Hi, I'm Brooke

As a wine educator and content creator, I'm passionate about making wine approachable, fun, and full of discovery. Whether you are a brand seeking a creative partnership, a seasoned wine lover, or just starting your wine journey....you've come to the right place. I share the stories behind every bottle through engaging tastings, storytelling on my blog, and artistic content creation. Wine shouldn't be intimidating - it's meant to be a source of joy, connection, and exploration.

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It’s the little luxuries + the perfect ambiance that makes the biggest difference when enjoying a spa experience.✨

The Paired & Pressed Massage at Bardessono Spa is all about the details—designed for pure relaxation. The warmth of a wine-infused massage candle melts into a silky oil + the soothing touch of a Gua Sha scalp massage eases every last bit of tension out of your body.💆🏻‍♀️ And the best part is you get to take home the beautifully scented candle in its reusable wine glass—a reminder that true relaxation lingers long after the moment has passed.🖤

Intrigued? Treat yourself next time you are in Napa Valley…

#bestofbardessono #luxuryinthedetails #bardessonoyountville #wineandrelax #winecountrygetaway #wineandtravel #thegoodlife
[sponsored]

💥WINE TIP TUESDAY💥

Double decanting…easy to do + this technique can have some positive effects on the wine⤵️

Speeds up aeration, helping young, structured wines open up quickly while also removing sediment from older vintages. By first decanting the wine and then returning it to the bottle, it allows for controlled oxygen exposure without over-aerating. It also retains the original bottle presentation, making it ideal for formal tastings or restaurant service. Additionally, double decanting is particularly beneficial for large-format bottles, like magnums.

Particularly useful for⤵️

YOUNG, BOLD WINES THAT NEED AERATION:

•Cabernet Sauvignon (especially from Bordeaux, Napa, or Australia)
•Syrah/Shiraz (Northern Rhône, Barossa Valley)
•Nebbiolo (Barolo, Barbaresco)
•Tempranillo (Ribera del Duero, some Rioja Reservas/Gran Reservas)
•Malbec (Argentina)
•Tannat (Uruguay, Madiran)

OLDER, SEDIMENT-PRONE WINES:

•Aged Bordeaux or Left-Bank Blends
•Mature Rhône Reds (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Hermitage)
•Aged Barolo & Barbaresco
•Older Vintage Ports
•Aged California Cabernet

HIGH-TANNIN & HIGH-ACID WINES THAT NEED SOFTENING:

•Brunello di Montalcino (especially younger vintages)
•Amarone della Valpolicella (aeration helps integrate richness and alcohol)
•Petit Verdot & Mourvèdre-heavy Blends

Ready to give double decanting a try?✨

#winetiptuesday #winefacts #winetip #doubledecant #aerator #wineaerator #letitbreathe #pourthewine

Sticking with what works…🌿🍇🍷

#winehumor #inthevines #winefunnies #winetherapy #winenot #winehappy #winesmiles #wineinhand

Reel Inspo: @ajavineyards

Fermented fruit wins… yet again.🍷

#winehumor #winefunnies #fermentedfruit #winegrapes #winehappy #pourthewine #winenot #wining

Just ONE month away….MY favorite wine festival filled with sun-soaked vineyards, renowned wines, and live entertainment!☀️🌿🍷

Join me at Passport to Dry Creek Valley (April 25-27) for a wine-filled exploration of 25+ wineries, delicious bites from local chefs, entertainment, and behind-the-scenes access to one of California’s most beloved wine regions!🖤

I hope to see you at the Twilight Welcome Party at Bacchus Landing, Friday, April 25th to kick-start the festivities with over 20 boutique wineries, music by DJ Saint Rose Disco + small bites curated by Chef Kevin O’Connor from Hulu’s Chefs vs Wild.

Snag your tickets now and use code: brooke20 for a 20% discount. Have you experienced Dry Creek Valley? Hope to cross paths, see you among the vines!🍇

#drycreekvalley #passporttodrycreek #drycreekvalleywines #winefestival #inthevines #wineandtravel #wineweekend

Consider it a mental health day.🥰

#winehumor #winehappy #inthevines #winefunnies #wineinhand #playinghooky #wineandtravel

💥Shock Factor Sips💥

A safe place to share your opinions on controversial wine topics. Next up - Screw caps = cheap wine? Let’s debunk this myth👇🏼

The Misconceptions ❌

▪️Screw Caps = Low Quality – False! Many premium wines use screw caps to ensure consistency.
▪️They Don’t Let Wine Breathe – Modern screw caps come with different oxygen-permeability levels, just like corks.
▪️They’re Only for Young Wines – Studies show aged wines under screw cap can evolve just as well as those under cork.

