Wine Situation Final Five

The Wine Situation hosts everyone from winemakers to writers to find out what a person’s situation is…with wine. At the end of each episode, host Ellen Clifford phones a friend to ask them The Final Five. This time it’s Amanda Greenbaum of AJA Vineyards and author of “Rad Cocktails”! Check out the full episode here QUESTION ONE Ellen: Question one, whatcha drinking? What are you into these days? Amanda: I’ve been really into slutty—like not just dirty—SLUTTY martinis. I know they’re traditionally made with gin, but I’ve been enjoying Belvedere martinis ice cold and super dirty. My dad and I have been drinking them like crazy. I’ll either have them on the rocks or up. I like both. I like on the rocks if I’m trying not to drink a lot because that’ll last me for several hours. And like three olives, just throw them in there. QUESTION TWO Ellen: Question number two, do you have a favorite or unusual pairing you enjoy? Amanda: One of my favorite pairings is my Rosé with a double-double burger. That’s the go-to fun one. Not wine-wise, but a fun one to talk about—people make fun of me all the time—I love a blueberry bagel with chive cream cheese. It’s like having the focaccia with a drizzle of honey, but the sweetness is the bread instead. Wine wise what would I pair with that? Maybe Rosé Champagne . QUESTION THREE Ellen: Question number three, is there another part of the world you’d think about making wine in? Amanda: I have a piece of my heart in South Africa because I worked in Cape Agulhas, which is the southernmost tip of Africa. I loved making wine there. But if I were to choose an area around there, honestly throw me in Franschhoek . I had the best carbonic Cinsault from there. QUESTION FOUR Ellen: Question number four - favorite food? Amanda: Steak. If I’m going to go savory, definitely steak. I’m a big fan. Medium-rare plus. QUESTION FIVE Ellen: Final question is just what’s bringing you joy these days? Amanda: Rest. Honestly. I run myself down, like if I was a pencil, I turn myself down to a toothpick. My fiancé resents me sometimes for this. I make plans like it’s nobody’s business. I’m type A. There are two types of people in this world: people that don’t really make plans and see what the weekend has in store for them, and there are people that are booked up three months in advance. I’m trying to be that in-between because I book myself up too much. The nights that I just get an opportunity to do nothing I really savor. Or just to have a date night with my fiancé. That to me is so, so important. And then the second thing on that, tying into that mental health aspect, is getting back into good shape. The opportunity to get back into it and support my fiancé being very involved in getting himself into shape. He goes to the gym five days a week. The two of us are focusing on our health, finding workouts we like. I’m a Barry’s Bootcamp girl. And I’ve been into reformer Pilates. It gets me excited when I’m able to do those classes and not feel winded. Having that ability to feel like I’m in good shape…it’s what gets me through the day and it makes me really happy. *** Find Amanda’s wines and her book here: ajavineyards.com . Follow her on Instagram @sommthingrad and @ajavineyards Check out the previous Wine Situation podcast with Kate Ayres here .