The Other Valley for Cabernet

Napa Valley is synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon. There are folks out there who believe Napa is the only place for Cab. There's another valley, and it's not too far from Napa.

Spring 2026 Events in Sonoma County

The big happenings from March through May in Sonoma County, some are wine-related, some aren't.

Before American Wines Were Labeled With Grape Names

  American wine wasn't always named for its varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, etc.).

Cost of Goods Sold for Wine

What determines the price of a bottle of wine? There's definitely supply and demand, for certain wines and for certain grapes from certain places. What we'll cover here are the basics or labor, material, and overhead.

Winter In Sonoma County (pics)

In case it's dreary at home, and you want a break, here's what you might find in Sonoma County in the winter months. All are my photos from past years.

Wine Industry Report for 2026

The Silicon Valley Bank's Wine Division puts out an annual report on the financial state of the American wine industry. The data comes from wineries returning a survey of their past year's performance. Their State of the US Wine Industry report is required reading for many in the wine business. Below are a few key points. Go here and click on Download Now to see the full report.

Wine Faults

Something ain't quite right with your wine, but you aren't sure what it might be or if it's just you. Following are the most common problems you can find with wine. Some of them happened at the winery, the others in storage, in transit, or in your hands.

Describing Sonoma County Towns

If you are wondering where to stay when visiting Sonoma County, rather than asking people on Reddit or looking at a map, use this handy description guide to pick what fits your personality.

Towns listed from large to small. 

Visiting Sonoma County in the Winter

Is an off-season visit right for you? Here are pros and cons of a winter visit. The same applies for Napa, our next door neighbor.

Other California Wine Towns

Lots of people know about the wine towns of Napa Valley (Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga), and next door in Sonoma County (Sonoma, and Healdsburg). These burgs tend to be cutesy and pricey. California has other wine towns that aren't so well known, maybe not so cute, and probably not so expensive. 

It's Supposed to be Wine TASTING

Napa Valley and its small towns sometimes have issues with people overdoing it. Luckily, it seems most folks are aware of the potential to overindulge and hire a driver, have a designated-driver, or keep their winery stops to two per day.

Top Wine Stories of 2025

Welcome to 2026. We made it! Following are some of last year's big stories relating to the U.S. alcohol industry.