April 2012

I had a near-perfect day on Sunday.  I attended Big Basin Vineyard’s Spring Release Celebration in the Santa Cruz Mountains, one of just two days a year owner Bradley Brown opens his winery to the public. Bradley’s vineyard is just up the road from the Big Basin Redwood State Park. The views of the tree-covered [...]

Bulmaro Montes says that he and his brother have more than 90 years’ experience growing grapes. He means 90 years combined, of course. Still, there aren’t many grape growers who can make such a claim. Bulmaro and Manuel are 63 and 72 years old, two of the oldest active growers in the Napa Valley. They [...]

Spring has arrived and it’s time for a road trip. Some of my favorite wine regions are stunning at this time of year. Places like the Sierra Foothills and Santa Cruz Mountains offer endless opportunities for adventure from wine tasting to hiking to zip-lining through a redwood forest. You won’t want to rush. Take the [...]