What exactly is a "dry" white wine?

White wine has been a wine lover’s favourite for centuries. Of all the white wines out there, the dry variety is the most popular for its clean and crisp taste and food pairing versatility. But what is dry white wine? In this post we´ll explain wha

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Washington State's wonderful Walla Walla Valley wine region

In the state´s southeast a four-hour drive from Seattle, this valley´s success story is a combination of ideal conditions. Warm days with cool nights allow grapes to ripen slowly, developing concentrated flavors and balanced acidity. The floor of

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5 wonderful white-wine alternatives to Sauvignon Blanc

In the world of white wine, Sauvignon Blanc's crisp acidity and citrusy zest have captivated palates worldwide. But beyond this beloved varietal lies a treasure trove of other excellent options, each offering unique flavors and characteristics sha

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A profile of Balletto Vineyards in Sonoma, California

This winery is more than just a producer of fine wines in the heart of Sonoma County's picturesque landscapes.The story of Balletto Vineyards is woven into the very fabric of this wine-rich region, and it´s as captivating as the wines it crafts. Co

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Wine Tasting Made Simple: Tips for Beginners

Hi everyone! 👋

Getting into wine can feel a bit overwhelming at first—so many terms, flavors, and grape varieties! If you’re just starting your wine journey, here are a few tips to make it more enjoyable:

• Start Simple – Learn the basics of wine, like t

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8 of the world´s top Pinot-Noir-growing regions

Wine varietals carry their own unique stories, and Pinot Noir is a testament to their finesse as well as the artistry of their makers. It's the grape that demands perfection, that thrives in only the most delicate of climates, and that gifts us wi

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A quick guide to rosé wine, plus five to savor

PickPic


Summer is right around the corner, and that means - among other things - rosé, that pink, light, refreshing variation on white wine which icorporates some of the color from red grapes skins but not enough to qualify as a red wine. And

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6 scintillating sparkling wines from Europe

Raise a glass to the world of sparkling wine! French Champagne is the most famous, of course, but there are many types of bubbly wine enjoyed around the world, and some of the best/most nobale hail from Europe. Whether you're celebrating a spe

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The wine country around Solvang, southern California

Fess Parker Winery


And speaking of vineyards, Solvang is also surrounded by more than 125 wineries producing some of the world's best vintages and many accepting visitors for tours and tasting; among of the most popular are half-century-old Firesto

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Discovering wine and more in New York State's Finger Lakes region

Luke Petrinec/Steuban County CVB

As a member of the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), I was fortunate to attend a webinar on the Corning and the Southern Finger Lakes presented by Kevin Costello, president and CEO of

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Saying 'G’Day' to some fine Australian wines

 

 

Some weeks ago, our Southern California Wine Council greeted 2022 with a tasting of five wines from the Land Down Under which are exported to the United States.  Four of these wines are produced by Eight at the Gate in the Wrattonbully wine co

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Prost! Munich's beery Oktoberfest is back!

Holzijue/Pixabay


From September 17 to October 3, the legendary celebration of German beer, cuisine, and culture in Bavaria's capital is returning after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unsprprisingly, it's necessary to make your ar

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A toast to a European beer powerhouse: the Czech Republic!

Jekurantodistaja

Ach, du liebe! It’s that sudsy time of year again, as Germany’s Oktoberfest begins anew later this month. When many of us think “beer”, Deutschland naturally springs readily to mind – and for some, perhaps also Belgium, known

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The climate crisis is hitting the wine industry hard

 

 

A sobering look at how frosts, heatwaves, and wildfires are having a devastating effect on wine regions in various countries from The Guardian. To read, click here.

 

 

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All is bright for Southern California Wine Council's holiday tasting

 

Our Southern California Wine Council welcomed the holiday season by tasting and pairing four whites and four reds from the Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), just over an hour east of San Francisco.  With a climate consisting of wa

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Wines deep in the heart of Texas: Becker & Fall Creek Vineyards

Becker Vineyards

It all began when the Becker family began searching for a log cabin to renovate for their Texas Hill Country getaway from their main residence in San Antonio. Inspired by travels abroad where they developed a passion for wines, t

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The winning wine country of Paso Robles, California

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New Zealand's Mount Beautiful WInes

Mt. Beautiful Wines were showcased at our recent Wine Review Council in Temecula, California. Although some of the reviewers were familiar with these wines, this was my first introduction to this New Zealand grown and produced wine.  After a two-

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Hungary's Furmint adds another dimension to white wine

Furmint is Hungary’s answer to other less mainstream white wines gaining prominence lately, such as Austria’s Grüner Veltliner. Most widely grown in the Tokaj-Hegyalja Wine Region, this white grape variety's name is derived from the word froment (w

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California's Thornton Winery hosts annual jazz festival

The Thornton Winery in Temecula, southern California is now hosting the 29th edition of its “Champagne Jazz Series,” and while I might seem like a relative “newcomer”, I have been fortunate to attend shows for the last seven years, enjoying jazz i

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