A Return to International Travel
Two years ago, we had a family trip to Italy that was shut down by the pandemic. If you’ve followed along during the last few years, you’ll remember our family was pretty locked down when it came to following the rules. It was the right decision for us and I’m […]
A Story About the Five Aspirations at Clif Family Wines
Every decision at Clif Family Winery must answer a question of betterment of planet, people, and the community. Whether it’s a big decision, something smaller, or anything that impacts the 45 people that work for the winery, there are five aspirations that guide the company. […]
Crab and Chardonnay = Utopia
Crab and Chardonnay = Utopia From blending sessions to vertical tastings to blind tastings, I’ve been blown away at the creativity of wineries since the pandemic began. Just when I thought I had seen almost everything, I was invited by Raeburn Winery to celebrate the kickoff of Dungeness Crab season. […]
Zinfandel Wines to Match Summer BBQ
As the days roll by, often it seems an exercise in same day, different bottle, as we enter our fifth month of pandemic living. What hasn’t changed is our need for community and coming together over great wine and good food. What has changed is the innovation that wineries are showing to bring […]
From Prohibition to Pandemic: The Mondavi Family’s History of Reinvention
From Prohibition to Pandemic: Mondavi Family’s History of Reinvention Mondavi Sisters: Alycia, Giovanna, Angelina and Riana, Photo Courtesy of the Mondavi Sisters Sitting down with Angelina and Alycia Mondavi from Aloft Wines and Dark Matter Wines, it is clear they understand that in times of a crisis there is opportunity and a time for reinvention. […]
A Day in Napa Valley: Three Very Diverse Wine Experiences Showcasing the Region
The Dallas Gang in Napa My birthday trip journey continued with a day in Napa Valley visiting three iconic vineyards that showcased very diverse approaches to winemaking and hospitality – Charles Krug Winery, B Cellars Vineyards and Winery, and Crocker & Starr. Napa Valley is known as one of the most renowned wine growing regions in […]
A Deep Dive into the Wines of Alentejo: Diving into the Uncharted
In its own marketing brochure, Wines of Alentejo describes the region and the wines as having “a long and turbulent history which alternated between periods of calm and storm, vigor and decline; where extensive periods of uncertainty were followed by cycles of enlightenment and vanguardism.” That’s the context in which I began our All About […]
Luxury Veterans Take Retail Experience to Wine Country Forming B Cellars: A Conversation with Co-Founder Duffy Keys
Duffy Keys, B Cellars, me and Kent Rathbun, Chef Duffy Keys, Co-Founder of B Cellars Vineyards and Winery, recently came through town for a wine dinner hosted by Tracy and Kent Rathbun from Shinsei, and I had the chance to hear a story that has remained the industry’s best kept secret of luxury brands, reinvention […]