The secrets of a Michelin starred restaurant’s fine wine cellar is the blend of knowledge, experience and creativity. William Simons is the Wine Director and Director of Operations at Albi in Washington DC and I spoke with him on the phone just a few weeks ago. Albi’s Palestinian identity with a broad focus on hospitality [...]

This week on our Vino Lingo segment William Simons, Wine Director & Director of Operations, Albi, Washington DC, defines the term “Spontaneous”.  Learn more by visiting albicd.com

When we say winemakers tell the best stories, we weren’t kidding! Greg Pestoni, General Manager of Pestoni Family Estate Winery does have some of the best stories. His family history goes way back and covers several areas in the Valley. After spending years in the film industry Greg came back to the family winery to [...]

This week on our Vino Lingo segment we feature Greg Pestoni, General Manager, Pestoni Family Estate Winery, Napa Valley, defining the term “Double Plus”.  Learn more by visiting pestonifamily.com

I recently had an opportunity to sit down with three Napa Valley vintners to discuss several law suits which have been in the news. Lindsay Hoopes founded her winery in Yountville in 1983. Heather Brakesman Griffin’s family founded Summit Lake Vineyards on top of Howell Mountain in 1971. Stu Smith founded Smith-Madrone on top of [...]

In Dry Creek Valley, the highly regarded Zinfandel grape is king. Clay Mauritson and Mauritson Winery is known for high quality Zinfandel wines in an area where growers thrive on Zin. I met Clay last year at a Sonoma auction and missed a chance to chat with him, but I made up for it earlier [...]

This week on our Vino Lingo segment we feature Clay Mauritson, Proprietor, Mauritson Winery, Dry Creek, defining the term “Bulldogging”.  Learn more by visiting mauritsonwines.com

This is our special podcast of the Sonoma County Barrel Auction 2025 featuring the Vintners/Winemakers telling why Sonoma Wines are special. Cheers! Clay Mauritson/Mauritson Wines Mike Sullivan/Benovia Winery Courtney Wagoner/Martinelli Winery Jessica Gilmore/Williams Selyem miss Caroline Guerra/MacRostie Winery Ben Papapietro/Papapietro-Perry Winery Ames Morison/Medlock Ames Wine Brian Ball/Skipstone Phil Holbrook/Salty Goat Wine SaCha Stewart-Coleman/Twomey & Silver [...]

Around 85% of Sonoma County’s wineries are family owned. That’s a pretty big deal. It’s not easy to take over the reigns of operating a vineyard and winery. But hard work and long hours payoff in highly sought after fine wine. Evan Merriam along with his parents own Merriam Family Vineyards in Healdsburg. I interviewed [...]

This week on our Vino Lingo segment we feature Evan Merriam, Estate Manager, Merriam Vineyards, Healdsburg, defining the term “Alive”.  Learn more by visiting merriamvineyards.com