Vivac Winery: A High Elevation Refuge for Wine Lovers in the Heart of New Mexico
Credit: Vivac Winery For two brothers and their wives, Vivac Winery was more than just a business venture. It was a dream come true. Jesse and Chris Padberg, along with their spouses MIchele and Liliana, turned their passion for winemaking into a world-class enterprise that produces some of the most acclaimed wines in New Mexico. Inspired by the winemaking traditions of South America and Europe, Vivac Winery is located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. From humble beginnings in a small adobe house, to becoming certified sommeliers, and award winning winemakers, the family has made [...]
Coombsville Dreams: The Humble Beginnings of Sciandri Family Vineyards
Courtesy: Sciandri Family Vineyards Ron and Roberta Sciandri were born and raised in South San Francisco, but they always dreamed of a different life. In the late 1980s, they invested in a small motel in Napa Valley with some friends. As they renovated and managed the Wine Valley Lodge, they fell in love with the region, its beauty, and its wine culture. They decided to retire in Napa Valley and find their ideal home. […]
How RD Winery Blends Vietnamese Culture and Napa Valley
Credit: Bob McClenahan With a compelling blend of Vietnamese heritage and Napa Valley’s rich viticultural landscape, RD Winery under the astute leadership of CEO Mailynh Phan has transformed the winemaking landscape. From its humble beginnings in the Vietnamese market, the winery’s journey into the heart of Napa unveiled not just a new tasting room, but an innovative fusion of all-Asian cuisine pairing. By bridging the essence of Vietnamese tradition with Napa’s winemaking artistry, RD Winery has not only crafted a distinct brand voice but also fostered a sense of inclusivity and community within the often exclusive world of [...]
Donum: Gift of Land, Art & Wine
With one of the largest private outdoor sculpture displays in the world accessible through tours and special events, The Donum Estate is a mecca for artists and art lovers from all over the world. Some of the pieces are commissioned, while others are artist-driven, and each one brings a unique facet to this 200-acre property that was once a dairy farm.
Native Flora: Blowin’ in the Wind of Change in the Willamette Valley
Credit: Mick Hangland-Skill Raised in an Italian household about 25 miles outside of the iconic Napa Valley, Scott Flora’s love for wine coursed through his veins from the start. He has been a wine collector and consumer his entire adult life starting at the age of 18. When life led him up to the Willamette Valley, a transformation began to take root. It was the spark of inspiration that eventually led him down the path of establishing a vineyard and crafting wines of distinct character. The name “Native Flora” is derived from Scott’s last name, Flora. Having endured [...]
Campbell Cellars: From Weekend Tastings to Estate Ownership
Credit: Campbell Cellars Tim and Carol Campbell’s journey in the world of wine began during their school days at Berkeley, where weekends were often spent venturing in the Napa Valley for tastings. Amid these excursions, they nurtured a dream– a dream of one day owning their own piece of this vinous paradise. The Campbells yearned for a place they could divide their time between Southern California and a newfound haven up north in the Napa Valley. Yet this vision went beyond just a second home; it encompassed a space where their entire family could gather for cherished summers, [...]
Beyond Tokaji – Pushing the Boundaries of Hungarian Wines
Hungary’s 22 wine regions offer a variety of wines of remarkable value. Three of Credo’s latest imports push the boundaries of traditional winemaking.
