While the rest of the nation has been enduring waves of high heat, the Bay Area and Napa Valley have been subjected to unseasonable weather with colder than average temperatures and precipitation ranging from rain to hail.   Even though in other parts of the country a summer rain storm might be welcome, the Bay Area […]

Elyse Winery’s (“Elyse”) 2005 Syrah may be long gone from the tasting room, but it is not forgotten:  particularly if you had the foresight to set some aside to cellar. Months ago, I brought a bottle of this gem to work on a Friday for an end of the day impromptu happy hour.  A co-worker […]

Over seven years ago, on a warm summer’s afternoon, I sat shotgun in my friend’s convertible Saab as we meandered down gravel roads in search of good Tuscan inspired wine in Napa Valley.   The sun shone famously that day, nurturing the grapes that adorned the vines that surrounded us.   We rode along listening to Getz/Gilberto […]

This article is for the love of port, and dedicated to those loyal readers with an undeniable sweet tooth.    Truth be told, I am not a dessert person.  Nor am I a baker for that matter.  In fact, it is a given that any time baking is involved, the activity will yield guaranteed brow perspiration, […]

The month of May brings optimism and hope to wine country each year as the weather starts to warm, farmer’s markets commence a new season and the grape vines fill with leaves.   Yet as the sun’s rays begin to warm, Mother Nature can be terribly fickle and send clouds and cold winds from the coast […]