Wine represents something much bigger than just fermented grape juice. We know how wine is made today, but imagine figuring that out around 8 000 years ago. It is a very complex process that requires a lot of knowledge in microbiology and ... [Read More]

We recently attended an informative seminar led by sommelier André Mack and 6th generation glass designer Kurt Josef Zalto to present Kurt's own lineup of stemware called Josephinenhütte. Zalto founded this company in early 2019 and chose ... [Read More]

In Valley highlights Other than personally partying in Florida several times including in nightclubs in mid and late 2020, we had difficulty finding gatherings and parties in Napa Valley last year. So it was nice when we received an ... [Read More]

This prestigious hunting, fishing and culinary ranch is located in neighboring Sonoma County (easily seen from and bordering the north side of Highway 37). Co-founders, the Sutso family have generationally owned and overseen hunting ... [Read More]

A significant part of an already significant project involves taking numerous trips (both cars and flights) – to any space or place that is very strongly connected to wineries within the Napa Valley – within California, domestically or ... [Read More]

Looking for our 2019 wrap-up? It is posted here. During a very bizarre year, the number of fortuitous events in 2020 was remarkable. It all started in the desert in March when I immediately headed out on what would be numerous domestic ... [Read More]

Every so often on my relentless pursuit of visiting, tasting with and promoting all Napa Valley based wineries and producers - I discover brands that combine intriguing history, cool owners and excellent wines. Earlier this year I met ... [Read More]

When one smells and tastes wine partly for a living, one's sense becomes acutely aware of smells. I remember as a child I could smell minute particles of smoke in the air, well before anyone else picked up on the aromas - often from fires a ... [Read More]

Over the past 15 years I have been tasting up and down the cozy confines of the Napa Valley - from valley floor to hillside. With well over 1,000 Napa Valley wineries and producers visited with to date, my journeys have taken me into some ... [Read More]

Of all the bad winery and vineyard news that has been reported from the Glass Fire, from a historical point of view - the loss of La Perla hurts *the most*. I mean this was a significant loss, not only for Spring Mountain Vineyard but for ... [Read More]