New wines for the new year

If like many people, you are one who enjoys a single brand or varietal of wine, you are denying yourself the joys of what the wine world has to offer. Monogamy is great for relationships but there are too many great wines on the market to stay true t (read full article)

Wine ratings uncorked

Many wine shops use “shelf talkers”, a tag with a numerical rating, given by a prominent wine publication. Wineries use these numbers regularly in their advertising. This number is often accompanied with colorful tasting notes telling you what yo (read full article)

shelf talkers, wine exploration, Wine Ratings, Wine Tasting

Livermore Valley, part two

The climate and geography of the Livermore Valley is ideal for growing wine grapes. The valley lies in an east to west direction, exposing it to coastal fog and cool breezes blowing in from the Pacific Ocean. Warm days and cool nights allow grapes to (read full article)

Crooked Vine, Livermore Valley wine, Stoney Ridge, Wente Vinyards, wine exploration

Zinfandel, California’s grape

The first zinfandel vineyards were planted in California in the mid 1800s during the time of the gold rush. Brought by eastern European immigrants wanting to make sure they would have wine to drink, it is one of the oldest wine grape varieties in the (read full article)

Great Wines, wine exploration, Wine Tasting, zin, Zinfandel

Trader Joe’s gems

Trader Joe’s wine isle can make the wine lover feel a bit like a treasure hunter. Most of the wines sold are well priced adding to the excitement of finding wines that stand out from the rest. Two wines that fit this description are profiled below (read full article)

Great Wines, Wine Ratings, Wine Tasting