No matter where one finds oneself in California, one senses a movement to eat locally and consume wine locally.   This concept, while increasingly popular is largely rooted in common sense.   Produce simply tastes better when the time lapse from “vine to dine” is as small as possible.    While Northern Californians often like to assume a […]

Pair take-out with sparkling wine.   It flat out does not get any more casual than this.  Before any devout winos recoil in horror, let me qualify that statement to say that such a pairing should embody a degree of culinary thoughtfulness.  In the early articles of this web publication, I paired Mexican cuisine with sparkling […]

Spring brings crisp cool temperatures in Napa Valley and throughout much of the United States.  Senses continue to liven as floral scents drift past the nose from camellias, daffodils, nemesia and other spring flowers.   The palate shakes off the slumber of winter, heavy dishes and tannic red wines to search for something brighter, cleaner and […]

As a wine connoisseur, there are many wine myths that I enjoy dispelling.   Some people believe that only red wines can be consumed during cold winter months.   Others rail against the merits of California Chardonnay and brazenly call the varietal insipid.  If you have had the opportunity to enjoy this week’s featured wine, however, you […]

Coasting into the second week of August, many find themselves making a “Summer Bucket List” filled with things and activities that seemingly must be done before summer ends.   There is one wine in Napa Valley that quintessentially captures the essence of summer and for me, it would be remiss to not feature it:  Benessere Vineyards’ […]