Merlot—It’s hard to believe this is the first time we have reviewed Merlot for the Varietal of the Month! Merlot practically needs no introduction; it’s one of the Noble grapes, and one of the most planted grapes in the world. Perhaps you heard of Merlot in a movie that made the grape fall out of […]
Dive into the world of wine in this compelling podcast episode, which features the insightful Glen Kueffner, the Tasting Room Manager at Emeritus Vineyards in Sebastopol. With an intriguing conversation about Glen’s background and the process through which he cultivated his interest in wine, this episode provides a rich context for anyone intrigued by […]
Understanding White Wine Sometimes I feel like a walking encyclopedia of wine. Be it white, red, rosé or sparkling, friends and family ask me so many questions about wine. I don’t mind, but it also made me realize I should write down the answers in an organized fashion so even folks who don’t know me […]
In episode 191 of our podcast, we hosted Devin Ruddick, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Hook & Ladder Winery. The discussion centered around the evolution of wine tourism and the urgent necessity for wineries to adapt by providing unique and engaging experiences to attract visitors. Beyond the traditional wine tastings, Devin suggested […]
I’m often asked by wine drinkers, what’s an AVA and why should I care? The short answer is AVAs can help you figure out what type of wine you like and how to find more with similar characteristics. But there is also a longer and more comprehensive answer. In honor of back-to-school and the love […]
Introduction Orange wines aka skin-contact or amber wines are having a moment —an ongoing moment that started 8,000 years ago. Simply put, orange wines are white grape varieties made in the manner of red wines with extended contact on the skins, resulting in wines full of texture that are both elegant and complex as well […]
In the 181st episode of our podcast, we were joined by Keith Hammond, a winemaker at Emeritus Vineyards. For our wine of the day, Keith brought along a white wine, intriguingly made from Pinot Noir. This unusual style is not common, but it certainly is enjoyable to drink. The wine displays elements of Pinot Noir, […]
In this enlightening podcast episode, our host sits down for a fascinating chat with Gio Balisrteri from Russian River Vineyards. They delve into the historical backdrop of the vineyard, Gio’s unique approach to winemaking, and the distinctive tasting events available at the winery. Gio shares insider details about his Bacigalupi Chardonnay, emphasizing the role of […]
You can’t come to Sonoma and not taste Zinfandel. Well, you could but why would you? Especially since the area is one of the premier Zinfandel growing regions where the grape has been grown since the 1800’s. Zinfandel is a medium-bodied dry red wine with a range of dark fruit flavors that include raspberry, […]
The Wine Road just launched a new program available to folks who already love and talk about the Wine Road to become certified ambassadors. How cool is that! What Does It Mean? One definition of an ambassador is someone who is authorized to speak for or represent a government or organization. Think of a Wine […]