Ever since its release, Dave Phinney’s Zinfandel based, “The Prisoner,” captivated the wine world. For many, it came as a surprise in 2010 when Phinney’s Orin Swift Cellars sold two of their most popular wines, Saldo and The Prisoner, to Chile’s Huneeus Vintners. According to Phinney, the sale is more of a partnership as Huneeus…
Inhale for a minute. Now do it again, but this time imagine that you have traveled to Chile and an expert chef has made you a 5-course meal with no less than shrimp empanadas, corn and coconut soup, basil-scented mashed corn tamale, sea bass, pheasant breast stuffed with Porcini mushrooms, chorizo laced risotto in a…
This week I queried some wine experts on their favorite wine, and what they were doing when they first had it. Their answers made me more than a wee bit thirsty. Years ago, on what used to be a favorite spring outing – to the Amador Vintners Festival – we were referred to the Fiddletown…
Santiago, Chile. It has been some time since my last visit. Today I am joined by friend and fellow sommelier, Monseratt Araya. We are in one of her favorite city spots, Cafe Mosqueto. From our patio table, we have a wonderful view of one of the city’s most popular streets. Calle Monjitas, in the Bellas…
I’m challenging myself this week to learn more about Kosher wines, recommend a few non-kosher wines and basically soak your holidays up through New Years, whether you’re lighting Menorah candles or Christmas trees. I’ve had the Kosher Manischewitz wine at a couple of Bris ceremonies: Fruit juice that a newborn boy could happily suckle off…
CARMEL, CA Inspired by the culinary bounty of California’s Central Coast, Holman Ranch Tasting Room, located at 19 E. Carmel Valley Road in Carmel Valley Village, is working Edible Monterey Bay to invite local culinary chefs and artisans to demonstrate how wine can be best complemented with fresh culinary products found throughout the Central Coast….
Guarachi Family Wines Completes Purchase of Sun Chase Vineyard in Sonoma County Guarachi Family Wines is pleased to announce the purchase of their first estate, Sun Chase Vineyard, within the Sonoma Coast AVA and Petaluma Wind Gap. With the acquisition of Sun Chase, Guarachi Family Wines is able to continue to build their highly…
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…
Today I am once again joined by friend and fellow sommelier, Ivelisse Negroni. We are in the southwest of France, and have been exploring the picturesque vineyards of Dordogne prefecture. After a long day in the countryside, our trek has come to an end Bergerac. This lovely little town has much more to it than…
Today I am joined by friend and fellow sommelier, Ivelisse Negroni. We are in the small historical town of Samur in the French region of Pays de la Loire. This area is renown for its chateaus and of course, their wine. From our patio table, we have a lovely view of the plaza square. We…