sommlife #wineeducation #winecountry #winetasting #winelover #wineinfluencer #instawine #comesipwithus #winelover #winegeek #napawine #napastrong #napavalleyvintners #winesips #redwine #bordeauxblend #coombsville #alicantebouschet #coombsvilleava
One of my favorite wines this past year was the @d One of my favorite wines this past year was the @dutchercrossing Cabernet Sauvignon. 
.
The Dutcher Crossing Taylor Reserve Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is aged  in 100% French oak, this Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 20% Syrah, which enhances the brightness, brings out rich berry flavors and showcases a rich elegant body with complex characters.  This wine is stunning and balanced with a satisfying and pleasurable mouthfeel.  There is great aging potential for this wine.  One of my favorites for gift giving, not just for the holidays but throughout the year. 🍷🍷🎁🎁
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#winegeek #vino #youcansipwithus #sonomavalley  #californiawines #sonomawine #instawine #syrahqueen #wineblog #lifestyleblog #livingthegoodlife  #sommlife #sommelier #weekendwine #nycblogger #syrah #nycblogger #cabernetsauvignon #wineoftheday #wineinfluencer #wineoclock  #redwine #wineenthusiast #luxury #lifestyleblog #wineclub #winecountry
Inauguration Day calls for @charlesheidsieckchampa Inauguration Day calls for @charlesheidsieckchampagne 

Cheers to new beginnings. 🍾🇺🇸🥂🍾🇺🇸🥂

Charlie’s style of Champagne is elegant and indulgent.  The wines are complex and balanced, and there is great care given to every detail of the Champagne making process from the vineyards to the cellar.  Many of the wines are put away and patiently held for their reserve wines.  Their Brut reserve wine has a large portion of reserve wines (up to 40%) with an average of 10 years of aging, making the wines of Charles Heidsieck exception and of the highest quality.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#champagne #wine #winelover #champagnelover #champagnelife #champagnedreams #sparkling #bubbly #wineblogger #lifestyle #lifestyleblog #nycblogger #luxury #luxurylife #wineenthusiast #frenchwine  #celebrate #youcansipwithus #wineinfluencer #winegeek #wineoclock #inaugurationwine #wineoftheday #instawine 
#luxurylifestyle #wineenthusiast #champagnecharlie #charlesheidsieck  #brut #vintagechampagne
Clos du Temple is THE most iconic and luxurious ro Clos du Temple is THE most iconic and luxurious rosé in the world. One of the best that I have had. Also the most expensive rosé in the world. Click on the link in my bio to read more about my thoughts on the Gerard Bertrand’s Clos du Temple Rosé. ⬆️⬆️ 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

#iconicrose #roséallday #yeswayrosé #grandcru #languedoc #suddefrance #artdevivre #wineinfluencer #vinsdelanguedoc #winemaker #winelifestyle #audetourisme  #tastelanguedoc #winelover #winewriter #winetravel #wineoftheday #frenchwines #winewriter #igwine #nycblogger #gerardbertrand #discoverlanguedocroussillon #worldsbestrosé #roséwine #travelwriters #jazzhospitalet #tourismeoccitanie #winefestival #winegeek
Happy New Year All!!! We stayed local and drank lo Happy New Year All!!! We stayed local and drank local with New York Bubbly. 
.
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery has been producing estate-grown wines for over 60 years.  The winery was started by Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant in 1962.  He was the first person to successfully plant European grape varieties(Vitis Vinifera) in the Eastern part of the United States.  The wine a rare and unique blend of 75% Pinot Meunier and 25% Pinot Noir from their estate vineyards on Keuka Lake.  The Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery Blanc de Noir 2016 (Finger Lakes, Keuka Lake) shows characters of fresh pastry dough, Bartlet pear, lemon curd, and minerality. The crisp acidity and subtle mineral undertones give the wine great structure and elegance. Leading with a fine mousse, the mouthfeel is creamy and profound with a long crisp apple finish.  Cheering and wishing you all a Happy New Year!!🎊🍾🌟🥂🎊
.
.
.
.
#nydrinksny #newyorkwine #newyorksparkle #newyorksparklingwine #winelover #bubbly #sparklingwine #blancdenoirs #blancdenoir #wineoftheday #winemaker #winegeek #fingerlakeswine #newyear #wineinfluencer #winewriter #wineoclock #winecountry #winetravel #wineblog #instawine #youcansipwithus #pinotnoir #pinotmeunier #
Sayonara 2020. Welcoming in 2021 with grace and lo Sayonara 2020. Welcoming in 2021 with grace and love.

No deep thoughts here, just a glass of wine and deep self reflection, gratitude and warmth. 

Thank you to all my friends and Instafamily for all your love and support. Together we will make 2021 worthwhile. Cheers to a sparkly and wine filled 2021. 

A little insight into what I’ll be doing today.  I don’t believe in resolutions, as I like to focus on the positives.  Every year,  I write down what I would like to accomplish in the New Year. In 2019 I wrote down 19 things, in 2020 I wrote down 20 things I wanted to accomplish. This year I will write 21 things I want for 2021.  Remember to dream big and follow your heart. 🥂🍾🌟🥂🍾🌟

#winetravel #newyear #winewriter #winelover #travelwriter #champagne #nye2020 #wineinfluencer #champagnedreams #luxury #luxurylifestyle #champagnediet #bubbly #sparklingwine #wineoclock #vino #winewriter #welovewine #livingmybestlife #nycrestaurants #nycdining #foodie #wineandfood #foodandwinepairing #livingthedream #soblessed #2021goals #wanderlust #nycblogger
This holiday week has been a week of incredible wi This holiday week has been a week of incredible wines and new discoveries. I loved the 2014 Ondulé Esme from Coombsville in Napa Valley. @ondulewines 

Elegant, rich flavors of black currant, blackberry and dark chocolate mingle with intoxicating sweet tobacco aromas on the nose. 

Lush palate that opens with dark plum, cassis coffee and an earthy finish. An interesting component of Alicante Bouschet in the mix, which adds a slight smokiness.  A luxurious wine that is sure to please all fans of Napa Valley. 🍷🍷🍷

#wine cellar #redwine #cabernetsauvignon 
#napavalley #winetraveler #napavalleywine #caliwine #cultwine #rarewines #sommelier #sommlife #wineeducation #winecountry #winetasting #winelover #wineinfluencer #instawine #comesipwithus #winelover #winegeek #napawine #napastrong #napavalleyvintners #winesips #redwine #bordeauxblend #coombsville #alicantebouschet #coombsvilleava
One of my favorite wines this past year was the @d One of my favorite wines this past year was the @dutchercrossing Cabernet Sauvignon. 
.
The Dutcher Crossing Taylor Reserve Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is aged  in 100% French oak, this Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with 20% Syrah, which enhances the brightness, brings out rich berry flavors and showcases a rich elegant body with complex characters.  This wine is stunning and balanced with a satisfying and pleasurable mouthfeel.  There is great aging potential for this wine.  One of my favorites for gift giving, not just for the holidays but throughout the year. 🍷🍷🎁🎁
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#winegeek #vino #youcansipwithus #sonomavalley  #californiawines #sonomawine #instawine #syrahqueen #wineblog #lifestyleblog #livingthegoodlife  #sommlife #sommelier #weekendwine #nycblogger #syrah #nycblogger #cabernetsauvignon #wineoftheday #wineinfluencer #wineoclock  #redwine #wineenthusiast #luxury #lifestyleblog #wineclub #winecountry

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