A Taste of Castello di Amorosa

Castello di Amorosa is one of Napa Valley’s top “destination” wineries.  What makes it unique is that it’s both an authentic 13th Century castle and a winery.  The Castello (Castle in Italian) was the brainchild of Dario Sattui, a fourth generation winemaker. Armed with his vault of medieval architectural renderings and another passionate dream, Sattui purchased…

Wine of the Week: 2013 Campovida Viognier Campo Dos Robles

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.  For this week, my Wine of the Week is the 2013 Campovida Viognier Campo di Robles. The Winery Campovida is a family owned and operated certified organic farm and working vineyard located…

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…

Best Wines For Easter/Passover Feast #SundaySupper

For this week’s #SundaySupper we celebrate the traditional spring feasts of Easter and Passover.  And what’s a feast without some good wine? Wine has always figured prominently in many religions, including Communion in the Christian faith, and the Passover Seder. The two main dishes served for Easter are ham and lamb.  Both pair quite well…

#DrinkPink Rosé of the Week; 2012 Prieuré de Montézargues Tavel Rosé

It’s April and for me that means, it’s the unofficial opening of Rosé season (truth be told it’s Rosé season for me pretty much year-round)!  With that in mind, I’m cranking up my annual series of weekly “Drink Pink!“ Rosé tastings.  It’s my quest for the best Pink Porch Pounders $20 or less!  This week’s Rosé is the 2012 Prieuré de…

Wine of the Week: 2009 Justin Vineyards & Winery Justification

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.  For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2009 Justin Vineyards & Winery Justification. The Winery Justin Winery is a family owned and operated winery making estate grown…

#DrinkPink Rosé of the Week; 2012 Château d’Esclans Whispering Angel

It’s April and for me that means, it’s the unofficial opening of Rosé season (truth be told it’s Rosé season for me pretty much year-round)!  With that in mind, I’m cranking up my annual series of weekly “Drink Pink!“ Rosé tastings.  It’s my quest for the best Pink Porch Pounders $20 or less!  This week’s Rosé is the 2012 Château d’Esclans…

2014 Rhone Rangers Grand Tasting- The Best of Grenache

Last weekend I attended the 17th Annual Rhone Rangers San Francisco Bay Area Weekend Celebration of American Rhones” at The Craneway Pavilion, Ford Point, Richmond CA.  Rhone Rangers is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the Rhone varietal wines produced in the U.S. The two-day event featured a Winemaker Dinner on Saturday at The General’s Residence, Fort Mason, San Francisco.  The…