Napa Valley, traditionally known for its warm climate for growing grapes, does house a few American Viticultural Areas (each an “AVA”) which are cooler in temperature and best-suited for growing grapes such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay.    Most commonly recognized is Los Carneros AVA located at the southern end of the valley, but [...]

Share on Facebook

 
As June winds to an end, our days are seemingly longer accompanied by rays of light painting the sky with varied warm hues until long into the evening.   Aromas of ripening stone fruit and strawberries fill the air and the garden landscape is dotted with brightly colored blossoms of various vegetables yet to come.  Flowers [...]

Share on Facebook

Early June days bring warm temperatures, bright sunshine and the start of bountiful varied produce in the garden.   It is a special time in Napa Valley where temperatures are generally delightful, people linger at the farmer’s markets and life seems to leisurely slow down.   In early spring, the air was abundant with floral aromas and [...]

Share on Facebook

Spring has sprung in Napa Valley and as the days warm, floral and spice aromas waft all around through the air.   It is a romantic time to be in wine country with flowers blooming, grapes starting to set on vines and herbs coming into season.   With temperatures reaching into the upper 70’s on the weekends, [...]

Share on Facebook

Part of enjoying wine is learning about wine.   No matter how much one learns, there is always the possibility to learn more.  When one discovers a delicious new wine grape varietal, it is almost like stumbling across a hidden treasure.
Earlier this year I discovered Pinotage.   While it was my first acquaintance with the grape, [...]

Share on Facebook

Generally when visiting tasting rooms at wineries throughout Napa Valley I overhear all things imaginable:  a tourist wondering what “big game” can be hunted in the valley, others lamenting how they have no self-discipline to cellar but discipline to consume, brash statements of “this” is a “good” cabernet sauvignon (without regard to the differences in [...]

Share on Facebook

As Thanksgiving nears this week, there seems to be not enough time to get everything done and not enough room in the refrigerator as it continues to fill to capacity pending the upcoming feast.   Yet, for many, guests are starting to arrive in advance.   These same guests are still looking forward to be entertained and [...]

Share on Facebook

This weekend surprised Napa Valley with an uncharacteristic thunderstorm and cool, cloudy weather.   While the moisture was welcomed, it certainly was atypical for Harvest.   However, it provided ample opportunity to mull over autumn recipes and pour a white wine better suited for slightly cooler temperatures:   Chardonnay.
Chardonnay originally hails from France and in the region of [...]

Share on Facebook

Ever heard that phrase “it’s an oldie, but a goodie”?    Some things in life simply transcend time:   such as, a classic vintage car on a warm August afternoon, a carefully planned picnic with time-tested recipes, roadside grape vines before harvest and a good bottle of an old vine wine.  Regardless of when you choose to [...]

Share on Facebook

Whether it is hot weather or spicy food, some people just like it “hot”.   If you are looking for a wine that will hold up well in either situation, Gewürztraminer is a superb choice.
Gewürztraminer is a white wine grape which is made into either a dry or “off-dry” wine and is known for its sweet [...]

Share on Facebook