I have been in the wine business off and on since the late 1970’s and have tasted thousands of wines and visited well over 1000 tasting rooms. Some people call this work, but I know better, it’s a great fun and great practice

I receive a ton of email every day; offers for this, suggestions for that, questions on all sorts of topics.  So it’s not uncommon for me to face off with my computer each morning fortified with a triple latté and a blu

I love exploring destinations that don’t always get the media attention they deserve.  Places that include all the amenities and adventure a traveler could want, but done in a style that is all their own.  Sometimes findi

Today’s casino is a rich tapestry of poker, entertainment, food and wine.  There’s a seductive aurora that greets you at the door, staying with you until you retrieve your car from valet parking. Somewhere between Pai Go

Vineyard owners know that Mother Nature can challenge the best agriculturalist. In 2011 it was a “perfect storm” of strong winds, hail, devastating frosts, thunder-storms, cool summer temperatures, heat spikes and then Septem

I am finding that coming together with a group of fellow wine buffs is a creative way to really understand wine.  A group atmosphere offers the opportunity to share opinions and conclusions, shaping and strengthening each individual

In California September and October is the traditional time to pick grapes and make wine. The year of hard work managing a vineyard is rewarded when the fields are buzzing with tractors and gondolas, picking bins and grape shears and a t

One of the treats of visiting the Far Out Wineries group  in Paso Robles, CA  Wine Country is finding that one very special, family owned,  small lot und

Well…I am impressed.  America’s first wine country not only boasts some solid wines, but also has its very own state grape glass – the Riedal Crystal Norton Wine Glass. Hardly anyone gets that, let alone a small w