What’s an AVA and Why Should I Care?
I’m often asked by wine drinkers, what’s an AVA and why should I care? The short answer is AVAs can help you figure out what type of wine you like and how to find more with similar characteristics. But there...
Varietal of the Month: Orange Wine
Orange wines aka skin-contact or amber wines are having a moment —an ongoing moment that started 8,000 years ago. Simply put, orange wines are white grape varieties made in the manner of red wines with extended contact on the skins,...
Exploring Alternative Wine Packaging
Wine lovers’ interest in alternative wine packages is rapidly growing. Putting wine in non-glass containers isn’t something new. Yet, premium quality wines in alternative packaging—especially environmentally friendly and recyclable packaging—haven’t always easy been to find. I wasn’t sure what I’d...
Varietal of the Month: Zinfandel
You can’t come to Sonoma and not taste Zinfandel. Well, you could but why would you? Especially since the area is one of the premier Zinfandel growing regions where the grape has been grown since the 1800’s. Zinfandel is a...
Want to be a Wine Road Ambassador?
The Wine Road just launched a new program available to folks who already love and talk about the Wine Road to become certified ambassadors. How cool is that! What Does It Mean? One definition of an ambassador is someone who...
Varietal of the Month: Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the Noble Grapes noted for its high acidity and aromatics. Flavors range from lean, green and grassy; to creamy with notes of passion fruit and fleshy peach depending on climate and how the wine is aged...
Finding the Best Place to Stay
When planning a trip, finding the best place to stay isn’t always easy. And, it can take hours of web searching, and you still may settle for less than you wanted. As I planned a recent trip, I was once...
Wine Style of the Month: Rosé
Are you ready to Think Pink? It’s time to roll out the Rosé and slip into the warm embrace of summertime. Although Rosé has become a year-round choice—it shines brightest in the summer. Light and lively, with flavors of strawberry,...
Varietal of the Month: Chenin Blanc
Have you noticed that Chenin Blanc is having a moment? Its popularity has surged lately and seems to be on every wine list by the glass and bottle. It’s a versatile white wine with great texture that can vary in...
For the Love of Old Trucks
Why are some folks so drawn to old trucks? Is it the romance of years past? Whatever the attraction, the love affair with old trucks continues on, especially along the Wine Road. Though their numbers of dwindling, we found four...