I've said it before and will enthusiastically say it again. As far as wine festivals go, nothing compares to the California Garagiste Festivals. From Paso Robles to Solvang to Los Angeles, the Garagiste Festivals have introduced me to some of the best wines I've ever had and have given me an opportunity to meet the [...]
My visit to LIOCO Wine in Santa Rosa couldn't have happened at a better time. For the past few months, I've been studying for my Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) certification through the Society of Wine Educators, which has proven to be an extremely challenging, often overwhelming, and very exciting experience. While I've loved learning [...]
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 [...]
As anyone who follows wine knows, 2015 was the year of the millennial and their ever-growing love for wine. According to a recent study, people aged 21-38 drank nearly half of the wine purchased in America in 2015, and they're willing to spend a bit more to try new, unusual varietals. Gone are the days of [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
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, [...]
Over the last year or so, I've fallen madly in love with Sonoma County. In particular, the area of the Russian River Valley encircled by the towns of Guerneville, Sebastopol & Healdsburg. From the towering Redwoods to the rocky coastline and everything in between, the natural beauty in this area is unsurpassed. The more I [...]
Wine-ding Road 