The Saucelito Way: Heritage and Grit in the Heart of the SLO Coast
Vineyard estate. Credit: Blake Andrews Saucelito Canyon’s story is vividly captured in Sean Weir’s The Mad Crush, which chronicles the gritty 1995 harvest that brought broader attention to this hidden gem deep in the Arroyo Grande Valley. […]
Beneath the Contra Costa Skies: Viano Vineyards’ Journey Through the Seasons
Credit: Viano Vineyards In 1920, the winds of fortune carried the Viano family from the rugged shores of Alaska to the vibrant heart of California, but not without hardship. After Conrad Viano contracted rheumatic fever, the family sought refuge in Martinez, where the air was drier and the promise of renewal awaited. As they settled into this new land, the undulating terrain stirred memories of the lush vineyards they had left behind in Italy, a bittersweet reminder of home. […]
A Vision Sparkles: The Enduring Legacy of Argyle Winery in Dundee in the Heart of Willamette Valley
Credit: Argyle Winery In the late 1970s, Rollin Soles, discovered the untapped potential of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Entranced by its cool-climate terroir, ideal for crafting exceptional sparkling wines, Soles founded Argyle Winery in 1987. […]
Where Every Sip Feels Like Home: The Oregon Wine Story of Dobbes Family Winery in Downtown Dundee
Credit: Dobbes Family Winery In the lush heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley, a passion for wine and pioneering spirit converged, giving rise to Dobbes Family Winery. Founder Joe Dobbes' journey began with an unlikely detour through medicine, but his true calling lay in the vineyards of Germany and France, where he honed his craft and fell deeply in love with the art of winemaking. The rolling hills, rustic charm, and promise of Oregon's burgeoning wine industry drew Dobbes back to his home state, where he worked alongside esteemed producers like Elk Cove Vineyards and Willamette Valley Vineyards, absorbing [...]
Don Melchor – ‘One story, one terroir, one wine’
As Viña Don Melchor celebrates the release of its 2021 vintage – its 35th – I had the opportunity to meet, taste with, and interview Enrique Tirado, the technical director (director of winemaking) and CEO of this iconic, singular wine for the past 27 years – at Napa’s Compline restaurant in January 2024. […]
Merlot: It’s (expletive) fine!
"Merlot: It's (expletive) fine,” exclaimed Jonathan Cristaldi, the moderator for “Merlot Renaissance: Celebrating Two Decades Beyond Sideways,” at the annual Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento January 23-25.