For most Bay Area residents, wine country is a bit closer than they might think. Before it was Silicon Valley, Santa Clara County (stretching from Palo Alto south to Gilroy) was fruit country, and more specifically wine country. Vines were first planted at the Santa Clara Mission (in what is now downtown San Jose) in 1798. By 1855, the county …

  Text and images provided by Quails’ Gate Winery Nothing says harvest season like giving thanks over a large gathering of friends and family. This Thanksgiving we at Quails’ Gate Winery are thankful for a rich harvest from our vineyard and for you! To celebrate the season, we’ve compiled a list of perfect harvest pairings. These pairings can be your …

Tempranillo grapes from Rioja. (Wikimedia) Jancis Robinson praises Tempranillo’s potential longevity. “My guess is that the average wine enthusiast most readily thinks of Cabernet Sauvignon as the grape variety that makes the longest-living reds in the world, though there might be the odd vote for Nebbiolo. But think again. Spain’s most-revered grape Tempranillo is very possibly the strongest candidate.” In …

An indispensable guide to the best wine shops, online retail, wine specialists and wine support services in the UK, the Decanter Retailer Awards 2022 winners have been partially revealed, with more results to be announced tomorrow, 28th September. Challenges are simply part of the landscape for retailers these days, but there are those who are rising to these challenges in …

Asti’s roots The world was in turmoil when the Consorzio per la tutela dell’Asti was founded in 1932; between two world wars and with western society going through deep changes, the determination of the Asti producers remained firm. Striving to protect their land, grape variety (Moscato Bianco) and the quality of their wines, they also helped sustain a sense of …

Terrace with a view over the Rhein. The year is 911. Charlemagne’s grandson, King Louis ‘The Child’ of East Francia dies aged 17 after an 11-year reign and becomes the last ruler of the East Frankish Carolingian Dynasty. Elsewhere, in what will become known as the Kingdom of Germany, Schoenberg Castle located on a small hill in the medieval town of Oberwesel, overlooking …

St-Joseph Le Paradis, looking downstream over Mauves. Find Matt Walls’ 22 top-value northern Rhône whites below, and look out for his top 52 northern Rhône reds under £30 which will be published on 11th October. The northern Rhône produces just 5% of the total volume made in the broader Rhône Valley growing area. As demand for these wines increases, it’s …

This white is on the austere side, yet reveals ample peach and apple flavors, underlined by a touch of lemon. Vibrant, focused and lingers on the finish. Drink now. 25,000 cases made, 3,800 cases imported. Source : 2afd5f7389dd43fe50631c652481182a

Effusive, intense and mouthwatering, offering yuzu, ruby grapefruit and Fuji apple flavors at the core, with accents of sea salt, lemongrass, vetiver and fresh-grated ginger on the long, expressive finish. Drink now. 1,096 cases made. Source : 0a2c92039fb2f67a5b2084fffba165d3