Barefoot - Merlot @@@ (3 Corks)

Retails: $8.99 (4-pack, BP Gas Station)

I'm sitting in a hotel room in the middle of nowhere--the Everglades to be exact. I'm on a shoot tomorrow at the Miccosukee Reservation and I decided to stay the night before at their hotel/casino---yes, apparently the stereotype holds some truth in this instance. As soon as I walked through the doors, the fairy-princess-twinkle of slot machines and the overwhelming stench of cigarettes greeted me. The decor is identical to the "entertainment decorating" of Disney World and Carnival cruise ships---nauseating patterns accented by over-the-top bright colors with neon lights for an accent. Opting for the economical dinner option, I chose to eat at the buffet (what casino doesn't have a buffet?!), big mistake. The only thing on the menu was a heartattack. As I awkwardly ate half-ass bites of lard-encrusted roast beef alone, I noticed that in an entire room I was the only person under 50. I know you snarky non-Floridians out there are saying "But Florida is ALL old people." No. It isn't. It's about 65% old people, thank you, and I cannot remember a single instance where I literally could not find anyone within 20 years of my age. (20 YEARS!!)

Luckily, I came prepared. Fully knowing that this hotel would be located in the middle of nowhere, I stopped into a BP and picked up a "classy" 4-pack of Barefoot Merlot. No, I'm not planning on drinking all four, but from experience, the 4-pack is a better bet on the road than a full bottle. So, before hopping on Alligator Alley (the passageway between Naples and Miami that runs you right through the Everglades), I stopped into a BP for a pee break and to snag some wine for the destination.

Considering that I got this from a gas station, I'm impressed. I was shocked that this BP carried something other than Sutter Home, heck, I didn't even know Barefoot came in a 4-pack. As far as Merlot wines are concerned, it's nothing to write home about, but it's not bad. It's absolutely drinkable. It's making an otherwise lackluster evening watching American Idol (don't judge, all hotels offer an appaulingly small amount of channels) and surfing the net in an ashtray, into a slightly more luxurious experience. Slightly.

Travel for pleasure and travel for work are two different experiences. I've stayed in some extremely terrible and extremely lovely locales and in each instance, relaxing with a glass of wine at the end of the day has been able to keep me from completely going mental. So, should you ever find yourself under similar circumstances, I suggest you run down to your local gas station and snag yourself a 4-pack of Barefoot Merlot.

Lindeman - Merlot @@@@ (4 corks)

Retails: $4.87-$6.99 (Wal-Mart / most grocery stores)

First off, I have some very exciting news. This past month my live-in boyfriend and I became engaged! On 12/4/09, he proposed at the dog park where we met (yeah, we met at the dog park, no, he does not have a dog, he was there with his sister---I have a poodle). It was pouring rain out, we were supposed to be going out to dinner and a movie and he took a "wrong turn" and suddenly we were at the place where we met. He dragged me out of his truck and dropped down to one knee in the pouring rain and said: "This is where I first asked you out on a date and this is where I'd like to ask you to be my wife." Funnier still, I got engaged around 6:30pm, it wasn't until 9:30pm at night before I could get a hold of either one of my parents. Mom was in Quebec visiting relatives and Dad, recently retired, is in a folk band and had practice. I must have called both of them about 100 times a piece until I finally got someone on the phone--there was no way I could allow myself to call anyone else until they knew. To bide my time while waiting and re-dialing, I browsed wedding dresses on The Knot while killing a bottle of Kitchen Sink red wine.

In other exciting news, I've teamed up with the good ladies at Silly Goose Travel , two co-workers who have a passion for food, travel and all the wonderful things in life. From time to time we will be guest blogging on eachothers' websites.

Back to the wine... Lindeman's Merlot was probably one of the first wines I ever sampled. My parents always kept it in-stock at our home due to its inexpensive price tag and flavorful presence. My Grandfather and Step-Grandmother, here in Florida, have caught on to this brand and so there isn't a cocktail-hour-visit with them that doesn't include a Lindeman's bottle.

I recently became re-aquainted with this Australian varietal when Wal-Mart put them on sale for $4.97 a bottle (!!!) Full-bodied and bold, Lindeman's Merlot is full of rich berry and tannin flavor. For the price, you really can't beat this wine for its richness and complexity. I've sampled wines priced at x10 the amount that haven't tasted as beautifully as this Merlot.

Norton - Malbec @@@@@ (5 corks!)

Retails: $6.99 (Total Wine)

Malbec is an intellectuals' wine. The tastes are so nuanced and subtle but so incredible that if you're solely drinking wine for the sake of drinking, you'll miss the opportunity to savor Malbec's showcase of flavors. If you're in a contemplative or pensive mood, Malbec is an excellent wine for meditation and reflection.

