Chenin Blanc + Viognier 2012
On a recent trip to Palm Springs, I came across Pine Ridge Vineyards’ Chenin Blanc + Viognier at a new downtown restaurant called Lulu. Superbly decorated in Hollywood-esque style and with a very hip vibe, this California bistro is one of the hottest new dining spots—and the Chenin Blanc was just the right wine to pair with some of Lulu’s Happy Hour tapas-style food. And eating outdoors in the desert’s warm night air makes a chilled white wine taste even better.
Chardonnay 2011
It’s nice to get out of Dodge, as they say, and indulge in completely different surroundings—even if it’s just an hour’s drive down the coast. My husband and I love to go to Carmel and Monterey, and over time we have stayed in an amazing assortment of interesting hotels and bed & breakfasts places.
A wine to try in Napa: Sauvignon Blanc 2011
My stepdaughter and her husband, Julie and Chris, live in Walnut Creek, and my husband and I often go to stay with them in this beautiful part of California. Handily located close to Napa, the four of us went wine-tasting there recently—with a stop at Cliff Lede Vineyards’ tasting room for Julie and Chris to pick up their wine shipment. I particularly love Sauvignon Blanc, and Cliff Lede’s 2011 vintage is superbly crafted and absolutely delicious.
Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Looking for a lively Sauvignon Blanc that will pair well with a wide array of foods? Then Husch Vineyards’ 2011 should do the trick. With its zesty aromas of guava, lime, passion fruit and grapefruit, this is an easy-to-drink wine that will go well with global foods such as Mexican, Greek, Thai or Indian.
Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival
The Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival is a glorious extravaganza of the finest foods and wines from all over the world. Over the weekend of April 4-7, I tasted an amazing selection of both, especially at the Lexus Grand Tasting event. Set up in a gigantic tent that holds 2,500 people, exquisite morsels were prepared by top-notch chefs, wine was poured from some of the best wineries—and I enjoyed every single bite and sip.
Pinot Noir 2009
One of my favorite wine-related events of the year is Pinot Paradise, which takes place every March at Villa Ragusa in Campbell. It’s a day when Pinot lovers come out in full force to enjoy the fruit of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Sean Boyle Syrah 2008—a sumptuous wine for spring
I love that Craig and Cathy Handley, owners of Pleasant Valley Vineyards, have named their wines after family members, including nieces and nephews. We have Dylan David, Brittany Morgan, Casey Alexander, Abby Madison, Austin Craig—and Sean Boyle Syrah ($40).
