Memorial Day weekend looms ahead and May for many areas of the country (including Napa Valley) has been fraught with cooler temperatures and lingering rain.   Yet this week most of the country has suddenly been gripped with steamy hot summerlike temperatures and even Napa is hurrying to join such weather festivities and anticipating quickly reaching […]

Spring has sprung in Napa Valley and as the days warm, floral and spice aromas waft all around through the air.   It is a romantic time to be in wine country with flowers blooming, grapes starting to set on vines and herbs coming into season.   With temperatures reaching into the upper 70’s on the weekends, […]

Pretense so often accompanies the wine industry.   It is inevitable and there will always be a certain segment of the population that likes a certain amount of pretense in their wine.   But is it necessary?   Not really.   As you have followed my articles over the last year, you have realized that much about wine is […]

As the month of August launched this past week, more than one person lamented about the fact that summer is almost over.   I, too, shared this sentiment and the cool crisp morning breezes in Napa Valley served as a reminder that autumn is right around the corner.   Not wanting to give up its throne, however, […]

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 […]