As September and California Wine Month come to a close, one winery deserves the honor of being recognized as a pioneer and leader in sustainability while pushing forward with an innovative mindset. That winery Rodney Strong Vineyards played an essential role in establishing Sonoma County. Observing the growth and alterations made over the years becomes
Labor Day signifies the end of summer, al fresco dining, and barbeques. As we say goodbye to summer, we often ponder which red wine will go best as a send-off of the season. Here are my Labor Day 2021 red wine selections to help celebrate the holiday barbeque fanfare. Labor Day 2021 Pinot Noir Landmark
As a pioneer of the Spring Mountain District in Napa Valley, Stuart Smith has seen many changes over the years. He took an entrepreneurial leap in 1971 when at age 22 years old, he purchased the 200-acre property on Spring Mountain. From its beginning to the present day, it has been a challenging endeavor, but
One has to ask what the term summit means? Is it the top of the mountain? Is it the peak of one’s accomplishments in life? The meaning for Summit Lake Vineyards encompasses both those meanings. The winery’s location almost at the top of Howell Mountain, 2000 feet speaks for itself. Owner Bob Brakesman was one
Carrying the torch from New Orleans, the Murray family brings their legacy to the Dry Creek Valley with their Flambeaux Wine. They keep their roots in both places. In New Orleans, it is law at both the state and federal level, especially environmental law, but in Sonoma, they plant their roots in the vineyard to
A pioneering family helped establish the Washington Wine industry and Walla Walla as a prime wine region. Foresight is the foundation of this family’s legacy. Not only are the Ferguson’s a fixture in the wine business, but their ancestors established the Baker Boyer Bank in 1869 in Walla Walla, making it the oldest bank in
As a wine writer, 2020 took on a different significance regarding wine tasting. You might say enjoying a bottle of wine brought us to a happier place. Virtual wine tasting was the norm and still will be in 2021. Wine get-togethers with friends are now virtual. Looking back at the wine I sip throughout the
I first sampled Primus wines in 2016 while under the stewardship of a different winemaker. At the time, I sampled the 2014 vintage of The Blend and the Cabernet Sauvignon. It is interesting to see how a winemaker’s influence makes a difference in the wine and its style. I could see the difference in these
What do the Grand Reserve Wine Credit Card, a World Mastercard wine credit card, and Switchback Ridge Wine have in common? Grand Reserve Rewards gives you points toward specific wine-oriented products and experiences. Switchback Ridge is one of the winery participants partnering with this credit card. This wine credit card caters to wine enthusiasts and
Long Meadow Ranch is a pioneer in the concept of full circle farming. This notion plays a vital role in every aspect of their enterprise. This family-owned agricultural estate grows grapes, olives, fruits, and vegetables produces wine and olive oil as well as raises cattle, sheep, and chickens. Combining organic and sustainable practices to achieve