Officially announced is Alternative Tastes Wine Fest: A Celebration of Unique Varieties to be held in Paso Robles, California on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8, 2024. During the two day extravaganza, Albariño and Tannat, two trending varietals on the Central Coast, are the stars. This festival was founded in response to popular  Albariño and Tannat special interest group tastings hosted by Damian Grindley, Owner/Winemaker at Brecon Estate. “Folks just love these focused wine tastings. Nowhere else can you deep dive into the next potential big thing,” stated Grindley, the festival’s C ..read more

News articles about yet another sale of a family winery to a large corporate conglomerate are published on a regular basis. Likewise, almost daily, an article or social media conversation revolves around the future of wine as it pertains to younger consumers. When I had the chance to chat with Angelina Mondavi (yes, that Mondavi), I felt compelled to address both topics to hear her thoughts. Angelina Mondavi – Photo Credit: CK Mondavi Angelina Mondavi, Fourth Generation Member of the Mondavi Family Everyone has heard the name Mondavi at this point. In 1943, Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased ..read more

Who has not heard of or tasted wines from Napa Valleys’ Cakebread Cellars founded in 1972 by Dolores and Jack Cakebread?  Its storied history and exceptional wines not only reflect the character of the founders but the quality of their estate vineyards from Carneros to Mendocino County. Now, this historic winery is revamping its classic image with a new winemaker, Niki Williams, who pledges to maintain Cakebread’s signature style while putting her own stamp on the wines. But there’s more. Cakebread Cellars has also launched it sister brand, Bezel Wines with the intention to introduce Cake ..read more

For many, sipping a glass of wine while reading a juicy novel may be a favorite pastime. I know it is for me. After a day of errands, writing, or organizing the pantry for the millionth time (truth), I enjoy opening a bottle of something delicious and relaxing with a good book. In fact, there’s always a book on my coffee table begging for me to enjoy! In the past few months, I’ve received (as samples) three outstanding reads worth sharing. Find each and let me know your thoughts. Photo Credit: Natalie MacLean Wine Witch on Fire by Natalie MacLean If you haven’t heard of Natalie MacLean, a be ..read more

What a weekend! From February 29-March 2, 2024 hundreds of wine lovers participated in the World of Pinot Noir held at the exclusive Ritz Carlton Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara, California. We tasted, learned, and dined (on repeat) with a fervor only true aficionados are able to do. This was my first World of Pinot Noir and I’m already looking forward to next year. A celebration of this noble grape? Absolutely. The annual World of Pinot Noir is the epicenter of Pinot Noir wineries, winemakers, chefs, sommeliers and wine experts for one glorious weekend chock full of events from which to choose ..read more

“My mother, Erika Ratti, and father are from the area of Milano and Como in northern Italy,” explained Ambrogio Cremona Ratti in a recent virtual tasting with two wines (sent as samples) from Tenuta Sette Cieli. “My mother loved horses and wanted to move to the countryside. In the early 1990s, she started looking for property on the coast of Tuscany. In 1994, she finally found and purchased what set the chain. It’s a very special place – very isolated and remote. It was abandoned for years and had a house dating from the 1200s on the property.” So began the story of Tenuta Sette Cieli located ..read more

Wines, foods and intriguing history of Sicily offer never-ending learning experiences. Just recently, I was sent (as samples) two bottles of Frappato, a wine I’ve tasted in a blend but not recently as a single varietal. Impressed with not only the price point, but with Frappato’s ability to pair with some of my favorite foods, you will be, too. Frappato Can Be Found in a Blend or as a Single Varietal According to authors Jancis Robinson et. al. in Wine Grapes, Frappato is said to have originated in Vittoria, in the provice of Ragusa located in the south of Sicily. The word itself is derived fr ..read more

A cool, slightly rainy weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California was yet another perfect opportunity for wine tasting (as if I needed another reason to indulge!). This time, a visit to Chalone Vineyard tasting room in Carmel Plaza at Ocean Avenue and Mission Street resulted in a newfound appreciation for Monterey County’s historic, first winery. A bonus? Greg Freeman, Winemaker, spent time explaining his remarkable story and that of Chalone Vineyard. Chalone Vineyard was first planted in 1919 and the brand began in 1960. The land is on a high-elevation (1800’) mountain plateau, the Gavilan Mou ..read more

A wedding is a time when family and friends get together to celebrate the union of two people in love. Keeping with the theme of “pairing”, wine is an excellent addition to the foods and desserts that you have prepared for the big day. To make sure that you have enough wine for the celebration, purchase what you need in advance and keep it in a suitable space so that it doesn’t spoil before the reception. Whether you are having a destination wedding or a wedding at home, the following guide will help keep your wine in pristine condition. Purchasing Your Wine Unless you are having your big day ..read more

Imagine biting into the crisp, golden layers of a perfectly crafted cannoli, only to have your palate elevated by the rich, velvety texture of a high-quality port wine. The pairing of the classic Italian pastry and the flavorful, fortified wine creates an experience that is anything but ordinary. Just recently, I indulged in three luscious cannolis with three port wines from W. & J. Graham’s (sent as samples). A superb pairing, it’s time you do the same. Why choose Port to pair with cannoli? Port, a fortified wine, is rich and full-bodied with a higher alcohol content. It offers a comple ..read more