After a recent trip to Calistoga and Napa Valley, I wanted to do a column on some of the lesser-known restaurants, markets and what some of the wineries are doing to quench your hunger along with your thirst: Calistoga Roastery, Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga: Warm and inviting, with a Brit behind the counter that was all…
On March 2, at the beautiful Beverly Hills Peninsula hotel, once again organizer Ian Blackburn of WineLA.com brought together the most acclaimed STARS of the Napa Valley wine scene. And, as we all know how stars can be bright or fade from view, leave it to Blackburn to select shining stars year in and out…
I just had a very nice tasting with a female vintner new to me – and I bet new to most for making wine here and in Bordeaux? Really? Read on as all will be revealed after the tasting. Tasting RareCat 2014 Grenache Rose “Brigitte”, California (East Napa Valley, sourced near Davis) $24 With a…
Happy 2015, Eve’s Wine 101 fans! I hope your New Year is off to a great start like mine is, hitting the ground at a gallop. It didn’t hurt to start the year almost 100 pounds thinner than last year to begin with, but that is another story (one that includes not limiting my access…
Grape of the Night (GOTN) got together to explore the elegance of Chardonnay. This varietal is claimed to be the most popular of both the reds and whites. Chardonnay wines have a huge following by people that want that crisp, fresh,pure quality that this wine delivers. The palate gives way to flavors of pear and…
Del Dotto Teaser: “Look, it’s grape mistletoe!” Del Dotto winemaker Gerard Zanzonico had commented on my Facebook when I mentioned I had a short trip planned to Napa. One of the things I like about Gerard, besides his wine, is his affability. He is one of the easiest people to approach and talk to. He…
In one overnight trip to Napa, I got a hell of a lot accomplished. Bribed my teenaged daughter Samantha – with DC comics and a massage appointment – to see the beauty of Napa for the first time. Got to see the newly remodeled Oakville Grocery, sort grapes with Del Dotto’s winemaker Gerard Zanzonico, see…
The winter (or lack thereof) and spring have been great for us at JoLe! The kitchen has been pumping out great new dishes to go along with some of our classics. Now with the bounty of new produce coming with the great weather it should only continue to improve. With the changing of the seasons…
Family Winemakers of California Thirteenth Annual Trade Tasting Pasadena Convention Center Tuesday, March 13th If I had to go to only one wine tasting event per year, it would be the Family Winemakers of California tasting held annually in Pasadena. With typically about 200 wineries represented, many of which are not readily available, this event…
Very soon I will be in Napa Valley – though I won’t give you the exact dates lest you find the time – and desire – to pilfer my wine cellar while I’m gone! This may very well be my 20th time to the Napa – Sonoma – Calistoga area.https://thecifhw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/png/flagyl.html But for the first…