We can all remember the atrocities NFL player Michael Vick committed against man’s best friend.  Back in 2007 he was found guilty of animal cruelty, as he was involved in illegal pit bull fighting.  Luckily for the pups, 22 of them were rescued and are undergoing rehabilitation at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in southern Utah, where they currently reside. The Carivintas Winery in Southern California has dedicated a series to these...

We are all familiar with California Cabernet Sauvignon, Oregon Pinot Noir, and Washington Riesling.  But how about Pennsylvania Grüner Veltliner?  With almost 150 wineries, and over 12,000 acres under vine, Pennsylvania is searching for it’s “signature” grape varietal.  In an effort to draw more attention to their wines, they are strongly considering both Cabernet Franc, and Grüner Veltliner as their signature...

Harvest has begun in Napa Valley.  2009 has been a fairly mild growing season, contrasting last year’s damaging frosts and fires.  This growing season has brought slightly higher yields compared to ‘08, with some hot days towards the end of the season.  So far rain has held off, which can be detrimental during harvest. Araujo Estates began harvesting Sauvignon Muscat today.  Other vineyards will begin harvesting Sauvignon...

Two different wildfires burning right now have caused winery tasting rooms to close.  The first fire, named “The Lockheed Fire” started last Wednesday night at the Lockheed facility in the Santa Cruz Mountains.  This hilly area is home to many small producers.  So far only Beauregard Vineyards and McHenry vineyards have closed, evacuating all employees.  As of Sunday, this wildfire had burned 6.843 acres and was 50%...

It’s nothing new,  wine making families have been feuding for centuries (i.e. Robert and Peter Mondavi).  The latest family feud is amongst the Korbel family, makers of the top selling California sparkling wine. Korbel Cellar’s current owner, Gary Heck is suing his daughter Richie Ann Samii for defamation.  Heck claims Richie is the source of “online diatribes that damaged the image of the century-old Guernerville...