The Upsides ✅

▪️Freshness First – Screw caps create a tighter seal, keeping wines fresher and prevent cork taint.
▪️Convenience is Key – No corkscrew? No problem. Easy to open, easy to reseal.
▪️Not Just for Cheap Wine – Some of the world’s best wineries (especially in New Zealand and Australia) use screw caps for quality wines.

Time to stop judging a wine by its closure. Do you drink screw cap wines, or are you still team cork? Drop your thoughts below!👇🏼

#shockfactorsips #screwcap #winefacts #winenot #winetruth #wineeducation #pourthewine

Can you tell if these vines were machine or hand harvested? What’s the difference and why does it matter?🌿🧐

Machine harvesting and hand harvesting each have their pros and cons, and winemakers choose based on grape variety, wine style, and vineyard conditions.🍇

🚜 MACHINE HARVESTING:

✅ Fast & efficient.

✅ More cost-effective for large vineyards.

❌ Less selective—may pick some unripe or damaged berries.

❌ Can lead to oxidation if not handled properly.

✋ HAND HARVESTING:

✅ Careful selection—only ripe, high-quality clusters.

✅ Better for delicate varieties & whole-cluster fermentation.

❌ Labor-intensive & expensive.

❌ Slower, so timing is critical, especially if weather is an issue.

These New Zealand vines have been machine harvested, which is common for Sauvignon Blanc here in Marlborough. The vines are very clean & uniform after they have been harvested.

Did you guess right…and do you have a preference for hand-harvested or machine-harvested wines?🍷

#winemaking #wineharvest #machineharvesting #handharvesting #wineeducation #nzwine #wineandtravel #winelover #marlborough

Seriously tho😵‍💫

Imagine walking into your favorite wine shop and seeing your go-to Barolo or Burgundy at triple the price. A proposed 200% tariff on EU wines could make that a reality, forcing wine lovers to either break the bank or say goodbye to their favorite bottles.

U.S. importers, retailers, and restaurants specializing in European wines will take a major hit! Even U.S. wineries won’t be safe, as the EU could slap tariffs on American wines in response.

Beyond the price hikes, this could mean job losses, fewer options on wine lists, and a shift in what’s available in the U.S. market. Sure, we love our domestic wines, but a world without affordable Champagne, Chablis, or Chianti? A brutal reality.😕

#importedwine #winetariffs #winefacts #wineandtravel #winehumor #champagneproblems #frenchwines #europeanwines

Savoring every sip and bite at Lucy Restaurant & Bar at @bardessonohotelspa in the heart of Napa Valley! From the first pour to the last bite, this 6-course wine-paired dinner was an unforgettable journey of flavors.😋 Each dish was expertly crafted and perfectly paired with wines that elevated the experience.🥂🍷

If you’re visiting Napa Valley and looking for an elegant dining experience that showcases the region’s best ingredients and wines, add this to your list.

#BestofBardessono #napavalleydining #yountvilleca #lucyrestaurant #yountvilleeats #napavalleywine [sponsored]

💥WINE TIP TUESDAY💥

More wine in your glass doesn’t mean more enjoyment—here’s why⤵️

Overfilling your glass might seem like a good idea, but it actually takes away from the full wine experience. A proper pour (typically about 5-6 oz for a standard glass) leaves room to swirl, allowing oxygen to interact with the wine and unlock its full range of aromas and flavors.🍷

Without space to breathe, the wine can taste muted, and you’ll miss out on those complex notes that make each sip so special + swirling helps soften tannins in red wines and enhances texture in whites.

Do you prefer the perfect pour, or are you guilty of the overfill? No judgment here, promise!😋

#winepouring #wineetiquette #winetips #properpour #winewisdom #winearomas #savoringwine #winetiptuesday #winefacts #pourchoices

💥Shock Factor Sips💥

A safe place to share your opinions on controversial wine topics. First up – Putting ICE in your wine.🧊Some say it’s blasphemy, others say it’s a summer essential. I say, you do you boo.😋

A quick breakdown of the good & bad of doing so…

THE PERKS⤵️

Instant Chill – Cools down your wine fast, perfect for a hot day.
Dilution Control – If you drink it quickly, minimal dilution.
Casual Vibes – Not every sip has to be serious!

THE DRAWBACKS⤵️

Dilutes the Flavor – Ice melts, watering down the wine’s structure.
Alters Aromatics – Cold temps mute aromas and complexity.
Not Ideal for Reds – Ice can make reds taste flat and dull.

Would love to hear your thoughts, sound off in the comments!📣

#shockfactor #winefacts #winetip #chilledwine #happywine #fridayvibing #whitewines #whitewinelover

Just around the corner…⛱️🥂

#winehappy #wineandtravel #roséallday #drinkpink #sunshineandwine #beachdrink #sipsip

No matter how you’re feeling, Bonterra’s Sauvignon Blanc has a vibe to match✨

Feeling FANCY - The bright acidity and lush aromas of guava and white tea make every sip feel like an elegant soirée.

