Badger Mountain Vineyards: No Sulfites Added Series Review

Did you know that potentially 1 out of 10 people have a sulfite allergy?  My great friend Michelle and I both suffer from migraines and know that sulfites can be triggers for migraines.  Aside from being a migraine sufferer, my pal Michelle also is very picky about what adult beverages she likes...as in...only drinks tequila or my secret family recipe for "Mollie B.'s Homemade Bailey's".  But, she tried the Badger Mountain Vineyard NSA (No Sulfite Added) Organic wine and was quite happy.  We shared some of the Chardonnay, which by the way, is the most delicious Chardonnay I have ever had.  And for only $10.00 a bottle, this is quite a steal too!  The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon were also delicious.  These wines are USDA Organic & although a natural amount of sulfites do exist in wine, these wines have no added sulfites which can really ease the mind of someone who is sensitive to sulfites.  The Badger Mountain Vineyard is based out of Washington State and they put a lot of passion into their wine, which is reflected in its quality and taste.  Please consider these wines when making your next purchase for a dinner party, romantic night in, or for a gift!  You will not be disappointed.  Thank you so much to Badger Mountain Vineyards for letting me try your wonderful wine! 

Heart Healthy Benefits of Wine with Paraducci

My lovely RD friend Lauren with the Sustainable Red...as she said "The best red I have ever tasted!"

 Happy New Year!  Many of you have started the New Year with lots of beautiful resolutions.  One of the best resolutions you can make if you are a fan of great wine, is to make your wine choice sustainable!  Paraducci Wine Cellars has some sustainable wine that is absolutely delicious!  I had the opportunity to taste the 2009 Paraducci Sustainable Red & White wines this holiday season and fell in love instantly.  The online retail price is $10.99 per bottle, which is a wonderful price for these wines.  They are perfect for gifts and to have on hand for hosting any gathering.  Paraducci is a "Family Farmed", locally owned and operated winery in California's Mendocino County.  This is their sustainable checklist for their wines:

• Locally Owned & Operated
• Grapes from Local Family Farms
• 1st U.S. Carbon Neutral Winery
• Sustainable Farming Practices
• Earth-Friendly Packaging
• 100% Green Power
• Water Conservation & Recycling

I fully support drinking wine in moderation because there are so many health benefits associated with wine, particularly red wine.  The antioxidants in red wine may help prevent heart disease.  There is an antioxidant in red wine that is called the polyphenol reservatrol.  Reservatrol has been a hot topic in nutrition regarding it's potential to prevent damage to blood vessels and reducing the "bad" cholesterol in your system.  Other potential benefits include increasing your longevity, lowering your risk of stroke, reducing your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and reducing your risk of colon cancer.  But remember, this is in moderation, which equals one 5 ounce glass of wine for women and two 5 ounce glasses for men.  Of course, if you do not drink, check with your physician before starting a wine regimen!  And if you are a wine drinker, make your wine sustainable and CHEERS to a new year!  Thanks to Paraducci for letting me sample your incredible wines!  They were a HUGE hit at my holiday party (the only two completely empty bottles of wine at the end of the evening)!  Follow Paraducci on Twitter and Facebook.