The Legend of Neil Roberts and The Temptress of Templeton There is a story the old-timers in Paso Robles sometimes tell, when they are on their third or fourth bottle of zinfandel. With a little prodding, you might get to hear the story of how, back in the 1880s, Neil Roberts rescued a young lady…
A Bountiful Menu Filled with Traditions and Kobayashi Signatures ARTISAN, the American restaurant in the center of Paso Robles, presents their 9th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 26, 2015. Chef Chris Kobyashi’s acclaimed à la carte four course feast is inspired by the holiday classics and prepared with outstanding products that are locally sourced,…
We brought some family members with us on our last trip to Paso Robles. This trip wasn’t about breaking new ground or seeking out new discoveries. Instead, we purposely visited some old favorites to show them [and remind us] what makes Paso such a special place for my wife Karen and me. So much of…
I must admit that, living in Healdsburg, I was mortified when an Indian casino was built into the pristine hills above neighboring Alexander Valley. And I still think River Rock Casino is an eyesore and does not belong perched on a hill overlooking vineyards. Recently, I discovered a different side of the tribal gaming story…
Organized by Jennifer and Kevin Kelley, the Natural Process Alliance (NPA) is dedicated to responsible farming, minimalistic winemaking and transparency for consumers by using stainless steel refillable bottles to bring white wine to restaurants. Which led to my three questions: Why stainless steel, why only local, and any reds on the horizon? Hi Eve, Thank…
Law Estate Wines www.lawestatewines.com I give all props to my wife Karen on introducing me to Law Estate Wines We were attending the Ojai Wine Festival in 2013 and Karen had just come back from the VIP Tent. “You have to try Law”, she said. “They’re wines are really good.” She was right. They were…
Unlike Eve Bushman, my esteemed publisher, editor, friend and business associate, who approaches all varietals equally and without prejudice, I can unashamedly say that the Rhone grapes, along with my guilty pleasure Zinfandel, hit my palate right in its sweet spot more often than any other wines. And every year I am amazed that, as…
My husband Eddie and I spending a day wine tasting in Santa Clarita (SCV) is not news. But wine tasting at two different vineyards within ten minutes of our house in SCV is. Chris and Jeannie Carpenter of Newhall have a cellar I have long coveted. Free standing and temperature controlled, with an attached sitting…
I do like cold Sake, especially this time of year. However, I rarely get a sake menu offered here in a Santa Clarita restaurant other than at a sushi bar. Often, unless I’m in an over-chilled restaurant, I turn to Rose, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Champagne; or white Rhone varietals such as Viognier, Roussanne…
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…