Morgen McLaughlin, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Vintner’s Association, has what I consider to be one of the best jobs in the world, as well as one of the hardest. She is essentially an ambassador for the county’s five AVAs and the numerous, mostly small-production, family-owned wineries that strive for state, national, and international …
I’ve been seriously studying wine for a couple of years now, and have committed to at least two more years of study for the WSET Diploma course. I’m really excited about delving further into the wonderful world of wine. During my past studies – WSET Intermediate and Advanced programs – I tasted a couple hundred …
I usually write about wines that are on my budget – no more than $25, and most often considerably less. But there are some wines that will never be had for less than $50+ but which are considered by most experts to be worth every penny. For me, these are special occasion wines. Italy’s Brunello di …
Governor Jerry Brown of California has issued a drought proclamation for the State of California. Rainfall for 2013 was the least amount in the state’s 163-year history. If the state does not get a huge dose of rain and snow in the next couple months, the outlook is not good for growing grapes, or any …
I’ve been absent from my blog for several weeks now. It’s been murder … and I mean that literally. After postponing my call to jury duty earlier last year, I chose the week before Thanksgiving to report in, thinking no judge would hold a trial during the holiday season. At worst, I’d do my one …
In November, I spent a glorious week in Paso Robles, California, an area that Wine Enthusiast Magazine named the 2013 Wine Region of the Year.* (“Duh!” said one of my friends who owns a small vineyard up there.) I visited several vineyards and tasting rooms, doing private tastings and barrel samples, and I ended the …
It seems everyone is in a panic this week in response to Morgan Stanley Research’s report that a global shortage of wine was coming. “Data suggests there may be insufficient supply to meet demand in coming years, as current vintages are released,” says the report, according to various news sources. With the bleak outlook for …
. Malibu, California, is a beautiful seaside community that evokes images of expansive beaches, Gidget and Moondoggie, and fabulously wealthy celebrities – not necessarily vineyards. So, you might be surprised to learn that there are approximately 50 unique vineyard areas in the city of Malibu. And, Malibu Coastal AVA will soon be named a designated …
One of the most important aspects of tasting wine, for me, is what is called “mouth feel.” This is the wine geek term that means “body,” the sensation of richness and weight that the wine presents in your mouth. I think of it as “luxuriousness.” When I sip, I let the wine roll over my …
A bottle of wine is my go-to gift when I want to say “Happy Birthday,” “I love/miss you,” or “Thank you for hosting us.” But shipping that gift across state lines can be a source of frustration. I cannot, for instance, send wine from a California retailer to my sister in New Jersey, as I …