I have spent more than enough time with my LL Bean boots on feet and shovel in hands this winter. Mother Nature and Punxatawney Phil both seem to have more of the white stuff and cold artic blasts in the future. So I will stop whining and start WINE-ing with some new bottles I have recently tasted. All affordable and available at wine shoppes in the Indianapolis area.

2007 Chateau Julien Bordeaux Sec, France: Dry, crisp blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon provides soft lime zest, minerality and clean finish. Roast a chicken and serve this with.

Buenas Ondas (Torrontes): Organic, fresh, floral, silky, clean white from Argentina. The winery name "Good Vibes" says it all when it comes to the juice being produced at this San Juan, Argentina wine house.

2007 OCHOA, Spain: Dry red blend of Garnacha/Tempranillo from the oldest wine grape growing region in Spain, Navarra. This wine is not old rather fresh, bright and inviting with lots of raspberry, cherry and soft ginger spice. Perfect drink for a bowl of chili.

2008 Carlos Basso "Dos Fincas," Argentina: Medium-bodied dry red blend of Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon. Easy drinking with lots of fresh bright fruit. Fire up the grill and open a bottle or two.

Li Veli Passamante, Italy: You might say the Negroamaro grape is the one to watch this year. And why not, it offers a smooth, juicy red wine perfect for pasta, pizza or fireside sipping. Molto Bene! $12.99

2006 JanKris Syrah, Paso Robles, California: I also love the JanKris blend of Zinfandel/Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangiovese called "Riatta." This one will send your tastebuds to new sensations as well. Rich, lush, black raspberry, soft pepper, meaty, soft tobacco. Multi-layered mouth magic.

JanKris Sparkling Almond, Paso Robles, California: From the moment you put your nose to the glass you will be in paradise! This Chardonnay based sparkling wine has the most amazing almond nose with a soft, semi-dry peach and creamy almond finish.

Most you know that I have a dog named Harp. His brother, Guinness went to Doggie Heaven in 2006. The doggyboyz were adopted from the Indianapolis Humane Society on St. Patrick's Day in 1998. With coats of black and tan, it seemed natural to name them after the beers. Although I originally wanted to name them Riesling and Zinfandel but my now ex-husband thought those names sounded more fitting for cats. So-beer is still a part of my repertoire. And there are some new tasty craft brews in Indy. Here are some that Harp gives Two Paws UP!

Original Sin Pear Cider (New York): Gluten-free, Sorbate-free; like drinking the juice of a fresh pear. Clean, crisp dry finish. Also great for cooking or or mixing with Lager (Snake Bite) or Stout (Poor Man's Black Velvet).

Shmaltz Bittersweet Lenny's Double R.I.P.A (New York): Dubbed "The Beer Junkie's Crack," brewed with an obscene amount of hops and malts. This Double Rye IPA will put some hair on your chest...good for the cold weather!

Shmaltz Albino Python (New York): White Lager infused with Ginger, Crushed Fennel and Sweet Orange Peel. An exotic vacation in a glass.

Tusker Lager (Kenya): Best beer in Kenya! Kenya Breweries has been in operation since 1922. This Lager is a pilsner style; very crisp with a refreshing creaminess and notes of biscuity, crackery malt (technically this is perfect for summertime under the African sun...we can dream can't we?)

Thirsty Dog Labrador Lager (Ohio): German style lager with plenty of German grain and yeast. This doggie is good and very drinkable! (Harp gives this one two paws up!)