Visiting German wine regions
If you are deciding which classic wine region to visit next, Germany is a great choice. The major wine regions in Germany …
The mint connection – Napa Valley and Australia
Many of you may be familiar with a distinct minty, camphor aroma in certain Napa or Australian red wines. Heitz’ Martha’s Vineyard in the Napa Valley …
The vineyard slopes
In the Napa Valley, consumers will often ask why the vineyards are on the valley floor vs. the hillsides. There are a …
Who influences what consumers buy?
Is it the sommelier, the “established critical media”, the hand-selling of fine wine retailers, or producers? I recall one of the earliest pieces …
Destination Southern Rhone
A nice base for us visiting the Southern Rhone was the Hotel Bellerive in Rasteau. It is “homey”, very quiet, with beautiful views …
A toast to wood
Ageing of wine in wood adds complexity to wine and is influenced by the type of wood used, its origin, how it …
The Rhone – North vs. South
The Northern and Southern Rhone share the moderating effects of the Rhone River, the Mistral and share a few grapes varieties. But in …
The legacy of pinot noir in Germany
When people think of Pinot Noir, they think of Burgundy or maybe Oregon or Russian River. Some think that pinot noir, aka Spatburgunder, …
Two things in life are certain…
Taxes being one of them. Upon visiting the Rheingau, one will notice all the magnificent castles on the hillsides along the river. These …
Avignon – entree to the Rhone
If you are not arriving from the North, a good way to start a visit of the Rhone Valley is starting from …