“Mon Chou” … my sweetheart … my darling … when used in casual conversation among the French.  When found made as a red wine, Mon Chou will equally enamor you. Elyse Winery (“Elyse”) located on Hoffman Lane in Napa Valley makes a red wine under its Jacob Franklin label called “Mon Chou” that is a […]

It is the height of the holiday season and at every turn there is some temptation under our nose.  Appetizers at holiday parties swirl around us, neighbors ring doorbells with drive-by gifting of baked goods and a never-ending fusion of sugar meets the eye.  Despite all the hubbub and activity, there is still time to […]

  Red blend wines often receive moments to shine simply because of their unique nature.   A little of this, a little of that and a winery creates a bottle of wine that reflects its culture.  Provided that you like what the winemaker bottles, it then allows the winery to set itself uniquely apart from the […]

Exactly one year ago this week, I met and became friends with a colleague who shared my love of wine and food pairing.   Throughout the course of the past year, whenever the topic of wine and food pairing would arise, my colleague would always suggest Merlot with thoughtful remembrance.   Perhaps it was due to the […]

In the Bay Area, it is no secret that some of its warmest weather can arrive in October but when it arrives at the tail-end of the month, it is unexpected.   The days are increasingly shorter with the sun setting earlier each evening.  Nevertheless, when temperatures soar it takes little encouragement to leave an office […]