As the temperature cools down my thoughts turn to comfort food! You know... those yummy and hearty soups, stews, and braises, that fill the kitchen with heavenly aromas that pull everyone in to the table. Often the preparations lend themselves to richly layering flavors, and creating more complex tastes. I'm enlisting the expert help of Melissa Ward, a sommelier and wine educator, and owner of Sips with a Somm, to help guide us in pairing the appropriate wines with these hearty entrees. I love that Melissa's style of educating is fun and relaxed, and often says, "Drink what you love and love what you drink!" In this episode she's presenting guidelines - not hard and fast rules. Our discussion revolves around wine pairings for three of my favorite  comfort food recipes: Apple Pork Tenderloin, Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, and Slow-Cooked Short Ribs with Mushroom Sauce on Creamy Polenta. I hope you'll try these recipes with her suggested pairings. You, too, can experience a "warm hug in a glass"! Be sure to follow Melissa on Facebook and Instagram and find out how you can schedule her for an in-person or virtual wine tasting! Cheers!