Preston Wilson - Southpoint Access

The Gourmand Next Door

Defying Conventions on Turkey Day in Durham

What to eat on Turkey Day when you don't want turkey.

The Gourmand Next Door

[The Gourmand Next Door] A Toast to the Feast: Beaujolais Nouveau Now, Chablis Always

From juicy Beaujolais Nouveau to mineral Chablis, here’s what to pour with turkey, sides, and all the trimmings.

The Gourmand Next Door

[Gourmand Next Door] When Left To Their Own Devices

This flat gravelly land is well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, that powerhouse of a grape. The gravel helps to retain and reflect heat into the grape helping it ripen in a climate that is not super warm.

The Gourmand Next Door

[The Gourmand Next Door] Getting on Bordeaux's Right Side

Bordeaux has been cultivating vines and wine since the 4th century. It is the largest producer of AOP wines in France, and only second in overall volume in the country. Therefore, the largesse that is Bordelaise wine will be explored in several parts.

The Gourmand Next Door

[The Gourmand Next Door] White Wines of the Loire

More than 80% of all wine produced in Sancerre is now exported out of the region. It is currently the easiest of all the wines to source. The vineyards sit on limestone, marl, and flint soil, and the continental climate provides enough warmth to ripen the grapes fully.

The Gourmand Next Door

[The Gourmand Next Door] What’s the Deal with French Wine?

When you begin to understand the place of the wine, then you begin to understand the why of the wine. It is the fabric of the land. It is the nexus of place and people.

The Gourmand Next Door

[The Gourmand Next Door] Champagne, Anyone? Picking the Right One for Valentine's Day

In his introductory column, SoDu neighbor Preston Wilson shares his recommendations for Valentine's Day Champagne.