Sparkling Rosés for holiday celebrations

I’m not a huge fan of Rosé in general, which is a little too hyped and most are just not to my taste — but I’m an unabashed cheerleader for sparkling Rosé. Why? Well, visu... Read More

Wine World

A mixed bag of wine

By Lynette Majer

Few will dispute it’s been one mixed-up world for the last 18 months. In the immortal words of Roseanne Roseannadanna, “If it’s not one thing, it’s another,” whether it ... Read More

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Cheers to Mom: Wines to celebrate her day

By Lynette Majer

This year is worth a special celebration for Mom because many of us weren’t able to see her last year. So if she loves her wine, be sure to check out these to toast her on her d... Read More

Wine World

Fun wines for Valentine’s Day

By Lynette Majer

While we brainstormed topics for this month, our film writer, Michael Snyder, commented that there had been precious few good romantic movies in the past four years, musing whethe... Read More

Online and premium wine sales have surged during the pandemic. Photo: Feverpitched

Wine World

Raise a glass to 2020

It wasn’t all bad for California wine

By Julie Mitchell

It’s a huge understatement to say that 2020 was a rough year, and California’s wine industry suffered multiple crises — the pandemic that closed winery tasting rooms, weeks ... Read More

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Women in wine: Jamie Benziger of Imagery Estate Winery

By Kenneth Majer

If the name sounds familiar, it should. Jamie Benziger hails from the esteemed Benziger Family Winery, notable for its biodynamic, organic, and sustainable farming practices in add... Read More

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Wine and art: A different kind of pairing

Part 1 in an occasional series about wineries with special offerings

By Lynette Majer

“Wine can instill a moment of inspiration or madness. Art can do the same.” —Ai Weiwei Food is not the only thing paired with wine in our Northern California wine country —... Read More

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How climate change is affecting Sonoma and Napa vineyards

By Kenneth Majer

While there are some who reject mainstream climate science, the reality of climate change could possibly hit us right where it hurts: our Northern California wine industry. Viticul... Read More

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Pop the cork on sparkling wines

By Lynette Majer

There’s never an occasion not to drink bubbles, in my opinion. Part of my rationalization is the glasses — whether flutes or tulips, or the retro coupe, they’re all fun and f... Read More

Wine World

First port of call

By Lynette Majer

My first real introduction to port was from my brother-in-law, the most erudite, bohemian, renaissance person I know. Formerly a wearer of three-piece suits on Wall Street, he now ... Read More

Wine World

Special wines for special occasions

By Lynette Majer

Every month, my husband attends a luncheon (guys-only, but I digress) in various Sonoma County locales, from private homes to event spaces. Everyone brings a bottle of wine, and al... Read More

Wine World

Sonoma Valley picks for wine and food pairing

By Lynette Majer

The wine country is alive and blooming especially so with the fertilizing ash from last fall’s fires. It’s always a good idea to include food while you’re tasting for obvious... Read More

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Ram’s Gate Winery: Food and wine with a view

By Lynette Majer

Serving wine with food is nothing new, but wineries are now taking these pairings to a new level and creating an experience for visitors to their tasting rooms. Food and wine pairi... Read More

Wine World

Tasting room gift shops for holiday shopping

By Lynette Majer

Late fall is beautiful in the Wine Country: Vineyards are their characteristic shades of red, burgundy, yellow, and gold; long shadows from the low angle of the sun show up early, ... Read More

Wine World

Wines for Thanksgiving

By Lynette Majer

The traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey and all its accompaniments makes for interesting, if not challenging, wine pairings. The lean turkey breast meat suggests something whit... Read More

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