Pinot Noir Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Discoveries from the Week of August 2, 2026 Chris Lehoux, August 9, 2026 Hello and welcome to this week’s exploration of notable wines that have made their way to my doorstep. This edition of Vinography Unboxed features some intriguing new offerings. First up, we have new releases from Spur Road Wines, a project by Sam and Amanda Buckingham. As assistant winemakers, they have… Continue Reading
Activities &Amp; Events Experience the Sta. Rita Hills Wine & Fire Celebration: August 13-16 in Lompoc! Chris Lehoux, August 4, 2026 The Sta. Rita Hills Wine & Fire Celebration will take place from August 13-16 in Lompoc, California, drawing attention to the often-overlooked Santa Barbara Wine Country, renowned for its high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This festival, organized by the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance, offers an excellent opportunity to engage… Continue Reading
Cobb Wines Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of June 28, 2026 Chris Lehoux, July 5, 2026 Hello and welcome to my weekly exploration of wine samples that have recently arrived for tasting. This edition of Vinography Unboxed showcases several noteworthy bottles. We begin with a Chardonnay from Roblar Winery in Santa Ynez Valley, California. This modern interpretation features great acidity and low alcohol, without overwhelming butter… Continue Reading
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
Anderson Valley Sip, Savor, and Celebrate: Join Us at the 2026 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival, June 12-14 in Philo, CA! Chris Lehoux, May 16, 2026 Once a well-kept secret, Anderson Valley in Mendocino County is rapidly gaining recognition for its exceptional cooler-climate Pinot Noir. Nestled away from the hustle, this serene region is set to host its annual Pinot Noir Festival from June 12-14, 2026, offering a perfect opportunity to explore its wine offerings. The… Continue Reading
Calera Wines Celebrating 50 Years of Limestone Dreams: Reflecting on Calera Pinot Noir’s Journey Chris Lehoux, March 8, 2026 You may have heard of the late winemaker Josh Jensen, famed for his striking presence and unique sense of humor. With a background steeped in wine education and experience, he left a lasting legacy in the world of California Pinot Noir that paved the way for many current and future… Continue Reading
Activities &Amp; Events Save the Date: 2025 Anderson Valley Pinot Festival – May 16-17 in Philo, CA! Chris Lehoux, April 21, 2025 Anderson Valley, located in Mendocino County, is often regarded as a hidden gem among California’s wine regions. While places like Sonoma and Napa are popular and easily accessible, Anderson Valley’s scenic beauty and fine wines frequently go unnoticed by many wine lovers. The region has always produced exceptional Pinot Noir,… Continue Reading