Here's a confession: I like to decant wine because I like the way a bottle of red wine looks in a big, crystal decanter, not because of the benefits of aerating the wine. Still, don't knock the benefits of aerating wine, I say. The folks who make Wine Soiree also say that. And because these good folks say that, and because these good folks gave me a Wine Soiree to try, and because it was Sunday afternoon and I was…

At the risk of being called a copy cat and at the further risk of squeezing in this post barely before the deadline, I offer my list of WINE PAIRING FOR THE FALL. 1. RAKING LEAVESI know, I know. The go-to wine for raking Fall leaves has always been a Sangiovese. But I'm going out on a limb (is that a pun or a half pun?) and suggesting that the leaf raker uncork something refreshing and spicy. Put the rake…

PLEASE TAKE THE FERMENTATION READERS SURVEY. IT'S IMPORTANT. IF YOU READ THIS BLOG, I NEED TO KNOW A FEW THINGS. Thank you, Tom Wark… ———————————– UPDATE: The survey is now closed. A HUGE thanks to everyone for participating. I received more than 280 individual responses, more than a good sample!!  Again, Thank you for taking the survey. Tom..October 19th.

This weekend a new friend asked me a question I can't recall anyone ever asking me before: "What's the biggest mistake you ever made, Tom?" At first blush, I sort of wish this gentleman had asked a much easier question, like, "What's the biggest mistake the California Wine Industry has ever made?" Earlier in the evening, as we spoke over a lovely dinner at Estate in Sonoma, we did talk about my thoughts on wine. It gave me the opportunity…

I could be wrong, but it appears to me that the folks at Mothers Against Drunk Driving have finally Jumped The Shark with this plot line twist in their never ending saga to demonize alcohol and alcohol drinkers: "MADD peddling margaritas—sans alcohol, of course" The constant crusaders against all things drinks, alcohol, cocktails, wine and beer will begin distributing their own brand that include a virgin Mojito, Margarita and Pina Colada, a virgin Lager & Lime, non-alcohol red and white…