Tasting my way through France

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”

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 “

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”

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”

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!)”