Category: Ramblings and Rants
Wine List Design: Avoiding the Pitfalls
I will admit it. I’m one of those people who really enjoy reading through restaurant wine lists. I suppose that’s
US Wine Finally Embraces Politics
For the longest time, the American wine industry has managed to maintain an apolitical veneer, steering clear of endorsements or
Napa Licks Its Wounds and Holds Its Breath
As of this morning, the Glass Fire, which burned more than 67,000 acres in Napa and Sonoma Counties is 97%
Napa Wineries Ask ‘What now?’ As They Survey Glass Fire Wreckage
The following is the introduction to an article I penned for Club Oenologique, a fantastic new online magazine out of
The Next 48 Hours May Shape Napa Valley For Years to Come
At 9:32 AM this morning, the Napa County Office of Emergency Services issued its latest set of evacuation warnings in
Napa and Sonoma Burn Again. Horribly.
I don’t know how coherent this particular piece is going to be, as I watch the social media evidence of
Harvest of Fear
Writing a column about the state of harvest on America’s west coast in the face of historic wildfires seems to
Donate to the 2020 Wine Country Fire Relief Fund
Donate Now Wine country, and the people that live there are hurting. Badly. Covid-19 was a sucker punch to the
The Unsung Urban Wine Hero
His name doesn’t appear on wine bottles. He is not a winery employee. He doesn’t even make his living in
Hungarian Wine Authorities Don’t Seem to Know Anything About Wine
The people in charge of Hungarian wine seem to believe that orange wine, pétillant naturel, natural wines, low-sulfur wines, and
Channeling Bob Ross to Bring You “The Joy of Wine Tasting”
It’s been months since I’ve had a haircut, and not one to miss an opportunity, I thought I might as
Drinking While Eating is Not Food and Wine Pairing
A couple of months ago, I wrote a piece entitled “Food and Wine Pairing is Junk Science” in which I
‘Clean Wine’ is a Commercial Scam
Much ado is being made of the latest entry in a long line of celebrity wine brands. Actor Cameron Diaz
No Regrets From US Ex MSs
The killing of George Floyd changed so many things, so quickly, and shifted conversations in almost every facet of life.
The Doyenne of California Sparkling Wine Steps Down
After 42 vintages, 30 of which were as the founding winemaker and CEO of Domaine Carneros, Eileen Crane (seen above
The (Brief) New Era of Unbelievable Wine Deals
For anyone looking for discount pricing on their favorite luxury California wines, we have just entered perhaps the best time
Sommelier Richard Betts Throws Away His Pin
Today, Master Sommelier Richard Betts told the world that he no longer wants to be a Master Sommelier. He is
Want To Taste Wine? Sign This Waiver
As Wine Country re-opens throughout California and visitors return to tasting rooms once again, beyond mask-wearing employees and lots of
Wine Country Reopens, Cautiously
I should probably come clean at the start. I broke the law to write this story. Here in northern California,
