When I met Carolyn Riesbeck (now with Kerouac as her last name!), she was a nervous ninth grader just like myself roaming the halls of a large high school in Virginia. Always friendly, this dark haired beauty was fun and smart…but I didn’t know just how smart she was about wine until we reconnected many years later! Thanks to *social networking* which has clearly made this planet a smaller place, Carolyn and I were able to “catch up” and share the moments in our lives, both positive and not-so-much, which have influenced how we are today. Carolyn has had an incredible wine journey…which didn’t include the Boone’s Farm we all hid from our parents in high school! This lovely lady loves her French wine and takes every opportunity to learn and enjoy more! Please meet my friend, Carolyn, our latest *Wine Lover* Next Door!
Carolyn, will you tell the readers a little about yourself?
Carolyn: I am CEO of a behavioral tele-health clinic, cellUcare, Healthcare… Everywhere. I’m currently living in the mountains of Virginia, but moving to Timonium, Maryland this summer! I love to cook for friends and family, play bridge, and go to the beach…all of which lead to wine!!
When did you start enjoying wine?
Carolyn: When I was 22, I met a guy from France…then joined a new chapter of Les Amis du Vin!
What wines do you particularly like?
Carolyn: I now prefer dry reds, after training my palate for years! Beaujolais wines and Pinot Noir are my favorites.
When you go out, what do you usually drink?
Carolyn: I tend to look for wines from Argentina or Australia as they are good wines for the value! Reds of course…
With whom do you drink wine?
Carolyn: I have wine with my husband, at any “girls night out” group, and at dinner with friends.
How often do you drink wine?
Carolyn: Several times a week!
Do you have a favorite food pairing with wine?
Carolyn: Since my husband and I are empty nesters, dinner is usually fruit, cheese, sausages and wine!
How do you decide to purchase a type of wine?
Carolyn: I usually buy from local vineyards, or read the reviews in a wine shop. In the past, I carried a pocket wine book for reference.
Are there any wines you don’t like?
Carolyn: I dislike sweet wines and I absolutely do NOT like the new trend of flavored wines at all!
How much do you typically spend on wine?
Carolyn: Wine is so reasonable now and I spend $10-$12 a bottle with sometimes going up to $20.
How knowledgeable do you think you are about wine?
Carolyn: Very!!! And still learning …I go to wine tasting events, read about wine, enjoy the tasting rooms of vineyards, and talk to friends about wine!
Which brand names are you familiar with?
Carolyn: Louis Jadot, Rothschild, Moet…I love the French wines, so you might still call me a snob…Of course here in Virginia we have Jefferson, Trump, Cardinal Point, Flying Fox, Veritas. There are so many Virginia wines to choose from!
How often do you purchase wine and from where?
Carolyn: I purchase wine weekly from grocery stores which have a better selection now. I love to buy from the vineyards and we have a local wine shop that I try to support.
Why do you like wine?
Carolyn: Wine has an elegance with so many flavors and variations! I also love a beautiful wine glass.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Carolyn: I would love to buy as the French do, on the vine with a group of friends, and hope for a good year!! The best wines I have ever enjoyed were in Southern France!!
One of the many facets of wine I love is that it brings people together…in person and yes, even through social networking! Although Carolyn and I are in different places now, we are still connected and I think a trip to France is in order…what do you think, Carolyn? We need to revisit those wines you love so much from Southern France!!!
Cheers to *wine lovers* everywhere!! ~ Cindy
LOVE this article!! The dinner was fantastic – Billy was a fantastic host and Steve put on a great presentation of wonderful wines.