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»

Napa’s Cleavage Creek Cellars announces a Mother’s Day sale on two of their world class wines. The 2006 Reserve Chardonnay and the 2006 Secret White wines are specially priced at $15 per bottle.(Normally they sell for $30- $40 per bottle!) Not only are these great wines at a great price but it’s [...] read more»

Colorado, like many states other than California, Washington and Oregon, has been developing a small wine industry over the past decade or two and is now seeing the fruits of those labors mature. The state has more than 60 wineries creating award-winning products ranging from rich Merlots to crisp Chardonnays. There are still wineries making the [...] read more»