Wine Spring Wine Events: Exciting New Tastings from Pebble Beach to Half Moon Bay with a Stop in Saratoga! Chris Lehoux, March 23, 2026 Spring wine events are flourishing in California, reminding wine enthusiasts of the vibrant season ahead, especially after some challenging years. Although many events have been canceled and vineyards have closed, several major wine gatherings are set to take place. One key event is the Pebble Beach Food & Wine, scheduled… Continue Reading
Press Samples Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of March 15, 2026 Chris Lehoux, March 23, 2026 Hello and welcome to this week’s review of notable wine samples that have arrived for tasting. This edition features several outstanding bottles curated from various wineries. Highlighted Wines Ottavino: The wines from Shalini Sekhar’s brand include a vibrant Chardonnay from the Anderson Valley and a captivating red St. Laurent, the… Continue Reading
Wine The Ideal Wine Consumption for a 21% Reduced Risk of Heart Disease Chris Lehoux, March 22, 2026 Not all forms of alcohol affect health the same way, particularly when it comes to wine. Recent research indicates that moderate wine consumption may significantly lower the risk of dying from heart disease compared to other types of alcohol. As Americans increasingly cut back on alcohol, believing even a couple… Continue Reading
Alder Yarrow Exploring the Beauty of Vinography Images: A Journey Through the Steel Forest Chris Lehoux, March 21, 2026 A new vineyard has emerged at the foothills of a rebar forest in Contrada San Lorenzo, located on the northern side of Mount Etna in Sicily. This region is characterized by its unique powdery soils made up of ash and pumice, which contribute to the distinctiveness of its wines. The… Continue Reading
Wine 32+ Exciting Bay Area Events to Toast Spring with Beer, Wine, and Spirits Chris Lehoux, March 21, 2026 Celebrate the arrival of spring by enjoying a variety of beer, wine, and spirits events throughout the Bay Area. Here are some highlights: Newfound Wine Dinner: On March 24, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., The Village Bakery in Woodside will host a dinner featuring a curated menu paired with terroir-driven… Continue Reading
Wine 26 Chic Ways to Repurpose Empty Wine Bottles for Elegant Home Decor Chris Lehoux, March 21, 2026 Instead of discarding your old wine bottles, consider transforming them into beautiful and functional decor items. With a little creativity, you can repurpose these bottles for a variety of stylish home projects that will not only save you money but also add a unique touch to your space. Start by… Continue Reading
Wine Understanding the New Sugar Addition Regulations for French Wine: What You Need to Know Chris Lehoux, March 20, 2026 French winemakers are facing a significant change as regulators have approved the addition of sugar to wines during the post-fermentation process. This shift allows producers in the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) regions to add up to 9 grams of grape-derived sugar per liter to their wines, a practice that was… Continue Reading
Cabernet Sauvignon Exploring the 2024 Vintage in Napa: Insights from Premiere Napa Valley Chris Lehoux, March 20, 2026 Longtime readers may recall my passion for sampling barrel wines to gauge the potential of recent vintages in Napa Valley. Typically, I participate in the annual Premiere Napa Valley auction organized by the Napa Valley Vintners Association, a highlight for wine enthusiasts. In recent years, event scheduling clashed with family… Continue Reading
Wine Common Sense Reform: New York State Approves Limited Retail-to-Retail Wine and Liquor Transactions Chris Lehoux, March 19, 2026 Common Sense Reform Eases Burden on Small Businesses & Supports Neighborhood Retailers Across New York State The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) has introduced a significant reform allowing bars and restaurants to purchase limited quantities of wine and liquor directly from retailers. Previously, these establishments relied solely on wholesalers… Continue Reading
Wine Get Ready for a Bubbly Experience at the Lodi Wine Festival! Chris Lehoux, March 19, 2026 The Lodi Wine Festival is set to kick off its 2026 season on March 28, celebrating its growing popularity with a new feature aimed at enhancing attendee experience. This year, festival organizers have introduced a "Bubble Lounge," where nearly a dozen local wineries will showcase their sparkling wines. Mark Armstrong,… Continue Reading