World Malbec Day and a grocery store Malbec
A few days ago, I realized that World Malbec Day was upon us. I, of course, had just placed an order for wine to be shipped to me and had NOT included a Malbec. In desperation, while power shopping in...
French Bordeaux red grape variety
Tasting blind – globetrotting at home
We gathered a bakers dozen of folks for a blind tasting of 3 white wines and 3 reds. There were aroma jars and tasting sheets and lots of glasses! After the reveal for each, we had small bites to pair...
Are you baking blueberry pie? Nope, that’s my Malbec.
We’ve been talking about the wines we tasted with Leah Jørgensen at the Uncommon Wine Festival back in July at Vista Hills Vineyard. And we have come to the end of our tasting. The 2015 Malbec is deep and rich...
Cahors – Malbec from along the winding river Lot
We’ve all heard of Malbec. First thought that popped in your head? Big bold Argentinian Malbec. Right? This month with the French Winophiles we are exploring Cahors, France the original home of Malbec. History of Cahors This region sits in...
“Take a trip up Happy Canyon”
Westerly VineyardPhoto Courtesy of SB Vintners “Take a trip up Happy Canyon” Yep, that’s how Happy Canyon got it’s name. It was the place to sneak off to find a simple alcoholic beverage during Prohibition to “get Happy”, and the...
The varied and amazing wines and wineries of Santa Barbara County
It’s no secret, I’m in love with the Santa Barbara County Wine Region. It is laid back with an incredible range of variety. “Sideways” got it right. This is the best up and coming wine area in our country. Up...
Frangipani, a piece of paradise on the De Portola Trail
Frangipani…for me I immediately think of the musical “South Pacific”. Frangipani is the word they use for plumeria the island flower that I grew up making leis with in Hawaii. So…I envisioned a tropical paradise. I thought, this winery must...
Monte de Oro – “Vines, Wine, People”
This Temecula Valley winery is impressive as you drive up toward the end of Rancho California Road. The building sits on a rise and is expansive and inviting. In the early mornings there are typically balloons taking off from here...
Foot Path Winery & farm
Foot Path is not your typical winery. It’s off the beaten path on Glen Oaks Road. The property and drive are marked by a banner. Footpath Tasting This isn’t a shiny tasting room that you are driving into, it is...
Part of the Family at Doffo
I love to research wine country. Before a trip my planning stages can take more time than the trip itself. I’m a bit obsessive about this. Now don’t think that I’m also a control freak. I tend to also build...
