I’m siding with Francis Ford Coppola on this one
People who are born with original thoughts don’t steal other people’s great ideas; they trademark their own. They all “get” plagiarism. While they might be inspired by others, they don’t take someone else’s words or images for their own. It’s just not necessary. This is also what makes them leaders, not followers. The question of [...]
First Steps in Winemaking & Real Cidermaking On a Small Scale
Two new books have arrived, as we head into the last quarter of the year and the holiday gift giving season. But, these two are even more seasonal. This is the season to ferment, and these books are right on cue. Both are from Fox Chapel Publishing, celebrating their 20th Anniversary (1991 – 2011). [I [...]
If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes sponsors and volunteers to raise an event
I was just struck by the fact that the Mustard Festival has been canceled for this year after 17 years. According to the Napa Valley Register, December 11, 2010, they’ve quoted Pat Summers, whose Sonoma-based firm Summers & McCann has produced the event since it began: “The Napa Valley Mustard Festival is underfunded, and we [...]
Suisun Valley Wine and Food ~ A Love Story, From Grapes to Wine
Today’s blog is about the group effort (Suisun Valley). One of the most natural progressions in the wine industry is from the humble farmer, who has been growing grapes for sometimes generations in a family; and then one day, the light bulb goes on, and a producer is born… “I wonder what these grapes would [...]
Overheard a Conversation About Roy J. Maier Cab, and I Was Intrigued
Sitting in my favorite restaurant ~ Chinois Asian Bistro ~ a young couple sat at a table diagonally in front of me. I was fascinated to see this 20s to 30s something couple with a Bordeaux-style bottle on their table, while they enjoyed the lighter fare at Chinois. Owner Chang Liow has just returned from [...]
Passionate About Petite? The Fifth Annual Dark & Delicious Event is Picking up Steam…
We’ve managed to sell out this event, since the beginning of it in February of 2007. Kent Rosenblum, sitting on the PSILY board of directors, suggested that we do something similar to ZAP’s good eats… He was also a member of their board at the time and knew the ropes. Kent was also very aware [...]
What are The Pros and Cons of the i-Pad as a Wine Menu?
[I have borrowed this image, which is the property of Erik S. Lesser for the New York Times, which was used to enhance Kevin Sack's story.] My friend Paul Rude of Castro Verde, Portugal, just forwarded this story to me that was in the New York Times: Choosing Wines at the Touch of a Screen, [...]
Wine Dinner in New York City at The Modern Sets a City Standard for Opulence
Staging “the” Perfect Meeting with Client and Media If you’re just getting into PR, a perfect setting is really important when you’re planning a meeting. This is my most recent example. I just traveled to New York City to discuss Finisterra and Alente wines (from the Alentejo region of Portugal) with an important group of [...]