Foothill Wine Festival Competition Announces Results
The Foothill Wine Festival team is pleased to announce the results of the 2023 competition sponsored by Choose Folsom. The competition was held in Folsom on September 9th and 10th. […]
Matt Parish – Wine Industry Mentor
Matt Parish has decades of wine business experience as a senior winemaker at Constellation, Treasury, and Naked Wines USA, but in my eyes, it is his kindness that makes him one of my favorite wine industry mentors. […]
Cab Franc Chronicles: Dracaena— from Humble Beginnings to Authentic Excellence
Credit: Dracaena Wines In the world of wine, passion often emerges from unexpected places. Lori and Michael Budd’s journey began humbly, as they met at work and enjoyed early dates strolling to the supermarket. There, they carefully selected wine, returning to Michael’s apartment where he, the food scientist, showcased his culinary skills. As their careers advanced, so did their wine exploration, transitioning from the bottom shelf to eye-level wines, revealing the depth of the wine world. Vacations soon revolved around wine regions, captivated by the diversity of wines and the stories within each glass. […]
From Vineyard to Victory: the Inspiring Epic of Peltier Winery in Lodi
Credit: Peltier Winery Rodney Schatz’s upbringing in a family of Lodi growers instilled in him a deep love for the land, a strong work ethic, and an appreciation for the rural lifestyle. Food and wine played integral roles in their family celebrations, and Rodney honed his kitchen skills from a young age. His early experiences ignited a passion for farming and a visionary outlook. […]
Fiddletown’s Treasures Unveiled: Crafting Excellence at PleinAir Vineyards in Amador County
For Tom and Sarah Malone, their appreciation for wine shared among friends evolved into an unexpected adventure when their son Dan's career in the wine industry took an intriguing turn. Amidst the picturesque landscapes of Amador County, the Malones found themselves on the brink of a new journey, envisioning a commercial winery that blended family ties with their deep passion for viticulture.
Rooted Dreams: the Hope Family’s Paso Robles Legacy
The tale of the Hope family's legacy begins at the heart of Paso Robles, where the roots of their story find nourishment. Chuck and Marlyn Hope, driven by a profound vision, planted the seeds of vineyards and apple orchards, laying the groundwork for generations to come. Chuck, originally from the San Joaquin Valley, intertwined his fate with Marlyn's family.
Distinctive Hillside Wines: the Evolution of Crystal Springs AVA of Napa Valley
For Steven Burgess, his origin story reads like a compelling novel, beginning with childhood memories of presenting family wines in the heart of Napa Valley and evolving into a deep understanding of the industry’s marketing. A degree in Agriculture Engineering Technology, along with experience selling wine exposed him to a crowded wine landscape.
Paix Sur Terre: Fear and Loathing in Winemaking– A Cosmic Mourvedre Adventure
The transition from a finance background to winemaking casts an intriguing light on Ryan Pease’s journey. His foray into owning a winery was no mere passion project; it was a calculated move, underpinned by financial and business acumen. Recognizing the inherent value of the product, coupled with the upward trajectory of the Paso Robles wine region and insights garnered from Paso Robles finest wine industry talents, Ryan embarked on an unconventional path.
Romance and Resilience on Howell Mountain: The Story of Red Thread Wines
Once upon a vibrant Friday night in the lively Mission District of San Francisco, fate wove an intricate tapestry, bringing together two souls destined for an extraordinary journey. Brian Brakesman, still exhilarated from the Cow Palace rodeo, found himself at Slims, while Gretchen, celebrating her co-ed softball team's triumph, was enjoying the same bar with her friends.
Neighbors to Winemakers: Opolo Vineyards and the Pursuit of Excellence in Paso Robles
They recognized an opportunity in Paso Robles–an emerging wine region with immense potential at the time. Undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead, they independently planted their own vineyards, taking a leap of faith into the world of winemaking, but it was their collective vision that would ultimately unite their paths and give rise to Opolo.
Lava Cap Winery: A High Elevation Bordeaux Style Paradise in the Sierra Foothills
El Dorado County in the Sierra Foothills is home to Lava Cap Winery, a hidden gem that combines nature’s beauty with exceptional winemaking. Founded in the 1980’s by UC Berkeley professor David Jones and his wife Jeanne, along with their son Charlie, Lava Cap has flourished under their dedicated stewardship.
Digital MacGyverism: Wine Influencers Solving Problems and Wearing Many Hats
Listen up, restless souls navigating the world of wine and digital mischief. Fear not, for the wine marketing game is alive and thriving. It is fueled by innovation and carried forth by the winds of change. The wine influencer scene is not fading into oblivion; it is transforming, driven by digital progress and shifting consumer behavior.
Savoring the Legacy: Husch Vineyards and the Authentic Charm of Anderson Valley
Courtesy: Husch Vineyards Step into the rich history and rustic charm of Husch Vineyards, the oldest winery nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Anderson Valley. With roots dating back to 1971, Husch stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of winemaking excellence. But the story doesn’t end there. […]