One mountain defines a wine region by creating a distinct microclimate with altitude and freshness to the wines and combats global warming by sheltering the region with a cooler climate. Mont Ventoux is the backbone of the Ventoux AOC, and the AOC is a rising star in the Rhone Valley. It is a wine gem
The legacy of a winery impacts the wine produced. It can be about the place, the family that owns it, the farming style, or the ranch. All these factors unite to give you the history and story. Folded Hills Winery, a farmstead in Gaviota, symbolizes this more than any winery in Santa Barbara County because
Sometimes we go to a tasting and say wow these are the best wines I have tasted from a particular region. Such was the case recently when I sampled the wines from Powell & Son, a winery located in the Barossa Valley, Australia. I found the wines exceptional and the most outstanding I have ever
Part of a winemaker’s passion is finding a niche that makes their wines uniquely different yet at the same time stand out as exceptional. For Andrew Beckham utilizing his ceramic background into the winemaking process is tantamount to creating his wine. The answer became designing ceramic vessels to make amphora wine. By doing so, Andrew
There is something about a French Rosé Wine that speaks of France. In most cases, they are different than Spanish or American Rosés. Often the Rosés are lighter in color especially the ones for Côtes de Provence. The aromas are also unique to the region, especially the Côtes de Provence, known for their distinct aromas
The word balance has many interpretations depending on how each person perceives it. Is it balancing your day between work and relaxation? Is it the risk and challenges we encounter every day that put our lives in balance? For TOP Winery, owners Elena Martinez and Stanley Barrios the meaning describes their passion, the winery they
I first sampled the wines of Sweetzer Cellars at a Pinot Noir wine tasting in Santa Barbara. Since then, I have tasted their wines on three other occasions, including a luncheon with LA Wine Writers. If I were to pick one of the rising wine stars, I discovered this year it would definitely include Sweetzer
A spur of the moment detour ended up with a wonderful winery find. My husband and I were at the Camarillo outlets shopping for some incidentals for my daughter’s upcoming wedding when we decided to end our day with a stop to the Cantara Cellars, a Camarillo winery. Mike Brown, winemaker/owner, has been making wine
Often it is the wine label that intrigues one to sample a bottle of wine. Such was the case when I was sent two bottles of Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône to review. As an art major in college, one of my favorite art movements is Art Nouveau. The organic style and use of natural
What could be more magnificent than an unobstructed winery view of vineyards while sipping wine at a hilltop tasting room? Such is the case at LAW Estate Wines where detail to the architecture, the beauty of the vineyards, sustainable and organic practices all come together, providing a unique experience and producing exceptional wines from the