In the shadows of the Pyranees Mountains, the terrain is rough and rugged, yet a durable Basque grape varietal has risen to world prominence and popularity. Tannat is hardy grape that produces deep, dark, dry, rustic wines. Predominantly grown, in the Madiran region of France, vintners have produced some very fine wines. Due to its…
His name wasn’t Andre, but since I didn’t ask if I could use his name I have taken poetic license just to give readers a catchy title. It was mid-evening—just shy of eight o’clock— on a Friday night, holiday lights twinkling at us on Towne Center Drive, bracing (only in the SCV) Santa Ana winds…
2013 was a lot of fun for me in the world of wine, and there is much to look forward to in 2014. The year was full of events. Two of my favorites were: Family Winemakers of California did not have their annual trade/media tasting event in Pasadena last year. Instead, they expanded their event…
Even though my actual career is writing about wine and spirits and consulting for wine based businesses and events, it seems that I’ve been organizing and hosting a lot more charity wine events than usual.And there is always one winery that has supported all of the non-profit events when asked by me, or by others:…
There is only one thing to do in Eastern Europe when it is 12 degrees Fahrenheit and the snow is knee deep. If you guessed stay at home, you couldn’t be more wrong. The one thing that I love to do is to go to the circus. When I was a young lad and the…
The Metropol is easily Moscow’s most exclusive Pre-Revolution hotel. Exuding all the luxury and opulence one would expect from such a glorious Art Nouveau palace, the Metropol, is undoubtedly the city’s most elegant and historic. To add to the Metropol’s allure, it is opposite of the Bolshoi Theater, and only a few minutes walk to…
As summer’s warmth gives way to the glorious colors of fall, I know that this in my last beach trip for the year. Overlooking the sandy beaches of Durres, the sunset was no less striking. From the veranda of our bungalow, my friend and fellow sommelier, Kalina Novac, and I enjoyed an assortment of fresh…
Valencia Wine Company (VWC) hit its tenth year in business this year, and with it we’ve seen their location on Town Center as the continual bright light among other storefronts that have come and gone. And while the changing landscape could have daunted any business owner, Guy Lelarge just keeps on going. His most recent…
The region of Monferrato, Italy is a spectacular expanse of rolling hills and vast vineyards. This is the fabled area of Piedmont. A wine region that has been extensively celebrated in the arts and literature. On hot days in Monferrato, what white wines do the locals drink? The answer is quite simple, they seldom, if…
News of Vino 100 Valencia closing at the end of July hit my inbox a little after lunch on June 29. Sharing the news with Facebook pals, and requesting their memories to share with Lil and Shari produced more fervor. Below you will find an excerpt from Lil and Shari’s final email, a lovely missive…