Thoughts on an Obscure AVA ~ Suisun Valley’s Emergence
I’m currently writing about an obscure American Viticultural Area, called Suisun Valley. Many years ago, Rick Wood (who lives in Fairfield, California) had a dream to preserve some of Solano Country’s most rustic and precious farmland. That bucolic region is called Suisun Valley. Rick’s dream to save this area for generations to come would provide [...]
American Viticultural Area (AVA) ~ How Suisun Valley Got Its Name
Working with the Suisun Valley AVA, I’ve wondered more than once how Suisun Valley got its original name. My duties have been to tell everyone what’s going on in the valley today; however, always in the background has been that question. I’ve heard snippets about Native Americans, but nothing that was really sticking with me. [...]
Castello di Amorosa is one man’s dream, and another man’s great adventure
[ I snagged this image of V. Sattui from their Website. Images in the video are shared between Jose and me, with copyrights for Jose's images so noted.] Once upon a time, there was a prince, whose name was Prince Dario Sattui. The prince loved to make wine. He lived among his subjects in the [...]
Dusting myself off, after having attended the Rutherford tasting, and reflecting on greatness
Last week I was very fortunate to attended the annual Rutherford Dust Society tasting at Francis Ford Coppola’s Rubicon Estate. Napa Valley has many sub American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) within “Napa Valley” itself. Each has a unique terroir, which is why Napa Valley can continue to be subdivided into more AVAs. While at Robert Mondavi [...]
Following The Path of One’s Passions ~ Segueing from Grape Grower into a Winemaker Role, Too
David Mounts grew up in Dry Creek Valley. Following in his father’s footsteps, he also felt the need to expand into becoming a winemaker and winery owner. And so, after lots of study and hard work, Mounts Family Winery was created. I can image why David wanted to be making wine… I’ve now seen so [...]
Getting to the Heart and Soul of Suisun Valley
I’m working on a project right now that’s captured my imagination with new concepts about all the old facts I’ve learned regarding Suisun Valley. We’ve been working with the growers and producers for a six year cycle. As this year’s plan came together, we all knew was that the last year of their grant money [...]
Who doesn’t love touring wine country with friends this way?
The only time I get out and tour wine country is when friends or media people are coming to town… And, thank God they do when they do. It always brings me back to why I’m here. I’m not here because I was born into California’s tapestry. I’m one of those stray threads that’s just [...]
