Learn about wine
Oregon And On
If you’re already drinking a ton of Oregon wines, bravo. We all should be. Oregon may be best known for its red Pinot Noirs, but this Pinot Gris is a pretty awesome white wine worth trying…
Willamette Damn It!
Willamette, damn it! Now that you know how to say Willamette (rhymes with damn it) don’t sleep on these fabulously affordable Pinot Noirs from Oregon.
Jura (sick)
I missed Jura day at Le Cordon Bleu because I was sick. Let’s learn about this super interesting French wine region together and what makes its white wines unique and often funky.
The Queen of Beaujolais
While everyone else is talking about the (pretty bad) Beaujolais Nouveau this November, let’s talk about Fleurie instead! She’s known the Queen of Beaujolais. Here’s why…
Thanksgiving Wine
Finding the right Thanksgiving wine can feel overwhelming, but you have plenty of options. When in doubt, just don’t run out, whatever you’re serving.
Happy Beaujolais Nouveau Day!
Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé! Today is a big day for bad wine in France. What to know about the 2023 Beaujolais Nouveau.
Hidden Potential
This is not a wine. :) It’s a terrific book by Adam Grant about achieving greater things, and truly captures why I started Francey Not Fancy.
Veuve Clicquot: Widow Clicquot
La Grand Dame: Veuve Clicquot. Why the popular yellow label Champagne isn’t just a nice bottle to pour at a party. It’s the story of France’s first businesswoman.
So much Sangiovese
You’ll hear a whole lot about Sangiovese if you go to Tuscany. But don’t believe the hype that you have to spend a lot to get a great Brunello.
Pinot Grigio vs. Pinot Gris
I don’t like Pinot Grigio, but I’m a huge fan of Pinot Gris. What makes them so different…
8 Years in the Desert
8 Years in the Desert is Dave Phinney’s triumphant return to Zinfandel after selling The Prisoner. The 2022 is out now and definitely worth a swig.
Drops of God
I have a love/hate relationship with the show, Drops of God. What it teaches us about wine, where it goes wrong, plus the one wine in the show you have to try.
Bordeaux Bargains
These were two of the best bargains at the 2020 Bordeaux tasting in NYC this year. Both are still available online at great prices.
British Bubbly
British sparkling wine is making a splash thanks to climate change and because it’s really good. This one has a special connection to the Judgement of Paris.
Que Syrah, Sirah
This is a delicious Saint-Joseph I had at Bistrot Paul Bert in Paris. Saint Joseph is Syrah. But is Syrah the same grape as Petite Sirah or Shiraz?
They’re Gr-r-reat!
The night Francey Not Fancey launched a dear friend texted to ask what pairs best with Frosted Flakes. She called it a “serious inquiry.” Milk was my first answer. Here are some other ideas…
Zweigelt: Don’t Know it? You’re Not Alone.
If you’ve never heard of Zweigelt, you’re in good company. Here are some fun facts about Austria’s most common red wine grape.
What is Grower Champagne?
What is Grower Champagne? And why this wine is a great value for just under $50.
Three Stags A Leapin’
There are three different Stags Leap spellings. Find out how an apostrophe can make all the difference in the world, or at least all the difference in California.