Category Archives: Articles

Calistoga Earns Its AVA

While many California wine lovers know that the town of Calistoga is located at the northern most edge of Napa Valley, most probably did not realize that until recently, wines produced in or near Calistoga could not reference the area … Continue reading

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Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio – Two Sides of the Same Grape

Pinot grigio and pinot gris are actually the same white wine grape, just with two different names.  Just as with pinot blanc, pinot gris (the actual “technical” name) is thought to be a mutation of the pinot noir grape.  The … Continue reading

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Charming and Versatile Pinot Blanc

Pinot blanc is a remarkably versatile grape that can produce wines with different personas depending on region and winemaking techniques employed. They range from dry and refreshing to almost dessert-like. While it is known and loved in France, Pinot Blanc … Continue reading

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American Sparklers for Fourth of July

While France may know a thing or two about Champagne, the good ol’ U S of A produces some of the best sparkling wines for the money in the world. So, I thought with the Fourth of July just around … Continue reading

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She Said/He Said Advice on Summer Sippers

Summer is here and the debate about which wine to tame the high temperatures with is a constant source of heat in our household. She likes white wines that are crisp and dry, he prefers wines that are off-dry and … Continue reading

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Beer-A-Palooza: The Savor Craft Beer Experience

Back in Black, Interlude, Corruption, Breakaway, Noble Rot, Kismet Saison, Kalifornia Kolsch, Total Domination, Rahr’s Ugly Pug, Good Samaritan, Raisin Apollo, Grumpy Monk, Velvet Rooster, DumpsterDog, Troegenator, Gilgamesh, and Razor Wit. Great names for rock bands? Maybe. But these are … Continue reading

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White Wine Tour of Italy – The Vine Gal

This week, the Vine Gal blissfully sips her way through the northern end of Italy on a white wine tour. From Pinot Grigio to Sauvignon Blanc, the broad assortment of whites gives consumers the luxury of selecting wines that pair with a … Continue reading

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Red Wine Tour of Italy

I have a difficult time keeping Italian wine regions and their varietals straight. Part of the reason for my confusion is the labyrinth of vineyard designations and the complex regulatory governance that defines and enforces the various levels of quality … Continue reading

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White Wines for Summertime Sippin’

While the summer solstice may mark the official start of summer as June 20th this year, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the psychological beginning of the season. And while I drink white wines just about any time of year – … Continue reading

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2009 Bordeaux – An Investment In Taste

One of the things that really sunk in about the past decade in Bordeaux is that for the first time in recent memory, Bordeaux did not experience any “off” vintages. Not a single one.  And of all the good-to-great vintages, … Continue reading

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