Sep 19, 2008
Over the past two years I’ve given more talks to wine or wine-related audiences than the rest of my career combined. The reason is a function of the world of Blogs having caught the attention of the wine industry and working with Specialty Wine Retailers Association. Outside of making a new client pitch or pitching a story to an editor or writer, it’s probably the most exhilarating thing I do. Although I’ve arranged for clients to take formal training in…
Sep 8, 2008
A significant responsibility was laid upon my shoulders not too long ago: I’ve been charged with creating an itinerary for a Day in Napa Valley for a very old and very dear friend and her equally dear and loved husband who will again be coming up to see us for a spell. They are BIG wine lovers. We get together regularly and when they have come up from LA to visit, I’ve taken them on tours of Carneros, Russian River…
Jun 12, 2008
WHY DID THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD? Napa Valley Vintners"The question is not why the chicken crossed the road, but how much we can charge for a taste of that chicken." Constellation CEO"We are very confident that upon finally crossing the road, the chicken will fit in perfectly to our growing ‘Across The Road’ portfolio of chickens." The Wine SpectatorNon Vintage Chicken—The Road"This is a superb effort by the chicken that we haven’t seen in a number of crossings. A…
Apr 22, 2008
Ok…so Francis Ford Coppola got shot down on his desire to erect two lovely lighted pyramids on his Rosso & Bianco Winery (formerly Chateau Souverain) in Sonoma County. (Personally, I think the demise of this particular aesthetic element of his new Sonoma winery is a shame…Who doesn’t like a lighted pyramid?) However, it’s not as though the director of the greatest American movie ever made, winery owner, restaurateur and father of the woman that ruined Godfather III doesn’t retain big…
Mar 17, 2008
I was reminded recently of an amazing resource of which we all ought to be aware. Josh Hermsmeyer, dedicated winemaker and blogger, sent me a note letting me know that on March 28 the Sonoma County Wine Library will be hosting a talk by Steve Heimoff, author of New Classic Winemakers of California. Steve will be discussing winemaking with five of his New Classic Winemakers including Randy Ullom, Eric Cinnamon, Merry Edwards, Greg La Follette and Michael Terrien. The even…