The Wine-ding Roads of Italy: Part 1 – Buranco Winery | Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre

The Wine-ding Roads of Italy: Part 1 – Buranco Winery | Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre

Since returning from a once-in-a-lifetime trip through Italy this summer, it seems like most people ask the same question - what was your favorite place that you visited? The more I revisit and ponder this question, the more difficult it becomes to answer.  Italy was magical beyond words and every single place we visited was [...]

Porter-Bass Estate Winery | Guerneville – Sonoma, CA

Porter-Bass Estate Winery | Guerneville – Sonoma, CA

Small, back road wineries are my absolute favorite.  Even though they may be harder to find, the reward is definitely worth the effort. Aside from the slightly more complicated journey, back road wineries offer an experience you'd never find along the main tasting routes.  Many small wineries are family owned with rich histories and deep [...]

Deckman’s en El Mogor & Mogor Badan Winery | El Valle de Guadalupe – Baja, Mexico

Deckman’s en El Mogor & Mogor Badan Winery | El Valle de Guadalupe – Baja, Mexico

It's official... Baja's Valle de Guadalupe wine region has stolen my heart.  I recently spent a long weekend in the area, soaking up all the food, wine and scenery the Valle has to offer. One of my favorite stops along the Valle's Ruta del Vino was Deckman's en El Mogor restaurant and the Mogor Badan Winery - [...]

5 Must-Try Rosé Wines For Summertime

5 Must-Try Rosé Wines For Summertime

With longer, warmer days upon us, it seems like Rosé season has finally arrived.  Grab a chair in the sun and enjoy one of these bottles on a lazy Summer afternoon. Arnot-Roberts 2014 Rosé The Arnot-Roberts 2014 Rosé is made from Touriga Nacional, which is one of Portugal's finest varietals and is typically used to make Port. [...]

Iron Horse Vineyards | Sebastopol, CA

Iron Horse Vineyards | Sebastopol, CA

Iron Horse Vineyards in Sebastopol, CA was by far my biggest wine related surprise of the year.  I mean this in the best possible way for a couple different reasons. I love Champagne, but I tend to stay away from California Sparkling Wines.  While there are some standouts, I find many of them too sweet [...]

Williams Selyem Winery | Healdsburg, CA

Williams Selyem Winery | Healdsburg, CA

If I had to declare a favorite wine, without hesitation it would be Pinot Noir.  There are a million other varietals that I love to drink but in my mind, nothing compares to an amazing Pinot.  And this weekend I had the opportunity to visit one of my favorite California Pinot Noir makers, Williams Selyem. [...]

Law Estate Wines | Paso Robles, CA — A Post-Opening Update…

Law Estate Wines | Paso Robles, CA — A Post-Opening Update…

Last time I visited Law Estate Wines, it was more of a construction site than a finished project.  This past weekend, I visited the winery again in its completed form and was utterly blown away.  From the friendly and personal attention of the staff to the breathtaking architecture to the incredible wines, Law Estate is beyond [...]

Babcock Winery & Vineyards | Lompoc, CA

Babcock Winery & Vineyards | Lompoc, CA

One of my favorite new wineries is actually not new at all. Established in 1978, Babcock Winery & Vineyards in Lompoc, CA has a rich history in the Santa Ynez Valley and is one of the best producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir around. Back in 1978, Mona & Walter Babcock purchased a 110 acre property on [...]

Law Estate Wines | Paso Robles, CA

Law Estate Wines | Paso Robles, CA

During my last visit to Paso Robles, I had the honor of visiting the soon-to-be-open Law Estate Winery.  From the modern, architecturally stunning winery & tasting room to the impeccably crafted wines, I was blown away by the experience. Perched high above Peachy Canyon Road on the westside of Paso Robles, the Law Estate Winery [...]

Paraiso Vineyards | Monterey County, CA

Paraiso Vineyards | Monterey County, CA

There is something magical about the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County, CA.  Whether it's the cloudless blue skies, the cool breezes that float through the Salinas Valley or the sweeping views from the hillside vineyards, there's something truly intoxicating about the area. During my last visit, I spent an afternoon at Paraiso Vineyards.  Paraiso [...]