O'Brien Estate is a hidden gem of the Napa Valley. I have had a few of the O'Brien wines in the past, but had never visited, so I was surprised to discover that it was located off the beaten path in a residential neighborhood of the Oak Knoll District AVA of the Napa Valley. The property was...
When a few of my colleagues planned a visit to Hendry Ranch, I jumped at the opportunity. In February 2015 at ZAP's (Zinfandel Advocates & Producers) Zinfandel festival, I tasted one of Hendry's Zinfandels and wanted to learn more about the winery. A year and a half later, in August 2016, I...
Not long ago, I had lunch with Maggie Pramuk Mazotti, daughter of the co-founder of Robert Biale Vineyards. Being a recent transplant to Napa, I had heard of Biale, but really did not know their story. After our lunch, I returned to work and suggested we schedule a staff tasting there. On the...
Materra, translated as Mother Earth in Latin, is the lifelong dream of the Cunat family, the reward of many years of entrepreneurship. The Cunats, an American-Asian blended family, brought with them to the Napa Valley their love of farming, fine cuisine, wine, and art to found their family...
When my friend asked me if I would like to visit Opus One, I was a little hesitant. I was afraid it might be too fancy for me, as it has quite a formidable reputation, in Napa Valley and around the world. However, I thought twice about it and decided to say yes; it was the right decision. Opus...
My first visit to Domaine Carneros was Labor Day Weekend 2012 during a visit to Napa. I joined a friend there for a tasting on the patio and was mesmerized by the experience. In the back of my head, I had an idea. If I were to ever move to Napa, this would be the first wine club I would join. As...
I am sure that during my commutes around the city of Napa, I have passed the Ackerman Heritage House at 608 Randolph Street before. However, on this rainy February day, nothing was more inviting as my co-workers and I entered by way of a back door, thanks to Kristie, our host and brand marketing...
Founded in 2006 by vintners Robin and Michelle Baggett, Alpha Omega Winery is a relatively new winery in Napa Valley. Robin's and Michelle's backgrounds include grape growing and hospitality development. Robin founded Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obipso in 1998, and Michelle brought with her...
During my second visit to the Napa Valley in August 2009, I visited William Harrison Winery. My memories of that visit are of the bear in the tasting room, the friendliness of the staff, and their Rutherford Red blend. I am happy to share that very little has changed in seven years. With a name...
In 1978, thirty-seven years ago, Jerry and Flora Komes discovered an old ghost winery property just south of Saint Helena and founded what would become Flora Springs. Under the leadership of Jerry and Flora's children, John and Carrie Komes and Julie and Pat Garvey, Flora Springs has grown into...
A couple of years ago on my own website, I reviewed the movie American Wine Story, a documentary that follows the story of Oregon's Brooks family (Brooks Wines) as well as others in the United States who have decided to leave their secure careers to follow their passion for winemaking. Such is...
In 1938, the grandparents of third-generation vintner Chris Madrigal emigrated from Mexico to the United States to seek a new farming life in the Napa Valley. The Madrigal family was one of the Napa Valley's first Mexican farming families, growing apples, grapes, pears, and walnuts. In the late...