Libby:

Wine in my life: I’ve always loved a glass of wine but untiI recently, I never knew more than “I like sweet.” Heck, sometimes I still don’t’! I am by far the least experienced swirler in the group but am doing my best to learn and having fun doing so! My favorite thing about wine is cooking a great dinner and pairing it with friends and good wine.

What I drink: Sweet dessert wines always catch my eye! I love Rieslings, Tokay, Sauturnes…the sweeter it is, the happier I am. When I’m not interested in sugar shock, I’m drawn to fuller body reds, including Napa Cabs and a great Bordeaux.

When I’m not sipping: I am training for my second marathon so I must find a balance between “educational” sipping and early morning running. I love to entertain and have friends over for good food, good wine and good converstion. I photograph shelter pets and love big animals, including my 95-pound puppy. I operate my life at 110 mph and believe in wringing the life out of every day.

Lynn:

Wine in my life: After a neighbor had a wine tasting party, I started buying wine from a Miami importer about 15 years ago. I still do that. But I’ve branched out and have become adventurous through the years. I have a close friend with a sommelier license and she’s taught me much. However, I have decades of learning and drinking to do, and am looking forward to it.

What I drink: I’ve been a red wine lady (is that like a red hat lady?) for years, though dry white wines woo me well. I like dryer, bolder wines – hence my Swirl Girls moniker, Bold.

When I’m not sipping: I also write the Paws Here pets blog for PalmBeachPost.com. That means an occasional cat or dog hair in my wine, but I find it improves the taste! One of my favorite travel destinations is Italy because of the (surprise!) wine.

Gwen:

Wine in my life: I love the whole ritual of opening, serving, smelling, tasting, and savoring wine. It’s more than a drink, it’s an experience. I also love learning about different regions and winemaking techniques, and how they affect the varietal characteristics.

The love affair began at a small French restaurant in Northampton, MA when I was an undergraduate at the University of Massachusetts. I was still under-age at the time, but since knowing and selling the wine was part of my job, I was allowed to participate in the tastings. Maybe it was the illicit nature of my introduction to wine that makes it so appealing. I’ve been partial to dry French reds ever since….

What I drink: Old world reds, medium-bodied, dry, earthy. I’ve been into Spanish Riojas lately, but then I tried a great Burgundy at a wine tasting at Dolce Vita in Lake Worth. It was a 2002 Santenay 1er Cru Les Graviéres – this was a really great wine.

When I’m not sipping: I shoot photos and video for PalmBeachPost.com and PBPulse.com, including Postcards, The Dish, and the Game of the Week. I also dabble in multimedia and web design. When not at work, I love traveling, cooking, going out to eat, and visiting my “friends” in the aisles of Total Wine.

Favorite food to pair with wine: Cheese – the stinkier the better!

Jennifer:

Wine in my life: About 15 years ago, my father was visiting and we went out for a special dinner. Already knowledgeable about wine, he ordered a bottle of red zinfandel for the table. “I thought zinfandel only came in white!” I piped. With that first experience of the rich, mouth-watering berries I tasted, I understood the magic of wine and its savory spell. And I knew I needed more. Now my greatest pleasure comes from sharing an evening and a bottle (or two) in the company of my friends and loved ones.

And being the only vegetarian of the group, one of my goals with our blog is to find great wine pairings for vegetarian dishes — something to rival the classic filet and cabernet!

What I drink: I prefer reds, although I can’t deny the delight of a riesling on a hot summer day. I truly enjoy trying a range of varietals and blends, but I have developed a crush on lush, dark fruits and earthy character.

When I’m not sipping: I’m most likely outdoors, kayaking, snorkeling or diving, or working in the yard, depending upon the time of year. And running. (Helps to burn those wine calories!)