Winetasting is a fabulous pastime, but some moments just don’t lend themselves to visiting a winery. One good substitute that we enjoy? Tucking into a good book. Sometime, though, a bit of wine can play a role in the book, as it does in the new novel “Dragonvine.”
With 2021 finally in the rear view mirror, it is time to look forward to the wine trends of 2022.
With the west coast of the United States experiencing one of the worst wild fire seasons in history, is the 2021 wine grape harvest doomed to be tainted by smoke?
Tiktok, face masks, and sherry-finished whiskies – some things scream “the 2020’s”, and one of them doesn’t suck! Okay, so it isn’t strictly wine tasting, but who wouldn’t want to compare and contrast two lovely bottles of whisky from Laphroaig?
The French wine industry can not seem to catch a break. First came the global Covid shutdown, which initially tamped down demand. Now unseasonably cold weather is threatening to ruin an entire season of wine.
2020 has certainly turned out to be a year like no other! COVID-19 impacted every facet of daily life, including the production and the consumption of wine. Here are some of the highlights (and otherwise) of the year in wine.
Did you know that wine in Italy is produced in every region of the country, even in the “heel” of the famous boot, Apulia?
We love discovering and experiencing new wineries, but current events have made that very difficult. An annual trade show highlighting European wineries looking for a U.S. presence was presented virtually this time, but it was still fascinating.
The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every corner of our lives. The latest casualty: our beloved Champagne!
Long relegated to a role as a tertiary blending grape, the Cinsault grape is really coming into its own. Here is a bit of background on this fascinating varietal.
Ah, the joys of summer! Even with the difficult situation that is currently upon us, the warm weather makes everything a bit better. Have you ever wondered what is going on right now in the vineyards that are growing the grapes that will end up in your wine bottle?
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| Feb 10 |
Las Positas Vineyards in Livermore  Indoor Concert SeriesDoors open at 5:30pm, music starts at 6:00pm No cover charge! Wine by the bottle and by the glass Charcuterie plates, flatbreads, and dessert plates available for purchase February 10th: Happy Minute Band |
| Feb 11 |
Adelaida in Paso Robles Join us in celebrating 25 years of the Viking Vineyard at Adelaida Vineyards and Winery on Saturday, February 11th. Enjoy an evening of fine dining in an intimate setting, with dinner provided by Chef Paul Corsentino. A previous champion of Iron Chef America, Chef Corsentino blends California coastal ingredients with classic French techniques. Enjoy passed hors d'oeuvres and a four-course meal accompanied by current releases and library wines from the Viking Vineyard to celebrate 25 years of farming! This event will be held in our beautiful downstairs Barrel Room on February 11th at 5:00pm. This will be an intimate dinner with only 80 seats available. Click here for more info |
Cedar Mountain in Livermore through Feb 12 Valentine Port and Chocolate Pairing February 11 & 12 Noon - 3pm The Ports Viognier Port Reserve Chardonnay del Sol Cabernet Royale Late Bottled Vintage Tortuga Royale Paired with Ghirardelli, Godiva, and ?? Chocolates $15/person - $5/Club Member Call 925-373-6636 or email to cedarmtn@wt.net to make a reservation |
Russian River Vineyards in Russian River through Feb 12 Join us for a special Valentine's Day Wine & Food Pairing! The Kitchen at RRV has lovingly handcrafted four delectable dishes to pair perfectly with four featured wines. Each course is thoughtfully created to complement its fine wine component. This Valentine's Day Wine & Food Pairing Experience will be available as follows: February 11th: seatings at 12:00, 2:00, & 4:00 February 12th: seatings at 12:00 & 2:00 Wine Club Members: $70 per person (discount added at checkout) Non-Members: $85 per person Vegetarian Option Available! Space is limited and reservations are required. Click here for more info |
| Feb 12 |
Harvest Moon Winery in Russian River Sun, Feb 12, 12-4pm RandyZin Valentine's Event Live Harp + Piano, Special Flight + Pairing Celebrate love (and wine) with us on Sunday, February 12th. Enjoy a special event flight with newly released wines paired with savory baked bites, sonoma county cheeses, and organic chocolate from Rainy Day Chocolates. This romantic afternoon will be accompanied by live music with Harpist Liyanna Sadowsky and Pianist Jeremy Lipsin. Click here for more info |
| Mar 25 |
Dobra Zemlja Winery in Amador through Mar 26 Behind the Cellar Door Saturday, March 25th and 26th, 11am to 4:30pm For more than 25 years, Amador Vintners’ member wineries have invited guests Behind the Cellar Door for one of the most entertaining and educational wine events anywhere. Guests will be able to reserve experiences at 5 different wineries each day from over 40+ wineries in Amador in the beautiful Sierra Foothills. Enjoy tasting flights, behind the scene vineyard and winery tours, and an educational experience delivered by our winemakers and winery teams. Here at Dobra Zemlja Winery, (meaning 'good earth' in Croatian) join us as we give guests a peek ‘behind the cave door’ with an educational barrel and vertical tasting experience of our signature port-style wine, Kikas, mali 'little' bites that pair perfectly with a select flight of our ‘Big Amador Reds, No Lightweights’, and fantastic wine specials. Zivili! Tickets on sale now at https://amadorwine.com/bcd/. Ticket Pricing - Saturday and Sunday Passport: Pre-sale $79 / Regular $89 Sunday Only Passport: Pre-sale $54 / Regular $59 Saturday Only Passport: Pre-sale $54 / Regular $59 Designated Driver: $20 per day Purchase your tickets before midnight on February 13th for discounted pre-sale pricing! |