Feeling CHILL & CONTENT - For the perfect night in: blanket, charcuterie and the juicy pink grapefruit, tangerine, and a touch of orange blossom flavors of this wine, make the ideal couch companion.

Feeling ADVENTUROUS - Crisp clementine, dried fennel, and a mineral-driven finish? This wine is basically made for tossing into a YETI and taking on a hike, picnic or to the beach.

Feeling LAZY - Some nights you just need a no-fuss, easy-drinking wine. Soft apricot and apple notes + a long elegant finish lets you simply pour, sip and chill.

Feeling SOPHISTICATED - Subtle spice, a hint of orange blossom, and a little complexity makes this the ideal sipping wine, while getting lost in your favorite book.

What aromas & flavors described pair best with your current mood?🥰

#bonterra #bonterrawine #sauvignonblanc #winemood #winevibes #sauvblanc #inthemoodfor
@bonterra

If you need an excuse…🇫🇷

Springtime in Paris is a vibe and I highly recommend visit then!✨With mild temps (March: 43–55°F, May: 54–68°F), fewer crowds + gardens bursting into bloom, it’s the perfect time to sip wine at an outdoor café or take a scenic stroll along the Seine River. While visiting last year in March, we only had one day of rain. Plus, Champagne is just a quick 45-minute train ride away—hello, bubbles & vineyard views!🌿🥂

#parisinspring #visitparis #wineandtravel #springtimetravel #parisvibes #springinparis #francetravels #parismood #traveladdiction

Am I the only one that has been living under a rock?! How am I just learning about this hack?? You’re welcome.😋🧀

I especially like a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir with a cheddar cheese (like this one) that is creamy with a little nuttiness.

#cheesehack #cheesetip #wineandcheese #cheddarcheese #cutthecheese #weekendwinedown

Pair it with a charcuterie board…I guess.🤷🏻‍♀️

#winehumor #wineproblems #winehappy #winefunnies #wineloversclub #winelife #winenot #wineeducator

💥WINE TIP TUESDAY💥

Some helpful suggestions to make your next wine tasting a pleasant experience.🍷

DO:
•Make reservations: Always a good idea as a lot of wineries no longer take walk-ins.
•Cleanse your palate between each wine: A lot of times wineries provide crackers for this exact reason.
•Spit or dump your wine: This is especially helpful if you have multiple tastings in one day and it is
TOTALLY acceptable.
•Ask Question: There are no stupid questions when it comes to wine, so ask away!
•Tipping: It’s not expected but is always appreciated especially if you had a great experience, were poured “something extra” or came in with a large group.

AVOID:
•Wearing perfume or cologne: This can interfere with the wine aromas and in return can alter your perception of how the wine tastes.
•Holding the wine glass by the bowl: This can impact the temperature of the wine, affecting how it tastes, plus it leaves fingerprints all over the glass.
•Drinking too much, too fast: This is bound to ruin your day. Wine tasting is supposed to be fun so don’t rush it or over do it
•Wearing white: You’re just asking for trouble by wearing white. With all the swirling and sipping you’ll be doing, better to go with something darker.

#winetasting #winetastingetiquette #winetiptuesday #winetips #wineexperiences #wineandtravel #winewithme #winefacts #pourthewine

Always say YES if offered this experience while wine tasting! Tasting from the barrel gives you a sense of the wine in its raw, evolving state before it reaches the bottle, a glimpse of what’s to come.😋

As a winemaker, they track how a wine changes over weeks, months or even years in barrel by using a metal pipette “wine thief” to survey the shifts in texture, structure and flavor development. A true behind-the-scenes experience, definitely take advantage!🍷

#winethief #winetastings #winetastingtour #barreltasting #barrelroom #winefacts #happywine #winery #winetime #themoreyouknow #sharethewine

Bestie drama…👯‍♀️🍷

#winebestie #winefriends #winehumor #winefunnies #bestielove #weekendwinddown #winehappy #fortheloveofwine

A Galentine’s Day for the books!💕 If you need a reason to celebrate the holiday with girlfriends, swipe on through.👯‍♀️

Thank you @champagnelaurentperrier and @dumolwinery for an unforgettable Galentine’s Day celebration with an amazing group of ladies.🫶🏼

#galentinesdayparty #cuvéerosé #laurentperrier #girlfriendexperience #popthebubbly #wineandfriends

💥WINE TIP TUESDAY💥

I am a firm believer that if you don’t like Chardonnay, you just haven’t found the right style for YOU!😋 As a versatile wine, you are bound to find a Chardonnay that you like. I’m ready to turn you ABC’ers into Chardonnay lovers.💛

Here are a few things that will determine the type of Chardonnay you may like (or dislike):

Oaked Chardonnay - often undergoes partial or full Malolactic fermentation while in the barrel, giving it more richness, creaminess, and buttery flavor. Vanilla and spice from the oak influence. These wines often spend some time on the lees (dead yeast) as well, giving it more texture and roundness on the palate.