Fall has always been a reflective time for me. The impressive undulation of changes within the season that occurs during this time is inspiring ---the first crisp evening in September, the nostalgic instances of warmth during October's Indian Summer, the occasional flurries that fall prematurely in November (depending upon your latitude); it begs to be pondered and illicit change and movement within yourself.

I can take the bit of cold during this time but it's the lack of sunlight that really makes it difficult. It strums a morose chord within me, a notion of solitude that isn't present during the warmer months. Things seem lonelier, emptier, without a solid dose of sunlight daily. Despite my best efforts to be social, somehow it seems everyone is preparing for impending hibernation--even here in Florida where we won't see temps below 40. I'll try not to project too sullen a tone, I guess it's only a change of season at heart. Cheers to a Malbec worth calming the woes of society and societal ills.

Santa Rita 120 - Merlot @@@ (3 Corks)

Retails: $6.99 (Total Wine)

A friend of mine recently gave me a very useful gift as a birthday present: a wine journal. This one made its way to me by way of Williams & Sonoma, which was coincidentally this same friends' choice for her wedding registry (affordable? um, no.)

This gracious present has actually been extremely useful. As of recent times, I'm back on the road pretty much full time. Thankfully, for the time being, I'm as local as a half hour away so I'm still privileged to have some time at home.

This economic climate has not fared well in the world of video and unfortunately, as previously mentioned in some of my entries, half of our team has been thrown to the wayside. I'm fortunate to be kept afloat, however, it comes at a high price to my leisure time. This wine journal has provided a sacred place to store my opinions an thoughts on each bottle I'm too pressed for time to write about in real-time.

This Merlot comes my way via Chile, although lacking body in flavor, this varietal provides a strong variety of flavors -- slightly wheat smell, some concord grape taste with peppery accents and a very dry finish. It tends to leave a pucker-y flavor on the palette so for those of you who prefer a less tannin-infused wine, this is certainly not for you.

Beringer - Pinot Noir @@@ (3 corks)

Retails: $6.49 (Total Wine)

After the succcess of Beringer's Merlot at our Girls Night wine tasting, when I came across the Pinot I HAD to give it a shot.

At the same time, I've just recently acquired a Sam's Club through my work, which if you happen to have an employer who offers this as a benefit, you should absolutely take them up on it. I did a little bit of research while I was there today, mostly loading up on bulk toiletries, and the wine/liquor section's prices are IDENTICAL to Total Wine! Although Sam's Club offers awesome discount on most bulk items, if you happen to have a Total Wine nearby you'll save just about the same amount off of normal retail prices (without the cost of a membership!)

Beringer's Pinot Noir is quite good, it definitely requires some breathing time after uncorking. The flavor tends to rest in the middle of your palette, be sure to give it a good swish in your mouth to really get a full sense of the flavors. Tons of beautiful cherry notes with good deal of dry, tannin flavor in the finish. For the price, not a bad wine in the slightest.

Casella - Malle Point Shiraz @@@@ (4 corks)

Retails: $5.99 (Total Wine)

As usual, Total Wine's "Wine of the Month" has not failed me. Almost always priced under $10, Total Wine's monthly selection is almost always stupendous, this is no exception.

I've never been a huge Shiraz fan. Frequently, they're too sweet or acidic for my tastes. This one is very well balanced. Very aromatic, hints of vanilla and cinnamon fill your nostrils. This Shiraz is full-bodied, slight smoke-y flavor with a nice bit of dryness in the finish. There's an interesting, warm, butterscotch flavor within the palette which is especially unusual. It's a smoldering, seductive quality about this wine that makes it difficult to not stop at one glass. Enjoy!

Nobilis - Vinho Verde @@@@ (4 corks)

Retails: $5.99 (Total Wine)

Refreshing is the word that best describes this Portuguese wine. Almost crystal-clear in color with a faint gold tinge, this extremely light wine is a true rarity. It's the perfect summer wine. Even a few days after being opened, it retains its fresh flavor.

Champagne fans will definitely enjoy wine, it tickles your tongue with a faint effervescence. It's not overly sweet and has a pleasant dryness that isn't overpowering. The only remarkable flavor is a balanced sweetness, almost like a granny smith apple (the green ones). It's really unusual, I haven't tasted anything like it before. Then again, I'm not horribly familiar with Portuguese wines, nevertheless, for the price it definitely should be commended for its originality.

Vinho Verde is a very subtle wine, you could easily getaway with serving it at lunch. It's definitely an easy crowd pleaser. It's also of a lower alcohol content than most (around 9%) so don't feel too bad if you drink it all in one setting!