One of my fave trade tastings each year is the Rieslings from Germany. Unfortunately, most of these incredible wines never see the light of day in the States. On the rare occasions that I do spy one on the menu and try to order it, I usually get the same comment from my (riesling ignorant) [...] read more»

What is it about dogs and wine that goes so well together? Maybe good taste and big hearts bring out the best in those of us who love both a Cab and a Lab. I’ve written before about the Dog Lovers Wine Club (www.dogloverswineclub.com) that sells California wines with dog art labels to support animal shelters [...] read more»

Dry Creek Valley might be the ‘sweet spot’ for growing Zinfandel grapes but Humboldt County is a cool spot for making the wine. Sonoma County’s popular wine growing region is famous for those gnarly, 100-year-old vines that produce the inky, chewy zinfandels that are almost a meal within themselves, and the finicky Zinfandel requires just the [...] read more»

Far Niente is a small winery in the Napa Valley. It produces about 25,000 cases per year of luxury, estate- bottled Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay on 13 acres. Roughly translated from Italian as “without a care” or “with nothing to do,” Far Niente is actually doing quite a bit to offset its carbon footprint [...] read more»

One of my most surprising discoveries at the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (detailed report in a few days) was not a new alligator gumbo, praline flavor or cajun spice blend– it was my first tasting/sighting of acclaimed film director and California wine maker’s FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA’s new collection of European wines. Hadn’t heard [...] read more»

If you love all things Spanish, especially the delicious foods and wines of the Catalan region of Spain, mark July 19 and 20 on your calendars. Those are the dates. 11 am to 4 pm are the times. And Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards at 23555 Carneros Highway (better known as Highway 121) is the place [...] read more»

His friends called him Bob. Others called him one of the most inspirational people in vinoculture. Robert Mondavi, shown enjoying a glass of his famous product at his winery in Oakville at his 90th birthday celebration, passed away this week at the age of 94. There’s no truth to the rumor that he’ll be buried [...] read more»

The historic Bengal Lounge of The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia was the setting for the release of Victoria Gin on May 13. Winchester Cellars created B.C.’s first handcrafted gin, and they are also Vancouver Island’s first licensed distillery. The unique recipe for Victoria Gin blends ten organic and wild botanicals, from juniper berries [...] read more»