Prohibition sucked! There was a reason for it but damn did we take it a bit far and damn did it wreck the wine industry, especially in California. In this next Cali series installment I get in to all this craziness.

In Part two of my chat with Buyer/Partner of Ruffian in NYC, Alexis Percival we dive into industry equality, her women's tasting group and how that came into fruition (it's amazing), how natural wine as a term hovers over the industry and the people who are giving the term it's pros and cons. I feel like this convo is hella important as we move into a new wine era.

This is part one of a two part interview with Alexis Percival, Partner/Beverage Director, of Ruffian, one of the best wine bars in New York City (imho) that didn't start out as a "natural" wine bar but are dabbling in it accidentally. We talk about everything natural wine and how it is being perceived in the industry as well as with consumers. We covered so much ground that I am splitting it up into two digestible episodes. Part II we talk more natural wine, industry equality and Alexis's awesome approach to a wine tasting group she started. This is a great snapshot of where we are right with this undefined trend.

In part III our story continues as our boy George C. Yount makes his way to The Napa Valley and, along with a supporting cast, ignites the California wine region.

Part two of my California Wine series where two characters moving west to find their fortunes in the new California territory. It's a weaving tale of trappers and immigrants and wine...and Los Angeles...sort of.

GET READY! This is part one of a series I am dedicating to all things California wine. How it all began and where it is today. How did the grapevine initially make it to California? How did this all begin? Check it. 

Wine made from hybrid grapes have been the laughing stock of the wine world for years but now it seems there is a new idea to get these wines onto the market. Will they taste good? I break down what a hybrid is and freak out a little bit.

Earlier Episodes to add context:

Ep 18: The History of Wine in the United States: 'Murica

Ep 72: Halloween Edition: Phylloxera The Destroyer

Ep 85: Thomas Jefferson's Wine Geekery

Ep 86: The Red Flesh Mafia

Ep 87: Attack of the Wine Clones

It's the last episode of 2018! I talk about Wine Skool'D in 2019 and react to some wine trends for the new year I've been reading. I talk about Wine Skool'D in 2019 and react to some wine trends for the new year I've been reading. I talk about Wine Skool'D in 2019 and react to some wine trends for the new year I've been reading. 

I go on a bit of a rant here. Jan is back with another question that got me going! Is Robert Parker still relevant? Let's discuss.

Sometimes white wines in the winter are better than they are in spring and summer. WHAT?! Yeah it's cool. Check it.