Boutique Wines Savoring Coastal Brilliance: Discover the Latest Releases from Hirsch Vineyards Chris Lehoux, October 4, 2026 This past July, the wine community lost David Hirsch, a pivotal figure who demonstrated that outstanding Pinot Noir could flourish near the chilly Pacific Ocean, just three miles from the coast, amid towering redwoods. After suffering a tractor accident in 2014, Hirsch became wheelchair-bound, prompting his daughter Jasmine to step… Continue Reading
Dessert Wine Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of September 20, 2026 Chris Lehoux, September 27, 2026 Hello and welcome to my weekly exploration of wine samples that have been sent my way. In this edition of Vinography Unboxed, I’m excited to share some highlights from the latest arrivals. Wine Highlights This week, I received a selection from Whitehall Lane in Napa Valley. Their Sauvignon Blanc is… Continue Reading
Press Samples Vinography Unboxed: Weekly Wine Highlights from September 6, 2026 Chris Lehoux, September 13, 2026 This week’s installment of Vinography Unboxed takes a closer look at a variety of wine samples that have recently arrived for tasting. Among the highlights are two wines from Shared Notes Wines, a unique project led by winemakers Bibiana Gonzalez Rave and Jeff Pisoni, known for their exceptional Sauvignon Blanc… Continue Reading
Press Samples Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of August 30, 2026 Chris Lehoux, September 5, 2026 Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I share insights from my recent tastings of various wine samples that have arrived at my doorstep. This week, I explored wines from Geographic Wines, a unique project initiated by Nuno Morais Vaz and Daniela Matias, focusing on producing… Continue Reading
Boutique Wines Exploring the Thrills of South Africa’s Wine Region: Why It Stands Out in Part II Chris Lehoux, August 30, 2026 In this second part of an exploration of South Africa’s wine scene, we delve deeper into why this region is celebrated as one of the most exhilarating wine destinations globally. Previously, we highlighted the unique culture of collaboration among winemakers, represented by groups like the Zoo Cru. However, it’s the… Continue Reading
Boutique Wines Exploring Napa’s Royal Reds: The Oakville Tasting Experience of 2026 Chris Lehoux, August 26, 2026 Every year, the Oakville Winegrowers event in Napa Valley draws wine enthusiasts eager to taste some of the most exclusive wines from this prestigious region. On August 25, 2026, attendees formed a long line outside the newly remodeled Robert Mondavi Winery, despite the heat. This event is particularly significant as… Continue Reading
Aligoté Discovering the Elegance of West Coast Aligoté: A Rising Star in Winemaking Chris Lehoux, August 14, 2026 Aligoté, the often-overlooked white grape of Burgundy, is experiencing a renaissance in the wine world. Historically recognized more for its use in kirs—a cocktail made from dry white wine and crème de cassis—its reputation as a fine wine has diminished for decades. However, this has changed as American wine enthusiasts… Continue Reading
Boutique Wines Unveiling the Magic of South Africa’s Wine Regions: Why It’s the Most Exciting Wine Destination on Earth, Part I Chris Lehoux, August 11, 2026 The vibrant wine scene of South Africa is gaining momentum, not only for its geological diversity and old vineyards but especially for its collaborative spirit among winemakers. This culture of cooperation fosters creativity and quality, making South Africa a leading contender in the global wine arena. A prominent example of… Continue Reading
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
Carbon Friendly Sip Sustainably: Exploring International Wineries for Climate Action and Carbon Neutrality Chris Lehoux, August 3, 2026 The wine industry is home to various organizations with diverse missions, but few are as dedicated to environmental sustainability as the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA). Earlier this year, they hosted the largest tasting of low-emission wines in Napa, drawing attention to their significant efforts towards carbon neutrality in… Continue Reading