Unoaked Chardonnay - These wines are typically aged in stainless steel tanks...coming through as clean, crisp wines with vibrant fruit aromatics.

Cool climate Chardonnay - lighter in color, citrus and orange notes, stone fruit, higher acidity, crisp with freshness. Some of my favorite cool climate regions; Burgundy, Germany, Sonoma Coast, Willamette Valley, Tasmania Australia, and parts of New Zealand.

Warm climate Chardonnay - deeper gold color, richness, creaminess, more buttery, roundness on the palate, riper fruit including tropical notes; pineapple and melon, lower acidity, yet juicy. Regions include much of Spain, Southern Italy, most of California, South Australia and much of South Africa.

Which type of Chardonnay do you prefer? Any ABC’ers out there ready to give Chardonnay another try?😉

Featured Wines: @wente @32windswine @smith_madrone

#chardonnaylover #chardonnayday #anythingbutchardonnay #whitewines #sommlifestyle #winetip #winefacts #winetiptuesday

Good thing last-minute romantic wine gifts are just a click away. 🍷💌

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the bubbles of Champagne and the breathtaking vineyards of Mendoza, these wines transport love straight to your glass. And the best part? You can still get them in time (order soon), thanks to @wine_com ‘Wines Made With Love’ collection.💘

Because let’s be honest - she ALWAYS wants a gift, and who says no to a great bottle of wine?!🍷

Shop now, new customers get free shipping on wines from this list until 2/14 using code: BROOKEBLEND - link in bio!

Unmatched selection. Expert guidance. Ultimate convenience.💝

#wine.compartner #winegifts #wineandromance #lastminutegifts #wineloversclub #winetastings #winetimes #holidaywines #sharethewine

Just trying to fit in…🤷🏻‍♀️ Super Bowl weekend has commenced.🏈🍷

#taylornation #swifties #superbowl #taylor13 #taylorversion #wineandfootball #winehumor #winebestie #winefunnies

Keeping it simple for a cozy Galentine’s night-in. Bonterra’s Cabernet Sauvignon + personal charcuterie = effortless hosting at its finest!🩷

This Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon is bold, full-bodied and packed with rich dark fruit, a touch of spice, and grippy tannins—aka the perfect match for aged cheddar’s nutty sharpness and the bold bite of peppered salami. And since Bonterra’s wines are organically farmed, you can sip easy knowing it’s crafted with care for both your palate and the planet.🥰

Tag your wine besties and leave a comment on your favorite go-to wine + snack pairing...

#Bonterra #BonterraWine #Galentines #CabernetSauvignon #OrganicWines #CharcuterieAndWine #girlsnightin

💥WINE TIP TUESDAY💥

Listen, I really don’t care how you hold your wine glass, BUT, for etiquette reasons, there are proper ways to hold a glass of wine.🍷

Short and simple answer... hold the glass by the stem. WHY? No greasy hand prints on the bowl and your wine will stay at a suitable temperature. Red wines will stay close to room temperature, while your white or sparkling wines will stay chilled longer.

Raise your hand if it drives you crazy every time you watch a show/movie and the actors are holding the glass by the bowl! Promise, no judgements.🫠🫣

#wineglass #winetiptuesday #wineetiquette #glassofwine #wineeducation #sommlifestyle #winetip #winefacts

Regardless if your significant other knows your favorite Valentine’s Day wine pairings or not, @wine_com is here to help with an unmatched selection, expert guidance, and ultimate convenience. Finding the perfect bottle for your Valentine’s Day plans has never been easier—plus, they’re offering free shipping for new customers!🙌🏼

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a bold night out, or a cozy date night in, visit wine.com for the perfect match…even if your partner’s guessing skills may vary.😋

✨ Use code: BROOKEBLEND for free shipping on wine.com’s Valentine’s Day selected wines, now through Valentine’s Day…Link in bio!

Intended for audiences 21+ only. Drink responsibly

#wine #winelovers #winetasting #winetime #winequiz #wine_compartner #winehappy #holidaywines #valentinesdaywine

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Wine Brokerage

Connecting Utah wine lovers with small-batch, boutique wineries that are dedicated to quality over quantity. As an independent wine broker, my goal is to share the stories behind every bottle and present handcrafted wines that you may not otherwise have access to.

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Wine Tastings

Wine should never be intimidating. I offer virtual and in-person tastings, an interactive, entertaining and education approach to wine. Whether you are a beginner wine drinking or an experienced wine collector, there's something for everyone. Bring your glass, a little sass and let's have some fun.

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