No matter where one finds oneself in California, one senses a movement to eat locally and consume wine locally.   This concept, while increasingly popular is largely rooted in common sense.   Produce simply tastes better when the time lapse from “vine to dine” is as small as possible.    While Northern Californians often like to assume a […]

Spring brings crisp cool temperatures in Napa Valley and throughout much of the United States.  Senses continue to liven as floral scents drift past the nose from camellias, daffodils, nemesia and other spring flowers.   The palate shakes off the slumber of winter, heavy dishes and tannic red wines to search for something brighter, cleaner and […]

Winter simply did not seem ready to throw in the towel at the end of February.   All around the Bay Area and throughout Napa Valley there were reports of snow dusted mountain peaks, dangerous frost warnings and unseasonably cold temperatures.   Yet on Sunday morning despite such chilly weather, seemingly overnight, the blooms on my camellia […]

With a title such as that, any reader, let alone a Petite Sirah aficionado, would want any introductory banter about the present weather in Napa Valley, the blooming mustard, the cloudless sunny days sparking the hope for a good vintage year ahead or any other whimsical observations to quickly wrap and move on to the […]

Napa Valley and the rest of the Bay Area have been enjoying two weeks of glorious spring-like weather.  Graced with warm sunny afternoons, early signs of spring are emerging whether it is blooming mustard or wild flowers.   Kicking back in the sun with some light appetizers and a glass of wine this weekend, I found […]