A Taste of Lodi’s Stunning Diversity #SnoothVT

Lodi’s stunning diversity of grape varieties, terroir, authenticity, and approachability means there’s something for everyone…from the casual wine drinker to the wine enthusiast!   If you know anything about the Lodi AVA, then you probably know that Lodi is the self-proclaimed Zinfandel Capital of the World.   Sure Zinfandel is Lodi’s calling card, but with over 100 grape…

Wine of the Day: 2015 Markus Wine Co. Zietlos Red Blend

This is an alluring, suave, and harmonious wine that is emblematic of outstanding wines being crafted in the Lodi AVA This wine is a  predominately a blend of Syrah and Viognier  from the Borra Vineyards Gill Creek Ranch that were picked on the same day and co-fermented in the Northern Rhône tradition.  Old vine Carignan  and Petite Sirah from the…

2016 Estate Crush Albariño #AlbarinoFiesta

The sixth annual celebration of the Albariño grape is being celebrated this week from August 2nd-7th.   The annual event was established by TAPAS (Tempranillo Advocates Producers and Amigos Society).  In years past the event was only celebrated one day, but for 2017, it is being celebrating for nearly a  week.  It coincides with the Fiesta del Albariño held…

Time To Get My Wine Bloggers Conference On! #WBC16

I’m pleased to report that I’ll be attending 2016 Wine Bloggers Conference (“WBC”) later this week!  The WBC is being held August 11-14 in Lodi.  It’s my first Wine Bloggers Conference! There will be a few hundred online, print, citizen and industry wine writers who will be will be immersed in educational wine seminars, networking, grower and…

Wine of the Week: 2011 Klinker Brick Zinfandel Old Vine Marisa Vineyard

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  My Wine Of The Week is the 2011 Klinker Brick Zinfandel Old Vine Marisa Vineyard. The Winery Klinker Brick Winery is a family winery owned by Steve and Lori Felten.  The Felten’s are fifth…

Taste of Place – Lodi Native Tasting

Lodi, the self-proclaimed “Zinfandel Capital of the World”, is a region on the rise. It’s been perceived as a region primarily known for producing “fruit bomb” style Zinfandel, and being a source of grapes used in producing value wines. But Lodi is much more than that.  It’s the home of thousands of acres of old…

A Taste of Fields Family Wines

From time to time I receive samples from wineries.  It’s mostly been from large wineries represented by public relations firms.  So it was a bit of a surprise when I received an email out of the blue from Ryan Sherman, Winemaker for Fields Family Wines, asking if I would mind if he sent over some…

Value Alert! – An(other) Enjoyable Everyday Petite Sirah for under $10!

I’m a big fan of Petite Sirah.  It’s one of my favorite grape varietals.  The challenge though for many Petite Sirah (a.k.a. “Pet”, “PS”) lovers, is that the wines can be pricey.  If you’re willing to pay $35 and up, finding a very good to excellent PS isn’t hard to do.  It’s a much bigger…