As Thanksgiving nears this week, there seems to be not enough time to get everything done and not enough room in the refrigerator as it continues to fill to capacity pending the upcoming feast.   Yet, for many, guests are starting to arrive in advance.   These same guests are still looking forward to be entertained and […]

Sparkling wines and the holidays go hand in hand.    Determining which Bubbles to break out for your guests and on which holiday can be daunting, particularly if you are looking to do something a bit unique.    As Thanksgiving approaches, it is timely to remember that there is one type of sparkling that is particularly appropriate […]

Agli-what????   Aglianico, pronounced “Ah-lee-on-ee-koh”, is as unique as it sounds.   Grown most recognizably in Southern Italy, only a handful of growers in California grow this black grape.   The grape itself thrives in a bed of volcanic and rocky soil, seeking hot temperatures to spur its growth.  Taking this into consideration, there are certainly areas in […]

Having now focused on the western side of Napa Valley for Cabernet Sauvignon wines, how does the eastern side of the valley compare? Again, the answer is based on the specific geographical vineyard location.   It is not enough to merely be located on the eastern side of the valley.    Is the vineyard on a foothill, […]