There are only a few people in the U.S. wine industry for whom, if you mentioned their first name, everyone would know exactly who you were speaking of.  Zelma Long’s lifetime achievements would overwhelm anyone, but for Zelma, its just been a matter of intense curiosity, high standards and focus.  I caught up with her earlier this week to chat over scones at Jimtown Cafe in Alexander Valley.
Zelma was one of the first women to receive a Masters Degree from UC Davis and went on to become head winemaker at Robert Mondavi and Simi Winery during the 1970′s …

Israel’s emergence on the international stage began in the 1980′s in large part due to the early efforts of Golan Heights Winery in developing the vineyards of the Galilee region and by importing modern winemaking techniques and talent from the New World.  Golan Heights Winery continues to be one of Israel’s largest and most technologically advanced wineries, with its Yarden label widely regarded for quality in international markets.  In 2008,  the 2004 vintage Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon became the first Israeli wine to make Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list. 
Precision viticulture and winemaking at Golan Heights Winery comes from imported talent, with …

At first glance, Israel may not seem to play an important role in today’s modern wine industry.  The country is about the size of the state of New Jersey with only about 10,000 acres of vineyards and 30 commercial wineries in the entire country.   But where Israel has played a leading role with global consequences, and the reason why it will continue to be a serious producer of quality wines, is in the area of technology.  Israel has the distinction of developing the modern form of drip irrigation in the 1960′s that is used in agriculture …