I am sure that during my commutes around the city of Napa, I have passed the Ackerman Heritage House at 608 Randolph Street before, the hospitality and tasting home of Ackerman Family Vineyards. However, on this rainy February day, nothing was more inviting as my co-workers and I entered by way of a back door. […]
Tag: Napa
Robert Biale Vineyards
Not long ago, I had lunch with Maggie Pramuk Mazotti, daughter of the co-founder of Robert Biale Vineyards. Being a recent transplant to Napa, I had heard of Biale, but really did not know their story. After our lunch, I returned to work and suggested we schedule a staff tasting there. *CLICK HERE TO READ*
Lightning Wines
Three years ago, I reviewed the movie American Wine Story, a documentary that follows the story of Oregon’s Brooks family (Brooks Wines) as well as others in the United States who have decided to leave their secure careers to follow their passion for winemaking. Such is the story of former Texas natives and owners, Randy […]
Hendry Ranch Wines
By far, Hendry was the most comprehensive tour and tasting I have ever experienced. Those who are new to the Napa Valley, grape growing, winemaking, how to taste wine, and wine and food pairing would benefit greatly from a morning spent with second-generation vintner and winemaker, George O. Hendry. *CLICK HERE TO READ*
Webster Cellars Reserve: My Wine of the Moment
Recently, I had the great honor of tasting a glass of this fantastic 2013 Webster Cellars Reserve Proprietary Red Blend with owners and winemakers Chelli Warnock and Keith Webster. The blend varies from year to year. Sometimes it’s a Bordeaux-style Left Bank blend and sometimes it’s a Right Bank blend. This vintage, it is a […]
William Harrison Vineyards and Winery
During my second visit to the Napa Valley in August 2009, I visited William Harrison Vineyards and Winery. My memories of that visit are of the bear in the tasting room, the friendliness of the staff, and their Rutherford Red blend. I am happy to share that very little has changed in seven years. *CLICK […]
Crocker & Starr
As I turned off California Highway 29 and onto Dowdell Lane, I did not know quite what to expect, as the first part of the drive is mostly industrial parks with wine storage warehouses and the like. However, just past that, it was as if I entered a completely different place…
The Real Napa Valley
Many wineries in the Napa Valley craft stunning examples of cabernet sauvignon because the grape flourishes in our Mediterranean microclimates and varied soil types. However, the Napa Valley is more than corporations and cabernet sauvignon. In my most recent contribution to Snooth, I debunk this myth and share with you why common Napa Valley stereotypes are […]
Pride Mountain Vineyards
After traveling in a tour bus along curvy Spring Mountain Road, which changes to Saint Helena Road at the Napa and Sonoma County line and leads to the far-removed estate, I knew I had discovered a remarkable location for grape growing and winemaking. *CLICK HERE TO READ*
What’s in My Glass: Random Napa Sips
Interestingly enough, I rarely review Napa wines. Occasionally, I receive Napa wines from friends to enjoy, but I don’t receive Napa wines specifically as media samples. I am not sure if that’s because I live here and work in the wine business? The winery for which I work now encourages comparative tastings and even hosts […]
