Burger Wines

   It's summer and you're probably grilling hamburgers. Some people might go for a beer with the burger, but I'll suggest you have a beer while grilling, then switch to a red wine for dinner. Since we're having an inexpensive dinner, let's not go with any $50 wines.

Kids in Wineries

  Visiting wineries is for sampling alcohol. Quite a few people think of it as a family adventure. While there's nothing inherently wrong with kids in wineries, it can create problems.

State Laws on Buying Alcohol

In the U.S. we had Prohibition. At the end of that failed experiment, the states were given control over alcohol. That led to some really diverse laws. About the only thing that's consistent is that you must be 21 to purchase alcohol, and you can't drink and drive. Even those rules weren't always the same in all states.

There are state-by-state exceptions to consumption with the 21 age for purchase, usually it's for religious reasons, medical reasons, or if you are in a class where part of the curriculum is tasting alcohol, such as an oenology or brewing class. In Alaska parents can give their kids a drink.

Napa Wineries to Visit

There are plenty of articles telling you what wineries to visit because somehow their list is what's best for you. Okay, I admit that I've made suggestions, too. Anyway, this one from the Wine Enthusiast is actually pretty good.

Best Napa Wineries to Visit, from the Wine Enthusiast

The Key to Homogenous Wine

Yep, it's Mega Purple. YouTube Video from Keenan Winery of Napa Valley and their take on this fakery in winemaking.

 

 

AI in the Vineyard

AI is the current tech buzzword. Either you see endless possibilities or you see Skynet from the Terminator movies. It's coming to the farm field and vineyard soon. 

Napa Wineries Where Reservations Aren't Required

Since the Pandemic, almost all wineries went to a reservation system for crowd control. Most have kept that system. In Napa Valley, many wineries required a reservation before, and almost everybody does now, but there are a few exceptions. Those allowing walk-ins will always be based on availability. Note that larger groups will need to make a reservation. Check the winery's website when in doubt.

There's More to Dry Creek Valley than Zinfandel

Wine nerds (okay, aficionados)  think of Zinfandel when they hear Dry Creek Valley. And DCV is Zinfandel central, for sure. However, it's about more than Zin, a lot more. 

Saving Some Bucks on Your Trip to Napa

  Maybe you've heard, Napa Valley has gotten expensive, really expensive if you aren't careful with your bookings. It is the most expensive wine region in the country to visit. Here are some ideas on how to keep things in check for those of us that aren't part of the one percent. This piece inspired by a Northbay Business Journal article on Napa's "approachable luxury." Yeah, I love that term, too.

CA, WA & OR Grape Production

 An overview of what's grown in the Western States, where about 92% of America's wines come from.

How Do You Shop For a Bottle of Wine?

  The way you buy wine has probably changed over the years. At one time, you likely relied on the opinions of knowledgeable friends or a sales person at a wine shop. Now it's more likely to be "internet people."

High-End Sauvignon Blanc

Most people look on Sauv Blanc as a relatively inexpensive alternative to Chardonnay. It has a different flavor profile, for sure, being bright/acidic, grassy, grapefruit. New Zealand is famous for their $10 Sauvignon Blanc, California for their $20+/- SB.

Did you know there are luxury Sauvignon Blancs out there that cost over $100?