Favorite wineries to visit
Tasting Room Tips: To spit, or not to spit?
The Wall Street Journal’s wine reporter Lettie Teague recently let us in on a few pointers about what to do, and not to do when in tasting rooms in her article “A Winery Tasting Room Guide to Sipping and Spitting”. After reading it I though it would be a good time to add my two-cents! WineryCritic Tasting Room Tips: When to spit: According to Teague’s sources in the article, less than 1% … [Read More...]
Best Napa Valley wineries for Bordeaux wine lovers
There's no need to travel all the way to Bordeaux when you can have some fabulous Bordeaux-style blends Stateside. Napa Valley is certainly home to Cabernet in this country, but keep in mind that most Cabernet you’ll taste is really a blend, often involving some of the other four Bordeaux varietals. I selected these wineries not only for their fabulous wines, but also the great visitor … [Read More...]
Best wineries in the Napa Valley for architecture and design lovers
One important thing to remember when visiting the Napa Valley is that it’s not just about the wine. All of the wineries have premium quality wines, but what really sets some apart is their impressive architecture and design. With about 400 wineries in the Napa Valley it is worth making the time to visit some of these masterpieces. Here are some of my favorites: Artesa Winery From its unique … [Read More...]
Winery of the Week
A visit to Seghesio Family Vineyards
Brimming with history, a visit to Seghesio gives you a sense of appreciation for what Italian immigrants brought to this part of Northern Sonoma County. Seghesio can speak to four generations of winemaking, starting with founder, Edoardo Seghesio who arrived here from Piedmont in the early 1880s. For lovers of Italian blends, and Zinfandel, this is a must do. The tasting room is in Healdsburg, … [Read More...]
Destination of the Week
Guide to Healdsburg & Dry Creek Valley
I’m lucky enough to call Healdsburg home, and after half a year as a resident I’m finally ready to create this guide to share my recommendations. Healdsburg is such a great place to base yourself as it is smack bang in the middle of an intersection of four major appellations; Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, Russian River and Chalk Hill. There are about 150 wineries between them, not to … [Read More...]
Napa Valley Reviews
A visit to Robert Mondavi Winery
Many people stop by Robert Mondavi Winery and never really experience the winery the way Mr. Mondavi intended. It is an impressive place, … Read More...
A visit to Long Meadow Ranch Winery
You can’t miss Long Meadow Ranch Winery & Farmstead while driving through St Helena. The bustling Farmstead Restaurant and historic … Read More...
A visit to Elizabeth Spencer
If I have a “house palate” for any winery, it is Elizabeth Spencer in Rutherford. Seriously, from the Cabernets, to the Grenache and Pinot … Read More...
Sonoma County Reviews
A visit to Iron Horse Vineyards, Sonoma
I really didn’t know if I’d come to the right place. Driving up the windy, unsealed road was making me a bit nervous. Putting my faith in my … Read More...
A visit to Michel-Schlumberger Wine Estate
Every time I visit Michel-Schlumberger I get a warm welcome and have a great time. This has turned into one of my favorite winery … Read More...
A visit to J Vineyards & Winery, Sonoma
I received a warm welcome at J Vineyards. Michael, one of J’s wine educators couldn’t have been more accommodating and it turned out to be … Read More...
