Post-Symposium for Professional Wine Writers, all I wanted to do was eat tacos and drink cocktails. And guzzle beer. But I am very glad I took a trip up to the top of Napa Valley’s Spring Mountain to visit Smith-Madrone. A few months prior, I’d had the wines–a Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Riesling–sent to me and [More]
Was I ever excited for an encore visit to Golden Paramount Seafood for dim sum in Richmond, British Columbia. I was on a Chinese food adventure with other eager eaters from the world of writing courtesy of Tourism Richmond. It is no exaggeration to say: We. Ate. So. Much. For the love of noodles*, we had three (!) [More]
Sometimes after all that Napa Cabernet, you crave refreshment. And not just beer. Enter the 2012 Grassi Ribolla Gialla. To call this Italian white wine grape obscure (and especially in Napa) would be an understatement. But a few producers are waving the flag for RG either in blends or all on its own. The Grassi [More]
In the spirit of bringing you Wine Without Worry, over on msn.com I have answered all the questions rolling around in your head you might be reticent to voice in mixed company. Speak up, I implore you! The queries below originate from enthusiastic, curious wine drinkers looking to learn the basics and beyond. And please [More]
I’ve been in Napa for the past week attending the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers which was held at the lovely Meadowood Resort. Now I’m on my own, staying at the much less posh but very convenient El Bonita in St. Helena. It’s easy to walk to the heart of the town for eating and [More]
This morning I heard Poet Billy Collins give the Creative Keynote at The Symposium for Professional Wine Writers at Meadowood Napa Valley. Many things he had to say about wine and writing resonated deeply with me, but none more than this: “Obvious joys of wine get buried in the analysis.” So on that note, it [More]
I traveled all the way to a ramen place in Richmond, British Columbia, to find—from Chile—one of the best cheap white wines I’ve ever had: the 2013 Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier. This is a grape that can produce very expensive, sublime wines in France from the tiny region of Condrieu. Viognier can also produce very oily, [More]
What a thrill to be on assignment for Dabble Magazine in San Diego. I can’t believe I had never been before! And when it came time to leave I was ready to stay…FOREVER. And, yes, what they say about the weather is true. It was also a wonderful trip because of my new pal, Photographer Angela Auclair. [More]
