Earlier this year, in a vast hall in downtown LA called the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, the growers and vintners of the newly-designated Malibu AVA came together to fight for their futures. The County Board of Supervisors was voting to decide whether the Coastal Commission’s ruling that no new vineyards be planted or expanded…
I know that I say this every year but the Pinot Days event is something that you do not want to miss. This year, the 6th Annual Pinot Days Southern California wine tasting event was held at the Skirball Center on November 15. This facility is gorgeous, offering a flavor of elegance and character for…
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…
Now and then I actually write about wine. Well, take that back, I go to a blind Syrah tasting, hosted by my friends in the Santa Clarita Vintners and Grower’s Association, ask them to take down notes and send them to me. So this really is a wine review column, but not just from a…
Martinelli Winery http://www.martinelliwinery.com/ More than three years ago, my wife Karen and I were having dinner at Marche Bacchus, one of our favorite restaurants in Las Vegas when we made the acquaintance of fellow diner and consummate wine expert Rick Fraga. Since that meeting, we have become good friends and have always marveled at Rick’s…
Most of us will be running around looking for that perfect Christmas gift for our loved ones right up to the last minute. But let us not forget to purchase the wines that will pair with the food we will all be enjoying over the holidays. There are some basic pairing rules to help you…
“I met you on Facebook Day One I think and couldn’t believe you came to my home for a church fundraiser, albeit a single malt Scotch tasting, without ever having met. Since then I have enjoyed meeting with you, and your husband John Dickey, at numerous “wine-y” adventures. We’re both wine bloggers passionate about the…
When I started this wine journey over 20 years ago, the first large events I attended were held at The Wine House in West Los Angeles. (I attended small classes too and I’m pleased to see that they still offer both.) Anyway, the Cabernet Fest was one of my favorites. I believe we had an…
It’s funny, when I’m out to dinner or in a wine bar, and I see a friend or acquaintance, I’m often asked what I’m drinking. Then a strange thing happens – they order the same thing. I can only guess that they have read my wine reviews and have agreed with my ratings enough that…