Category: Ramblings and Rants
The Essence of Wine: Lychee
Image © 2012 Leigh Beisch For what other fruit would Chinese emperors establish networks of galloping couriers to deliver it
Let’s Talk Turkey
This morning I woke to the sounds of the muezzin’s call to prayer on the banks of the Bosphorus. Sleeping
The Essence of Wine: Bread
Image © 2012 Leigh Beisch Science suggests that the smell of freshly baked bread calms us and stimulates the brain
The Essence of Wine: Pears
Image © 2012 Leigh Beisch Which is a better testament to its glory? That the oldest languages we know all
Hang Out With America’s Top Wine Writers. For Free.
One of the great perks of having been at this wine writing thing for some time involves my association with
A Conversation with Winemaker Ted Lemon
in Occidental, California, which was an intimate gathering of winemakers from what many call “The True” Sonoma Coast. In addition
The Essence of Wine: Umami
Image © 2012 Leigh Beisch The fifth taste. The molecular expression of savory deliciousness that explains what bacon, chicken soup,
Just How Perfect is California’s 2012 Wine Vintage?
Most California winemakers are far too busy tending their bubbling tanks and barrels to hold press conferences at this time
The Essence of Wine: Apples
Image © 2012 Leigh Beisch In one simple fruit are all man’s sins remembered. Dully reflected in the freckled orb
Wine Can Save You From Serial Killers, Divorce, and Bad Roommates
We all knew wine was good for you, but now it turns out to be a complete lifesaver. Here’s how
Robert Parker and Cesar Chavez, Together At Last
As some of you know, I have the pleasure of serving as a member of the Nominating Committee for an
Wine Bloggers on the Bosphorus
Nine years ago, if you had told me that there would one day be conferences for wine bloggers, I would
I Want My Wine Apartment
One of the defining phrases of my generation will always be “I want my MTV.” I did, at one point,
Prices and Politics in California’s 2012 Harvest
Workdays start before dawn this week across Northern California, as this year’s harvest gets underway with a massive sigh of
The Essence of Wine: Blackberries
Image © 2012 Leigh Beisch Fingers splotchy dark purple, scratched and pricked. Snags and scrapes and dirty knees. The occasional
The Essence of Wine: Plums
Image © 2012 Leigh Beisch The tree has become so beloved that its name has become synonymous with beauty. From
My Wine List Fantasy
I have a fantasy, and I thought it was probably time to come clean and admit it here openly. I’ve
Crushpad – The Death of a Business Model
Silicon Valley lies a mere 90 miles from the heart of California wine country, but sits worlds apart. The frenzy
The Essence of Wine: Dried Herbs
Image © 2012 Leigh Beisch The mystery of the medicine man’s pouch. The secret to grandmother’s stew. The smell of
