SUISUN VALLEY UPDATE: European Grapevine Moth Letter: UC Davis Extension EGVM updates for finds in and around Solano County
A day in the life of a wine publicist includes interacting with clients, Suisun Valley – for me – being one of them. I was just asked to get this onto Suisun Valley’s blog, and I thought to myself that this is great public service material. For those of you who read this blog, this [...]
Who minds getting a little dusty when it’s Rutherford Dust?
[Comment today to win the pair of tickets for the Rhone Rangers grand tasting... Drawing this Saturday.] Is Rutherford, California, the center of the Universe? Some would have you think that way, and I’m afraid that I, too, love getting dusty over there. I was just sent the link for the following video: Rutherford Dust [...]
Is Petite Sirah, that Special Black Opal of the Wine World, a Winemaker’s Wine? Winemakers weigh in
Through my 10 year relationship with this heritage variety and PS I Love You, I’ve come to believe that Petite Sirah is a winemaker’s wine; otherwise, why would the 8o0+ winemakers who craft it even bother with it? Why wouldn’t they just be using it as a blending ingredient, as they did from the 1970s [...]
Looking to Quickly Educate Your Palate? Try Tasting Old World Versus New World Wines ~ The White Version
This is a lead-in from yesterday, because it sets the stage, if you didn’t read yesterday’s blog… My friend Chang Liow of Chinois Asian Bistro had me stand in for him at a recent wine tasting and luncheon. His restaurant Chinois is located in Windsor, and the food is wonderfully delicious. If you’re a wine [...]
Guide to Holiday Wines ~ What to Give to Whom, or What to Enjoy and When ~ Happy Holidaze!
Holiday Office Party If you’re buying for the party, you don’t have to skimp on quality when buying in quantity for the office party. How about a Caposaldo Prosecco? Or… If you’re each bringing a wine, go for the bubbles, because it’s so traditional, and this one is a great value. Bubbles inspired everyone to [...]
Winemaker Steve Hall Discusses Old Kraft Vineyard Zin and Petite Sirah’s Nuances
In our video series, winemaker Steve Hall of Robert Biale Vineyards talks with host Jose Diaz, about Steve’s winemaking styles, the 2009 vintage and his own tasting notes. Textural nuances of Petite Sirah add aromas representative of St. Helena. He describes the style of Robert Biale, with two separate ideas of producing his wines. He [...]
The Relationship Between a Winemaker and a Vineyard Grower: The Vineyard Gets the Last Laugh, “Steve Hall”
[Off the record: Steve Hall reminds me of a "Fred Rogers" kind of winemaker, and I mean that in the kindest and gentlest of ways.] Steve has that very easy, very comfortable way about him; and he uses that accessible trait to describe meticulous details of his craft… Namely: working with vineyard owners being at [...]
Rutherford Appellation Wineries ~ Winter Passport Weekend ~ December 3-4, 2011
This one is near and dear to my heart… it’s that good! Visitors are invited to enjoy a weekend of hearty fare with 18 award-winning Rutherford wineries by taking a wine tasting journey through Napa Valley’s famed Rutherford region. This event will be happening during their semi-annual Winter Passport Weekend on Saturday, December 3 and [...]
