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 [...]
One of my absolute favorite things about the Garagiste Festivals is the opportunity to discover new wines and meet the incredibly gifted people who make them. Even with a few Garagiste Festivals under my belt, I'm always amazed by how much new, little-known wine talent shows up at each event to share the fruits of their labor - some [...]
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. [...]
Oftentimes when I visit a winery, I find that I enjoy meeting the people involved in making the wine just as much as I enjoy the wine itself. Such was the case when I visited Larner Vineyard & Winery in Los Olivos, CA. I'm fascinated by the winemaking process and am always excited when I get [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Last weekend, some of the finest local, small production wine making talent around gathered at the Veterans Memorial Building in Solvang, CA for the 2nd annual "Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure". This year, a Grand Tasting was held on both Saturday and Sunday afternoon, with a different lineup each day. With 60 wineries pouring over the [...]
Last weekend, some of the finest winemaking talent around gathered in Paso Robles to celebrate the 3rd annual Garagiste Festival. Dedicated solely to showcasing small production wines handcrafted by talented and uber-creative artisan wine makers, the annual Paso Robles Garagiste Festival has become my favorite wine event hands-down. Needless to say, I couldn't wait to [...]
Wine-ding Road 