People in California have a higher opinion of the quality and the value of wine produced in their state than do residents of the other 49 states. Fully 63 percent of Californians think that California wine offers better quality than similar wines as compared to 54 percent of respondents not from California. MORE >>

cava had constructed their product to free ride on the association with the $300 Cristal? Champagne Louis Roederer has several wine properties outside of Champagne including Domaine Ott in Provence, Chateau Pichon-Lalande in Bordeaux, and Roederer Estate in California. And it wasn’t a taste test. MORE >>

Even the most jaded journalist can always learn something new, and of course new associations can always be made. Chronicle's Michael Bauer, Bon Appetite's Heather John, and Thomas Ulrich, of the Journalism Department of California State University. This year Tuesday kicked off with optional visits to To Kalon or Cade vineyards. MORE >>

For wines we opened a California Zinfandel, a Tuscan Chianti and some Finger Lakes Rieslings. It is well regarded for and primarily associated with Sauvignon blanc, making wines of great purity and elegance. Finally have some time off from work and can now catch up on many home projects, including the blog. Best I ever had. MORE >>

We may find out since the Specialty Wine Retailers’ Association has appealed. SF mag tracks the evolution in California wine styles. SIPPED: miracles? FIJI water LLC, which recently shut down production in a showdown with Fiji’s (military) government but then caved , will be turning their water profits into wine. AFP ]. MORE >>