August 1 is FIRST FRIDAY on Massachusetts Avenue. Visit any of the galleries from 5-9pm and feast on art, sculpture, jewelry and oh yes---food and wine.

I'll be pouring at Elegant Funk. Hope to see you there.

I've been pouring quite a few screw cap wines at tasting recently-both private and public. At first, most drinkers give me the "OH MY" look-then we talk about the pluses that outweigh the minuses of wines with enclosures that don't need a corkscrew to open. And for those of you who HAVE used a corkscrew to open a screw cap-NOT A BIG DEAL!! As is everything in life, changes occur and we learn to adapt or repel.

Some screw capped bottles to use in your personal evaluation:

Wishing Tree Unoaked Chardonnay, Australia-deliciously soft smooth fresh flavors of apple, mango and Bosc pear.

Powers Muscat Canelli, Washington-Take a tropical vacation and enjoy this semi sweet white bursting with juicy mango, tangerine, and honeyed peach aromas and flavors.

Big Moose Red, California-Earthy, juicy, easy drinking Bordeaux style blend but with more up front flavor. GREAT with pizza or burgers on the grill.