Side Trip: California’s Lake County

Side Trip: California’s Lake County

After arriving in Northern California’s Lake County, one quickly learns a few interesting facts from the locals: 1) the county has the cleanest air in California, 2) Sauvignon Blanc thrives in the region’s volcanic soils and high elevation, and 3) as expressed by...
Harvest Feature: Heroic Vineyards

Harvest Feature: Heroic Vineyards

  The island of Giglio lies an hour from the Tuscan coast. Vines have been growing on the island since at least Etruscan times. Its vineyards, which cascade down the hill from its peak to the sea, present a surreal and demanding environment to farm and harvest....
Amuse Bouche

Amuse Bouche

By all means, come for the wine, which will not disappoint. Beyond wine, know that nearly anywhere one goes in Napa Valley, there is always something delightful, unexpectedly delicious, or exotic to taste. Napa Valley’s culinary scene rivals its wine scene, and any...
Yountville

Yountville

For oenophiles traveling from afar or day-tripping from a nearby location, Yountville is a must-visit. With its lavish wineries, tasting rooms, and dynamic range of varietals, this tiny Napa Valley town is a mecca for those seeking elegant wines that drink well in...
Cooking with Karen Crouse: Beef Burgundy

Cooking with Karen Crouse: Beef Burgundy

The origin of Beef Burgundy dates to the Middle Ages when it was created to transform tougher cuts of meat, like beef chuck, into something tender and flavorful. By slowly cooking the meat in wine and aromatic vegetables, the dish becomes infused with rich, deep...
Breaking Bread

Breaking Bread

Yes, the breads in Napa Valley are that good – a religious experience by any definition. On this, the devout, agnostics, atheists, and foodies can all agree. And there is no shortage of it in the valley. The question really is, which new bread to try each day? Let the...