Apr 1, 2009
It's important for me to note that I endorse THIS in no way. THIS only minimizes the serious nature of wine and wine drinking. In fact, THIS purports to be humor, but in reality THIS is just another blow to the industry when the industry needs nothing like THIS. Is THIS really what people want to read? Only a few years ago THIS sort of thing would never fly. THIS would have been condemned. THIS really is harmful to a…
Mar 20, 2009
If the first day of spring doesn't get you excited then I fear for your mental health. Everything is potential and everything is possible…even a trip to Sonoma Valley. And so in that spirit and with an expectant smile on my face, I'd like to offer my… TOP TEN REASONS TO VISIT SONOMA VALLEY IN THE SPRING 1. Heart of the Valley Barrel Tasting2. Local restaurants will begin to change their menus adding Fresh Spring items3. Budbreak will be upon…
Mar 7, 2009
I admire those grapegrowers and winemakers who employ organic and biodynamic methods of grapegrowing with the goal of making better wines and being better stewards of the land. I admire them the same way I admire the bagger at the check out line who makes the extra effort to double bag my groceries if my purchases are hefty enough to cause an accident on the way back to my car under single-bagged conditions. And I admire them the way I…
Mar 6, 2009
John Winthrop Haeger reigns supreme in the world of North American Pinot Noir publishing. His latest from last year, "Pacific Pinot Noir: A Comprehensive Winery Guide for Consumers and Connoisseurs", along withhis earlier work, "North American Pinot Noir", have made him the very largest of fishes in a very small pond of authors investigating the world of Pinot Noir on the North American contitnent. I've always contented its easier on the soul and the ego to be a big fish…
Mar 3, 2009
Publicists are notorious Jacks-of-all-Trades. And I would say the same for myself. Though I think of myself primarily as a professional publicist working primarily in the wine industry, my work has taken me in a variety of directions. Being a blogger has complicated this broadening of views even further. On Thursday I'll be heading down to Pismo Beach to attend World of Pinot Noir, a festival in that town that focus entirely on Pinot Noir, the varietal's various incarnations, the…