After running into Scott Lewis a few days ago, the owner of V Wine Cellars in Yountville (where we have tasted with a number of producers over the years), we were reminded of a special event coming up on May 7th. This, only the third annual "Sense Yountville" has already become the appellation's premiere wine & food event. Thirty wineries are represented offering their pre-release wines and large format bottles, and culinary pairings are … [Read more...]
Dinner & Dancing: Brazil
This is a guest post from Rachel who runs Central Coast Foodie in San Luis Obispo, California USA. In regards to her mention of Capirinhas - we've been making those this week and using Germana, a traditional Brazilian Cachaca. Perhaps this is too strong a Cachaca, it certainly doesn't taste like the awesome ones I had down in Sao Paulo - if anyone has other recommendations let us know? This drink sure requires a lot of sugar! *** Happy Mardi … [Read more...]
First Taste of Yountville
The First Taste of Yountville was held during the Premier Napa Valley week a few days ago to capitalize on a number of trade who are in town. This annual event is held by the Napa Valley Vintners' and is their Annual Mid-Winter Barrel Auction for the Trade This premiere tasting featured some of Yountville's finest vineyards and wines. It was held in the old barrel room of what used to be Groezinger's Winery which is now V Marketplace, a … [Read more...]
GranMonte Vineyards, All in the Family
After returning from Brunei and a quick day of rest we set out for the jungles of Khao Yai National Park and part of Thailand's "wine trail". GranMonte Vineyards located in the heart of the small Asoke Valley was the highlight of our day. This winery was founded by Thai couple Visooth and Sakuna Lohitnavy. Their daughter Visootha (or Nikki) is Thailand's first female winemaker (only in her 20's, she has many harvests ahead of her). The entire … [Read more...]
Wrapping up Harvest Napa Valley!
During the last 15 years I have been visiting, tasting and reviewing Napa wineries (The Napa Wine Project). This project to date has reached 10,000+ hours, 1,030 visits, tastings and extensive reviews of unique Napa Valley based wineries, producers or tasting rooms; eventually I have to write a book about this unique experience. During the project I met Emil Tedeschi, owner of Tedeschi Family Winery and I have been working here when I'm in town … [Read more...]
Garden Pictures
This year our summer started on the first day of fall. When I'm not traveling I'm gardening. I've replaced nearly all the adobe soil in the garden with silt from a nearby river along with potting soil and other organic material I've composted in. Am using both beds in the ground and raised beds. Most people said they had terrible problems with growing tomatoes in this "arctic" summer we had this year but mine have done very well. The heirloom is … [Read more...]
Lobster Fest, Los Angeles
If your in the southland this weekend (California) be sure to check out the Lobster Fest at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro (take the 110 south from downtown, get off on Harbor and turn right proceeding about 1.5 miles to the event parking on your left). This event has even qualified for the Guinness Book of World Records for serving the most seafood in one place. Oh yea, LA likes to do things big. I stopped by this cool event … [Read more...]
A Visit to Francis Ford Coppola Winery
A few days ago we made the trek up to see the progress on the Francis Ford Coppola Winery in northern Sonoma County - about 1 hour and 20 minutes north of San Francisco California (with good traffic). While the focus is on the wine here there is actually quite a bit to explore on the property - 2 large pools, a restaurant, of course a movie collection, several tasting bars, bocce courts etc. The pools opened sometime this fall and … [Read more...]
Win trip to Napa Valley!
Here is an easy contest to enter! Wine lovers may get the chance to experience Napa like never before. Morton’s The Steakhouse just started a sweepstakes to win a trip for two to Napa Valley. Not only will the winners receive free airfare, but they will also get exclusive access to the “Celebrating the Legendary Blend” event at Charles Krug Winery. For the first time, the 2nd and 3rd generation of the Mondavi Family will come together to … [Read more...]
Long Beach Crawfish Festival this Weekend
For those who are in the southland this weekend the 17th annual Long Beach Crawfish Festival is going to be held at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. http://www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com … [Read more...]