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 (butContinueContinue reading “The case for Chardonnay”
Author Archives: gillianallen17
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 originalContinueContinue reading “What it’s like to work a harvest in Napa, continued”
Ownroot Collective x Post & Vine
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 featuresContinueContinue reading “Ownroot Collective x Post & Vine”
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 yearsContinueContinue 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 tryingContinueContinue reading “How to plan the perfect day in Napa”
A Taste of Toscana
West shore Lake Tahoe 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.ContinueContinue 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 bookingContinueContinue 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 inContinueContinue 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 TraceyContinueContinue 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. ThisContinueContinue reading “Lady of the Sunshine Pinot Noir”
The Younger Wine 