If names like The Brat, The Instigator, The Brawler, and Baby Doll don't intrigue you, the seductive flavors of wine at Prospect 772 Wine Company will. Each one tells a story as all good bottles should. The wines continue the intrigue with their balanced and complex...
Don't know if this is truth or legend, but I heard the man who built this jail cell in the middle of town was only paid when he finished the project. After receiving payment, he walked across the street for a few drinks, had a few too many, got into a knife fight, and...
Lots of wineries donate some of their proceeds to different causes. But few can say this; Bodega Del Sur's contributions to the Calaveras Resource Connection by selling their Carmesi blend has housed 10 families that needed shelter! More appellation adventures from my...
Local pride in local wines is strong in Murphys at V Restaurant Bistro & Bar. The image below is of the corkage fee from a local restaurant menu: More appellation adventures from my month in this region.
Only 350 cases produced and just a few varietals, but Ayrael Vieux is worth a stop if you ever see their sandwich board sign out on Highway 4. They are only open on certain days of the weekend, depending on the seasons. But, they do have the most elegant old world...
Took this wine to a cool music jam session last night in a town that has a population of 25 but like 40 of 'em are rock stars. We all loved the Sofa King Bueno even more than its creatively profound name. If you know what bueno means, say the name in your head three...
Terrific Vermentino blended with Viognier at Tanner Vineyards! They should have called it V2 or Double V because it is a velvety vinification. On its own, Viognier is like the truffle oil of grapes; it can too easily overwhelm and overpower. Vermentino brings light...
I've always said you can tell a good Mexican restaurant before your order even arrives. It's all about the salsa and chips! At El Jardin, they have more than one but one is one you won't soon forget: pickled cabbage salsa: It's healthy, low fat, and only takes three...
In Sonoma, one of the easiest questions you get working at a tasting room is “how many bottles are in a case” or “does this Merlot make me look fat?” But, people here are a little different in the High Country. You still get a gaggle of girls piling out of a limo to...
The family and Irish Family Vineyards truly enjoys what they do. They not only produce many delicious wines, they get as unpretentious as Murphys in general when drumming up names for their fab juice. Best example is a wine called Duct Tape with a label made out of,...