I've been spending a lot of time recently exploring the incredible and diverse wines of Sonoma. That also means I've been seeking out the best dog-friendly wineries in the area so our furry travel companion Booker can join us on our adventures. Many wineries in the area welcome dogs in their outdoor tasting areas only, however [...]
I've noticed a trend recently of winemakers using a very minimalist approach to their craft. By selecting the best grapes from specific vineyard sites, using wild yeasts, and remaining as non-interventionist as possible, they're allowing the fruit to express itself in an honest, unique way. An excellent example of this sort of wine making is [...]
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 [...]
In what was once an old, rundown industrial area just west of Santa Barbara's bustling shopping district, the Funk Zone has emerged as a hub of unique art, culture, food & artisan wine. In my opinion, it's one of the best things to happen to Santa Barbara in a long time. With a number of shops, galleries, [...]
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 [...]
Carmel-By-The-Sea is by far one of my favorite places in California. During a recent visit, I had the opportunity to visit a few of the many tasting rooms located right in town. With over 13 tasting rooms within walking distance from one another, it's easy to leave your car behind and spend a day strolling [...]
I've known about the Lompoc Wine Ghetto for ages, but for some reason, I never had a strong desire to visit. I had a preconceived notion that it was an easy access, multiple tasting room destination that catered to those who prefer quantity over quality. After visiting for the first time this weekend, I could [...]
In my ongoing quest to have our dog with us on most - if not all - of our wine tasting adventures, I've uncovered more incredible, dog-friendly wineries in Paso Robles. As a rule of thumb when tasting with dogs, always bring a leash, make sure the dogs remain well-behaved, and remember to be respectful [...]
Tucked away on an idyllic parcel of land on the Westside of Paso Robles lies the Terry Hoage Vineyards and tasting room. In the rustic winery perched right across the small parking lot from his home, Terry Hoage and his wife Jennifer are hand-crafting some of the finest wines to come out of Paso Robles. [...]
By definition, the term "garagistes" refers to a group of innovative, renegade wine makers from the Bordeaux region who refuse to follow the strict French rules and instead, produce "Vins de garage" or "Garage wine". For the second year in a row, Paso Robles has celebrated the spirit of the garagiste movement by holding a [...]
Wine-ding Road 