Part of this "snobbery" or "high expectation" comes as a result of time spent in Napa (and surrounding California wine country) where they do it. I went to a wine bar last night and there were a few things that disturbed me about this place.  The first, which I don't want to get too deeply into is how they handled a "taste".  Great right?  MORE >>

I’ve wanted to visit the Dominus Estate in Napa since it was built in 1997. So when I was in Napa in February as a speaker at the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers, I inquired about visiting and was glad that they offered me the chance. But it’s not open to the public. So here’s an edition of Dr. Vino inside ! MORE >>

had met Nicki last year at the Master of Wine conference in Napa, as the winery invited us to tour the vineyards and meet Nicki and tsste the wines. look forward to seeing her again in Napa soon. Napa Valley News american sommelier society cask 23 nicki pruss Stags LeapThe icing on the cake was the 1997 S.L.V. MORE >>

Wiemer , dry Riesling, Finger Lakes, 2008: the class almost unanimously liked the wine from our own Empire State; the winery website provided the basic useful info I was looking for, including photos, history, and tech specs and the wine. More Americans are drinking wine today than ever before. Forget social media and “web 2.0″–too MORE >>

Andrea Oberto Barbera d'Alba 2008 DOC Cherry pie, red berries, blackberries, tobacco, polished. Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 70% form Napa, 30% from Sonoma with a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Well, here they are. This wine is an excellent fruit forward California Cabernet. MORE >>