Author Fodor's Napa and Sonoma
Coauthor The California Directory of Fine Wineries
I cover wineries, sights to see, activities, restaurants, and hotels in Napa, Sonoma, and beyond.
Pinot and Zinfandel dazzle among boutique winery’s food-friendly offerings. Two reds vied for my heart at a 2019 pairing of Bannister wines and food by chef Shane McAnelly. […]
Two Reds Vie for the Heart at Wine-Food Pairing Read More »
Five wines speak eloquently in virtual tasting/seminar “Oregon Chardonnay: Shifting Perceptions of the Variety in the Willamette Valley.” Five months of researching the next edition of Fodor’s Napa
Hurray for Oregon Chardonnay Read More »
Master class surveys Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, followed by a broader tasting including other varietals. I hit the Oregon Wine Trail on March 4th – albeit in SanFrancisco
Following the Oregon Wine Trail in California Read More »
Boutique wine, beer, and spirits makers’ passion and iconoclasm set the tone at welcoming Paso Robles light-industrial hangout. To experience the creativity and fervor of Paso Robles’ indie
Rutherford tasting space’s art, setting, wine, and hospitality make for a memorable occasion. “To be the highlight of every guest’s visit to the Napa Valley” is the goal
Peju Winery Sets Lofty Goal Read More »
“Nothing prepares you for owning a winery,” laughs its winemaker, recalling three major catastrophes in Fontanella Family Winery’s first decade. A decade ago lawyer-turned-vintner Karen Fontanella and her
Napa Couple “Living the Dream” on Mt. Veeder Read More »
Exceptional winemaking starts in the vineyard; discover how on guided hikes or your own. There’s nothing like getting out in the vineyard to help wine lovers appreciate an
Sonoma County Vineyard Walks Read More »
In the right hands this native French varietal makes lush, evocative wines. Petite Sirah pearls of wisdom flowed like the deep-purple wine itself during the summer 2019 P.S.
California Petite Sirah I Really Do Love You Read More »
There’s plenty to recommend this rising wine-world star midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Paso Robles has a long history as a spa town and ranching country,
8 Reasons to Visit Paso Robles Now Read More »
Rhône varietals are this Paso pioneer’s specialty. The visionary founders of Paso Robles’ 120-acre Tablas Creek Vineyard focused their attention on varietals native to southern France, particularly the
Tablas Creek Vineyard Read More »