Many people are unaware that there is an AVA on the East Bay of San Francisco. The Lamorinda AVA, a hidden gem, is part of the Central Coast and San Francisco Bay AVAs. Located in Contra Costa County, the Lamorinda AVA encompasses the cities of Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda. Let’s discover more about this little-known … Read more
Rioja is one of Spain’s most well-known wine regions. One winery, La Rioja Alta, located in Haro, stands out as one of the area’s oldest and most prestigious wineries. It all began in 1890 when five families joined together to form the winery. In 1904 the winery merged with the Ardanza Winery. Today three families … Read more
Brian Nuss’s passion for wine came from building homes on Mount Veeder. As a general contractor, he built many homes in the bay area. Building the home for comedian/actor Robin Williams finally brought Brian to Napa Valley to live. He took his first step into vineyard management when Robin asked Brian to oversee the vineyard … Read more
I find the best white wine for summer are those unique blends and the less common single varietals. Many of these white wines come from Europe, delivering a refreshing outlook instead of the typical varieties we see in our go-to wines. Most are bright in acidity. My white wine options will take the wine drinker … Read more
Each glass of wine we drink takes us on an excursion to some of the most incredible wine destinations worldwide. We live vicariously through the glass. For this article, let’s travel to Burgundy to discover a six-generation family that has made their mark on Burgundian wine, Albert Bichot. The Albert Bichot Family Family roots go … Read more
From the vineyard to the winery, innovation to traditional style, Lisa Strid does it all as winemaker of Arizona Winery Aridus Wine Company in the Willcox AVA. She is the backbone of both the winery and custom crush facility. Her goal is to “usher the grape from vine to bottle.” Scott and Joan Dahmer purchased … Read more
From grandfather to grandson, Piedra Creek Winery represents one of the smallest bonded wineries in the Edna Valley. Today, the winery is known primarily for producing Lagrein, a red grape variety from the Alto Adige region of Italy. The production might be small, but the wines are mighty in their own right. Romeo Zuech Founder … Read more
At this time of the year, I love to travel the world through a glass of Rosé. This year is no different as National Rosé Day 2022 approaches. Rosé comes in many forms, and this year my suggestions will include some Pét-nat. National Rosé Day 2022 With Pét-nat Pét-nat stands for Pétillant-natural, a French term … Read more
Father’s Day 2022 is just around the corner, and when I think of celebrating our fathers, I think of an afternoon or early evening barbecue with hamburgers, grilled chicken, or a juicy steak. I am thinking of pairing hearty Chilean red wine with a fathers’ day meal this year. Here are some Father’s Day wine … Read more
Although under different ownership, the backbone of Alma Rosa Winery still harks back to its beginnings with Richard Sanford, one of the pioneers of Santa Barbara Wine Country. Richard forged the roads to bring the Sta. Rita Hills on the map by establishing and planting one of the first vineyards in the area in 1971. … Read more