Chardonnay Exploring Yamhill-Carlton: The Warm Heart of Willamette Valley Chris Lehoux, May 20, 2026 Having recently immersed myself in Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA, I’m left pondering what it truly means to "taste" a wine region. The wines in this area are undeniably excellent, yet there’s a question of whether I am tasting the wine itself or the community that produced it. Unlike the traditions of… Continue Reading
Grenache California Grenache: Embracing Its Yin for a Balanced Expression Chris Lehoux, April 27, 2026 When the Rhône Ranger movement in California focused on championing Syrah, they may have overlooked a more fitting choice: Grenache. Over the last two decades, Syrah has seen declining sales, suggesting it may not have been the best pick. Meanwhile, Grenache is gaining traction, especially with a new wave of… Continue Reading
California California Riesling: A Hidden Gem on the Wine Scene Chris Lehoux, February 25, 2026 In recent years, white wine consumption has surged in the United States, surpassing that of red wines. However, not all white wines have benefited from this trend, particularly Riesling, which has struggled to gain traction despite its revered status among wine enthusiasts. While American consumers are increasingly choosing white wines,… Continue Reading
Boutique Wines Exploring the New(ish) and Notable Attractions in California Chris Lehoux, January 23, 2026 There was a time, more than twenty years ago, when monitoring new wine brands in California seemed like a feasible task. As an early-career wine writer, I believed I had a good grip on the landscape. Fast forward to today, however, and the situation feels almost comical in its complexity…. Continue Reading
Jancis Robinson Oregon Enters Its Bubble Era: A New Chapter in Sustainable Living Chris Lehoux, December 5, 2025 Oregon has recently entered a new era of sparkling wine production, leveraging its expertise in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Historically, the state had only a few producers creating sparkling wines, but today, the number has surged to over 100. Many of the top producers have united under a collective called… Continue Reading
Activities &Amp; Events Dine with Jancis Robinson: Exclusive Dinner Event on October 30th in San Francisco! Chris Lehoux, September 22, 2025 On October 30th, wine enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to dine with renowned wine critic Jancis Robinson in San Francisco. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of her influential website, JancisRobinson.Com, Robinson will host an exclusive dinner at The Morris. This event is set for 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM and will… Continue Reading
Colorado Wine Colorado Wine: Elevating to New Heights in Quality and Recognition Chris Lehoux, August 22, 2025 Growing up in Colorado, I had a deep-rooted connection to the state, but it wasn’t until I moved to California that I discovered its long history as a wine-producing state, which began in the late 1960s when Dr. Gerald Ivancie introduced Vitis vinifera vines with the help of Warren Winiarski…. Continue Reading
Chillable Reds Exploring the Best Chillable Reds from the West Coast: A Guide to Effortless Sipping Chris Lehoux, July 15, 2025 Chillable red wines are making waves, reminding wine lovers that enjoyment is at the heart of the experience. Historically, certain red wines like Etna Rosso, cru Beaujolais, País, and Freisa benefitted from a chill, but a new wave of chillable reds has emerged from the natural wine movement, changing the… Continue Reading
Fine Wine Enhancing New Zealand Wine: The Art of Adding the Fine Chris Lehoux, April 15, 2025 Self-help books often highlight that our greatest strengths can also be our biggest weaknesses. This concept is particularly relevant in the wine industry, where New Zealand’s runaway success with Sauvignon Blanc overshadows its other wines. Marlborough, which accounts for a staggering 66% of the country’s vineyard area and 75% of… Continue Reading
Cal Ital The Rise of Cal-Ital: Embracing a Culinary Fusion Movement Chris Lehoux, January 29, 2025 Thirty years ago, the term "Cal-Ital" often evoked negative reactions among discerning wine consumers. Many had been disappointed by the low-quality, mass-produced wines that flooded the market as producers sought to capitalize on the latest trends. By the early 2000s, the Cal-Ital movement had largely faded, leaving a modest legacy… Continue Reading