Summer and wine is nearly its own pairing. When I stand in front of my BBQ or smoker with a glass of wine, I feel like Leonardo Di Caprio on the front of the Titanic…with my arms out wide…I’m the king of the world! 

Often times I will pour myself what I call, dinner making wine. You know that glass that just gets things going. It might be the glass one might pour for guests when they first arrive, that cheese pairing wine, …something refreshing on a Summer day. Might I suggest Albarino as a great go-to ...

History often reveals revolutionaries and pioneers as brave explorers that are often greatly respected and admired. Vineyard growers and people producing wine in the Languedoc region in the south of France show all signs of being those that are planting a stake in the ground to establish something great.

Napa Valley Cabernet is so often the go to wine for many wine aficionados. I have often been curious to the question of how/when a Cabernet producer like Screaming Eagle, Bryant Family, Harlan Estate, and so many others, move from entering the market place, to becoming a high demand, California Cult Wine.

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with an assistant to one of the worlds most notable cult winemakers (Heidi Barrett), his name, Tony Arcudi. Arcudi, now producing a very limited production (around 250 cases) of his first wine released under the name, Arcudi.

After speaking with ...

The Garagiste Festival is one of those great wine events where visitors can discover numerous super small brands. In some cases these winemakers only produce a few barrels of wine. It is also worth mentioning that many of these wines are not found in a tasting room, or store shelves due to such low production.

The Saturday seminar in Solvang (Santa Ynez Valley) kicked off with a much lessor known varietal, Mourvedre. The panelist included (left) Bob Tillman from Alta Colina in Paso Robles, Eric Mohseni (middle) from the long time famed Zaca Mesa of Santa Barbara County, and Mr ...

Wine Pairing Ideas for Valentines - 

If you want to avoid the crowds, bad service and "special menu" that is inflated for 24 hours, celebrate at home.

• Plank roasted copper river salmon    /     Hahn Family SLH Pinot Noir $30

Oysters on the half shell    /

     Montmassot Picpoul de Pinet $10(Ask Your Wine Shop For Languedoc Wines For Big Value)

Roasted rack of lamb        

Landmark Vineyards Overlook Pinot Noir $30

Steamed Lobster with drawn butter    

Balleto Sparkling wine $42

Balletto Rose is for drinking while you cook, light meals, salads, or aperitif. $20 

Pan seared filet mignon crusted with fresh ground pepper, rosemary ...

It is often said, "Wine is made in the vineyard." If this statement is true, then it might be a foregone conclusion that winemakers select their vineyards very carefully. Most industry professionals would likely agree that the fruit source is key, and is the reason so many consumers buy wines from specific regions and designated vineyards.

I had the honor being included in a rare viewing/tasting of the Larner Vineyard located in a newly (Oct 2013) designated AVA, Ballard Canyon, in Santa Barbara County. The tasting was a focused tasting of seven different winemakers' wines, all sourcing from the ...

Earth Day Food & Wine Festival 

Located: Paso Robles at Castoro Cellars on Hwy 46 West

When: April 18 is the main event ( however the entire weekend is filled with events 17th-19th) 

Time: VIP 1:00 PM $115 and General Admission $75 at 2:00 PM and ends at 5 PM 

What: Group of people interested in sustainable practices that are some of the best local chefs, farmers, and wineries all getting together to party.

This just might be the most casual event you will find in the State without an ounce of pretension. These are some amazing people that simply ...

The Garagiste Festival (Santa Ynez Southern Exposure)continues to shed light on smaller production winemakers. Many of these wine producers cannot be found on a wine map. In some cases, the wines poured cannot even be found in any bar, restaurant, or wine shop. The discoveries can be fun, interesting, and even stellar.

Preceeding the grand tasting in Solvang (Santa Barbara County), a panel of winemakers met to discuss the Great Alcohol Debate, The Elephant In The Bottle. This just might be a more inside or industry debate, but it can be a very hot topic in some circles.

Neither ...