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 ...

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 ...

Throughout the year there are countless wine events, but none quite like the Ventura County Wine Trail Food and Wine Challenge. This event brings food and wine together the way they belong, paired, and tasted together. Local chefs and local winemakers put their goods to a pairing challenge. One bite is offered by the participating restaurant chefs, and one paired wine from the winemakers table. Revisiting the tables is encouraged. 

The idea is simple, decide what team came up with the best pairing. A team of judges (tasting blind) is composed of sommeliers, foodies, restaurant people, bloggers, and winos. In ...