We decided this winter to try another region in California’s vast wine country, Amador County. This area is probably better known for its historic gold mines but from what we experienced it is well on its way to additionally becoming known for its wine production. We flew into San Francisco and drove to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. On another visit I would fly into Sacramento (45 miles … Continue reading In the Sierra Foothills…….
Christmas was celebrated at home this year………… with three exceptional wines! The 2004 vintage Moet & Chandon Brut Rose champagne – Absolutely luscious! Followed by Peter Seghesio’ s 2014 Journeyman Chardonay and the 2014 Rock Garden Zinfandel also created by Peter Seghesio. A memorable line up! Wishing everyone a peaceful and joyous cruise into the new year! Salud! Continue reading Christmas dinner at home……
Friends and family celebrated Thanksgiving in Asheville, North Carolina this year. It was a chance to check out a city that is attracting a lot of attention, feel a brief cold spell and to hike through falling leaves. I have to say the restaurants we tried were fantastic. Cúrate, Rubarb and The Marketplace are not to be missed. From the cocktails to the desserts, they offered very creative … Continue reading 2016 Thanksgiving selections…….
Our daughter asked for some suggestions on wines to purchase at Trader Joe’s so on a recent trip to stock up on some of their food goodies we took a look at their wine selection. I was surprised to see a number of the wines on the shelves priced higher than what we normally pay. I was not surprised to see many unfamiliar bottles at rock … Continue reading Checking out Trader Joe’s Wine Shelves….
This article appeared in the weekend edition of The Wall Street Journal and I found it to be an excellent read. By LETTIE TEAGUE Nov. 19, 2015 12:35 p.m. ET PHOTOS: ANA NANCE FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL Putting together a restaurant wine list requires more than a few famous names and popular grapes, as Lettie Teague discovered when she followed the opening of New … Continue reading The Inside Story Behind a Wine List’s Creation……..
The Daily Meal – Alll Things Food and Drink website has an article not to be missed on 101 Best Wineries in America for 2015. Some of our favorites are front and center on the list – Peay, The Scholium Project, Grammercy, Evening Land, Saxum, and Ridge. The list and the article are definitely worth a read. Peay Vineyard What is interesting is the increasing … Continue reading 101 Best Wineries in America for 2015
Some friends have asked for recommendations for wine that would be easily available from major liquor/wine stores around the country. Not just good wines but good wines at under $15 a bottle. Saturday John and I wandered through a Total Wine store in Sarasota and found some to recommend. I’ve sent them on to our friends but I thought it would be interesting to … Continue reading Under $15 a bottle……….
In 1976 the California white and red wines defeated the French in the famous Paris Tasting. It was a momentous day! The white wine that bested the famous French Burgundies was a 1973 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay. 40% of the grapes that created that award winning wine came from Charles and Helen Bacigalupi’s vineyard. Bacigalupi Vineyard is now 125 acres and managed by John Bacigalupi. They grow grapes for outstanding wineries including … Continue reading A Grape Grower’s Party………..
This trip we visited a large array of tasting rooms. Each and every one had developed a unique identity to help you remember them – farmstead, barrel tasting, wine cave, solar energy, organic farming, chocolate peanut butter cups with sea salt, refillable jug wine, retail store, creekside gardens, history, wacky antiques, and more. There have always been destination wineries that have included a restaurant, picnic areas, a retail component or some … Continue reading Healdsburg Adventures…….
Nothing like starting your morning off with a 10 am tasting. We drove up Spring Mountain and began our day in Napa at Keenan Winery. Keenan farms sustainably and in 2007 switched to 100% solar power for its facilities and homes on the property. The day we were there the winery was busy bottling using a mobile bottling contractor. We were met by Amy, an engaging associate who … Continue reading A Day in Napa……………
John's Wine Cellar 