What if one of Greece’s most iconic grapes could thrive under California sun? That’s the question the 2022 Sandlands Assyrtiko answers—deliciously. Lodi, already home to more than 100 wine grape varieties, has become a proving ground for the unexpected. From Iberian to Italian to Rhône, Mediterranean grapes flourish here, and now Assyrtiko—famed for its origins…
Tag: Sandlands
Wine of the Week; 2024 Sandlands Kirschenbloom
Each week, I spotlight a wine that truly captivates—whether for its distinctive character, compelling backstory, or the simple joy it brings in the glass. This week’s feature, the 2024 Sandlands Kirschenbloom , delivers on all three counts and then some! A Winemaker’s Curiosity, a Shared Table, and the Spark of Inspiration What has always impressed me…
Wine of the Week; 2012 Sandlands Chenin Blanc
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. This week’s wine the 2012 Sandlands Chenin Blanc is all of the above. From The Winery Sandlands is the personal project of Tegan and Olivia Passalacqua. The line-up encompasses the forgotten…
Recap of the 2014 Seven % Solution Tasting
Last week, I attended the second “Seven % Solution tasting in San Francisco. The event was organized by Bergamot Alley. It’s a unique event premised on the following: Roughly 93% of Northern California Vineyard acreage is planted to eight grape varieties. The remaining 7% of acreage is home to an impressive aggregation of lesser known…