Barolo

The area of Barolo is small compared to other wine regions. The grape from which it is made, Nebbiolo, is finicky.

Nothing Dry about Dry Creek Valley

Sonoma County, 90 minutes north of San Francisco, is gorgeous wine country.

Learning to Love Wine

Does one drink wine in a cozy, wood paneled old pub? Surrounded by flower boxes at a sidewalk cafe?

Under the Harvest Moon

What wines should I be drinking?! Chilled refreshing whites and lighter reds for the hot days? Heavier red wines for the cool nights?

Tasting with the Professionals

Commonwealth Wine School recently hosted the trade association, “Wines of South Africa,” that promotes South African wines around the world.

The Way to Drink Wine

There is nothing better in Paris (or any city for that matter), than strolling into a sidewalk café on busy thoroughfare, sitting down facing the road to people watch and ordering a pichet du vin -

Chardonnay v. Sauvignon Blanc

When you are ordering or buying Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, you probably want something you enjoy.

Champagne

Pop open that bottle of Champagne, especially now that spring has arrived.

Climate Change & Frozé? - Pardon the Pun!

While Climate Change is accepted as fact by many, it is still a bit of a mysterious, nebulous idea that floats around the consciousness, disembodied.

Wineau?

I basically thank the lucky stars that I can have a career in the wine industry and I greedily grab at any experience I can get.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux wines in general are meant to age and be drunk when their ferocious tannins have mellowed and all the oak and fruit has integrated into a harmonious, luscious whole.

Dare to Pair?

It is clear that wine goes with everything. Wine and cheese, wine and chocolate, even wine and music.

The Ephemeral and Eternal Luxury of Wine

Wine is the ultimate luxury. It is like art in many ways.

In Defense of Wine Speak

I am sure every discipline has its share of navel gazing. Perhaps more in the wine industry than others.

It’s a Brave New World of Wine Speak

What is it about Pinot Noir that is so magical and mysterious? Why do people wax poetic about it?

The Simple Pleasures in the Study of Wine

Perhaps the most important thing I have learned is that wine is best enjoyed when you just … enjoy it.

Slave to Fashion?

When something new comes along - a new show on TV, a new look in clothes, a new food trend - there are always questions. Should I try it?

Pinot! Pinot! Pinot!

I often hear people refer to the wine they are drinking as “Pinot” - but since “Pinot” comes in red, rosé and white, not to mention sparkling, one should disambiguate!