It’s been no secret that we’ve been fans and mailing list members of Turley Wine Cellars for a very long time. They are definitely one of the wineries that have put Zinfandel on the map, along with their masterful versions of Petite Syrah (don’t blame me for the spelling!) and a few others. We always…
Recently on social media the subject of wine tasting notes being provided – unasked for but with respect by a winery representative – and not being necessary. My exact words were, “It seems predictable and memorized. Also, if I’m there with an appointment to write about their wines why give me their tasting notes?” (If…
Been doing winery visits for so long that I remember when we just tasted wine at a winery with a representative, then drove up to the one next door, no appointments. Now everyone has a sensory experience, seemingly trying to top one another. Is this to give the wine taster a more immersed feeling of…
New Culinary Program Led by Chef Nicola Allegretta and Anchored by a Handmade Neapolitan Pizza Oven from Italy PASO ROBLES, Calif. – Courtney Benham, owner and president of CMB Family of Wines, is proud to welcome acclaimed Central Coast chef Nicola Allegretta as the new culinary partner at Vina Robles Winery. Launching Friday, June 27,…
You may recall that a couple of days before our visit to Ridge Lytton Springs, Joel Peterson of Once & Future Wines had opened a bottle for us of the Ravenswood Belloni Zinfandel from 1993. Much to our surprise, Shauna shared barrel samples with us of the 2024 Belloni Zinfandel. Quite the coincidence! Even in…
The Bezel Portfolio of Wine to be Available Nationwide Beginning in March 2025 NAPA VALLEY, Calif., /PRNewswire/ — Today, Cakebread Cellars, one of Napa Valley’s premier family-owned wineries, announced the nationwide launch of its new brand, Bezel, from California’s Central Coast. Perfect for elevating everyday occasions, the latest innovation from the Cakebread family is available beginning in March. Bezel offers vibrant, fruit-forward…
This week my wine column is dedicated to hand-picked wine-centric events in both Southern and Northern California. I emailed my contacts from LearnAboutWine.com and LocalWineEvents.com for their best upcoming events and added in why they are trip-worthy for you: From LearnAboutWine.com Here are three great events from founder and CEO Ian Blackburn that I’ve enjoyed…
Since we bought a home in Las Vegas in 2020, and finally sold our house in Santa Clarita in 2023, we’ve only been to Paso Robles once as it’s now a much longer drive. In the past we rotated California wine areas to visit every year: Paso, Napa, and Santa Barbara County. Fast forward to…
You know how when you meet someone once, and yet they make a lasting impression? That is what I thought of Adam LaZarre when I spied him as a fellow judge during the Long Beach Grand Cru competition in 2015 and met him in an elevator following the evening’s celebratory dinner. We may have shared…
PASO ROBLES, Calif. – A new era begins for Vina Robles under Courtney M. Benham Family of Wines (CMB Family of Wines), marking a bold step forward for this historic brand. Since its founding in 1998, Vina Robles has played a key role in establishing Paso Robles as a premier wine region, known for crafting…
