Category Archives: Podcasts

The 2009 ripe fruit vintage in Burgundy produced Chardonnay wines with solid core flavors, good acidity and lovely concentration and balance. Here are a few excellent values to lookout for.

What do Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and Portugal all have in common? At one time or another, each of these wine-producing countries was considered the little darling of wines values. Well, today, there’s a new country in town. … Continue reading →

Looking for delicious wines at a reasonable price? Aren’t we all? Check out the Gold Medal winners from the 30th Annual San Francisco International Wine Competition. Many are under $25, all are scrumptious. Click here to see the top winners … Continue reading →

I have just returned from a whirl-wine tour out west where I spent three glorious days kicking around the wine-fantasy world of Napa Valley. After tasting that ranged in rpice from $15 to $500 a bottlem I thought I’d share … Continue reading →

When I was growing up in a “small town” in Central California, the Fourth of July meant ice cold watermelon, cookouts, a parade down Main Street, and fireworks at the community college stadium. And beer. Lots and lots of beer. … Continue reading →

If you really want to know what’s in your wine, other than grapes and yeast, take a moment to consider that traditionally farmed grapes contain trace levels of pesticides, even after washing, due to absorption through soft skins. In addition, small amount of … Continue reading →

Need a few great ideas for the wine-loving dad or husband in your life? Click here to check out these fun and practical gift ideas in this week’s Vine Guy column

Rosé is not a specific varietal, but is a style of wine that ranges in color from soft pink to light purple, depending on which grapes are used and the winemaking technique employed.  In addition, many different types of grapes … Continue reading →

I know that you can eat sushi any time of year, but somehow, the approaching summer weather just seems to make the ama-ebi (sweet shrimp) taste just a tad sweeter and the spicy tuna rolls just a little bit zestier. … Continue reading →

In 1978, brothers Harry and John Jr. Mariani’s “impossible dream” was achieved when they returned to their grandparent’s homeland in Italy to establish the Castello Banfi vineyard estate. The Marianis concentrated on increasing the quality of the area’s native Sangiovese grape … Continue reading →