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 […]
Abruzzo: Getting To Know The Pecorino Grape
One of the highlights of the Wine Media Conference was learning about Abruzzo and the Pecorino grape. Abruzzo is a region in the southern portion of Italy, approximately 80 miles east of Rome. It borders on another wine region, Marche just to the north and the Adriatic Sea on the east. Spanning from the Apennine […]
Paso Robles: Illuminating The Best of the Central Coast
Paso Robles, which means The Pass of Oaks, is located in San Luis Obispo County along the Salinas River. In the early days, people traveled to Paso Robles for its Mineral Springs. Cattle ranchers, almond and apple growers, and dairy farmers were the first to settle the area. Today the city is becoming an exciting […]
Ron Rubin: Saving Lives Through Wine Philanthropy
Most wineries partake in wine philanthropy, but some go above and beyond the call of duty. In my experience, I found most give a percentage of their proceeds from a particular wine to their favorite charity, but one winery Ron Rubin Winery in the Russian River Valley does something very unique. They donate defibrillators to […]
Enriquez Estate Wines: Highlighting Petaluma Gap and Sonoma Coast Wine
In 2014, I first encountered Enriquez Estate Wines during a Sonoma wine tasting event. I discovered the winery by chance because owner/winemaker Cecilia Enriquez served Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Association wines. I happened upon Cecilia’s table because it was not crowded like others. During my discussion, at the time Cecilia mentioned that she makes a Tempranillo […]
The Best Summer White Wine
During the heat of summer, our wine of choice leans toward white wines. The refreshing, crisp, and bright nuances of the various white varieties lend themselves to being at the top of one’s list of go-to summer white wine. Summer White Wine Here is a list of my summer white wine suggestions to enjoy during […]
La Rioja Alta: Fusing The Past With The Present
La Rioja Alta is one of the oldest wineries in Rioja. Five families established La Rioja Alta in 1890. By 1904 the winery merged with the Ardanza Winery. Today four wineries make up the La Rioja Alta brand, and each represents a distinct wine region. They are La Rioja Alta, S.A. in Rioja Alta, Torre […]
The Enchantment Of The Finger Lakes
Often there are ties with locations that we never thought connected us to a place. I have dreamed of visiting the Finger Lakes for quite some time. Before travel writing, I wrote about pets. I received emails about the Grapehounds Wine Tour, dog adoption, and wine tasting event in the Finger Lakes. When I branched […]
Sixmilebridge: Highlighting Bordeaux Style Blends
A visit to Sixmilebridge Vineyards is a must when visiting Paso Robles. Located in the Peachy Canyon corridor, the winey features small-batch estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux style blends. The blends make Sixmilebridge stand out because they speak to the place, which once you arrive, you will know why the terroir is so special. Jim […]
Smith-Madrone: The Best of Spring Mountain District
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 […]