Recapping two French wine events visited in the last month If you’re looking for a place to gather with like-minded fellow wine geeks, France is the place for you. When I lived in California, we of course had the occasional wine fair or exposition. However, here in Paris and in the surrounding wine regions thereContinue reading “Tasting my way through France”
Author Archives: gillianallen17
2 French white wines that refreshed my palate
In following a dream I’ve had since high school French class, I moved to Paris to get my Master’s degree, immerse myself in the culture, better understand French wines and become fluent in the language. For a while I knew that working at a wine bar would be a great way to expose myself toContinue reading “2 French white wines that refreshed my palate “
Featured Writing
Explore my portfolio Native fermentations may hold the key to maintaining wine quality amidst changing growing conditions Wine Business Monthly, October 2022 “First lady of wine”: Heidi Peterson Barrett talks success as pioneer winemaker The California Aggie Yolo Press family farm provides Davis with quality products for over 20 years The California Aggie
3 age-worthy Sauvignon Blancs
When I first moved to Napa, I was not particularly a fan of most Sauvignon Blancs that I came in contact with (unpopular opinion I know). I love the acidity of the grape, but the green and grapefruit flavors were too strong for my taste. However, I think it’s important to try new wines evenContinue reading “3 age-worthy Sauvignon Blancs”
Wine & “The Bear”
A wine industry perspective on the summer’s new hit show
Winemaking techniques – Filtration
Filtration is a winemaking technique that has been used for many years in both Old and New World winemaking. While it has benefits for the aesthetic appeal of a wine, it is also important for the structural integrity and ageability of a wine. There are many methods of filtration (not to be confused with fining*)Continue reading “Winemaking techniques – Filtration”
Where to eat in Napa
Great food and wine go hand in hand and there is no shortage of that in Napa. Here you will find a plethora of delicious Italian and American food, but there are more diverse cuisines popping up everyday. We have old favorites such as Bistro Don Giovanni and Bouchon, but new and creative additions haveContinue reading “Where to eat in Napa”
Napa’s best-kept secret is…
Nowadays, it’s almost impossible to get a last-minute tasting reservation in Napa. I live here and I even have to make reservations weeks (sometimes months) in advance! It’s a catch 22 – everything is open and people want to go out and have all the experiences they missed out on during covid, but wineries andContinue reading “Napa’s best-kept secret is…”
The case for Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the topics about which I am the most passionate. For some reason I feel extremely adamant about getting the word out that Chardonnay is not all movie theater butter and heavy, heavy mouthfeels. It can actually be light and floral and dance on your palate like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc (butContinue reading “The case for Chardonnay”
What it’s like to work a harvest in Napa, continued
I had the idea to write about working a harvest in Napa for a long time but I struggled when it came time to get it all down in words. After you do something enough times, it can become second nature and harder to describe to an outsider. That was my problem with the originalContinue reading “What it’s like to work a harvest in Napa, continued”
The Younger Wine 