Category: Ramblings and Rants
‘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,
The Skeptic’s Guide to Biodynamic Wine
With the correct audience in the room, I like to joke that I’m the ultimate biodynamic wine critic. You see,
Will the Wine Industry Learn the Lessons of the Pandemic?
As humans, we’re evolutionarily engineered to fear change. And for good reason. It often presages hardship in some form, whether
The Improbable Link Between Hard Seltzer and Wine
Imagine a story that goes something like this: a young man begins his career and struggles to make it as
What Wine Tasting Rooms Will Be Like For the Foreseeable Future
No one knows for certain when Wine Country will open back up in California. As wine tourism represents more than
I’ll Drink to That: Wine Educator and Sommelier Kevin Zraly
Episode 480 of I’ll Drink to That! was released recently, and it features Kevin Zraly. Kevin is the former Cellar
The Wine World is Prejudiced Against Higher Alcohols
I must begin by saying quite clearly that I am not, myself, free from prejudice. Let me give you an
The First Day of the Rest of My Life
“So when are you going to quit your day job and focus on wine?” Everyone from close friends to well-meaning
I’ll Drink to That: Winemaker Christopher Howell
Episode 479 of I’ll Drink to That! was released recently, and it features Christopher Howell. Howell is the winemaker and
Debating Terry Theise on Wine and Food Pairing
Terry Theise wrote a response to my slightly provocative piece on the the fact that food and wine pairing is
Terry Theise Takes Up My Wine & Food Pairing Gauntlet
The other day I penned a bit of a screed, on a topic that I continually encounter in two forms:
Sommeliers in Self-Isolation
Estimates vary, but according to some sources, restaurants employed 13.5 million Americans last year. That means that at least 8%
The Five Virtues of a Wine Lover
When I speak to many wine drinkers, they often express a similar sentiment. They tell me that they really enjoy
