The lanky, California maker of pinot noir, chardonnay, and syrah told me at his Sonoma winery that he had his conversion in 2005, after returning from a trip to Burgundy and the Rhone. “A light went on,&# he says about that January day in 2005 when he returned to Sonoma and tasted his own wines. American wine wine picks MORE >>

The price is very competitive with other Finger Lakes Syrah at $32, but can only be found on-line at Atwater Estates Vineyards or at the winery, which has one of the most fantastic views of Seneca Lake. Syrah has always been one to those wines I could take or leave it. Almost all that I had ever tasted were the Shiraz from Australia. MORE >>

It is a picture perfect snowy day and my host is Inniskillin winery, who has one of the most quality wines in the region. Today the winery, located in Niagra-on-the-Lake, is covered in fresh snow. Honing his skills in winemaking over the following years, Bruce was invited to head up Jackson-Triggs’ Okanagan winery in 1993. MORE >>

Sometimes when you least expect it, you open what may becomes your new favorite bottle of wine. Tonight I opened one of my remaining bottles of Finger Lakes wine purchased at my last tour in December. An Atwater Estate Vineyards , Cabernet-Merlot 2007. blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot. Can't do much better than that. Alcohol: 13.0% MORE >>

Some people brought in bottles from trips to wineries in New York and California, and others were looking to try something out on us before pouring it at Thanksgiving. Sadly, Tibor Gal died too young in a car accident in 2005. The most recent session of my six-week introductory wine class at NYU wrapped up last week. Good times! MORE >>