It is winter throughout the United States.  For many it involves more time spent indoors with ample opportunity for contemplation.  In the last week Napa Valley at long last received anticipated rainfall.  While many folks have enjoyed a warmer than average winter, I envision many a vintner watching those long overdue raindrops and wondering […]

  With the arrival of the New Year, everything is seemingly up for scrutiny, contemplation and improvement.   In a rush to leave the holidays behind in the rear view mirror, 2011 sits in the background obscured by a cloud of dust.   While innovation, progress and growth are welcome there is still room for reminiscence.  Perhaps […]

To some there is nothing better than a good glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.  When that wine glass holds an exceptionally good Cabernet Sauvignon, little can hold a candle to it.  Cabernet Sauvignon lovers almost intuitively know that when an aged quality Cabernet Sauvignon is poured, any food pairing will be somewhat straight-forward.   Reason being, these […]

As hot summer days begin to fade with the sun’s late rays, temperatures cool and it is easier to reach for those long-awaited red wines.   Red wine, often best known for its tannins and complexity, is something that just does not pair with hot intense rays of the sun.   When winter ends and warm spring […]

With summer comes summer vacation and in California, it is easy to hop into one’s car and motor up and down Highway 101.   Leaving Napa Valley and heading south, one does not have to travel very far to find outstanding cuisine and other wine regions.   Descending into San Luis Obispo County, the temperature warms and […]