Wine Blog

Château Ducasse: Your weekend white
Here’s a tasty white wine from Bordeaux, France, courtesy of one of my favorite wine importers and merchants, Kermit Lynch (I’ve already talked up this guy and his vino a few times, so I hope you’re all getting the message). Château Ducasse is

Wine Talk: The premiers crus of Israel
Castel produces about 100,000 bottles a year, spread among three wines: the Grand Vin; Petit Castel; and ‘C’ Blanc du Castel, a white wine made from Chardonnay. Yatir Forest 2008, southern Judean Hills Yatir Forest is the premier label of Yatir Winery

Compass American Guides: California Wine Country, 5th Edition (Compass American Guides)
Fodor’s. For Choice Travel Experiences.

The guide that has it all–spectacular photography, evocative prose, insider tips, and detailed color maps to help you make the most of your trip. Written by longtime local residents, Compass American Guides California Wine Country, 5th Edition provides in-depth coverage of the history, culture and character of one of America’s most spectacular destinations! Follow your Compass to “get” there.

•Discover the state’s top wine regions: renowned Napa, welcoming Sonoma, and the up-and-coming Central Coast. Sip your way through the tasting rooms both on and off the beaten path. Star ratings highlight our favorite spots.

•Day-long driving itineraries steer you through the best of each region. A wine-tasting how-to helps you sip like a pro, and timing tips reveal the best strategies for visiting the wineries.

•Follow our lead for indulging. Splurge on a memorable meal—or choose from our recommended picnic spots. Find an intimate inn or a luxe resort. Browse through tempting shops in Healdsburg or slip into one of Sonoma’s decadent spas.

Visit Fodors.com for more ideas and information, travel deals, vacation planning tips, reviews and to exchange travel advice with other travelers.

What the critics say about Compass American Guides:
“Lushly illustrated and intelligently written.” —National Geographic Traveler

“The most literate and elegant series of guides ever written about North America.” —Jan Morris

Customer Review: A Wine Country Must
We just spent a week in Napa Valley and this book did not leave our car the entire trip. This book covers the major areas of Napa (St. Helena, Calistoga, etc), Sonoma, other popular wine regions in Cali, though a majority is dedicated to Napa. It essentially includes the highlights and must sees as well as some “off-the-beaten-path” wineries. It’s also evident the writer visited each and every winery mentioned there is a spot on description (full paragraph) of the wineries which includes details about the atmosphere, a brief history, what to expect at tastings, etc. It’s also loaded tips and suggestions for wine country – biking trails, scenic drives, tasting room etiquette, etc.

This is definately recommended for first timers.

What wines won’t trigger migraines? – Globe and Mail

Globe and Mail

What wines won't trigger migraines? Globe and Mail If you want a general guide, I believe it's safe to say that red wine tends to contain more amines than white. Several reasons may account for this, notably the fact that white wine, lacking the higher protective tannin content of most reds, … and more »

Drinking Georgian Wine in a Soviet Bomb Shelter – Georgiandaily

Drinking Georgian Wine in a Soviet Bomb Shelter Georgiandaily The wine ferments in the open. Once fermentation stops, the clay pot is plugged and covered with dirt. It stays there, skins and all (even for white wines), until the winemaker deems it ready to bottle. The two wines came from the same exact grapes, … and more »

Hospitality Manager’s Guide to Wines, Beers, and Spirits (2nd Edition)
This introduction to the history, science and varieties of alcoholic beverages is essential for today’s hospitality manager. Written as a practical guide, this book helps managers understand wines, beers and spirits—from the history of alcohol to the marketing and selling of it. The user-friendly approach teaches wine by the grape, beers by the type of yeast used in fermentation, and spirits by breaking them into two categories (aged or non-aged and fruit or grain-based). This edition includes a new forward by Ken Rubin, a logical reorganization of early chapters, and material devoted to the management and marketing of beverage operations.

Customer Review: Great History and Easy to Understand
This book by Albert W.A. Schmid is full of interesting, historical details regarding the history of wines, beers and spirits. His Louisville roots are evident when one reads his sections on Kentucky Bourbon. Bourbon drinkers will drool! Wines are segmented “by the grape” which makes understanding the large variety of wineries and varietals very easy and simple. This book gives an excellent overview of wines, beers and spirits — from the way they are produced to the myriad of ways they can be paired with your favorite foods!

SUPERMARKET SOMMELIER: A look at some new releases in the wine world
I had the privilege to taste a pre-release bottle this past August and have to rate it A+! Crimson and Clover upholds Concannon describes the wine, “as having the aroma of currants, cloves and vanilla, the fruit flavors of black berry

Eating Italian: Artichoke Hearts and Pancetta cooked with white wine
With joblessness and homelessness at such high rates hunger is up as well Cook as directed and a buttery wine flavor appetizer to serve on crackers is made. In a skillet warm olive oil on low heat, add wine and cook off alcohol for about 3 minutes

The Food Lover’s Companion to the Napa Valley: Where to Eat, Cook, and Shop in the Wine Country Plus 50 Irresistible Recipes
This is the first of its kind: an insider’s food guide to that gourmand’s paradise, the Napa Valley. Author and longtime resident Lori Lyn Narlock goes behind the scenes to discover where chefs shop, the best places to take a cooking class, or where to get a grapeseed oil massage. With complete details on the where, when, how, and how much, plus dozens of artful black-and-white photographs, this indispensible guide for food lovers even includes 50 recipes honoring the region’s local specialties. It’s a mouthwatering roster of the best that Napa has to offer.

Customer Review: Don’t go to Napa without this book!
Have been to Napa many times – but was unaware of the many gems this book uncovers – an incredible and fun resource for the food and wine lover! I will be seeking out these finds in the future! Highly recommended.

Customer Review: Great overview of Napa
This book covers all the areas I was interested in learning about before our trip to Napa Valley. The reviews seem unbiased and thoughtful. We had visited Napa 18 years ago and while we already had a few ideas, reservations, etc., this guide gave us even more places to consider. I’ve “earmarked” so many pages and even took this guide with us. It also includes maps, addresses and phone numbers and/or websites. Some good recipes are in the back. A good companion guide.