A few weeks ago, I mentioned that Pinot Noir became vogue (and pricey) thanks to the movie “Sideways”.   An unfortunate casualty of that movie, however, was Merlot.    Most notably, the character Miles, an easily perceived wine snob, angrily states, “I am NOT drinking any f-ing Merlot,” in one scene of the movie.   Merlot has gotten […]

It is a lazy summer afternoon in Napa Valley.   The sun is warm, and the breeze is gentle.   Tasks mount on many a to-do list, but there is an undeniable sense in the air that no one is in a hurry.   Below, the blades of grass are soft between your bare toes and above, the […]

Living in Napa Valley, it is effortless to find beauty as it seemingly greets your eyes and senses at every turn.   The vineyards are lined with richly aromatic rose bushes, the sunlight dances upon the grape leaves and the air is perfumed with the scent of ripening grapes.      Pablo Picasso once said, “I do […]

Ah, Bubbles…  tiny, floating and rising to the top with grace and speed as if to greet or announce impending celebration.    This may sound like a description of Champagne, and it would be if I were sitting in France and drinking one of its vintages.   But instead, since I am located in Napa Valley, what […]

As the 4th of July approaches, there is a spirit of independence and celebration in the air in Napa Valley.   The first sense of freedom came when our heat wave broke on Monday evening, which sent the triple digit temperatures of the weekend packing.    As Napa Valley residents seem to breathe a collective sigh relief, […]