Skinner Vineyards Stays True to Gold Rush Heritage

It was never Los Angeles real estate agent Carey Skinner’s dream to open a winery, but circumstances, family, and “divine guidance” have made that happen. After discovering that the family was related to one James Skinner, a Scottish immigrant who landed in California during the Gold Rush and quickly established a ranch, mercantile store, and …

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Provence Wines Are “In the Pink”

For me, nothing says “Spring” quite like rosé wine. It’s light, refreshing, youthful, and full of fresh fruit flavors. Last week, when I walked into the rooftop terrace of L’Hermitage Hotel in Los Angeles and saw table after table of pink bottles in all shades, shapes and sizes, I just felt like Spring had truly sprung. …

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Shining a Spotlight on Santa Barbara Wines

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 …

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Late Harvest Wine: How Sweet It Is!

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 …

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Brunello di Montalcino: Reflecting Place, Philosophy, Vintage

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 …

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Is Dry Farming the Answer During This Drought?

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 …

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Hung Juries, New Friends, and a Rare Spanish White

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 …

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Sensuality in a Bottle

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 …

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Wine Shortage? Let’s Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

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 …

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Harvesting and Loving Life in Malibu

. 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 …

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