If you’re not a member of Terra Jane’s Ownroot Collective you are missing out. I have attended 3 (virtual) tasting events so far and I’ve already discovered so many new and delicious wines that were living right under my nose for so long and I had no idea. Ownroot is a wine club that featuresContinue reading “Ownroot Collective x Post & Vine”
Author Archives: gillianallen17
What it’s like to work a harvest in Napa Valley
When I graduated from the Viticulture & Enology program at UC Davis, my degree had prepared me for what to expect when working a harvest. I also had several friends who had worked in production post-grad so I had a pretty good understanding of what a harvest internship would entail. However, in my 3 yearsContinue reading “What it’s like to work a harvest in Napa Valley”
How to plan the perfect day in Napa
After you’ve decided where to go tasting in Napa, the other half of the battle is planning your itinerary for each day you’re in the valley. With many wineries closing around 4 or 4:30, it can be difficult to fit all of your favorite spots into one day. I often hear of many visitors tryingContinue reading “How to plan the perfect day in Napa”
A Taste of Toscana
At just around $10 a bottle at Trader Joe’s, this 2013 Casone “Toscana” IGT from the Poggio Al Casone estate in Tuscany is a steal for an easy-drinking red. This producer has multiple tiers of wines, ranging from IGT to DOCG as well as a magnificent estate in the Tuscan countryside. This wine is aContinue reading “A Taste of Toscana”
Where to Taste – Napa
With over 400 wineries and new ones popping up all the time, Napa can be a daunting place to plan a wine getaway if you’re not familiar with producers and the different AVAs. This post is by no means comprehensive, but let it serve as a jumping off point for where to look when bookingContinue reading “Where to Taste – Napa”
At Ease Wine Project: Chenin Blanc
The wine: At Ease Wine Project 2020 Chenin Blanc, Solano County Green Valley The place: https://ateasewine.square.site/, and now on the Goose and Gander Saint Helena wine list The price: $28 This decadent and golden Chenin is made from grapes with a very unique story. Winemaker Derek Baljeu sources this fruit from the Biggs Vineyard inContinue reading “At Ease Wine Project: Chenin Blanc”
Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc
The wine: Lang & Reed 2016 North Coast Cabernet Franc The place: Lang & Reed tasting room in Saint Helena, CA (can also purchase from their website) The price: $29 Lang &Reed is about as “family owned and operated” as you can find in the wine world. Started by husband and wife John and TraceyContinue reading “Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc”
Lady of the Sunshine Pinot Noir
The wine: Lady of the Sunshine Chêne Vineyards 2018 Pinot Noir The place: I purchased mine from Jack’s Filling Station in Sonoma. You can find Lady of the Sunshine wines in local wineshops featuring natural producers or at https://www.ladyofthesunshinewines.com/wineshop The price: $26.99 This producer really does bring the sunshine to a rainy (quarantine) day. ThisContinue reading “Lady of the Sunshine Pinot Noir”
December 2019 in Western Australia
The wine: Stormflower 2017 Shiraz The place: Stormflower Cellar Door, Margaret River, Western Australia The price: ~30 AUD In December of 2019 I visited one of my best friends in Margaret River, the ultimate winter wine paradise. While the vineyards in the Northern Hemisphere are dormant, muddy, and gloomy during the month of December, vinesContinue reading “December 2019 in Western Australia”
November 28, 2019 (Thanksgiving!)
The wine: 2014 Juliénas “Vieilles Vignes” by Domaine Lassagne The place: Sunshine Foods – Saint Helena, Napa Valley The price: $32.00 Thanksgiving can be one of the most difficult events to pair with a wine – there are so many different flavors and textures, and the heaping portions leave you sleepy and stuffed. The challengeContinue reading “November 28, 2019 (Thanksgiving!)”
The Younger Wine 