Wine has a way of turning geography into memory. Not just places on a map, but moments burned into your senses—the smell of hot stone, the scrape of gravel underfoot, the way a long lunch quietly becomes dinner. Over the past 25 years, including the formative years spent training to pass the Master Sommelier exam, these experiences have shaped how I understand wine and the world around it. These are the places I return to in my memory—and the … [Read more...]
From War to Winemaking: Napa Valley Initiative Empowers Ukrainian Vintners with Regenerative Agriculture
Rutherford, CA., May 22, 2024 – Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Grgich Hills Estate in partnership with Roots of Peace and supported by Rotary International, is hosting an immersive regenerative viticulture training program for Ukrainian vintners, showcasing the positive impact of agriculture as a means of fostering global peace and community resilience. From June 3rd to June 9th, 2024, six distinguished Ukrainian vintners will engage in … [Read more...]
Adam Olalde – CEO and Founder – Xtreme Xperience
Introduce yourself; what is your background? My background is in the luxury car rental and concierge business. It was from that business that I pivoted by listening to our customers and creating a concept that specializes in what they were asking for, automotive entertainment experiences. I realized early on that that’s what most people desire. Have a great time, but don’t worry about the headaches and cost of ownership. Q. When did you … [Read more...]
Garagiste Wine Festival Returns to LA with 40+ Wineries: July 22nd & 23rd
Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure brings together hard-to-find micro-production wineries from nearly every California AVA, all under one spacious roof in Glendale; events include Grand Tasting, a Rare and Reserve party and a tasting seminar that explores ancient winemaking techniques used by some of today’s most innovative winemakers Paso Robles, CA – America’s Best Wine Festival[1], The Garagiste Wine Festival, returns to LA July 22nd … [Read more...]
Escape to Bodega Bay
Moving from Los Angeles to the tiny town of Mendocino (population 855) turned out to be one of the most unusual decisions I have ever made. The natural beauty and tranquility act like a balm to the world’s troubles (politics! fires!), but, it should come as little surprise, meeting people while masked up and social distancing has proven difficult. On the other hand, as the world opens up a bit, traveling in both Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, … [Read more...]
Explorers Guide Napa & Sonoma by Peg Melnik with Tim Fish
The latest edition (no 11) Explorers Guide Napa & Sonoma is a detailed look at some of the best restaurants, wineries and experiences that the wine country in this part of the state has to offer. Written by husband and wife Peg Melnik and Tim Fish. Both are accomplished wine writers: Peg writes for the local Santa Rosa based newspaper, the Press Democrat and Tim writes for the Wine Spectator. Not a huge book but it is richly endowed with … [Read more...]
Four Reasons To Visit Idaho Wine Country
When you think of a romantic vacation to wine country, you probably envision a scene of endless vineyards in California, Italy, or France. Those, of course, are the most romantic, and the three most popular wine destinations for Americans. The idea of traveling to Idaho to explore its multiple American Viticultural Areas (AVA) may seem bizarre, but trust me. Exploring the Idaho wine regions will surprise you in the most delightful ways. Idaho … [Read more...]
Cannonball Wines Boldly Leap Into Distinctive Tastings That Don’t Break the Bank
Sitting down with wine industry veterans Dennis Hill & Yoav Gilat at a recent tasting I discovered more about their own history and the history of Cannonball Wines. They partnered in 2006 after noticing a gap in the market place - there were plenty of budget wines at varying levels of quality and also plenty of high priced wines. But very few premium wines (grown and made) that were priced at an affordable price. They decided to partner to … [Read more...]
Garagiste Wine Festival Brings Hidden Winemaking Gems to Hidden Architectural Gem: July 15th in Santa Monica
Fifty of the best of California’s micro-production wineries pour their wines in historic Santa Monica venue a few blocks from the ocean and Expo Line; Grand Tasting, Rare and Reserve tasting, Silent Wine auction and more... Paso Robles, CA – – Garagiste Events Inc., producers of the renowned Garagiste Festivals, announced that tickets are now on sale for The Garagiste Festival: Urban Exposure, whichreturns to Los Angeles County on July 15th, … [Read more...]
7 Hidden Treasures of Napa Valley
Despite being one of America’s best-known tourist (and wine drinking) destinations, Napa Valley still offers plenty of discoveries and surprises for travelers. These surprises are everywhere you go and pop up when you least expect it, like finding a Pokemon Go character you did not anticipate seeing. Here are seven hidden treasures of Napa Valley, which you may wish to seek out the next time you go there: The Benny Bufano statues at … [Read more...]
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