As mentioned in last week’s article, heirloom tomatoes continue to dominate the local produce scene in the Bay Area.   In September, a late summer heat descends upon the Bay Area.  With warm sunshine, heirloom tomatoes of all varieties practically tumble off the vine, ready for enjoyment. Recently I realized that I had yet to […]

  September in Napa Valley marks the start of harvest.   Not all grapes are harvested at the same time as different varietals ripen at various stages.  Similarly, depending on where you are in Napa Valley, its varying geography and microclimates determine ripening.   Even those with backyard gardens are harvesting vegetables such as heirloom tomatoes.   If […]

As hot summer days begin to fade with the sun’s late rays, temperatures cool and it is easier to reach for those long-awaited red wines.   Red wine, often best known for its tannins and complexity, is something that just does not pair with hot intense rays of the sun.   When winter ends and warm spring […]

Petite Sirah is one of those red varietals that rarely do I reach for except for during the dregs of winter.  Notoriously rustic, complex, rich and often lumbering across the palate in a no-nonsense sort of way, Petite Sirah readily pairs with comfort food and is in ready reach on a dark, stormy night.   Yet, […]

With summer comes summer vacation and in California, it is easy to hop into one’s car and motor up and down Highway 101.   Leaving Napa Valley and heading south, one does not have to travel very far to find outstanding cuisine and other wine regions.   Descending into San Luis Obispo County, the temperature warms and […]