THE BIALE FAMILY LEGACY: Black Chickens and Zinfandel

THE BIALE FAMILY LEGACY: Black Chickens and Zinfandel

BY MARK GUDGEL | PHOTOS COURTESY OF BIALE FAMILY VINEYARDS “Buongiorno. This is Antonio. I need four dozen eggs and a gallina nera.” “Gallina nera? But sir, we only have leghorns—white chickens.” “Just tell Aldo I need a black one.” For years after...
KNIGHTS BRIDGE WINERY:  So Much Below the Surface

KNIGHTS BRIDGE WINERY: So Much Below the Surface

BY MARK GUDGEL | PHOTOS BY MIKE LARSON Just north of Calistoga, where Mount St Helena looms larger than ever over the warm, jagged hillsides that have proven to be some of the most fertile lands in all of California, a winding road leads west through...
A SLEEPING GIANT AWAKENS

A SLEEPING GIANT AWAKENS

BY MARK GUDGEL | PHOTO COURTESY OF DEARDEN WINES “There are five hundred places to go in Napa Valley. So we feel privileged when people choose us,” said Sam Dearden, son of Chris Dearden, who after years of toil and honing his craft at last realized his...
Frattey and Frattey Shams of Anderson Valley

Frattey and Frattey Shams of Anderson Valley

On a leisurely drive from Napa Valley to the hills of Anderson Valley along scenic highway 128, views of old oak trees, vineyards, and the Mayacamas Mountain range impress. The best way to take it all in is to roll down the window and engage the senses. Deep breaths...